I think most would agree that the first choice for survival is going to be a fixed blade knife, size and shape will differ from expeiences. But we cannot always dictate how and when we will get into a survival situation. Given this fact we may one day have to rely upon a folder for our survival. THe SAK is a general favorite by many along with the UPTs. Excluding those, what type of folder/maker do you rely upon?
Types I like:
Bolt Action lock - Designed by Blackie Collins, available now from MYerco. Mine is a drop point with pocket clip. Sturdy lock. Can be manipulated with either hand.
Back action lock - I know these have failed for some, but in over 30 years of using them I have never had one fail. Cold Steel and Spyderco make some of the best of these I have used. I have several spydercos, my current favorite is the Jess Horn. The partial serrations are great for cutting tough materials. The fully serated delicas I have are workhorses that can cut dang near anything.
Twist Lock - Opinel and Cold Steel are the two that come to mind. Opinel are probably the cheapest, best made, reliable, simple knives you can own. I have forgotten half the places I have one of these stuffed for emergencies, I guess that comes from getting old.
I have not yet owned the Rolling lock by Round Eye, nor the new lock from Benchmade but they look interesting.
Types I dislike:
Walker/Liner Lock - Yes, I hear all the howls of indignation. Yes, I know they are the hottest thing since sliced bread, revered by millions. But I DO NOT trust them, period. I have owned more than a couple, and had some of the best made close upon my hand, the ONLY lock type to ever have done that. Benchmade AFACK was oe model and one was a custom blade from a rather famous maker, known for hs solid locks. Now here I will state that I am left-handed, and the knives used were made for right-handers. AH-HA you say, but I say, I want a knife I can use with BOTH hands. When gripped in the saber grip with the left hand the pads between your knuckles can , and do, press on the liner in an unlock fashion. This has happened to me and a couple of friends, one nasty cut resulting. If this was not an issue, the current trend of making a lock, with a lock, would not be happening, there is a reason the second lock was put on knives like the Gerber Covert. Just my opinion.
What do you like? And why?
Types I like:
Bolt Action lock - Designed by Blackie Collins, available now from MYerco. Mine is a drop point with pocket clip. Sturdy lock. Can be manipulated with either hand.
Back action lock - I know these have failed for some, but in over 30 years of using them I have never had one fail. Cold Steel and Spyderco make some of the best of these I have used. I have several spydercos, my current favorite is the Jess Horn. The partial serrations are great for cutting tough materials. The fully serated delicas I have are workhorses that can cut dang near anything.
Twist Lock - Opinel and Cold Steel are the two that come to mind. Opinel are probably the cheapest, best made, reliable, simple knives you can own. I have forgotten half the places I have one of these stuffed for emergencies, I guess that comes from getting old.
I have not yet owned the Rolling lock by Round Eye, nor the new lock from Benchmade but they look interesting.
Types I dislike:
Walker/Liner Lock - Yes, I hear all the howls of indignation. Yes, I know they are the hottest thing since sliced bread, revered by millions. But I DO NOT trust them, period. I have owned more than a couple, and had some of the best made close upon my hand, the ONLY lock type to ever have done that. Benchmade AFACK was oe model and one was a custom blade from a rather famous maker, known for hs solid locks. Now here I will state that I am left-handed, and the knives used were made for right-handers. AH-HA you say, but I say, I want a knife I can use with BOTH hands. When gripped in the saber grip with the left hand the pads between your knuckles can , and do, press on the liner in an unlock fashion. This has happened to me and a couple of friends, one nasty cut resulting. If this was not an issue, the current trend of making a lock, with a lock, would not be happening, there is a reason the second lock was put on knives like the Gerber Covert. Just my opinion.
What do you like? And why?
