Picking the Perfect Pocket Knife

Jim, its a single spring.

Josh, great write up :thumbup:

I own a presidential and love the wharnie. I feel they are paired just right. A coping/sheepsfoot with strong tip compliments the point clip main nicely. The stout spear on the presidential is complimented by the little wharnie very well. I prefer the former but its all personal preference.
 
Sodbuster in 01 is a top contender for me, as well as the Schrade Walden 881 (not the 881y) from pre 1973.
The 01 on the sodbuster is thinly ground so it slices well, holds a Great edge, isn't Too large but can handle just about anything reasonable thrown at it and it is a very sturdy design, there is a reason the design has been around for 200+/- years iirc. If you want one a bit larger, look for the. Bull Buster which is also available in 1095 and lock back form called the MudBug.

Regarding the Schrade, the steel takes a Keen edge, will hold it for a respectable amount of fine and it has plenty of blade shape options containing a clip, sheepsfoot and a spey.the knife fills my hand (L/XL gloves) and the curves shape it nicely while using it but aren't too intrusive to be noticed while in pocket.
 
I don't believe the perfect pocket knife exists. If I did I certainly wouldn't be hanging around these parts.

No single knife does everything. The knife I carry during the work week is different from the knife I want to carry on the weekends, which is different from my Sunday go-to-meetin' knife, not to mention the knife I have in my pocket when camping.
 
A good congress pattern with four different blade types, aka the Boker Congress Carver. It was love at first site.
 
I gotta agree with kamagong. Not sure it exists for me either but one does come close. Paul is right too, it is a very elusive thing. I have carried my BF stag Jack more often than any other knife in the past several months. Probably because of the perfection of it but also because of the user aspect. I find the single spring and single blades, for what I need anyway, to be much more my ticket. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be here if all pocket knives didn't thrill me in one way or another. The perfection of the TC line is a whole other kettle of fish! They are about as close to perfection as I've ever seen in production SFOs. And I've seen a few over the years. Course Charlie and company also had a major role in the BF knife too.
Perry
 
I think the perfect pocket knife changes with the job at hand. I am pretty sure a single knife that is perfect for every task has yet to be devised. A sheepsfoot, for instance is not an ideal bird and trout knife blade. Thankfully, the only limits on the number of knives one can own is only by space and budgetary concerns.
 
Dr-Mabuse said:
That custom is very nice indeed. The spring configuration wouldn't be a split back would it?
Click to expand...

No sir. It's just a standard, two spring, everyday Camillus 72 Carpenter's and Whittlers knife with a cap lifter/screwdriver blade substituted for the small clip.
 
For me it would be my North Woods Fremont jack! I received it in September and it hasn't left my pocket since. I am a sprinkler fitter(pipe fitter), I install fire protection, so lots of rough work! At first I didn't think I would use it because it is an amazing piece of art. I have one with the most beautiful yellow camel bone scales. I know I am not much of a collector so into my pocket and off to work she goes. It has been my constant companion ever since, and has tackled anything I throw at it. And now it gives me a smile every time I slip it out of my front pocket! I do have a couple new ones like my Eureka jack and my #15 boys knife but they haven't stopped me for reaching for my North Woods
 
I just keep hoping that the perfect knife doesn't come out. Otherwise, I will have a lot of substandard inventory. :)
 
It varies, so I guess there is no "perfect pocket knife" for me, at least not yet. But long-term favorites are a Vic Classic and a camper/camper+ of some make or other. Camper = Vic Pioneer, Wenger Standard Issue, or any other 4-blade job with the usual set of blades. Camper+ means a Vic Tinker, Wenger Highlander, or the like (but no corkscrew models).

Currently on board: hunter green Classic and this Wenger Highlander with swapped Evo 18 scales:

tumblr_nhbbzobrQk1r4zf5xo1_500.jpg


As others have mentioned, the big/little combo of Camper + Classic is very useful.
 
there is no such thing as the perfect EDC knife. For those who love knives, it is like running around in circles. You all will NEVER find the perfect knife.
 
I haven't found the perfect one yet, but a Stockman has come pretty close for me for years. It seems I've always got one close at hand.
 
It seems like forever since I have posted on this site!! Lol. Well, I just picked up a knife today that very well might be my absolute perfect knife. The Case Medium Jack.

Case_22087_SS_serpentine_jack_2010.jpg


I always wanted this knife, but for one reason or another just never picked one up. Well, on a whim, I did today, and man am I thrilled!! I was always a big fan of the length of the Buck 303. A good compromise in size between a Case medium Stockman, and a Peanut (which I absolutely love, but find just a tad bit short on occasion). Well, this guy is the same size as the 303, but with the same 2 blade design of the Peanut. It is simple, humble, and rugged, with great walk and talk. Exactly what I am looking for in a working knife. So, while I may be jumping the gun a little, I think I have found MY perfect knife!!
 
This one is pretty high on my list right now, enough so it's kicked a long standing knife off my belt;

IMG_5017.jpg~original


Seahorse_3.jpg~original


G2
 
There are some sweet knives on this thread! Thank you for sharing.

I do not think that there is a perfect knife and, if there is one for you, you may change your mind over time due to arthritis or any other old injury. (I can relate to what the one man said about that issue here in this thread. Thank you!) You may change your mind due to the brand or style of knife too.

I prefer traditional folding knives with a single blade. I am leaning more and more into smaller fixed blade knives too!

My late husband and my MT husband prefer some of the folding knives that some of you have posted pictures of here on this thread and elsewhere.

I LOVE the classic looks of some of the smaller traditional folding knives but I prefer one blade and it must be easy for me to open.

My husband prefers and carries an older stockman style knife.

He likes traditional Swiss Army knives and multi tool sets too.

Take care!

Cate
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top