Recommendation? In need of recommendations

[BP_]

Parameters:

3 3/4-3 7/8” Closed
Clip Point/Lanny’s Clip
Lockback
Carbon Or Stainless (no “real” preference, but I have not been overly impressed with 1095 in this type of knife so far)

Uses:

Rope
Twine
Fruit
“General” Use
Plastic And Paper Bags (thick)

Let’s keep it under $500. I may process something small with it (think squirrel, bird, rabbit), but I usually have a fixed blade on me when hunting or just out in the woods.

This would be a front right pocket carry. I usually carry a Leatherman on my belt.

As an example: I have also come to learn over time that I prefer the thin profile of my GEC 72 over the thickness of, say, my Buck 112. I just do not like the play on GEC’s lockbacks, and the tendency for it to come back again over time. That said, I would not rule out a thicker knife in favor of durability. I do not have a brand preference necessarily, but I tend to gravitate toward USA made. With a good, solid knife, I wouldn’t call that a deal breaker though.

I appreciate your suggestions, I hope my parameters aren’t too vague.

 

[afishhunter]

The new Buck 110LT?
It has a lanyard hole, so you could use for a fob to keep it upright in your pocket.

Rough Rider makes a nice 3 5/8 inch closed lock back (mine has white bone covers).

 

[4thpoint]

Schrade 50T USA or Opinel.

 

[black mamba]

The Buck Custom Shop has both the 112 and the 501 available with S30V steel and choice of covers for a very reasonable price. May be worth a look.

 

[BP_]

I carry a 110LT in my back pocket, vertical next to my wallet. A nice, lightweight knife. Looking for something a bit smaller, and quite a bit thinner.

Over in the Buck forums, I was just recently “wishing” for a 501 sized clip point. The 112 is still a bit on the “heavy” and “thick” side.

Thank you for the suggestions. You all see my dilemma here. I’ll check out the Schrade and the Rough Rider. Had not given those any consideration yet.

 

[Trout Hound]

Not to derail, but I hadn’t seen that 110LT yet. Might have to have one of those!

 

[BP_]

Not to derail, but I hadn’t seen that 110LT yet. Might have to have one of those!

You should pick one up. A solid knife, very light, carries well, and is stout and durable enough to give confidence to the user.

 

[Will Power]

Something from MOKI of Japan. You won't find a better made lockback, amazingly close tolerances, smooth opening and AUS 8 stainless .

 

[robbobus]

Moki are very, very good. They are available in better steels as well. The smaller Kronos is 3 5/8" closed, vg10 blade, tight lockup and custom level tolerances. They also have a selection of ats34 bladed knives.

 

[Mikael W]

I was also thinking Moki. I bought the Fallkniven TK3 made by Moki in 2007.
The steel is stainless powdersteel with superb edgeholding.
The fit&finish is at the top, still after 10 years of use.

Regards
Mikael

 

[Superdave1]

I carry a 110LT in my back pocket, vertical next to my wallet. A nice, lightweight knife. Looking for something a bit smaller, and quite a bit thinner.

Over in the Buck forums, I was just recently “wishing” for a 501 sized clip point. The 112 is still a bit on the “heavy” and “thick” side.

What about the buck 55??

 

[BP_]

What about the buck 55??

The 55 is a good knife. I have one, and love it. Very solid for its size. I’m looking for something a little bigger than that.

 

[Bartleby]

Uses:

Rope
Twine
Fruit
“General” Use
Plastic And Paper Bags (thick)

Are these listed in the order of most often to least often used? If rope (especially nylon stuff), twine and plastic bags are encountered often it may be best to use a sheepsfoot, lambfoot, or even a hawkbill/pruner shape that is a bit more suited. GEC does several sheepfoot designs.

 

[Bugdoc]

Take a look at Todd Davison's work. They periodically come up on the exchange, or pop for a new one. I have two and think very highly of them. And use 'em too, got one in my pocket today.

SS is the way to go for me almost 100% of the time. Some say too difficult to sharpen, but on the other hand take care of it and it won't need sharpening.

 

[Planterz]

Moki are very, very good. They are available in better steels as well. The smaller Kronos is 3 5/8" closed, vg10 blade, tight lockup and custom level tolerances. They also have a selection of ats34 bladed knives.

The Kronos is what popped in to my mind. Probably because I really really want one.

Keep in mind there's 2. One I see listed at either 3 5/8" or 3 3/4", so I'm not sure which is accurate (probably close enough as to not matter). The other is 4.25". VG-10 on these.

 

[BP_]

Are these listed in the order of most often to least often used? If rope (especially nylon stuff), twine and plastic bags are encountered often it may be best to use a sheepsfoot, lambfoot, or even a hawkbill/pruner shape that is a bit more suited. GEC does several sheepfoot designs.

Not listed in order of most often, just as they popped into my head. That is a good observation, though. To clarify, nothing was in any particular order.

 

[BP_]

I’ve looked at the Moki, I’m not sure it catches my eye asthetically. I can’t argue with a good workhorse knife, though, and looks would not keep me from using the right tool for the job.

Does Todd Davison make any lockback knives? (It was mentioned to look for his work on the exchange)

 

[Railsplitter]

You're right. I've been trying to come up with a recommendation since your first post and it isn't easy. The only thing I've found so far is this Gunstock. It's only 3 5/8 inches closed (just shy of your lower limit) and it's not made in the U.S.A. but based on my experience with A.G. Russell branded knives, this should be a very good quality knife if you can get past the recurve. The "nail nick" can be used for one hand opening.

A.G. calls it the 3 5/8" Gunstock.

 

[BP_]

You're right. I've been trying to come up with a recommendation since your first post and it isn't easy. The only thing I've found so far is this Gunstock. It's only 3 5/8 inches closed (just shy of your lower limit) and it's not made in the U.S.A. but based on my experience with A.G. Russell branded knives, this should be a very good quality knife if you can get past the recurve. The "nail nick" can be used for one hand opening.

A.G. calls it the 3 5/8" Gunstock.
View attachment 833545

I checked and saw they have one that is 4 1/4” closed as well. I’m not sure how I feel about the recurve, having no experience using or sharpening one. I’m also not sold on the 8cr13 steel, but at the $50 price point it can’t be too bad.

 

[Railsplitter]

I checked and saw they have one that is 4 1/4” closed as well. I’m not sure how I feel about the recurve, having no experience using or sharpening one. I’m also not sold on the 8cr13 steel, but at the $50 price point it can’t be too bad.

I would expect that the recurve would be an excellent cutter but tricky to sharpen. For me personally, excellent cutting wouldn't be much of an advantage if I had trouble keeping the blade sharp.