If I could keep only one knife...

Only one huh, doesn't seem fair but I'd go with my Esee 6 and try not to look at the pile of great knives I left behind.

 

Sounds like your Sebenza has a stubborn wire edge, OP. Try a strop and running the edge down a block of wood to knock the burr off. If you're super frustrated, send it out for professional sharpening; I bet your troubles go away.

If I could only keep one pocket knife, I'd choose a cellidor two-layer Victorinox SAK. Probably a Compact or Tinker. They may not be super sexy, but the sheer utility of a SAK blows everything else out of the water, IMO.

 

One folder for everything...probably a Cold Steel Recon 1.

 

That is an excellent choice. Great knife! It is certainly one of my top 5.

To me, I still need a small folder for the small things.... but if I had to just go one knife period based on my normal usage these days, instead of the Small Tinker, I would probably go with the regular sized Tinker. I'm used to carrying a small knife every day and both a fixed and folder in the woods. I often carry a small fixed blade as an edc type knife as well. The BK-62 is just a tad too large for edc use but if the world changed, it would certainly be an apt daily carry.

As @timberweasel said, the shear usefulness of a SAK pushes me to choose just that. I have lots of what I consider better knives, but they mostly stay out of my pocket and a SAK rides there comfortably.

 

I could go with my PM2 in S35VN for my folder and my Dark Timber Honey Badger in 3V for my fixed and be fairly happy.

 

Spyderco Delica

 

BRK Ultralite Bushcrafter for me.

 

My Cold Steel Code 4 takes the cake, My Sebenza is awesome but if I only had to keep one knife...........Code 4.

 

No way I could do it. But if I had to...

Probably my Manix 2 CTS-XHP. It can handle most tasks. Plus it's a decent fidget knife, plus CTS-XHP, plus those ironwood scales...

 

Only one knife? Such a silly, unrealistic premise...
About the only time I only have one knife on me is when I'm at work. Usually it's 3. A fixed blade, a modem folder, and a traditional. Sometimes I carry two fixed blades, but may (unintentionally) pocket a folder out of habit.

 

I think OP is saying if he could only keep one of the knives he essentially reviewed as he went through a list of most brands he's tried out.

 

Yes, I read his post... and think it's great that he was able to pick just one knife from all that he's tried. Quite a few others have chimed in; some with their one, others listing multiples.
Would my response have been more acceptable if I had said I could be satisfied with a specific unnamed custom fixed blade, Reate K2 (bronze), and Buck 501 (green canvas on s35vn)? I could...but I'd still need onefor work.

 

It isn't the easiest thing to admit as a knife-nut, is it? After dozens and dozens of knives, thousands of dollars spent, and it's a $30 SAK that gets the nod...

 

It really isn't but I have come around to just accepting things as they really are. 90% (at least) of my cutting can be handled easily with a SAK and I use the small set of added tools on the Tinker more often than I care to admit sometimes. Lately it has been the flat head screw driver and I like having options on opening bottled drinks when I am not at home. I simply don't like to have a pocket full of stuff.

 

One knife forever? Maybe if you were Otzi the Iceman.

 

the sebenza 21's are fine but one must strop CPM S35VN to keep it running sharp.

 

Come on your on BladeForum! No one has just one knife.

 

Agree with Large Sebenza drop point or my Case Bose Premium Stockman. Both have flawless craftsmanship, made in USA, and will most likely have superb customer service long after I'm gone.

A Ducasse will be my next purchase. Absolutely stunning work, at least by visual inspection, as I have not handled one yet. Seems to me like a modern twist on Ron Lake knives.