Please recommend a sheeple friendly folder....

D

doggyknife

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
259
Normally I don't give a flying @#$% about what 'sheeple' think about the knives I carry/use, but in this case, I'm going to be in a situation (outdoor recreation) where I'll have to make an effort to "please" business prospects.

From my experience 3 knife characteristics seem to set off 'sheeple' alarms. First, black colored blade, black colored handle, black colored anything in even the smallest knife makes it a killing weapon. Second, serrations = extra deadly blade. Third, wide blades are bad for some reason as well (though this seems less scary than black or serrations).

So what I need now is recommendations for a 'sheeple' friendly one-handed opening folder for backpacking/camping/hiking (some food prep, whittling, general utility, etc...). I'm already taking along a SAK, but I just like having a one-handed folder on me at all times.


Qualifications include:
-- One-handed opening
-- plain edge
-- between 5.5 to 7 inches total
-- any bright coloring (red/blue/yellow/orange/green/etc.) is a plus
-- AUS-6/440A/420HC steel or better
-- less than $40 (cheaper the better without compromising too much quality) - on a tight budget so nothing more than $40, period.

I've already got a Camillus EDC in 154CM, but it's on loan and it will be a while before I get it back so it's out of the picture. I wouldn't want to get 2 of the same knife anyways.

The colored Kershaw Chive is also off my list mainly because it's a bit smaller than what I'm looking for and I know folks who gotten a lot of flak from law enforcement (including park rangers) about the speed-safe being an automatic :mad: .

Any recommedations that fit my qualifications would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Eek.. you got some really bad restrictions....
I'd recommend some off the Spyderco line but guess it's going to be too expensive.
Spyderco Pride (if you don't mind that it's actually slipjoint) may fit the bill. New Graham sells for $32USD. Salsa is brightly colored and <6" OAL and runs around $56 there... so your strict 40USD limit wouldn't go through.

CRKT contrail looks good, but it's probably too small and I don't really know the price in USD online. Perhaps the CRKT Lightfoot Urban Shark? Gray handle, 3" blade so it should total about 7 and a bit OAL.
Benchmades are out too because of the price.

For fixed blades, CRKT Stiff Kiss would land you a dirt cheap blade (the MSRP is actually under 40) It doens't have a black blade but it has black sheath. That's almost unavoidable.

Gah... you're limiting a lot of choices with the price ceiling... that's probably the best I can come up with.
 
My suggestion would be a Spyderco Delica with blue FRN handle. It's not an intimidating knife.
 
Wow! Those limits really narrow it down. Ruling out Cracker Jack knock-offs, I would focus on high volume manufacturers like Gerber and CRKT.

How about the Gerber LTR? It meets every one of your requirements (though I can't find a material listing) in a light business friendly package. Choose from red or blue handles for $35 or so. 2.5" blade (5.85" overall) is at the bottom of your size range.

If you need a little more knife, at the top end of your length range, consider the Gerber AR 3.00 in regular edge and champagne colored handle. There's enough blade there for more tasks than the LTR and the blade is AUS-8A (don't know what the "A" means). The hollow handle fills the hand nicely and has nice grippy rubber inserts. On the downside, it feels somewhat light and insubstantial.

IMO those are 2 good choices. A blue LTR would be welcome almost anywhere, even in federal facilities. The AR 3.00 is a bit more risky, though it also meets all your criteria. FWIW, when in the most sensitive situations I often carry an Opinel 8cm Slimline w/ Bubinga handle. There's nothing like wood to make a knife look friendly. You won't find a less threatening looking 3"+ blade. Mine was only $17 from Cove Cutlery. It isn't a 1 handed knife though, and I wouldn't use it for whittling. Food, letters, and packages only.

Best of Luck,

Dave
 
It's not within your restrictions but I would suggest trying out a Spyderco Navigator... Probably smaller than what you are looking for and more expensive but I don't think you'll find a more sheeple friendly knife. It has a shorter blade but plenty of belly for cutting and performs like a champ. The size is very small but that is part of the appeal... It is 'very' difficult to be intimidated by this knife!

I'd advise picking something like the Navigator up and just living with it around other folks then make sure to have a few 'toys' around to carry when you are going solo or just having fun and won't have to worry so much.
 
Mate, you're in luck. While you mentioned that you were carrying
an SAK the good news is that SAK has a new model that just came out.

Its' the "one handed" Trailmaster. Yep, that's right ONE HANDED:D

I just got both my Tac Knives mag and a new SMKW catalog with a story
and a place to buy this knife. :) This knife will meet all the criteria you can set
for politically correct crowd. :rolleyes: If you want one it's item (V54874) @ $23.99
plus shipping. a heck of a kife for most anything. :D :D

I've not met anyone who minded an SAK so you should be safe.
(toll free number 1-800-251-9306)
 
how bout a leatherman wave? that has a handed opening blade, also for your price range im pretty sure you can find some kinda crkt that will fit your bill, hell your best bet would be to get something like a buck 110 and put a one armed bandit thumbstud on it, heck NO ONE thinks those buck 110 style knives are scary, heck it's SO american. as american as a smith and wesson revolver... wait S&W is owned by a foreign company now....
 
Tightwad said exactly what I was going to say. Also the Leatherman wave is excellent if you don't have a multitool, you should.
 
I find people are more scared with one-handed knives than traditional two-handed lockbacks. Someone mentioned a Buck, that's a good choice.
 
I don't know what blade shapes you like and dislike. If you are willing to get a sheepsfoot, try the plain edge Spyderco Rescue. Several online knife stores have them on sale for about $34. The blunt tip will be less threatening to people. Just tell them it's your new folding bread knife...;)

On the other hand, you get a lightweight one-hander with an ATS55 blade. You can use your SAK spearpoint for jobs that require a tip.
 
Buck is coming out with a few knives that fit your really tight criteria.
I would also suggest you check out some of Spyderco's FRN handled folders. While I was at Ruff's the other day, I noticed Spyderco is really coloring up those FRN clipit handles. The Salsa also comes to mind, however IIRC they have Aluminium handles, and your gonna have to spend about $10-$15 more than your set price point.

All the best,
Mike U.
 
Gerber Harsley Air Ranger: Bright aluminum handles, about 4 in. closed

Buck 112 Ranger: A smaller size of the 110, really fits the hand well. About 4 in. closed. Very non-threatning.

Good luck with the sheeple:)
 
I know the Benchmade mini-griptilians come with bright green or purple handles. 3" blade, sturdy small knife. Absolutely sheeple-friendly. I dunno if you can find one for $40 tho'.
 
>"Buck is coming out with a few knives that fit your really tight criteria."

==============================

They are? Like what? Can you post a link?
Enquiring minds want to know! :)
 
One buck knife that is already out with those specs is the Buck Lightning. It comes in two sizes, so you can choose which one. Lots of different colored handles.
 
mnblade,
Here ya go:

http://buckknives.com/

Check out the outdoor and everyday sections of the site in particular. You can also order custom versions of many of their knives too at a very reasonable price point IIRC.
 
opinels are good, one handed opening is possible, with a little practice it can practically be flicked open. they have wooden handles which give an 'old fashioned' look, and the blade is slim. it can be locked both open and closed, so safe and you can get them for under $20 Canadian, which would put them around $10 -$15 US. I have a friend who's had one for a couple years and he really likes it.
 
wait S&W is owned by a foreign company now....
Click to expand...
S&W is owned by Saf-T-Lok. Not a very pro-gun company, but American non-the-less.
The Gerber LTR is listed as $39.95 at knifeoutlet.com. Red or blue handles are available. I don't know the blade material though.
 
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