Folding Kitchen knife suggestions

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Dec 2, 1999
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I picked up a AG Russell Hocho knife today as a gift for Christmas. I want to give it to an inlaw that has a traveling Margarita kit, but no knife in it.

I have an issue and two questions, first being that I'm just a little disapointed in the fit and finish, yeah I didn't expect perfection, but it looks a little like it was make in a erector set factory.

This made me think of two things, maybe I should have bought a big stainless Opinel, or even a big Spyderco.

And what other choices do I have for a folding (required) kitchen knife?

Thanks
 
Yes, the Hocho is a good idea, but should have some applied grips to soften the impact of the folded steel handle.

For slicing, I found the Benchmade 940 to be a hell of a tool. No good for a rocking motion that you would normally want to mince vegetables, but pretty good blade length, although I find that you really want something more like 4.5 inches as a cutting edge. If they are really just cutting limes, and maybe some snacks, I think the 940 would do the trick. Really, any longer flat ground blade should do it.

Personally, I prefer a Spyderhole for easy cleaning, but the blade shape on the 940 makes it quite versatile. I just order a Manix the other day, and I think although a bit thick, it should make a versative mini-kitchen knife.
 
How about a Buck 110? A real good slicer. Too handle heavy for potato peeling with comfort, but elsewise ,good in the kitchen.
 
I have a No. 8 SS Opinel in my kitchen kit for camping. I got it becasue it was cheep, and the blade is essepcially good for cutting. I figured the SS would be more suited to food prep than the carbon would. I have found the SS to take an edge as well as my be as my carbon steel opinel. The only compaint I have it that the wooden handle sweels up after washing it (from the water), and it is hard to open or close again until it dries. Other than that it is great, and depending on what you want to cut, you can get a bigger one. The No. 8 has around a 3.5" blade... maybe a bit less.

Will
 
Interesting..
A while ago I set out to find just sutch a beast.
Bought a Buck 110, what a thing :D Classic, sharp, hard use but very heavy :grumpy:
Found some Opinel's, nothing like as heavy duty but frankly for me it just doesn't matter. I like the #09 but for the price why not have a #10 as well? Again it's a personal preference but I like the patina you get on a carbon blade and there far more fun to sharpen :D
Having said all that from what I gather from various threads the real answer is (yes I'm sorry your going to read it again) manufactured by a certain Mr Chris Reeves. I know, I know but c'mon Theres no sutch thing as overkill :D
 
A stainless Opinel, or a SAK like the Rucksack should be more than enough knife for travel kitchen duty.

Paul
 
Speaking of Mr. Reeve's work, I like the 4" blade on my Sable III. It's not the most expensive knife he makes either. A large Sebenza is also effective.

What I've had in the kitchen for a while now, very successful on a wide range of foods, is my Camillus CUDA Maxx. Look at the blade: thin, sharp, shaped a lot like a standard kitchen knife. The handle is comfortable and easy to clean.
 
I would never even think of a folding knife for cookng...except while camping.

My Opinel (6-8?) became unusable because of moisture, so out came the BM940, an altogether better knife for the situation. Longer blade, better ergo and ease of cleaning made it the choice for camping..then and now.

It just works great!


steve-O
 
spyderco military with its 4 inch full flat grind makes a good field folding kitchen knife. If money is not an issue, check out Kevin Wilkins folding kitchen knife....now that's a wicked bugger.....
 
Yea, I find myself using my Military at the camping table a lot. Great 4" slicer, S30V hasn't stained, stays sharp, cleans easy.
 
My best friend is always cutting something up in the kitchen with his Spyderco Military. My wife uses the Spyderco Catcherman a lot (she's partial to filet knives). I use the fixed blades in the knifeblock...go figure.
Steve
 
I wouldn't spend a ton of money on something they are just going to cut limes with (unless they make a LOT of margaritas!). If its something they will EDC or something then you might look at higher quality, but cutting limes aint all that demanding of a knife. And the higher carbon SS used in most Benchmades, spydercos etc. will rust a lot easier, especially if left covered in fruit juice.
So my suggestion is the stainless opinel. Before you give it to them, treat the handle with Watco's Danish oil, or Tru-oil etc. Whatever oil finish you can find easily, they're not hard to use and will help protect the handle.

Another good option would be something like this bucklite
http://www.1sks.com/store/buck-bucklite-2.html

If you want a bigger heavier knife, there are still a lot of nylon handled buck 110's floating around. I've seen them NIB for about $40 around here.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

This is a non knife person, so I think either the opinel or or the Hocho is best. That way they are clearly a kitchen or pack knife. Treating the handles is a good idea. I may pick one up and do something like that.

Thanks.
 
Never new they did the Buck 110 with Nylon, live and learn. :)
Slicing Limes- Mised that bit. Would a sereated edge be best? What are they going to cut onto? Are we talking the "chop it on a plate" scenario?
The Spyderco Mili comes very well recomended, slicing Lime is hardly "pushing the envelope" but do they need that mutch "heft" :confused:
Hows about a s/s Endura? Very elegant, extremely robust, awesome cutting power and relatively inexpensive. No it's not got some uber steel but do they realy need it?
 
What I carry most is one of the 3.25-inch bladed SAK's, the Adventurer model. For camping I have a 5-inch bladed lockback fillet knife, the Rapala BP405F. This can be disassembled for cleaning using the edge of a coin. It isn't a tactical anything, but the thin full grind is great for slicing and it is made to get dirty and be cleaned. There is also a 4-inch blade model, the BP404F. These are available in places that sell fishing gear. I got mine at a Longs Drug Store.
http://www.lonestarblades.com/index.php?item=6528031
 
The Benchmade 805 TSEK makes for an excellent folding kitchen knife.
 
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