-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
My search for a quality pocket knife
- Thread starter soulmist
- Start date
Greetings, Soulmist, and welcome from another relative newbie.
I was compelled to chime in, even though my suggestions echo some and are contrary to others.
Once again, take the SAK with you. I've been carrying one for almost 30 years because it IS so darned handy in so many places you don't expect it to be. The smaller blade on my Tinker has done so many things, including prodding for a splinter that could be removed with my included tweezers.
Secondly, on the Spyderco bandwagon, I have to thorougly recommend the Calypso Jr. I thought it was ugly pretty much, and relatively small compared to some of your suggestions, but one thing you said about feeling the knife as an extension of your hand...this made me chime in. I've handled a lot of knives in the shop I work at, but to date, I have not used one that seemed so ergonomically an extension of my hand and arm so well. For me, it just fits. Once again, I wouldn't have figured it when I was looking at it the first time, but I'm here to tell you that in 3 months it is my very first choice no matter what it is I want to cut. Once clasped, it definitely seems to have a mainline right out of my wrist.
Good luck with your decision and your trip. You've got a lot of great suggestions and experienced people making them.
Enjoy!
Regards,
DeadFish
I was compelled to chime in, even though my suggestions echo some and are contrary to others.
Once again, take the SAK with you. I've been carrying one for almost 30 years because it IS so darned handy in so many places you don't expect it to be. The smaller blade on my Tinker has done so many things, including prodding for a splinter that could be removed with my included tweezers.
Secondly, on the Spyderco bandwagon, I have to thorougly recommend the Calypso Jr. I thought it was ugly pretty much, and relatively small compared to some of your suggestions, but one thing you said about feeling the knife as an extension of your hand...this made me chime in. I've handled a lot of knives in the shop I work at, but to date, I have not used one that seemed so ergonomically an extension of my hand and arm so well. For me, it just fits. Once again, I wouldn't have figured it when I was looking at it the first time, but I'm here to tell you that in 3 months it is my very first choice no matter what it is I want to cut. Once clasped, it definitely seems to have a mainline right out of my wrist.
Good luck with your decision and your trip. You've got a lot of great suggestions and experienced people making them.
Enjoy!
Regards,
DeadFish
Soulmist,
Like many others have said, the Swiss Army Knife is a must have item--I carried one for the entire 6 years that I served in the US Army. I was'nt a Navy SEAL but I did serve in Korea in an armor unit, and in the 1st Gulf War in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assualt), and in other divisions.
Trust me, the Swiss Army knife is very useful and handy to have around.
BTW, I have known many Rangers and some Special Forces Soldiers who also carried them.
Now about the other knifes:
A fixed blade is nice to have but, IMHO, not really a must have item.
Remember that when hiking on both public and private land, you're not usually allowed to hack the bushes and dig up the soil very much.
Whether you call it "low impact camping" or just respecting the land and preserving it for others in the future, I don't think you need a very large knife or a "sharpened prybar".
These might not suit you, but here are some of MY favorites for travel:
Benchmade 551 drop-point Griptilian
Spyderco Native III
Spyderco Rescue (an older 2000 model)
My favorite Swiss Army Knifes for travel:
Victorinox Pioneer Harvester
Victorinox Fieldmaster
Victorinox Rucksack
Check them out and see if you like them.
You might like the Benchmade 551 the best because you can get them in black with natural steel blade, or olive drab green (military green) and black blade.
Good luck and have a blast,
Allen.
Like many others have said, the Swiss Army Knife is a must have item--I carried one for the entire 6 years that I served in the US Army. I was'nt a Navy SEAL but I did serve in Korea in an armor unit, and in the 1st Gulf War in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assualt), and in other divisions.
Trust me, the Swiss Army knife is very useful and handy to have around.
BTW, I have known many Rangers and some Special Forces Soldiers who also carried them.
Now about the other knifes:
A fixed blade is nice to have but, IMHO, not really a must have item.
Remember that when hiking on both public and private land, you're not usually allowed to hack the bushes and dig up the soil very much.
Whether you call it "low impact camping" or just respecting the land and preserving it for others in the future, I don't think you need a very large knife or a "sharpened prybar".
These might not suit you, but here are some of MY favorites for travel:
Benchmade 551 drop-point Griptilian
Spyderco Native III
Spyderco Rescue (an older 2000 model)
My favorite Swiss Army Knifes for travel:
Victorinox Pioneer Harvester
Victorinox Fieldmaster
Victorinox Rucksack
Check them out and see if you like them.
You might like the Benchmade 551 the best because you can get them in black with natural steel blade, or olive drab green (military green) and black blade.
Good luck and have a blast,
Allen.
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 20,039
From all the good things I've heard about the Kabar Doziers, get one of those. Also, get the SAK, Victorinox would be your best bet, although I've never used Wenger. If money is tight, I would say just splurge on your credit card, and buy a Spyderco Native III. It feels great in your hand so it shouldn't make your hand tired, and if you are persistent, you should find a great deal on eBay, or on this forum. Check and see if there are any members in your area, or if any of your neighbors, friends or family use the knives you are looking at, and ask if it would be okay if you used their knives for a while. Have fun, I'm gonna travel up to Maine next year 
.
.You said two knives, each shooting for 20.00
Go and get a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) .. not just ANY SAK, but a Victorinox One-Hand Trailmaster (sometimes called a one-hand trekker). It's one of the longer, lockblade series. Here's a picture:
http://store.yahoo.com/gunther-gifts/swisaronehan.html
You can find these for 20-35 dollars. Why would I recommend this:
1. Longer blades than a standard SAK.
2. Locking main blade and large flat-driver.
3. Can-opener and other useful tools (tweezers etc.)
4. One hand-opening main blade.
5. Blades are _slightly_ thicker than standard SAKs.
6. Saw blade is longer and even more effective on wood than the smaller SAKs. (You can cut a small (3-4" diameter) tree down with this thing).
Some outdoorsy modifications (using a diamond stone)
7. Can remove serrations on main blade if desired for ease of resharpening.
8. Locking flathead driver can be sharpened into a chisel for outdoor prying or chiseling wood.
9. Replace Black scales with SAK red.
IMHO, there is nothing better for a compact outdoor carry. Pair this up with a larger, sturdier, blade or an axe (depending on where you are going), and you will be all set.
Go and get a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) .. not just ANY SAK, but a Victorinox One-Hand Trailmaster (sometimes called a one-hand trekker). It's one of the longer, lockblade series. Here's a picture:
http://store.yahoo.com/gunther-gifts/swisaronehan.html
You can find these for 20-35 dollars. Why would I recommend this:
1. Longer blades than a standard SAK.
2. Locking main blade and large flat-driver.
3. Can-opener and other useful tools (tweezers etc.)
4. One hand-opening main blade.
5. Blades are _slightly_ thicker than standard SAKs.
6. Saw blade is longer and even more effective on wood than the smaller SAKs. (You can cut a small (3-4" diameter) tree down with this thing).
Some outdoorsy modifications (using a diamond stone)
7. Can remove serrations on main blade if desired for ease of resharpening.
8. Locking flathead driver can be sharpened into a chisel for outdoor prying or chiseling wood.
9. Replace Black scales with SAK red.
IMHO, there is nothing better for a compact outdoor carry. Pair this up with a larger, sturdier, blade or an axe (depending on where you are going), and you will be all set.
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2004
- Messages
- 592
You're 20 years old - which means you're an adult. There's no reason for them to take a legitimate piece of camping equipment away from you.
Definitely take the swiss army knife with you. A thin blade slices very well and all the tools will come in handy. Get something with an awl, scissors, can opener, saw and, most importantly - tweezers. In my teens I used to do a lot of camping where we would build shelters using tarp and rope instead of bringing tents. Even on long trips, we never seemed to need anything more than a SAK.
Here's a quick tip. When shopping for knives, or any other camping gear for the matter, if you have the option of buying something in a dark color or camoflage pattern . . or something in a bright color - go with the bright color. A black handled knife will walk away when you're not looking. Anything green or camoflage will disappear even when you ARE looking.
I used to own a camoflage zippo lighter and made the mistake of bringing it camping. I was sitting on the ground, repairing a canvas bag and melting the ends of nylon rope in the process. Somehow I managed to lose that lighter - while seated. It had to have been within an arm's reach of me, but I never saw it again.
Regarding knife laws, where are you, by the way? There are a lot of UofM's in this world. Are you located in the US?
Definitely take the swiss army knife with you. A thin blade slices very well and all the tools will come in handy. Get something with an awl, scissors, can opener, saw and, most importantly - tweezers. In my teens I used to do a lot of camping where we would build shelters using tarp and rope instead of bringing tents. Even on long trips, we never seemed to need anything more than a SAK.
Here's a quick tip. When shopping for knives, or any other camping gear for the matter, if you have the option of buying something in a dark color or camoflage pattern . . or something in a bright color - go with the bright color. A black handled knife will walk away when you're not looking. Anything green or camoflage will disappear even when you ARE looking.
I used to own a camoflage zippo lighter and made the mistake of bringing it camping. I was sitting on the ground, repairing a canvas bag and melting the ends of nylon rope in the process. Somehow I managed to lose that lighter - while seated. It had to have been within an arm's reach of me, but I never saw it again.
Regarding knife laws, where are you, by the way? There are a lot of UofM's in this world. Are you located in the US?
brewthunda said:
Very good point. In fact I replaced the black nylon scales on my OHtrekker with nice bright red ones. For that very reason.
I've seen camo knives (and camo SAKs too). While they are nice collector's items, I wouldn't bring one outdoors...
The people who have advised you to take a SAK along are giving you very good advise.
I've been backpacking and camping in general for 40 years and the number of times I've needed a fixed blade knife can be numbered on one hand. That includes the two week backpack trip my wife and I took as our honeymoon on the A.T. in May of 1972. Most of the time I have carried a sak of some sort and a small fixed blade like a Mora. Most of the duty of the Mora was food prep after we re-supplied along the trip with fresh food.
A slim lockblade will do the same thing, like a Syderco Delica, or Opinel number 8 or 9.
klattman made an exellent point for the one hand sak. But whatever sak you get will be fine as long as it's a real Victorinox brand. Stay away from the knock-offs.
The older I got, the more I came to love the versitile little sak's. And the more I came to realize I did not need near as big a knife as I thought I did.
But a little secret- take a folding saw with you, one like the sliding blade Gerber. It's only a couple of onces, but they are great cutters if you do need to saw something.
I've been backpacking and camping in general for 40 years and the number of times I've needed a fixed blade knife can be numbered on one hand. That includes the two week backpack trip my wife and I took as our honeymoon on the A.T. in May of 1972. Most of the time I have carried a sak of some sort and a small fixed blade like a Mora. Most of the duty of the Mora was food prep after we re-supplied along the trip with fresh food.
A slim lockblade will do the same thing, like a Syderco Delica, or Opinel number 8 or 9.
klattman made an exellent point for the one hand sak. But whatever sak you get will be fine as long as it's a real Victorinox brand. Stay away from the knock-offs.
The older I got, the more I came to love the versitile little sak's. And the more I came to realize I did not need near as big a knife as I thought I did.
But a little secret- take a folding saw with you, one like the sliding blade Gerber. It's only a couple of onces, but they are great cutters if you do need to saw something.
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2003
- Messages
- 519
Take the swiss army knife, don't cut anything beyond what the blades are meant for. The tools alone will make it worth the weight. get an oversized multipocketed pouch pouch for it from Lowes or HD, and stuff a beefier folder, a sewing kit, a small red led flashlight, and a lighter in there too. If you decide to supersize it, you might want to swap it out for a leatherman wave, but if you stick to your budget, take the sak.
I agree with a previous posters suggestion re the Buck 110, tried and true. Not as sexy or as 'tactical' as some, but it'll get the job done, and it's husky enough for pretty serious cutting. It's also pretty pc, which it seems you might benefit from.
You mentioned digging or grubbing through rocky soil, I assume you're thinking catholes, maybe loosening dirt to smother a campfire. You're reluctant to take a fixed blade, that's up to you, though I also agree with a previous poster that pointed out your autonomy. If you don't want to go with a fixed blade, have you though about a hatchet, or maybe an e-tool? The Cold Steel sf shovel can take an axe-like edge on one side, won't raise eyebrows, and will let you dig, chop firewood, or cut boughs for bedding/shelter. Just athought, but you can get into one, along with a Buck 110 (TAKE THE SAK) for close to your $40 if you shop a little.
Cold Steel Shovel
I agree with a previous posters suggestion re the Buck 110, tried and true. Not as sexy or as 'tactical' as some, but it'll get the job done, and it's husky enough for pretty serious cutting. It's also pretty pc, which it seems you might benefit from.
You mentioned digging or grubbing through rocky soil, I assume you're thinking catholes, maybe loosening dirt to smother a campfire. You're reluctant to take a fixed blade, that's up to you, though I also agree with a previous poster that pointed out your autonomy. If you don't want to go with a fixed blade, have you though about a hatchet, or maybe an e-tool? The Cold Steel sf shovel can take an axe-like edge on one side, won't raise eyebrows, and will let you dig, chop firewood, or cut boughs for bedding/shelter. Just athought, but you can get into one, along with a Buck 110 (TAKE THE SAK) for close to your $40 if you shop a little.
Cold Steel Shovel
jackknife said:
For a SAK, either Victorinox or Wegner are the real deal. ANYTHING else is a knock off and not worth it.
jackknife said:
Another reason I go with the OHTrekker is the saw (there are many other lockblade models with the saw, you don't have to get a one-handed, in fact there is even a Trekker/Trailmaster that is not one hand)
A longer folding saw is nice if you have the space, especially if you know you will need a saw often.
In the end, you have to take into account where you are headed and what you might be up against and, of course how much you can reasonably carry.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2005
- Messages
- 2,662
Yahmanin said:
Glock makes a nice little e-tool too. And anything with a telescoping handle is badass by default.
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2000
- Messages
- 3,140
I'll be another one to recommend that you carry the SAK on top of whatever tactical folder you end up with. I carried one for several years before I discovered one hand openers with pocket clips. These days I carry one of each. I never use the blades on the SAK, but use the tools all the time. This means that the blades are always razor sharp should something happen to my EDC one hander.
I'll also say that while I haven't seen the Hilo, I'd be shocked if it wasn't a great knife. Tom Mayo wouldn't put his name on it if it wasn't done right. I have a Buck 172 TNT and a real one and even on the Buck, the quality is great.
I'l also throw another vote in got the Caillus EDC with 154CM. I recently got a Talonite version just to try a knife with Talonite, but have really been impressed with the overall design of the EDC. The stainless steel fram lock is as simple as a knife can get and plenty sturdy. I have enough other knives with 154CM and feel that it's kind of a baseline for high performance stainless steels. It holds an edge better than 440C, and while not quite as cool as D2 or S30V, holds a real nice edge with decent heat treating. I think a 154CM EDC is probably the most knife I'm aware of in the under $50.00 price range. It's also just under a 3" blade so it is legal pretty much everywhere except courts and airports. The recurve blade design just loves to cut. Because of it's overall design the EDC looks a little more jewelryish and not so intimidatingas many tactical folders, partly because it's shiny (sheeple like shiny things).
If you're not experienced with a sharpening stone, don't take one. It's pretty easy to do more damage than good if you're not practiced with a bench stone. Buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker (costs more than the knife) or if you're really on a budget, buy a set of Gatco's pocket crock stix. As long as you don't let the blade get really dull the little Gatco sharpener will let you easily maintain the edges of your knives. If you're here, you'll probably end up with a Sharpmaker one day anyway.
John
I'll also say that while I haven't seen the Hilo, I'd be shocked if it wasn't a great knife. Tom Mayo wouldn't put his name on it if it wasn't done right. I have a Buck 172 TNT and a real one and even on the Buck, the quality is great.
I'l also throw another vote in got the Caillus EDC with 154CM. I recently got a Talonite version just to try a knife with Talonite, but have really been impressed with the overall design of the EDC. The stainless steel fram lock is as simple as a knife can get and plenty sturdy. I have enough other knives with 154CM and feel that it's kind of a baseline for high performance stainless steels. It holds an edge better than 440C, and while not quite as cool as D2 or S30V, holds a real nice edge with decent heat treating. I think a 154CM EDC is probably the most knife I'm aware of in the under $50.00 price range. It's also just under a 3" blade so it is legal pretty much everywhere except courts and airports. The recurve blade design just loves to cut. Because of it's overall design the EDC looks a little more jewelryish and not so intimidatingas many tactical folders, partly because it's shiny (sheeple like shiny things).
If you're not experienced with a sharpening stone, don't take one. It's pretty easy to do more damage than good if you're not practiced with a bench stone. Buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker (costs more than the knife) or if you're really on a budget, buy a set of Gatco's pocket crock stix. As long as you don't let the blade get really dull the little Gatco sharpener will let you easily maintain the edges of your knives. If you're here, you'll probably end up with a Sharpmaker one day anyway.
John
- Joined
- Apr 26, 1999
- Messages
- 481
A sharpened stick works just fine. Alternatively, depending on where you're going, you might (repeat might) want to consider a plastic trowel. It's lightweight takes little space and you don't have to worry about dinging the edge of your knife on a rock. You can also lend it to any of your companions without worry. (That can be important!)
All the previous advice is good. You don't need any kind of huge or "tactical" knife, especially if you're in a group and the group leaders are providing most of the "heavy" stuff. OTOH, I'd ask about knives if I were you and not just assume. (I'm sure you've heard about ass-u-me) Something like those nice, innocuous, inexpensive little Mora knives is great for the many things you might want to do -- like food prep. Not having a "mechanism" for food or dirt to get stuck in is a real plus. ASK!
I'd also advise practicing your sharpening before you go too. Get whatever sharpening device you plan to take and practice on a couple of cheap knives you pick up at yard sales. When you can get a decent edge on them, then you can consider sharpening your good knives.
Have fun and be safe.
Paul
All the previous advice is good. You don't need any kind of huge or "tactical" knife, especially if you're in a group and the group leaders are providing most of the "heavy" stuff. OTOH, I'd ask about knives if I were you and not just assume. (I'm sure you've heard about ass-u-me) Something like those nice, innocuous, inexpensive little Mora knives is great for the many things you might want to do -- like food prep. Not having a "mechanism" for food or dirt to get stuck in is a real plus. ASK!
I'd also advise practicing your sharpening before you go too. Get whatever sharpening device you plan to take and practice on a couple of cheap knives you pick up at yard sales. When you can get a decent edge on them, then you can consider sharpening your good knives.
Have fun and be safe.
Paul
- Joined
- May 25, 2000
- Messages
- 595
I also agree with the kabar dozier folder as well as the Cold Steel Bushman or Mini bushman.
A lot of outdoor specialists (do a search) think they are a great bang for the buck.
I have both bushmans, at less that $15 to $20 each they are almost disposable.
I have gone overboard & bought On-Scene Tactical kydex sheaths for them, and yes, they cost as much as the knives, but I can replace the knives as they wear out & the sheaths will keep going strong.
They are ugly, you will not hesitate to chop, dig, pry with them as they really take a beating.
A lot of outdoor specialists (do a search) think they are a great bang for the buck.
I have both bushmans, at less that $15 to $20 each they are almost disposable.
I have gone overboard & bought On-Scene Tactical kydex sheaths for them, and yes, they cost as much as the knives, but I can replace the knives as they wear out & the sheaths will keep going strong.
They are ugly, you will not hesitate to chop, dig, pry with them as they really take a beating.
Folder....SAK with woodsaw. Never under-estimate the SAK. Experience will teach you this.
Fixed blade...Swedish Army Knife (SWAK). Inexpensive, sharp, and tough. The stock sheath isn't much, but Normark (Eric) at On/Scene Tactical offers a hell of a deal on the SWAK with custom concealex sheath.
I would also suggest taking along a small hatchet.
Paul
Fixed blade...Swedish Army Knife (SWAK). Inexpensive, sharp, and tough. The stock sheath isn't much, but Normark (Eric) at On/Scene Tactical offers a hell of a deal on the SWAK with custom concealex sheath.
I would also suggest taking along a small hatchet.
Paul
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2004
- Messages
- 3,536
I've done a lot of camp trips solo in a lot of places, and I can do the pair that has never let me down for $75, with a little luck.
First off, either the Short Ka-Bar or the plain Mora. I like the Mora more, as it cuts better, but if you anticipate rough use- digging/prying, for example- the K works better. Mora's about $15, the K about $40.
Second, the Vic One-Hand Trekker. Saw, locking blade and driver, can opener, awl and phillips. All I've ever really needed. I got mine for $27 at Target, but the price can vary a little.
I have to chime in on the usefulness of SAKs, any SAK. Once, I was a disparager of them. Plasticy little bits of nothing, I thought. Then, I bought a Recruit and started beating on it. 5 years later, the handles are both gone (Idiot friend tried cleaning them with 8M HCl), but the knife functions as well as it ever did. The Soldier's even tougher.
First off, either the Short Ka-Bar or the plain Mora. I like the Mora more, as it cuts better, but if you anticipate rough use- digging/prying, for example- the K works better. Mora's about $15, the K about $40.
Second, the Vic One-Hand Trekker. Saw, locking blade and driver, can opener, awl and phillips. All I've ever really needed. I got mine for $27 at Target, but the price can vary a little.
I have to chime in on the usefulness of SAKs, any SAK. Once, I was a disparager of them. Plasticy little bits of nothing, I thought. Then, I bought a Recruit and started beating on it. 5 years later, the handles are both gone (Idiot friend tried cleaning them with 8M HCl), but the knife functions as well as it ever did. The Soldier's even tougher.
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2005
- Messages
- 2,662
jackknife said:
I used to dig holes and put sharp sticks at the bottom. I quit when I forgot where one of my holes was though.