Knife For a Farmer

justsomedude

justsomedude

Gold Member
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
1,129
A friend of mine recently started working on an organic farm and when I asked him if he carried a knife he replied, "No, but one would come in handy a lot."

At first I thought the GEC Bullnose in canvas would be a good option but those appear to all be gone.

My second thought was a Vic Farmer, for obvious reasons.

Any farmers out there want to chime in? My primary hesitation is that he might prefer a one-hand opener.

Thanks for looking!
 
I'm not a farmer, but Svords ( & Deweys) are designed for farmers who hunt.
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(FK2) Farmers Knife 5 "

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(UGP2) Utility General Purpose 4 3/4 "

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(870BB) General Purpose 6 1/4 "

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(655B) Curved Skinner/Sticker/Boning 6 "

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(677BB) Curved Skinner 5 3/4 "
http://www.svord.com/

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K-77-6 Skinning knife $110.00
15cm blade, 1.4116 S/S knife steel, 3mm thick skinning blade, Brass guard, Antler handle
 
My family owns a ranch, so my needs are a bit different to those of a farmer (I breed horses, mostly). But I've found the combination of a small fixed blade and a multitool to be great. I used to carry SAKs instead of the multitool, but I ended up needing pliers quite often (to mend fences, cut the wire that holds fodder bundles, etc.).

I chose a fixed blade not because of strength (or not just because of that), but because this kind of work is sometimes messy and cleaning up a nice folder can be a pain in the behind. I've been very happy with the combination of a Leatherman SuperTool 200 and Hultafors Craftman HVK, they are tough and affordable. The knife isn't threatening (which isn't a concern for me, but might be for your friend), the handle is quite comfortable and whatever carbon steel they use for the blade holds an edge quite well (it also hasn't chipped in a couple of abusive situations).

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Does he wear gloves at work? Because that's something you might want to take into account. Some slipjoints (like the Vic Farmer, which I love) can be hard to open with gloves.
 
I was borned and raised on a farm. I used to carry a leatherman multi-tool and a small full tang blade. But generally used only the leatherman. If fence breaks, leatherman repairs it, something small broke on the tractor or 4 wheeler, leatherman repairs it. Its realy convenient to have. The fixed blade was to skin or batoning small wood to start a fire. For the garage, but hey, thats just me. An not to mention that with the leatherman you can buy all those bit kits.
 
justsomedude said:
A friend of mine recently started working on an organic farm and when I asked him if he carried a knife he replied, "No, but one would come in handy a lot."

At first I thought the GEC Bullnose in canvas would be a good option but those appear to all be gone.
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Why not a black Bullnose? They're still around. Great knives.
 
I agree that a small fixed blade (3-4") in a quality kydex sheath will be very useful. I also agree that a MT will likely be more useful. If going for the knife, stainless will be important. If he has to think about maintaining his knife, he probably won't.
 
Wow, thank you all for such great replies!

As to, "why not the black bullnose?" I just don't feel like it's special enough :) Not terribly rational but...

I'm not sure if he wears gloves but I don't want to ask, trying to keep it a surprise. This is one reason I was thinking Bullnose over Farmer.

I'd like to avoid a fixed blade as I think he'd be more likely to carry something pocketable.

You guys have got me looking at Leathermans now. The Charge AL is really looking good to me but a little pricey, I might have to go with the Wave.

Does anyone know if the blades on these can be opened with gloves on? How about if they'd be light enough to carry in a pocket rather than the belt sheath?

Thanks again!
 
justsomedude said:
Does anyone know if the blades on these can be opened with gloves on? How about if they'd be light enough to carry in a pocket rather than the belt sheath?

Thanks again!
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The blades on LM multitools like the Skeletool, Charge or Wave can be opened with gloves on (when I wear gloves it's regular leather riding gloves, nothing super thick). The Charge and Wave can be pocket carried, but they are a bit bulky. The Skeletool has fewer features, but it's much more pocket friendly (and has a pocket clip). Another option would be the Wingman, it's a budget model but it has a decent tool selection, one hand opening blade and a pocket clip.
 
Another vote for a fixed blade and a multi-tool between the two you should be able to take on most tasks.
 
I make my own knives and buy some also. But the fixed blade i carried was small enough to fit in the pocket of my jean jacket, I made it myself with the specs I wanted, kydex sheath. The leatherman was on my waist. The bits in my day pack on the 4 wheeler.
 
Depends on your budget. I work on a large horse farm and have been here almost six years. Used to carry a kershaw skyline that did fine for a couple years, only retired it to move up in quality. Zt 0350 was great if your friend can sharpen a recurve, carried that for a year. Carried an 0561 for about six months before moving into a position where it was a little too intimidating for those around me. Have been carrying A ZT 0801 since a couple months after they came out and it is just about perfect for my needs. That is what I like but everyone is different. Find what his style is then look for something in that style as long as it is a reputable brand with an ok blade steel (doesn't have to be a super steel by any means just something nicer than the generic stainless in cheap no name knives).
 
I do a lot of farm work, mostly with horses and on equipment when it breaks out in the field and my two most used knives are my Mora Companion (carbon) and my Benchmade 710, the mora is obviously very easy to deploy and I cut a wave in my BM 710 so I can open it while I draw it from my pocket and the axis lock makes it extremely easy to close with thick winter/ stiff leather gloves on.
 
Aside from minimal hobby gardens, and ag education in HS, I'm not a farmer, but my Grandpa is and uses a Rough Rider Stockman, and Mora top Q allround. If he's really depending heavily on a knife, for general cutting as a part of his occupation, I've got to say, a FFG Spyderco, like a Stretch (my personal favorite), Delica or Endura, would be very efficient, and ergonomic. Easy to carry, open, close, and use.
 
my grandfather farmed 200 acres for about 50 years with a case trapper in his pocket.
 
The AG Russell Rancher and Cowboy is a really nice piece and one of the best made for the price.
 
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