The idea of this thread resonates with me, as I also arrange my collection along the lines of categories/ tasks. Plus I also try to restrict myself to +/- 10 knifes. So here goes:
Modern EDC folders
* Benchmade 940: At first I didn’t believe the hype… but this as perfect as it gets for a modern EDC folder. Smooth, light, disappears in pocket, decent blade length, very usable blade profile... and I could go on. Needless to say it gets a lot of pocket time.
* Benchmade North Fork 15031-2: My EDC folder for when I’m outdoors, or when I feel for something with wooden scales.
* Benchmade Mini Axis Stryker 903: For when I’m feeling a bit more tacticool… Just love the blade profile of this one.
Large folder
* Benchmade Crooked River 15080-2: Imho this is just one of the sexiest knives ever made, period. Unfortunately too big to be carried daily for me – loving it nonetheless.
Traditional
* Opinel #8 Inox, oak handle: Slices like a laser beam, and the oak handle gives it a just a bit more substantial feel and adds nicer wood grain. I can whip this one out even in front of sheeple without them batting an eye, which is a great plus when in an office environment.
Fixed
* Helle Fjellkniven: My all-round fixed blade for when I’m in the woods… scandi grind, scary sharp, beautiful wooden handle, and just long enough for most tasks, yet still light enough to throw it into the pack without regretting it after a long day of hiking. Bought this at an outback station north of the polar circle at the border between Sweden and Norway 15 years ago, and still love it!
* Bark River Bravo 1.25 S35N: This is as hard use as it gets in my collecting, and I can’t imagine a single knife task that the Bravo wouldn’t be able to handle (mind you, if I am expecting to do some extended chopping I bring my Gränsfors axe). The 1.25 for me is the most well-balanced of all the Bravo sizes… the center of gravity and balance between blade and handle are just right for me on this one.
* Böker Applegate Fairbairn Boot: A dedicated fighting knife/ dagger and kind of a novelty item in my collection, as I don’t ever expect to actually use it (all my other knifes are in fact used). Bought it like 20 years ago as a teenager together with a friend who bought the exact same one… he passed away several years ago in a car accident, and whenever I look at the knife I remember us unboxing our Applegates together, and all the good times that we've had. Would I buy it again today? Probably not (I don’t expect a zombie apocalypse anytime soon). Would I ever part with it: no way!
Multitools (I know, some don’t count them as knives, but since I see my knives first and foremost as tools, I include them in the list)
* Leatherman Skeletool CX: This was in my pocket every single day since I got it in 2008. Perfect weight to utility ratio! Most used tool (by a long shot): bottle opener
* Leatherman Wave 1st gen: For when I expect that more tools are needed. There's a reason why this is Leathermans bestseller! Currently lives in my BOB.
