Need help deciding on a new everyday knife..

Fatcat

Fatcat

Joined
Feb 3, 2001
Messages
3
A little background: I've been carrying the same knife, a Schrade LB7 (Buck 110 copy) since my Dad gave it to me when I turned 10. It ain't fancy or "tactical", but it works great. But, lately, I've been wanting to upgrade to something with a few more features. Mainly, a pocket clip and one handed opening.

My requirements:

- 4" blade or close to it.
- Stainless is a big plus, I live next to the ocean.
- Must be strong! I work on a farm, and I do everything from gutting deer to whittling wood with my pocket knife.
- Clip point with a belly, none of this tonto stuff.

I've looked at what's around. At first sight, I thought the large Sebenza was what I was looking for. But once I looked at the price, I decided I'd pass.. ;)

Right now I've got my eye on the Microtech SOCOM Elite. It looks to be exactly what I want. But, I've never dealt with anything other than a lockback, and I am curious as to how these liner locks hold up. The blade shape also has me a bit wary, it seems to be lacking in belly. I've never seen one in person though, so maybe that's just the bad pictures on the net.

I'll quit rambling now.. anyone wanna vouch for the SOCOM Elite? Or suggest a different knife?

Thanks.
 
If you like the looks of the Sebenza then the Spyderco Wegner might appeal to you, but it is also a liner lock.

I recently got to handle a Benchmade 551 and thought it would make a good work knife, good size, great lock and the 440C blade is one of the more rust resistant "stainless" steels. Benchmades quality control has been very good lately, all the recent models I have seen have been worth the asking price.
 
I think that you would definately get a lot of use out of either a Spyderco Wenger which is a liner lock. But what I think you really should look at is a Spyderco James A. Keating Chinook. It is a lockback like youre used to and it's built like a TANK. Guarentee that it will Perform any duty that you ask it to and since STRONG is something that you mentioned in your post I think you should definately look into it. You're gonna get a lot of suggestions for a lot of knives but i'd be surprised if I'm the only one that recommends this knife. Plus you'll never go wrong with a spyderco knife. they have top notch quality and excellent customer service. Do a search here, on the spyderco forum here and on the spyderco web page forum on the chinook and you should be able to get more information on this workhorse of a knife
 
I think a wegner would be good but for everything the fatcat has explained the Chinook would fit the bill.

he also might consider a fixed 4" since it is his daily tool. maybe a sealpup or a mini tsumani or emerson police utility.

but if its got to be a folder chinook has all it all.


good luck FATCAT
 
I will second the Wegner. Although it is a liner-lock, it is a very good example of one. The blade is perfect for the chores in which you speak. Blade is only about 3 1/2" though. If you want one of these you had better hurry. They are scheduled to be discontinued (a shame!).

Another alternative is a Benchmade 710. 3.9" of recurved blade (opt for the M2 steel version) and it features the Axis lock which is amazing both in what it does and doesn't do. Certainly one of the finest production folder on the planet.

The Sebenza is also top notch as it's price would lead one to believe. If currently out of your price range, don't fret. Buy one (or both!) of the others mentioned while contemplating and saving towards your Sebenza. If and when that day comes you will be very, very happy.
 
Fatcat, if you're looking for a strong clip point folder, what you seek is none other than the Spyderco Chinook.

63gp.jpg
 
I've never used one, but I'm told that the Outdoor Edge Magna is a good hard use knife. It has a 4" blade and it's available with aluminum scales.
 
get a chinook. the thing is BOMB-PROOF. and unlike any other folding knife i've ever carried, it really fills the hand. balance is superb, weight is substantial but not too heavy. lockup is airtight and the blade itself is a thing of beauty. you will not be disappointed.

let me put it this way. i've already got a chinook w/ combo edge w/ collector's number. i think i may pick up a second one in plain edge just to have it.
 
Welcome to the forums!

The Microtech SOCOM Elite-M model is a good choice!
Very good workmanship, ergonomic handle design, lightweight and a reliable lock.
The sturdy blade is equally right for hard and precise work.
The opening mechanism is soft as silk and not even the suggestion of blade play (someone have named this “fixed blade feeling”).
Furthermore a very well suitable self defense folder.
IMO one of the best all-around folders (production) currently available.
 
Fatcat,
Though I don't own a Chinook, I have spent the last couple of months researching Spyderco knives. The Chinook matches your wish list exactly. The name of the knife also fits good for someone that lives at the Oregon coast.
 
For the kind of things you will be doing, I too recommend the Spyderco Chinook. There have been some who wonder about using it as an every day carry knife, because it is relatively heavy. But I carried it around inside the waistband on a three day hike in warm weather recently clipped on to thin nylon shorts and no belt - and the weight was not a problem.

Like many, I just don't like liner locks for heavy duty work, and I don't like aluminum handles for outdoor work either. Also, if there is a weak point in the Microtech (and Masters of Defense) knives, I think that their clips are poorly designed. Both Spyderco and Benchmade seem to be way ahead in that category.

Final word from a Spyderco devotee, if I have a choice between a knife that opens with a thumb stud versus a knife with a hole, I will take the knife with the hole every time.
 
Get yourself a REKAT Carnivour. ATS-34 steel, just under a 4 inch blade, G-10 scales, dual stainless liners, and a strong "rolling-lock". What more could you want?.:).
 
Some overlooked suggestions:

SOG Auto-Clip
Cold Steel Clip Pt. Voyager
Spyderco Wayne Goddard
 
Hi Fatcat
you got a lot of very good answers and i would second
most of them, but i want to try another idea :
You carry a Buck-copy since you are 10!
Seems you like it! Why not try a very similar knife that fills your
newer wishes?
What i mean is a original Buck converted to one-hand Auto-opening.
(I hope this will be legal where you live, please check your law)
It will come without a clip but that would not be any problem to
a mechanic.
Just my idea :cool:
 
balisong=strongest folding knife locking mechanism

The bm43 has a 4.15" blade in 440C.
 
SOme liner locks are downright dangerous, other are very well made a realiable, Microtech and Benchmade Both have good examples of the proper execution of the linner lock. Liner locks have some advantages over "super Locks" they are simpler, easier to clean,in general cheaper, and i would guess that they would last longer (fewer moving parts). If i were you i would avoid the Soccom Elite, its a great knife, but it has Al Handles, so they get cold and stratched, plus the blade has a "tactical" leaning, so its kinda made for killing people, but it is still a good tool knife. I like all of the suggestions so far, i would just like the throw in the Benchmade 803, i have one, excellent lock up and it has a good price.

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?BM803P
 
Wow what a Brute...holds a nice edge and is one very strong knife!! If you use it for everything.., it's a nice choice. Just don't drop it on your foot.., and get one of Gary Graley's gorgeous sheaths for it. It's a little bit bulky for pocket carry unless you are the size of Paul Bunyon!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Yeah, the chinook is pretty much indestructable.
I think you should get an emerson commander though:) take a look at them.
 
hey Pete I was just coming back to this thread to suggest getting a Gary Graley sheath but ya beat me to it. oh well i was the first to recommend the Chinook;)
 
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