Pick one knife, based solely on functionality

I am only going to speak of folding knives that I have owned and used and out of those I would have to say that the one with the most utility that I have used or have funtionality would be my SAK Trekker the only reason I chose this over my soldier model is because of the locking blade.
 
Spyderco Endura 4 Wave: No matter how hard I try, I just can't imagine a situation where any more of a knife would be needed. It's about as basic, 'nuts & bolts' functional as you can get in a knife that opens faster than any auto and it can be had for under $75! It truly is, in my eyes at least, the perfect EDC folder for utility and SD (should the need ever arise)!

Regards,
3G
 
In case of a single bladed knife I would choose my EKA Swede 60. It has a nice sharp blade, is easy to sharpen and the blade is quite thick, about 4 mm on the top. For me it has a nice grip, I can use it for longer periods. It has a back lock mechanism and it can easily be opened, if your hands are dry you can open it even one handed. An other advantage of this knife that it is easy to clean.

EkaSwede60_1.jpg


For a multi bladed knife I would choose a SAK.
 
We have very restrictive carry laws so can't have anything that would alarm the sheeple. For functionality - a LM Wave. Otherwise it would be one of my Sebbies because they're solid, reliable performers that aren't flashy or intimidating.
 
The Strider SnG, precisely because of all around functionality. It's a flatground droppoint, which epitomizes utility and versatility. The framelock won't malfunction like many liner locks. It's big enough to do big jobs, and small enough, too, with a choil to allow choking up on the grip. It works YEAR ROUND, with enough grip to hang on barehanded or with gloves, especially helpful in winter when there is no other choice. You can open, use, and close the folder then, too, something a nailnicker would require two bare hands for.

The S30V blade won't go dull in an afternoon, and the Ti and G10 grip won't splinter or go all wobbly if some serious survival woodcraft was in order. For long term near maintenance free use, it fits the bill.

Second runner up would be a Benchmade Vex.
 
I choose a SAK for 80% of my cutting chores. I can open a bottle of beer with it at the end of the day too.
 
Slidetechnik said:
If you could pick one folding knife, regardless of price, based on ALL AROUND FUNCTIONALITY ALONE in every situation, Bump to the topu choose?

To be clear, things like nice inlay, figured wood handles, etc are probably given very little weight when making this choice.

Please discuss.
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I would choose Caly3 (and if price doesn't matter, I would custom add wood or bone handles)
 
Slidetechnik said:
If you could pick one folding knife, regardless of price, based on ALL AROUND FUNCTIONALITY ALONE in every situation, which would you choose?

Please discuss.
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The most basic knife will be the most functional. Same way the most basic screwdriver (flat) will be most functional compared to all other screwdrivers. There are lots of basic knives or basic screwdrivers. Just pick a cheap one with a good reputation and move on.

I'm guessing you want to find the single best knife for yourself but cant figure out what you need. If I am right, consider this: no one will figure it out for you. Just looking at this thread should be proof enough.

These threads always go the same way. I dont know why people keep making them.
 
Just a basic Buck 110. There is a reason why they have been selling millions for 40+ years....
 
Chocula said:
I'm guessing you want to find the single best knife for yourself but cant figure out what you need. If I am right, consider this: no one will figure it out for you. Just looking at this thread should be proof enough.
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Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to find myself a knife or find one specific answer. I just wanted to generate some interesting discussion.

For instance, some might consider the emerson wave pure function, some might consider it an unnecessary nice to have. You get the idea...
 
NDJeep said:
From what I've seen...

Hinderer XM-18
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From a "purely functional" point of view, that knife isn't very functional. Can't slice well, can't pierce well, very thick blade.

My vote goes for Spyderco Military. :thumbup:
 
bh49 said:
I would choose Caly3 (and if price doesn't matter, I would custom add wood or bone handles)
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Love the Caly3, but how would wood or bone be better than G10 in a functional sense? I don't know anything about their strength, wear resistence and durability, but I'm pretty sure you'd get less traction with natural materials.
 
Assuming only a single edge...

My usual answer would have been a Buck 110 - hopefully, in an upgrade steel, like BG-42, CPM154, or S30V. Great cutting device - as universal as can be - whether bushcrafting, preparing a meal, or opening the mail.

Now, Thursday was my birthday... and I have a new Benchmade 710 in D2 in my pocket. Truthfully, a new contender! A serious pocket knife - very well made.

Stainz
 
Josh K said:
From a "purely functional" point of view, that knife isn't very functional. Can't slice well, can't pierce well, very thick blade
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Right, but you can throw it at the side of a tree all day long, lol.

If I made a list of tasks I was actually likely to perform with a folder, the XM-18 would probably have capability more or less in reverse order of the list. I guess that's not necessarily true of everyone, though. I've always thought of the primary practicality of the XM/Strider/0300 sort of stuff as being for people who really want to carry fixed blades but can't - like fire fighters... which Rick happens to be.

Contrast this with the epic tragedy of Mr. Noss, who had the audacity to suggest it might be handy to beat a 1/4" thick piece of steel trough wood without breaking it. In rush the critics to point out that knives are for cutting, not beating with hammers. As though all the other knives that held up just fine when beaten in the same way were somehow less worthy because they lacked the frailty of the non-beaters.

I guess one man's practicality is another man's folly.

Kinda seems to me like a folder should be able to cut, and a thick, obtuse fixed blade should be able to take a good licking.
 
Put me down for the buck 110. i have had one for 35 years and it has been real functional. never failed me once.
 
tsiloics said:
Right, but you can throw it at the side of a tree all day long, lol.

If I made a list of tasks I was actually likely to perform with a folder, the XM-18 would probably have capability more or less in reverse order of the list. I guess that's not necessarily true of everyone, though. I've always thought of the primary practicality of the XM/Strider/0300 sort of stuff as being for people who really want to carry fixed blades but can't - like fire fighters... which Rick happens to be.

Contrast this with the epic tragedy of Mr. Noss, who had the audacity to suggest it might be handy to beat a 1/4" thick piece of steel trough wood without breaking it. In rush the critics to point out that knives are for cutting, not beating with hammers. As though all the other knives that held up just fine when beaten in the same way were somehow less worthy because they lacked the frailty of the non-beaters.

I guess one man's practicality is another man's folly.

Kinda seems to me like a folder should be able to cut, and a thick, obtuse fixed blade should be able to take a good licking.
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But the point is if you want to carry a fixed blade, carry a fixed blade. I understand his goal with the XM-18, but I think it's a very complicated folder when contrasted to the SMF. One (SMF) idolizes strength through simplicity, the other chooses to sacrifice the simplicity for a more complicated design, which should be just as strong. The SMF also cuts (and pierces) much better then the XM-18.
 
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