Hard use recommendation

jeremy1517

jeremy1517

Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
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What do you all suggest I get for a affordable harder use traditional?

I was thinking about an Opinel but don't have much experience with them.

I don't want to spend the money for a nice Case because I won't use it. I am in the HVAC business and want something that can pry a bit, nothing major, but cut through a variety of materials.

Thoughts?
 
Queen Country Cousin.
They don't cost all that much and have a nice D2 blade which will hold an edge quite a spell.

For a multiblade knife, consider a Buck 301. Built like a tank.

Oddly enough, in Googling for a picture of a Country Cousin, I found my own. Go figure.


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Victorinox 93 mm ALOX Pioneer/Soldier/Farmer....will take everything you can throw at it and you'll hand it down to your children. Bulletproof!!!

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Opinels have an advantage in having a simple but effective ring-lock, a handy feature when prying or trimming thick plastic. Their blade is quite thin though.

You could take a look at some Rough Rider small lockbacks or linerlocks with slipjoint spring. Inexpensive, well turned out and a big choice of materials. Their stainless is very good in my experience.
 
I'll add a vote for a SAK Pioneer (or Farmer or Electrician). I carry one almost every day lately and it's just super useful, durable, and cheap enough that I never worry about it. I like them so much I keep a couple backups around just in case I ever lose one.
 
Opinel #9 is your answer, best knife for cutting through FSK insulation, closed cell if you are lining plenums, I've used mine to seat fittings, I've even in a pinch used it to start a penetration to get snips into, notch strapping to fit a box, trim Sheetrock, polytube, flex etc. you name it it's cut it, I've border lined abused that knife for years, and I don't mind lending it to others on a job site, because let's face it most guys carry folding utility knives and just are lacking for cutting through thicker materials .
Many years of service and still going strong


I started with a #8 but found the #9 was better suited, plus my partner borrowed the #8 and hit a live wire and blew a big chunk out of the middle of the #8's blade, I didn't mind because Opi's are easy on the pocket to replace.

Pete
 
I would go with an SAK Electrician, or other scout style knife, as the driver/caplifter makes a decent pry tool and you still have your blade sharp and ready to use.
 
I'd get a used camillus electrician knife. Five bucks if you're lucky. There are usually a lot of them on the bay...
 
I would suggest a Rough rider Half Hawk. I picked on up on a whim and did not look back. Fit and finish was able and beyond the price. Very pleasant snap to the blade action. Pinchable able main blade that will hold well to harer use. I love having the pen secondary on my knives for discreet nail cleaning, thread trimming, splinter digging action.
 
I agree with all the SAK recommendations - the tools are good for prying - and the models mentioned have a strong blade. Alox scales will take abuse.
Pioneers, Farmer, Electrician - same main blade - just different tools. Personally I like the simplicity of the Pioneer.

I also like the sodbuster "country cousin". That pattern offers a good strong blade.

Both good choices - but I lean toward the SAK. Maximum value and power weight ratio.

- Rex
 
You did fine. You're getting a great knife, and probably the best one for the tasks you describe.
Now, I guess you will have to try an Opinel someday as well... :D

Fausto
:cool:
 
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