Back in my Modern Phase, it wasn't unusual for me to carry at least five knives (or more) on me, for no other reason that I could, and I liked them, it's the gadget thing, technicians are genetically predisposed to carrying cool or useful gadgets, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
it was the typical combo of a SAK, a large OHO (for "emergencies/mobile ambulatory cadavers" ) a small OHO (something friendly to KNP), a pocket toy, and whatever latest shiny thing I had recently purchased.....
That said, the blade that generally saw the most use was the small OHO, mainly because it's all I needed it for, everything else was dead weight....
Then came "the awakening", one day I decided to put away my pocket trinkets, and limit myself to just a Spyderco UKPK clip point, and Opinel #6 in carbon steel, (and a Vic Pioneer for the tools) I still kept my trinkets close by in my backpack, as I need my Leatherman and SAK CyberTool 34 for repairing electronics at work, but for general knife use, I would limit myself to Opi #6 and UKPK, with the #6 as the primary, see how long I could resist the urge to load up
One Year Later....
The combo of UKPK , Pioneer, and #6 worked perfectly, and I was never found wanting, those three handled everything I tossed at them...
The only reason I ended the experiment was that I misplaced the UKPK, and needed a knife to take it's place, because I found I truly enjoyed the simpler world that lead me to Traditionals.....
Long story short, I still carry a few more knives than "necessary", again, because I like them, but the whole ambiance and feel of the traditional knife is warmer and more inviting, reminds me of simpler, happier times, and yes, the "backup" knives are still in my bag, just in case I need a specialized tool, but my actual cutting duties and other uses are simply and adeptly handled by.....
Case Peanut
Case Sodbuster Jr.
Victorinox Pioneer or Scout
The 'nut handles 98% of my cutting tasks
The SBJ is for when I need a little more reach
The Vic is for the tools....
Push comes to shove? I could easily be happy with nothing more than a Peanut, SBJ, and an Alox Farmer (the saw, gotta have the saw...
)
Will I still carry more than I "need to"?
Sure, for no other reason than I can***, but I feel comfortable that these three blades can easily handle any task I encounter in my day to day travels
Plus, my pocketses will end up a bit lighter as well....
***that and that whole "be prepared" thing (also why I carry a couple flashlights, a DMT Fine diamond sharpening card in my wallet, a Stainless Sharpie pen, Fisher Bullet pen, and Zippo lighter (even though I don't smoke),
it was the typical combo of a SAK, a large OHO (for "emergencies/mobile ambulatory cadavers" ) a small OHO (something friendly to KNP), a pocket toy, and whatever latest shiny thing I had recently purchased.....
That said, the blade that generally saw the most use was the small OHO, mainly because it's all I needed it for, everything else was dead weight....
Then came "the awakening", one day I decided to put away my pocket trinkets, and limit myself to just a Spyderco UKPK clip point, and Opinel #6 in carbon steel, (and a Vic Pioneer for the tools) I still kept my trinkets close by in my backpack, as I need my Leatherman and SAK CyberTool 34 for repairing electronics at work, but for general knife use, I would limit myself to Opi #6 and UKPK, with the #6 as the primary, see how long I could resist the urge to load up
One Year Later....
The combo of UKPK , Pioneer, and #6 worked perfectly, and I was never found wanting, those three handled everything I tossed at them...
The only reason I ended the experiment was that I misplaced the UKPK, and needed a knife to take it's place, because I found I truly enjoyed the simpler world that lead me to Traditionals.....
Long story short, I still carry a few more knives than "necessary", again, because I like them, but the whole ambiance and feel of the traditional knife is warmer and more inviting, reminds me of simpler, happier times, and yes, the "backup" knives are still in my bag, just in case I need a specialized tool, but my actual cutting duties and other uses are simply and adeptly handled by.....
Case Peanut
Case Sodbuster Jr.
Victorinox Pioneer or Scout
The 'nut handles 98% of my cutting tasks
The SBJ is for when I need a little more reach
The Vic is for the tools....
Push comes to shove? I could easily be happy with nothing more than a Peanut, SBJ, and an Alox Farmer (the saw, gotta have the saw...
)Will I still carry more than I "need to"?
Sure, for no other reason than I can***, but I feel comfortable that these three blades can easily handle any task I encounter in my day to day travels
Plus, my pocketses will end up a bit lighter as well....
***that and that whole "be prepared" thing (also why I carry a couple flashlights, a DMT Fine diamond sharpening card in my wallet, a Stainless Sharpie pen, Fisher Bullet pen, and Zippo lighter (even though I don't smoke),
