Jack of all trades, or specialize?

C

cortopar

Joined
Jun 12, 2006
Messages
176
Everyone has read threads about the one do it all knife for urban EDC, or bushcraft, or survival/desert island. It seems that thinking is what leads some to really large fixed blades or seriously thick/overbuilt folders.

I can see some merit in that approach, but you sacrifice a lot of ability for the benefit of consolidation.

I’m taking a page from Nessmuk, and carrying up to three blades when appropriate. A GB Outdoor Axe (hatchet), a short fixed blade like the Fiddleback Arete, and a multi-blade traditional folder.

Do you prefer a do-it-all, or bringing multiple tools?

Sample pic...

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I've done it both ways. I can't say for sure which I really prefer, I guess it depends on what mood I'm in?

I am working on a do-it-all design right now though. Mainly to make as gifts to relatives that hunt.
 
If one knife is capable of everything I sure haven't discovered it. I have an array.
 
There are two scenarios. In the first, you know it's coming and can bring the ideal tool or tool set. In the second, you run what you brung. In the unexpected case, a Stockman or Cattle knife does it for me. It's amazing what one is capable of if pressed.
 
I have carried one knife for most of my knife-nut time here on Earth thus far.

It's only relatively recently that I've had extra income and the good fortune (and fun) of getting different patterns and even carrying multiple knives at once.

The closest I have come to finding a jack-of-all knife would be a multitool or an SAK, but they can be cumbersome to carry all the time. In carrying multiples, I enjoy having the options afforded and this is how I roll on my days off... but... Ive noticed I miss the intimacy of getting to know a single knife inside and out. The kind of thing that happens when you have to use one knife for everything. You learn the shape and feel, your learn more deeply.

I guess I'm experimenting. Hopefully I'll land on that do-all pattern one day and say, "ah ha! There you are!" So far that hasn't happened, but I'm enjoying the ride :)

A full-sized Case Trapper is something that's getting pretty close. As is the GEC 44.
 
im quite sure there is not one do it all knife. the applications and tasks do not match for example you wouldnt baton firewood with a thin slip joint nor would you want to chop an apple with a machete. are there knives that can fit many serve many purposes? probably, but i dont think they look very nice, like the big folding buck 110, which is stout enough to serve a variety of purposes. It is not practical to traipse around the woods with a bandolier of knives either along with sheath knives, so maybe perhaps 2 or 3 knives in that situation. A large sebenza might also be very suitable for several tasks.
 
The only time I really gear up is when deer hunting. I usually carry a folding saw, an 8½- 9" OAL fixed blade, a 4½-5" closed modern OHO, a large stockman and an SAK. Around town or at home I just carry two, an alox Cadet and a 3½-4" jack or stockman.
 
I prefer specialty tools...and that's goes for my knives as well. I still carry around a full array of screwdrivers opposed to one fancy ratcheting one with a half million bits.

My 33 conductor rides in my shirt pocket at all times, then I usually have a full sized 3.5-4" slippie in my pocket. I sometimes add a locking knife if I'm anticipating hard work.

On the weekends I add my 6" cobra pliers and a Phillips #2 screwdriver....ain't much I can't do with those tools.
 
Ha ha
I was working on a job in my shop for a Lady while she waited.
She was really looking the joint over and I said "What do you think ?".
She said "I'm impressed that you have all these tools and know what they do".

I said "Yes but when a person gets REALLY GOOD all they need is a hammer . . . only I'm not that good yet ".

She said "I usually use a rock". :D

I carry lots of knives for fairly specialized applications. Because I like it that way.
I suppose when I get REALLY GOOD all I will need is the axe. :)
 
I go with Jack-of-Most-Trades.
At work, I carry a Spyderco plain edge Rescue and a Leatherman Supertool.
Working around the house, a GEC Hayn' Helper and a Vic Pioneer.
Knockin' around, Benchmade Proper and Vic Pioneer.
Dress up, Lionsteel Roundhead and a Vic Cadet.

I just drop them both in my right front pocket. Their tools, not museum pieces.
 
Hunting I must carry a machete, a sticker, a small folder utility knife and have a full size axe in the vehicle. I never camp more than walking distance from vehicle. The back of the axe is used as a sledge hammer.

All those chores are essential and i doubt any single knife could do them.

Some have suggested a khukri but I never owned one and I am sceptical.
 
Just to clarify, when I said I use a do-it-all folder knife, I meant in my everyday life.
When I camp, I bring a hatchet, chef knife, steak knives, and a do-it-all folder knife.
 
I would love to have a jack of all trades tool. I don't think there is one, honestly. I live in a suburb of Los Angeles, and work an office job. My need for a cutting tool is usually for food. Or some paper, boxes, etc, nothing fancy. My 110 or Sodbuster aren't really appropriate in the office, so I carry small. Usually a SAK Classic or Exec. Car camping? I'll bring a more robust folder or fixed blade. Hatchet, saw, hammer too. It all depends what I'll be doing.
 
There is no such thing as a “do-it-all” knife.

With that said, there is such a thing as “do-over-99%-of-the-tasks-I’m-likely-to-encounter-on-any-given-day” knife. A Victorinox Compact is that knife for me.

For outdoor activities I’ll add a smallish fixed blade. If any light chopping might be required I’ll bring along this little beauty:

4E4CF07F-E425-4AC5-8C36-FF88FD5ECEBA.jpeg

I have a Sven saw that I occasionally find useful, but if heavy duty wood cutting tasks are called for I’m bringing a chain saw.
 
In my limited realm of knife needs, I usually carry a larger (relatively speaking) and a small one. I could carry only one, but what’s the fun in that.
 
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