Knife Suggestion for a Farmer

Dave.. I always enjoy your pics and the stories that go with them!!:thumbsup: Thanks for that!!! :D John
 
For me, I am in the ZT 0909 camp. I am in construction and use it for work all day long. In fact, I have only done this with one other knife, I bought another one in case something happens to the one I am carrying. BTW, I paid $180 for the first one, and $160 for the second. I see this knife as a tool, so in being in the trades it isn't that hard for me to invest in a tool that I like hat works. The steel is great, easy to sharpen, and it is a handful of knife that now has about an 18 month record with me.

I like the smaller pocket clip as it doesn't snag on things and isn't so noticeable. The ergos are really good for work and unlike a framelock, it doesn't slip around in my hand after a few minutes use in really sweaty hands.

I admit that I was worried about the concerns about the knife closing easily when locked, but after knocking both of mine around some, I am no longer concerned. At $120, it is a steal.

Robert
 
Spyderco Endura 1000%

My fiancee comes from a small town Texas farming community, many well loved Enduras when we head out that way... just saying!
 
Victorinox Farmer ;)
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Alright, fixed blades are out and you need a locking folder with a clip. If you know for a fact that you'll be prying with whichever folder you pick (I won't lecture about why you shouldn't - sometimes it can't be avoided) then get something stout but capable of slicing well enough. In that regard, look at the following:

- Benchmade Griptilian or Mini-Grip (the handle on the mini-grip is a little small so I'd recommend full sized for you)
- Benchmade 940
- Benchmade Rift
- Spyderco Endura with a sabre grind (though I absolutely prefer flat ground)
- Cold Steel Voyager
- Cold Steel Code 4 with the spear point
- Cold Steel American Lawman
- Kershaw Blur (I'd opt for the S30V model)
- I'm sure any number of ZT offerings will fit the bill but I don't know any to recommend

With your budget, you could get more than one of the options above and try them out.
 
Living on a farm my while life, my favorite production knives have been. For folders, the BM Rift Auto, BM Griptilian(full size and mini grip), Benchmade CLA, Spyderco PM2, Protech auto, and Ontario RAT 1 or 2. Spyderco Manix 2, PM3, and Caribbean would be right up there too.
Another good one I keep by for messy work is a Byrd knife Meadowlark 2. Great little cheap knife you won't feel (as) bad abusing.
I do like fixed blades for tougher jobs, but for just around the farm, any of those folders do just fine.
I carried the Rift for years as my only knife, before addiction set in, and it never let me down!
 
19-3ben said:
How the hell did this thread get all the way to page 4 before someone suggested a Vic farmer as the knife for a farmer... i tell ya... you guys are slipping!
Click to expand...

Probably because it was suggested with a picture on page one of this thread, then quoted again on page two.

Gotta read the whole thread, not just the last page.

Robert
 
surprised no one has mentioned either the Crooked River or Mini Crooked River, I think either would fit the bill...
 
I'm not a farmer or a rancher. I'm a mechanic and general do it all handyman. When I want to carry a no nonsense, user knife, it's either my Ritter Mini-grip or my Native LW. If you like a larger blade, Grip or Manix. FRN isn't fancy, but it works.
 
My suggestions:

Rat-1: modern, fast to deploy
Gec bullbuster: traditional but robust
Gec calf roper: farm knife traditionelle!
 
A Spyderco Endura or Delica in bright orange FRN. If you happen to set it down or maybe drop it, the orange scales make locating it much easier. And, if you still can't find it, they don't break the bank so it won't hurt as much. Great blade shape and a good, fairly easy to sharpen and pretty corrosion resistant steel.
 
It's been hard keeping up with this thread!

Thanks everyone again for the replies.

I have a week or so to decide which to buy, as my parents are in the States, so I can get it shipped to them, and avoid import fees to the UK haha.

I am edging towards the Foray, due to the blade thickness and overall looks of the knife, though I really am starting to like the Spyderco Manix and Benchmade Mini Grip.

hangmanshammer, I did look at the mini crooked river, really nice looking knife, it is defo on my list too.
 
Hey N nezzman . I'm a cattle rancher myself, so I get where you're coming from on a lot of the tasks you mentioned. I don't have experience with most of the knives on your list, but I do have a mini grip. First thing I'd mention is that they're really small. So much so that I personally find them too small for the things I carry a modern folder for while I'm working. I can't get a full hand grip and find them awkward to operate with XL hands. It might be just what you're looking for, though and I do like the overall blade shape. Some size comparison pics with a Vic Explorer:

0809181502-1-975x1282.jpg
0809181503-1-797x1566.jpg

If it seems like a good choice but too small for what you want, keep in mind that the full size griptillian is still within your stated size range with a 3.4" blade. I don't have a full size for comparison.

I've personally found the ZT 0909 pretty tough to beat for a stout working knife, but it's quite a bit larger than it sounds like you're looking for.

0809181506-1-872x1433.jpg

Hope this helps. Good luck in your search.
 
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