I am looking for a good "travel" knife

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frogger42

Joined
Sep 17, 2008
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I am looking for a knife to use as an EDC when traveling. Here are the things I'm looking for...

1. Less than $40 since the chance of it being stolen by a baggage handler is high.
2. Nothing assisted open since some states don't like those.
3. An adequate blade length, but legal in all states. I'm not sure what length I can get that won't be a problem anywhere.
4. Decent steel that is rust resistance but holds a good edge and is fairly tough.
5. Slim and easy to carry.
6. Prefer a lock back or axis lock. I'm not a big fan of liner lock knives. I have several and I have the scars to prove it.

What would you guys suggest?
 
Spyderco Cat or Chicago both look pretty cool, a little over your limit though but you do get S30V and CF handle scales. The Ladybug would fit the bill though
Theres also the Byrd line, or the Boker Subcom/Trance
 
i'm visiting l.a. for a few days, and i'm carrying a 2 blade old timer, with a 2.5 inch main blade, it's not at all 'intimidating', and rides in check luggage nicely tucked in a pair of socks. it's carbon steel, but that just adds character. it's working, keeping me from feeling naked, but i miss my rat izula and bm 940.
 
Get a Buck 110. They can be had literally everywhere.
 
after reading that i just want to get out of illinois even more. but in my town (elk grove, right against the o'hare airport fence for a location reference) i called the non-emergency number and asked about fixed and folder knife laws. the officer, i can only imagine it was a leo, that picked up said 4" (max) anything as long as it's not a switchblade. but if i remember correctly the illinois blade length is 3.5". how much can towns enforce that law if i'm not from there, just passing through, and get searched for some reason?
 
If you are worried that your knife will be stolen, why not travel with a SAK? They are cheap and widely available. I guess they are legal in most parts of the US.
 
SAKs have the benefit of being the most sheeple-friendly pocket knives on the planet. The Boker Subcom family or the Spyderco Cat/Chicago are excellent as well.
 
If you don't mind China made: CRKT Drifter Stainless:
I got mine from eBay around $17. Has decent steel. Size is about Victorinox Alox models (open and closed) and Stainless Steel has no liner lock like G-10 but sturdy Framelock. And its under 3" blade.
 
When I travel, replaceability, cost, and useful is more important to me than legality. I usually ziptie to the baggage frame a byrd flight or cara cara. Both knives are 25 dollars or less, sharpen easily and are of good length. Wharcom is kind of a nice utility cheapie also, and who would confiscate that?

DC
 
What's your beef with liner locks? I'd say that when done properly they are a tried and true mechanism. I once heard a quote that said something like "it is the foolish man who will not get in the water until he learns to swim." Not to say that you are foolish, but maybe you just got in the wrong pool??? I would recommend starting off in the "shallow" end and trying out a Kershaw Skyline. You can pick one up at MallWart for $35... USA made, and done extremely well!

I reckon BMs cheapest axis would be the Mini Grip starting at $60... so that's 50% more than your budget. I cannot recommend a lesser expensive Spydie since they are currently all imported (insert pukeface). I'd say that the Mini Grip is a steal of a deal though @ $60... What's $20 anyway??? ...a night at the Movies... a couple of six packs? I'd say this extra $20 would be better spent on the Grip.

Are you looking for a one hand opening knife w/ a clip specifically? If not I would also recommend a SAK for traveling... The Victorinox "Farmer" to be exact. Bummer that it does not have tweezers and a toothpick though. I pretty much always have a multitool handy.
 
SAK is probably the best choice. If you need a locking blade Wenger makes a few, and so does Victorinox if you go to their 111mm series. In general they are legendary travel knives, legal almost anywhere in the world (even anti-knife countries like England and Denmark) and very useful.
 
SAK is a good choice for travel. Other than a blade, you can chose various tools which come in handy while on the move.
 
Another +1 on the SAK.

If you can do without a locking blade, it really is perfect. Cheap, well made, versatile and wonderfully non-threatening.
 
Byrd Meadowlark 2.75" with plastic handle
Cold Steel Mini Lawman 2.5", a little higher end, perhaps pushing $50
Chicago and Boston 2.5" limits
 
Another vote for SAK, I actually had mine with me when I went to go through a security checkpoint to get onto the USS Constitution. They had signs posted saying no knives over 2.5 in and I was carrying my Farmer. The guard looked at it and dismissed it. Now whenever I am going someplace non knife friendly I carry my Farmer with me.
 
SAK is a good choice for travel. Other than a blade, you can chose various tools which come in handy while on the move.
 
Not a lockblade, but I really like my SAK compact for travel. It's a slim two layer knife, and has a great selection of useful tools, even a pen. I've used mine extensively travelling since I got it, and have used all the tools.
 
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