Good knife for a long road trip

[mqqn]

That map isn't right for KY. The law does not give any maximum blade length for pocket or hunting knives.

Yea - not correct for Illinois either.

best

mqqn

 

[EChoil]

Dot Defender says I can't post here, but...

Long time rider here...exactly the kind of trips you describe. I carried boot, pocket, neck and fixed on these trips. I don't think a female like you alone on a motorcycle that far from home is going to be hassled or held to a strict blade law on a traffic stop so long as you aren't carrying a knife that screams. After all, you may end up camped somewhere. Were I you I'd also have a fixed blade along even it you decide to pack it.

First I'd have a SAK or multitool. Then, after that....there will be newer knives out by the time you leave, but four I'd recommend you look at now:...

An original HEST fixed blade by Rowen---the best all around knife I know of....boot, belt, neck, pocket. Handy as hell pry tool that saves the tip. A blast of a knife for traveling. You need to own one anyway.
A HEST 2.0 folder --- tougher pocket folder---this isn't a car trip. Great, dependable knife. If you don't take a SAK take this one for a folder.
A Becker D'Eskabar (D-2 steel) --- just a good basic knife that would come in handy the whole trip....worn, tucked or packed. Tough one. Might have to sharpen it before you leave.
A Gryphon M-10 --- bought one last year and it's great. Great to carry too. Another good all-round trip knife and would easily handle the 'protection' aspect. If you were to only take one knife I'd take the HEST fixed or this one. See it here:
http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/grypho...ladewdlcblackfinish-blacksheathprosheath.aspx

I'd expound more on why I don't think you need to worry excessively over being hassled by your blade size, esp. it it's within reason (4" max.), but... Maybe later.

Good luck on your trip.

 

[BayouBulldog]

I don't believe the Louisiana map is correct with regard to length of knives OK to carry. It lists anything over 3 inches as illegal, but I don't believe there are any outright length restrictions. Basically just no "automatic knives"

 

[DocT]

I'm gonna get an Indian Scout. The new engine is very nice from all reports, gearbox too. It has a low center of gravity, which I think I'll like on a long trip. It's a good size, too. Big enough for long distances, and small enough for easy handling by smaller riders like myself. The plan is to have my Scout 4 or 5 months before I start my trip so I can break it in easy, and put in a few multi-hundred mile trips on it.

Love that Scout. I was just drooling over one at the shop the other day. Sadly, for what they cost over here I can buy a house.

Some of those suggestions are pretty good for knives. If a pink Delica is not your ticket, the purple is pretty nice and does not look threatening. Also, consider the Gerber Bear Grylls Hatchet (one of the few nice things they make). Small enough to easily pack and useful. You can do food prep with them and chop wood. http://www.knifeworks.com/gerberbeargryllssurvivalhatchetnylonsheath.aspx#.VKtzI9KUeSo

 

[WuGod]

Bk24 in the bottom of your saddlebag and a sak hiker in your pocket, for camping. A padlock with a silk cowboys wild rag as long as you can find pulled through the hasp with both ends sticking out of ypur pocket, if a cop asks you yank one end out of your pocket (practice) and say its for warmth. If you need SD you yank both ends and swing (practice). The lock is for the forks on your bike. And put the lil can of pepper spray in your weak side pocket.

 

[The_Knife_Man]

Not really. Autos were illegal until recently. 5.5" and up is still illegal along with any double edged blades and Bowie knives for whatever reason. You also can't open carry a handgun, even with a license. I don't want to open carry, can't see the point, but for a state where "everyone has a gun in Texas" is the stereotype it seems strange.

I've yet to comprehend no conceal carry without a license; when you can walk around with a loaded rife/ shotgun on your back.

But on topic I'm going against the grain and I'd bring a fixed blade as long as legally possible.

 

[Jaxx]

That map isn't right for KY. The law does not give any maximum blade length for pocket or hunting knives.

map isnt right for NY

The map is also not right for Maryland.

Under the Maryland "penknife law" there is no limit on blade length. You can carry a Opinel number 12 if you want. The only no-no is you can't have a "switchblade" or conceal a fixed blade. Insane really.

The map is also incorrect for Louisiana. LA does not forbid blades over 3 inches...but it does forbid carrying, possessing or owning a switchblade. At one time daggers, dirks and Bowie knives were illegal to carry but I think that law has changed. Who can keep up anymore.

The laws in the USA are a hodgepodge of nonsense in many cases. The fact is you will probably be breaking numerous and unenforced laws on many subjects without knowing it or meaning to do so during your travels. Trying to advise someone of a single knife to carry when they will be in so many varied jurisdictions is impossible. My only advise is to simply be prudent and wise and act responsibly with whatever you decide to use. (And don't bring a switchblade to Louisiana. )

Sounds like a great adventure. Have fun.

Those maps aren't right AT ALL.

Ditto for PA. No size limit, must carry openly unless covered under concealed weapons permit. No automatics/ballistics outside Federal exemptions. No daggers (?). Philadelphia specifically, no edged objects (knives, boxcutters, etc.) unless needed for job, while on the job only. Not sure if PA. CWP allows for carry of knives in that city.

KnifeRights.org has an app in the Google play store, not sure about Apple, but probably. Better source for laws, IMO.

 

[Peroni1973]

Moving on from criticism of the map - I would add recommendation for the Izula II. I would have said the Model 3 but the Izzy is less intimidating so might seem more use in a wider range of situations with less drama...

Just a thought.

Ben

 

[B34NS]

Yea the map doesn't reflect th reality of CA that most large municipalities are allowed to make their own length limits for concealed carry.

I used to tour accross the country in van tours when I was younger, but I always brought a small 3inch or smaller fixed that could easily be slipped into a pack. I'd stay away from military-esque knives since most cops will want them for themselves.

 

[Alnamvet68]

Gee, not to detract from the topic, but I remember those days when I flew from NYC to Ft Louis, WA, to the PI, and then to Cam Ranh Bay, changing planes twice, all while having a SAK in my pocket; how times have changed.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would not use those maps at all for a reference. In TN for example, it is legal to carry ANY knife including switchblades. Prior to July 2014, I understand 4" was the max blade length and switchblades and balis were not legal to carry.

Generally speaking, if you keep your blade length to 3" or under in a folder, you are fine except maybe in NYC. I would carry a SAK or larger traditional pocket knife (slip joint) and a moderate fixed blade (4-6" blade) to have available when camping and so forth. You are generally fine with such knives as the Spyderco Delica. The Spyderco Native is one of my favorites, but it has a blade length just a tad over 3". For protection, I would carry a gun and have the ability to lock it up in certain states. It just depends on your carry permit is honored and where it is not. I'd stay out of DC and NYC.

 

[DocT]

Keep in mind that if you are a 1. a woman 2. on an Indian Scout you are going to attract a lot of attention in most places. Just being on the Indian would be enough, by itself.

 

[jackknife]

I'd stay away from military-esque knives since most cops will want them for themselves.

And there is a great piece of advise!:thumbup::thumbup::thumb up:

The very sad facts, when you're a few thousand miles from home, in some little rural county, and some yokel sherriff's deputy wants to shake you down, you have zero options. Talk all you want about your rights, but it's HIS turf, and his rules right then. When you empty out you saddle bags and he see's some nice knife, he can give you a choice right there. Be arrested or have the knife confiscated. It won't matter if you're a mile inside of right, you will still be arrested, have to post bond, (if even allowed) and have a judge make a decision. Even if it gets tossed out of court, dismissed, you're still out bond if you haven't sat in some little county lockup, and your trip has been interrupted in a real major way. Maybe for a few days. Most people in that situation will let the deputy who's a legend in his own mind, go ahead and confiscate tyne knife.

Don't think it can't happen. This may be the 21st century, but in some parts of the country they have not yet received the memo. And not just rural, but a lot of places on the east coast are bad. Many gun owners just passing through New Jersey and New York, even though the guns were unleaded and in the trunk, have had major problems with cops who watch too many TV cop shows. My own indecent took place in a little town in wyoming where a guy with a beard passing through on a Harley was fair game. As it was, I had nothing to interest the deputy. After I repacked my t-bag and saddle bags, I was free to go, with the big gutted clown in khaki having a laugh at my expense. Recourse was zero. It was his turf. His word against mine what was "suspicious behavior."

The last thing this lady needs is to have something with her that can be coveted by some cop/deputy. By the time the smoke clears, even if she wins, she's still lost.

When you're far from home on strange ground, don't carry anything that is out of the ordinary.

And a major problem with carrying a firearm on a bike is security. Even the fiberglass top cases are a hole. The locks can be jimmied with a medium screw driver in a few seconds. There is simply no way to really secure a handgun on a motorcycle if you want to stop some places where your bike is parked and you are out of sight. That's why I didn't take any gun with me on my own cross country trip. I knew I would be stopping at museums like the mountain man museums in Nebraska and Colorado, the Browning museum in Utah, and a few other places. As it was, it turned out to be a very uneventful trip that was anti-climatic. Except for some great riding.

 

[cchu518]

Sak Guy's suggestion is right on the money, I think you should carry a small can of mace for self defense, against dogs and muggers or whomever! It's better than a knife.

 

[K.O.D.]

Illinois--no blade length limit, except in the city of Chicago, where 2.5" is the limit.

Texas--No folders over 5.5"
San Antonio--No locking folders at all
Corpus Christi--3" limit

I'm a Illitexan

 

[RedLynx]

Illinois--no blade length limit, except in the city of Chicago, where 2.5" is the limit.

Texas--No folders over 5.5"
San Antonio--No locking folders at all
Corpus Christi--3" limit

I'm a Illitexan

That just seems so strange to me... when you think Texas you don't think of something like "no locking folders."

 

[K.O.D.]

That just seems so strange to me... when you think Texas you don't think of something like "no locking folders."

San Antonio is a weird town.

The law doesn't specifically state no locking folders. It says "no locking folding knives under 5.5", whereas Texas law is no folders over 5.5," thus excluding all folders.

 

[RedLynx]

San Antonio is a weird town.

The law doesn't specifically state no locking folders. It says "no locking folding knives under 5.5", whereas Texas law is no folders over 5.5," thus excluding all folders.

Quite fascinating.

 

[Lee48]

Large cities in otherwise less restrictive states can be a real study in contrasts.

 

[kingopain]

A locking folder is a good thing to carry for lighter camping tasks, as well as to have a quick to access, reasonably solid self defense option. You want it light, so that it can always be on your person, probably clipped into a pocket. For this, I recommend most spyderco folders with 3-3.75" blades, particularly the Delica. Another good option is the exceptional Kershaw piston. I like this because it's cheap (ish) and speed safe assisted, meaning you get more reliable deployment, and excellent blade retention in the handle. The bright stonewashed blade is good for intimidating assailants, and attempting to scare them off should always be your first defense. Its also got good reach and OK grip.

For heavier use, a solid largish multi tool like the wave is good. This is a rough and tumble tool that can do a lot of tasks around the campsite, without you having to worry about mocking up your dedicated folder/self defense option. The big "leathermen" weigh around 9-12 oz, so, you probably want to keep them in a saddle bag.

Beyond that, for really heavy thrashing stuff, get a machete. You can cut and split firewood, but I suggest keeping it well buried in the bag to avoid being taken for a bandit . Is also good for self defense when your settled in to a campsite.