favorite cheap woodsloafing folder

Runs With Scissors

Runs With Scissors

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Dec 3, 2000
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I'm basically thinking the Mora of folding knives. I've got so many good ones, I can't pick one.

For day to day use my SAK Tinker has always excelled, especially when backing up a larger knife.

My Adventurer that I've had since I was a teenager is still a mighty fine one. I have had a couple of pretty miserable nights in the mountains several years ago when it was the only knife I carried. Did it's job, but I'd have given most anything for a saw or something I could baton well or chop with.

I recently ordered a regular Trekker in order to gain a saw. Jury's still out on this one. the addition of that one tool seems to make it double in bulk when compared to my Adventurer. Very handy, but....it might lose out due to bulk alone.

My Douk Douk is a fantastic knife that's thin, slices like crazy and can be resharpened easily. A big bonus to me is that it seems to work perfectly as a striker with fero rods.

Opinel #7 is also very sharp, and handy. I really like the lightweight of it. still don't carry as nicely as the Douk Douk though.

My Okapi's are very nice around the house, but...I'd have a tough time trusting them. I usually carry one when I'm on my way to the airport, so if I forget it, I aint out much. I'm actually looking forward to trying out one of the Cold Steel Kudus though.

Right now I'm carrying the Douk Douk, but I might swap it out for the Trekker again soon, especially if I get a decent pocket sheath made for it.

what are you carrying, and why do you like it?
 
By far my favorite inexpensive folder for "woods loafing" would be my Vic Farmer, and Opinel #7.

Together I'm just over $30.00 and they work very well.
 
For basic utility and beater duties I carry my Vic Farmer, for a bit stronger a Native, and as far as a fixed blade my Anza is my usual (all three are usually carried concurrently). If I need chopping I have my hawk with me (longer trips). Everyone of those tools is under 40 USD.

I've been noodleing a Douk Douk. They look really cool and you can't beat carbon steel. I may have to jump on one; would you be willing to do a mini-review quick, preferrably with in-hand pics? Does anyone else have experience with them? I don't want to hijack your thread, though. :D
 
If I am in the woods, a Vic Farmer is in my pocket. I might have any number of other knives with me, but the Farmer is a constant.

todd
 
It's never a bad time to brag about....err....review my Douk Douks!:D

First the basics, it's a carbon steel slip joint with three main pieces. Technically the blade is hollow ground, but it's a very subtle hollow grind that turns to convex pretty simply. Rockwell hardness of the blade is mid to low fifties, which really aint a bad thing. It holds an edge about like an SAK does, difference is that it resharpens remarkably easy. A good stropping will keep it going for a very long time, but when it's time to sharpen it, I've used most everything in my enviroment with success. coffee mugs, drill bits, file tangs, river rocks, backs of other blades, etc. I carry the 4" model and it pretty much does everything I ask of it. I really tend to like the Turkish clip point for finer work, it kinda gives a nice finger rest and much improved control over most other knives. The tip is very acute and handy for drilling and such.

It does take a scary, scary sharp edge. I've shaved with mine a few times now, and all bloodshed is easily chalked up to operator error...:o

As I've already mentioned, the spine of the blade is very, very squared and makes the best striker I've had yet for Fero rods and such. I've also used it successfully to scrape paint, wood, etc.

It's a very, very stiff knife to open and close, not a bad thing when we're talking SJ's, since that makes it harder to accidentally close also.

It doesn't come without faults and compromises.

The handles are pretty sharply edged, and a bit rough on tender hands. about ten minutes with some sand paper rectifies that idiosyncracy quite handily however.

the thinness of the whole package is a blessing and a curse. It carries much more nicely than many knives half its size, but it's not a real comfortable handle for extended use. The Opinels beat 'em hands down in this regard. It's fine for whittling fuzz sticks and such, but not a first choice if you want to whittle out a bread bowl or something for the little lady.:D


I frequently carry mine on the North Slope as a work knife, camping, and around town. I'd be lying to call my Douks (or any other knives I own EDC's) but PDF (Pretty Darn Frequently) is certainly an apt description.

I'd consider my Douk to be very much the folding equivalent to a Mora fixed blade knife- utility that far exceeds the price paid for it. It makes most of my modern Benchmades, Spydies, Kershaws, etc. look downright silly in regards to cutting and slicing ability, although it's a given that it isn't nearly as durable as most of the forementioned knives. I wouldn't be afraid to baton it if I found myself on an unplanned camping adventure. Actually, I've already batonned the heck out of mine with no ill effects.

Please let me know if there's any bases I've neglected to cover. (I love braggin' up my Douks):D


I'll try to get some pics posted tonight, although it may be in a separate thread.
 
Just looked up the Victorinox Farmer. looks about perfect! how come I aint noticed 'em before?:o

have to try one soon.

Anyone want a deal on a second hand Trekker?:D (Just kidding....really...it aint for sale...)
 
A SAK or a multitool with a saw is a must for the woods, but if you aree looking for a "folding Mora" to go with it, check out the EKA folders.
 
A Vic. huntsman or fieldmaster is always with me in the outdoors. I also usually carry a large trapper.
 
Vic fieldmaster or huntsman as well (i like the saw and scissor combo) opinel #7 is nice and my old standby the buck ranger
 
Buck Ranger...now there's a knife with class!:D Neato!

EKA folders are very nice, from what I've seen. May have to pick one up myself eventually.
 
My favorites are most any of my sak's,but most used are the hiker and fieldmaster,with the trekker a close third.After that is a case yellow trapper in cv.
 
For the woods, and for just about anywhere else, I prefer my Spyderco Pacific Salt.
It's bright yellow so I will not lose it.
It'a light weight so it will not be a burden to hike with.
And it can't rust.

I also like to carry my Victorinox Camper while in the woods.
 
Call Me Oldfashined But I love A stout Lockback, A buck 110, Schrade Golden Bear, Cave Bear, or Uncle Henry. My Gerber gator Has probably been with me on more adventures than any other Knife.

But since I got my Endura ($ 45) It has been my constant companion.


Sure I have A SAK Or multi tool somewhere on me but the single blade sees the most action.

My biggest problem is generally choosing Which one to pack.
 
Ever since I discovered pocket-size fixed blades (e.g. Mini Canadian), I've pretty much lost interest in carrying folders. My Spyderco and Kershaw folders stay in the cars now.

However, I do carry a multi tool or SAK a lot. M favorites are the Victorinox Spirit and Outrider.
 
EmsRescueGuy said:
Call Me Oldfashined But I love A stout Lockback, A buck 110, Schrade Golden Bear, Cave Bear, or Uncle Henry. My Gerber gator Has probably been with me on more adventures than any other Knife.

But since I got my Endura ($ 45) It has been my constant companion.


Sure I have A SAK Or multi tool somewhere on me but the single blade sees the most action.

My biggest problem is generally choosing Which one to pack.
Click to expand...

I LOVE my Gerber Gator-Mate. It is such a great little knife.

But, for the Moras of folders, I would have to go with SAK. Cheap, widely available, and sheeple friendly. Holds a great edge, has multiple purposes, and just downright awesome. It is my EDC, Spartan for the city and Camper for the country.

SAK gets my vote.
 
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