Help with a solid, inexpensive knife...

C

cas700850

Joined
Aug 27, 2009
Messages
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Hey guys. New to the forum, and I have an issue I hope you can all help with. I'm a Cub Scout leader, and have been asked by a local Boy Scout troop to help them with their Wilderness Survival merit badge. Seems Man vs. Wild and Survivorman have sparked interest in the boys. Anyways, after much discussion, the decision was made to charge a fee, and buy all of the boys an inexpensive but quality locking forlder to use for the class, but then to keep for all camping events afterwards. Can you all recommend inexpensive but quality folders that will stand up to the abuse of a survival class and the hands of a Boy Scout? I'me thinking Gerber, but want options to discuss with the leaders...
 
I'd recommend the same one I used decades ago when I was a scout..

A classic Buck knife. Very reasonable.

-Ron
 
I'd say without a doubt the Buck 110 folder. I remember when I was a kid thinking that it had to be the strongest knife in the world. I beat the crap out of it and was always amazed. Then I grew up and fell into the strider/chris reeves/busse trap and now there's no hope for me.
 
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If you shop you can find Buck 110s for $20 - often on sale at Wal-Mart or Bass Pro Shops. Depending on the age of the kids, the lockback might be hard for them to press the back lock and disengage it and the knife might be a little large and heavy.

I like the Wenger Century as an alternative. It's not as solid, but won't break, has a lock and an additional sawblade and you can find them for $20.

The Spyderco Byrd line might be nice, too. The Meadlowlark is $20 or so and a solid lockback with a 3" blade.
 
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The Buck 110 would be a good choice. Another good choice, but a little more non-traditional would be the new Spyderco Persistence.

Tom
 
cas700850 said:
Anyways, after much discussion, the decision was made to charge a fee, and buy all of the boys an inexpensive but quality locking forlder to use for the class, but then to keep for all camping events afterwards. Can you all recommend inexpensive but quality folders that will stand up to the abuse of a survival class and the hands of a Boy Scout?
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Just curious, why locking only? After all, the traditional BSA knife is a slipjoint - a great way for kids to learn safe knife handling, IMO.

But to your question, the Gerber LST 6009 would be a fine choice. I got mine on a popular online auction site for less than $10 delivered. Also, the Buck Bantam BBW is dirt cheap and, at 3 3/4" closed, a nice size.

Lastly, it's not a lockback, but the Opinels do lock and are really cheap, but not "cheap," if you know what I mean. Maybe something to consider.
 
The reason for a folder is that a lot of Scout camps and activites will not allow fixed bladde knives, while folders are no problem. Somehow, someone thinks fixed knives are more dangerous, I know it's because fixed blade "daggers" are less politically correct.
 
hi,
Let me know which knife you pick for the scouts and how many you need and I will see if I can save you some money.
Thanks , Paul
OkefenokeeKnives.com
 
cas700850 said:
The reason for a folder is that a lot of Scout camps and activites will not allow fixed bladde knives, while folders are no problem. Somehow, someone thinks fixed knives are more dangerous, I know it's because fixed blade "daggers" are less politically correct.
Click to expand...

With folders they are more likely to cut themselves when closing the blade or the blade closing on them during use. Someone suggested a Mora, which was a wise suggestion. I would want my child to have a small fixed blade for their first knife.

But since you asked for suggestions on folders I'd say Opinel's are a good choice. IMO Buck 110's are great knives, but are a bit heavy/large for little guys... if your Scouts are older, 10+, the 110 is a good choice.
 
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I'll post some of my usual recommendations:
  • Spyderco Tenacious (~$30) - Chinese made, high quality, high value, very good fit & finish, decent steel, G-10, handles, liner lock, 4 position clip for tip up/down/left/right carry, phosphor bronze washers, fast & smooth deployment, open construction, full-flat grind, Spyder Hole (non-AO), great thumb and liner lock jimping
  • Buck Vantage Select (~$20) - US made, Buck's 420HC steel, FRN handles, liner lock, high value, great clip design that rides very low in pocket, hollow grind blade 2 position clip for left or right tip up carry, flipper and thumb-slot (non-AO), nylon(?) washers but still fast and smooth opening after PTFE lube, no jimping anywhere
  • Buck Vantage Avid (~$30) - US made, Sandvik steel, Diamondwood handles, liner lock, high value, great clip design that rides very low in pocket, hollow grind blade 2 position clip for left or right tip up carry, flipper and thumb-slot (non-AO), nylon(?) washers, no jimping anywhere
  • Buck Vantage Pro ($42-48) - my favorite, US made, S30V "premium" steel, G-10 handles, liner lock, very high value considering the Paul Bos treated S30V, great clip design that rides very low in pocket, hollow grind blade 2 position clip for left or right tip up carry, flipper and thumb-slot (non-AO), nylon(?) washers but still fast and smooth opening after PTFE lube, no jimping anywhere

Low prices from yourcornerstore.com.

All are under 31/2" blades.
 
How about a Victorinox One Hand Trekker? Locking blade in either pe or ce plus other useful tools.
 
Another vote for the Buck 110. A slightly cheaper alternative might be Opinels. Those can range from $8-$15 each.
 
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