My search for a quality pocket knife

[z537z]

You don't use a knife in the woods as often as you think.
Though, when you do, you want a fixed blade. They're easy, solid, and can be used to hit stuff, which comes in handy more often than you think (e.g. tent stakes).
Maine knife rules are fairly lax, especially if it's clearly a knife for camping/hunting. And if you're going up north, like to Mooshead Lake, Baxter State Park, or up in Caribou somewhere, you could probably walk around with a sword and not be bothered. If you're out in the woods hiking and camping nobody cares what you're carrying short of a machinegun.
I can say this having carried fixed blades out there myself many times.

Find a nice Kabar-style knife in a sheath for 20-50$, get a 15$ sharpener and go to it!
I wouldn't worry so much about your choice of knife if it's not going to be used every day for years as much as out in the boonies where people don't take issue with much.

Good luck

_z

 

[mnblade]

>"Then, I bought a Recruit and started beating on it. 5 years later, the handles are both gone ... but the knife functions as well as it ever did."

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Lord, son! Don't you know a naked knife gets cold! Put some clothes on that thing!

 

[Quiet Storm]

Lord, son! Don't you know a naked knife gets cold! Put some clothes on that thing!

The replacement cost is not worth it IMO. The scales are $7.92, buying a new Recruit would run him $12.80.
But he could always send it to a knifemaker who's willing to put custom CF scales on 'em. Sure, that's going to be more expensive, but a custom SAK is pretty cool.

 

[mnblade]

But if you've got a sentimental connection to the knife it might be worth it. For instance my 84mm Tourist was in my pocket when my daughter was born (they wouldn't let me cut the cord with it though :grumpy: ). There's no WAY I'd chuck that knife just 'cause buying new scales isn't cost-effective. You do make a fine point, though, Quiet Storm.

 

[cdf]

If I were you I'd go Victorinox Soldier , or Huntsman , if you want something bigger , go Rucksack .

 

[Quiet Storm]

Good point, mnblade. In that case, custom CF scales would be a nice option IMO.

 

[Franciscomv]

Like everybody said, take the SAK. I've been carrying a Vic Farmer around for years as a back up for my bigger knives, and I love it. It's small, light and functional. The bigger, locking, SAKs are very useful too. I'd use a OH-Trekker, but I hate serrations. The large Hunter works great for me.
If you want a cheap but very good folder, don't forget about good old Opinels. You can get them for a ridiculous price and they are great. Plus, in "regular" sizes, they are very PC. They might not have the tactical look of the knives you seem to be more attracted to, but they are sturdy and get scary sharp.
You should check if you can carry a fixed blade, it would make a lot of sense to carry one if you're going on a trip that will take a few weeks. Maybe there are limits on blade length (and you might want to get a sheeple-friendly knife to avoid unwanted attention).
Moras are great. I like the traditional ones with wooden handles, but all of the Frosts and Erikssons are good knives, light and fairly priced.
There are a lot more fixed blades options, many have already been brought up. Böker has some knives that are finished in their Argentina plant with wood or stag handles for around 40 bucks. They are very strong and good quality (have a good look at them before buying, I've found a couple with minimal mistakes). The Becker BK10 Crewman is a very good knife, which can be found for 50 dollars (only ten over your budget), a real work horse.
Most of the "classic" Buck fixed blades (like the Special and Woodsman) can be found for around 35-40 dollars. And the Diamondback is around 15-20 bucks, I don't know how good it is, I've never used this one.
Spyderco's Bill Moran Featherweight is another good option, my dad has one and likes it very much. The Vagabond looks like it could be useful for your trip, too.
Hope this helps.

 

[klattman]

I'd use a OH-Trekker, but I hate serrations.

SAK steel is easy to work, those serrations are easily removed with a diamond stone, Lansky system, Spyderco Sharpmaker with diamond rods, EdgePro, coarse sandpaper, or _insert any sharpening system here_.

 

[King Grinch]

First off, I would like to take a moment to say hello to the BladeForum community, and thank anyone who reads or responds to my post in advance.

Second, I'd like to ask for some of your thoughts on a good pocket knife for my upcoming outdoor activities in Maine this spring. I will be hiking and backpacking through the mountains for somewhere around 6 or 7 weeks straight. (I'm looking to pay around 20$ per knife, and I want at least 2 knives for the trip.)

Knowing this in advance, I decided to set out and find myself a strong, powerful, unique, and quality blade for my adventures. The poor stock of knives in local stores quickly drove me to the internet, and that (I quickly realized) only brought me to more hesitation and confusion. To start with, I'm only 20 years old and pretty new to the "knifing" trade, so I have no idea what any of the "good" quality brand names are. Another big problem is the inability to actually see the blade in person and “feel” if it’s right for me.

What I mean is that I have a very strong feeling that when I find the knife that is right for me, I’ll be able to “feel” it in my hand as though a part of me was in my blade and vice versa. I’m looking for something that suits me personally: a weight that’s heavy enough to feel substantial, a handle that fits my hand comfortably, and a blade that satisfies my aesthetic tastes (maybe a bit serrated – something more towards the navy seal look as opposed to the classic swiss army blade) I should also mention that I’d prefer one blade to have the pure silver / steel look and the other with a pure black / navy seal look. (blade and handle)

Originally my searches led me to a site selling Maxam knives. I was happy to note a low price range and an impressive assortment of choices. (Many of which seemed aesthetically pleasing to me.) However, knowing better than to blindly purchase an item I know little about online, I spent an awful long time searching for reviews online. Finally, after a great deal of effort, I found my way to a post on this forum that helped to confirm my reservations about the “Maxam” brand (one I’d never previously heard of.)

Well, first off, thanks for saving me the 40$ I would have spent on a bunch of rubbish knives! Second off, it’s a shame to see so little posted about the quality of such no-name brands. I hope this post might help others from falling into the same trap I almost did.

Anyway, this post is a little too long already. I was basically just wondering if any of you had any suggestions on brands. Also, if you could post links or pictures of your favorite pocket knives and why, that would be really helpful too! I’d like some feedback on why one brand is better than another and so on.

For example, I’m definitely not bringing my swiss army knife with me; I’ve found that personally, despite the popularity of the name, the knife has been a disappointment for me. The blade so thin that I doubt it would be of any use on the trip. I need something that can chew through dirt, branches, maybe even stone :] (I’m hesitant to make the leap from pocket knife to sheathed blade however… just looking for something powerful that satisfies its owners.)
Thanks again for all who took the time to read this long (probably dull and uninformed) message. And thanks to any who respond!

- soulmist

Try a Cold Steel Voyager 3-4 inch version.

 

[Bob W]

I was on a similar trip in college, a 21-day desert survival course. I carried a Bucklite that worked great! The guide had an Opinel. There was a wide variety of knives, and guess what, they all worked!

One preference I have, if you're going to clean game or use the knife for food preparation, a straight knife will be more hygenic. I can't stand to get 'gunk' in a folder...

Here are a few knives I'd recommend for lightweight backpacking and wilderness travel:
- AG Russell Hunter's Scalpel (my new wilderness carry), or the larger Bird and Trout
- Spyderco Endura/Delica
- AG Russell Featherlite
- Bucklite
- Benchmade Griptillian
- midsize Opinel

These are all great knives, and inexpensive. I don't recommend anything I haven't bought myself first!

Personally, I wouldn't carry a Swiss Army Knife backpacking (but I do think they're cool). The blades aren't that sturdy, most don't lock, the toys and gadgets attached are poor substitutes for the real things and add unnecessary bulk and weight.

Good Luck with your shopping choice, and have a fun trip!
-Bob