Pocket Folder v Tactical Knife?

O

OneSharpGuy

Joined
Feb 25, 2018
Messages
6
Newbie here - perhaps there is an ongoing thread about this . . . Did a search and could not find it. Point me in the right direction, and I will move along.

I lost my 40+ year EDC Buck 301!! I need a new knife. I can buy another 301, but it ain't gonna be the same as my 1972 model. So, maybe the knife gods were telling me something.

I have been eyeballing Benchmade Grip for a while, and recently handled the Bugout. Seems too light and cheapish to me - even though most people seem to be gaga about the Bugout.

My question: Why would an old dog like me want to carry a single blade tactical knife rather that a pocket folder like Buck 301 or a SAK. I do always carry a Rambler in addition to my 301. I seem to always have a use for at least two of the 301 blades in addition to the small blade, magnetic phillips screwdriver and other tools on the Rambler. Did I mention the toothpick?? What would I gain - and lose - carrying a Grip or other tactical knife?

BTW, where I live I am not carrying a knife to protect myself in a knife fight. It seems from my reading and You Tube viewing the neither are most people who review tactical knives. They talk about how well it cuts an apple, as if that is what is important in a tactical blade. So, why are tactical knives so popular?.

And if you want a chuckle, check out this BladeHQ video by two youngsters, talking about why anybody would want to carry a pocket knife. Funny without intending to be!! Not picking on BladeHQ - I enjoy the site and information and those guys do a great videos.

Thanks!!
 
OneSharpGuy said:
Newbie here - perhaps there is an ongoing thread about this . . . Did a search and could not find it. Point me in the right direction, and I will move along.

I lost my 40+ year EDC Buck 301!! I need a new knife. I can buy another 301, but it ain't gonna be the same as my 1972 model. So, maybe the knife gods were telling me something.

I have been eyeballing Benchmade Grip for a while, and recently handled the Bugout. Seems too light and cheapish to me - even though most people seem to be gaga about the Bugout.

My question: Why would an old dog like me want to carry a single blade tactical knife rather that a pocket folder like Buck 301 or a SAK. I do always carry a Rambler in addition to my 301. I seem to always have a use for at least two of the 301 blades in addition to the small blade, magnetic phillips screwdriver and other tools on the Rambler. Did I mention the toothpick?? What would I gain - and lose - carrying a Grip or other tactical knife?

BTW, where I live I am not carrying a knife to protect myself in a knife fight. It seems from my reading and You Tube viewing the neither are most people who review tactical knives. They talk about how well it cuts an apple, as if that is what is important in a tactical blade. So, why are tactical knives so popular?.

And if you want a chuckle, check out this BladeHQ video by two youngsters, talking about why anybody would want to carry a pocket knife. Funny without intending to be!! Not picking on BladeHQ - I enjoy the site and information and those guys do a great videos.

Thanks!!
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Probably not, having multiple blades is a great thing.

You might gain a knife that's fast to deploy and has a clip, but I personally don't think you would really gain much as you don't seem to have had any problems before.

I don't think a modern folder would really be a game changer for you after all this time but you may just have to try a modern one handed folder and find out.
Personally I would try something much less expensive to start with in case you don't like it though.

Btw bladehq recognized that they did a poor job and took suggestions made here seriously to make a new better video with a few people who carry traditional knives.
 
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Pocket clip, one handed opening, potential for a huge upgrade in terms of steel, screw construction is stronger and allows for adjustment.

For me, what you gain is convenience. I don't want to dig in my pocket, I don't want to have to use two hands to open my knife, I don't want it to slip out of my pocket when I lie down on the couch.

What you lose is, typically, some degree of cutting geometry (some modern folders are pretty good, but slipjoints are usually better) versatility in terms of tool selection and the general reassurance that no one will be particularly bothered by the knife you're carrying.

For me, the convenience of a modern folder wins every time, but it's all about what works for you.
 
Hey, if you don't see a reason to carry one, then, you're not obligated to even bother considering it past that. Maybe check them out at a store if you want, perhaps as a slightly more sizeable and locking backup to your 301 that you should obviously just get another of.

To answer why people would carry a tactical knife if they aren't going to be fending off ninja attacks on a regular basis, well... It's because they like the look of them and/or the idea of carrying them. It's the same reason you see people in sports cars when the closest they get to racing is when they see a NASCAR bumper sticker. It's a luxury item, to a degree. They aren't as purpose-made or utilitarian as a multi-bladed pocket knife, but, they are definitely cooler and more fun to play with. Also, they still cut things, so there's at least some justification for carrying them.

I say all of this, of course, with an automatic out-the-front knife in my pocket as I type this.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Pocket clip, one handed opening, potential for a huge upgrade in terms of steel, screw construction is stronger and allows for adjustment.

For me, what you gain is convenience. I don't want to dig in my pocket, I don't want to have to use two hands to open my knife, I don't want it to slip out of my pocket when I lie down on the couch.
(edited)
For me, the convenience of a modern folder wins every time, but it's all about what works for you.
Click to expand...

I do frequently forget the perks of modern knives, like pocket clips, ease of maintenance, better materials, ease of opening, and ready access. Solid points in favor of them.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Pocket clip, one handed opening, potential for a huge upgrade in terms of steel, screw construction is stronger and allows for adjustment.

For me, what you gain is convenience. I don't want to dig in my pocket, I don't want to have to use two hands to open my knife, I don't want it to slip out of my pocket when I lie down on the couch.

What you lose is, typically, some degree of cutting geometry (some modern folders are pretty good, but slipjoints are usually better) versatility in terms of tool selection and the general reassurance that no one will be particularly bothered by the knife you're carrying.

For me, the convenience of a modern folder wins every time, but it's all about what works for you.
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They definitely are extra convenient, and the pocket clip is great sometimes.
I don't often carry a modern folder, but when I do the added convenience is a nice change of pace.
It doesn't hurt that a few pairs of my pants have tight pockets that I don't feel like trying to get into sometimes.

Im not wasteful and these pants are perfectly good otherwise so I deal with them .
 
I've carried a one hand opener, pocket clipped knife since they became readily available (locally ) in the late 80's.

For me it was ease of use ,not knife fighting. I'm a blue collar guy , always made a living with my hands. Still do and I can get my Military out of my pocket, open it, use it, close it, and pocket it with my work gloves on.

A "tactical" might not fit your needs and that's just fine.
 
I find use in both tactical/modern and traditional.

I think the simple Swiss Army Knife may be the most useful tool in the world, pound for pound. I gravitate toward a multitool over the humble SAK mostly due to the fact that as a contractor pliers are super convenient.

I still keep a Beer Scout in my pocket. Simple single blade with a bottle opener/flat head screw driver. However, clipped next to it is generally a Zero Tolerance of some flavor.

I like options. It's why I'll drop $300 on a carbon fiber stabbed titanium frame lock with a super steel blade to open my mail but feel more at home going out into parts unknown sporting a larger chopping blade hammered out of a truck leaf spring on an anvil on a dirt floor in Nepal.
 
I like using a one hand opener and having a pocket clip so the knife isn't lost and I don't need to wear a belt pouch.

I like posting on websites like this with a laptop that's under 5 years old. I can't imagine what it's like trying to write a post on here with an 1972 operating system.
 
Danke42 said:
I like using a one hand opener and having a pocket clip so the knife isn't lost and I don't need to wear a belt pouch.

I like posting on websites like this with a laptop that's under 5 years old. I can't imagine what it's like trying to write a post on here with an 1972 operating system.
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Thanks for all the responses - this last one is the best!!

I am impressed by the one hand open/close on tactical knives and may look at something less expensive than the Grip - a Kershaw is always highly recommended. And, I am going to get myself another 301 - just miss that knife too much! I am sure nobody here will object to a guy with three EDC knives in his pockets.
 
Short answer because they are cool. I think I have the perfect medium for you!!! Ironically enough I just got done suggesting this knife in another thread. The Benchmade Crooked River!!!!! It is like a fast deploying ("tactical") buck 110 with a very strong, easy to operate modern lock. You will not be disappointed. I cannot express to you how much I love mine. Give it a shot!
 
OneSharpGuy said:
Newbie here - perhaps there is an ongoing thread about this . . . Did a search and could not find it. Point me in the right direction, and I will move along.

I lost my 40+ year EDC Buck 301!! I need a new knife. I can buy another 301, but it ain't gonna be the same as my 1972 model. So, maybe the knife gods were telling me something.

I have been eyeballing Benchmade Grip for a while, and recently handled the Bugout. Seems too light and cheapish to me - even though most people seem to be gaga about the Bugout.

My question: Why would an old dog like me want to carry a single blade tactical knife rather that a pocket folder like Buck 301 or a SAK. I do always carry a Rambler in addition to my 301. I seem to always have a use for at least two of the 301 blades in addition to the small blade, magnetic phillips screwdriver and other tools on the Rambler. Did I mention the toothpick?? What would I gain - and lose - carrying a Grip or other tactical knife?

BTW, where I live I am not carrying a knife to protect myself in a knife fight. It seems from my reading and You Tube viewing the neither are most people who review tactical knives. They talk about how well it cuts an apple, as if that is what is important in a tactical blade. So, why are tactical knives so popular?.

And if you want a chuckle, check out this BladeHQ video by two youngsters, talking about why anybody would want to carry a pocket knife. Funny without intending to be!! Not picking on BladeHQ - I enjoy the site and information and those guys do a great videos.

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

You cans still buy a 70's 301
go talk to these folks
https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/buck-knives.701/
or these folks
https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/traditional-folders-and-fixed-blades.773/
 
OneSharpGuy said:
Thanks for all the responses - this last one is the best!!

I am impressed by the one hand open/close on tactical knives and may look at something less expensive than the Grip - a Kershaw is always highly recommended. And, I am going to get myself another 301 - just miss that knife too much! I am sure nobody here will object to a guy with three EDC knives in his pockets.
Click to expand...
I was actually going to suggest you try out a Kershaw Injection or Byrd Cara Cara 2. Those will give you a good feel for the advantages of a modern folder and both are inexpensive enough that you're not out much if they aren't to your liking.
 
Well,
I’m a retired Army Veteran so my career was nothing but Emerson, Spyderco, Benchmade, Gerber (hey don’t laugh...the 06 auto I carried in Afghanistan is TOUGH), and other tactical style knives.

When I retired, someone gave me a very nice Case trapper. It’s an absolutely outstanding knife, but It feels dinky so I don’t carry it. Lol.

Honestly though.
Every single person on this forum has a different reason and/or need. What is right for me might be less than ideal for you.
Some are collecting...Others are users. Some are nostalgic...some want the newest.
That’s what makes this forum so great.

If you look around you can find an old 70s 301.
If you want to try a more tactical style for awhile I’d suggest buying an el cheapo and see if that suits your fancy before you drop big bucks on something.

Best of luck to you
 
OneSharpGuy said:
Newbie here - perhaps there is an ongoing thread about this . . . Did a search and could not find it. Point me in the right direction, and I will move along.

I lost my 40+ year EDC Buck 301!! I need a new knife. I can buy another 301, but it ain't gonna be the same as my 1972 model. So, maybe the knife gods were telling me something.

I have been eyeballing Benchmade Grip for a while, and recently handled the Bugout. Seems too light and cheapish to me - even though most people seem to be gaga about the Bugout.

My question: Why would an old dog like me want to carry a single blade tactical knife rather that a pocket folder like Buck 301 or a SAK. I do always carry a Rambler in addition to my 301. I seem to always have a use for at least two of the 301 blades in addition to the small blade, magnetic phillips screwdriver and other tools on the Rambler. Did I mention the toothpick?? What would I gain - and lose - carrying a Grip or other tactical knife?

BTW, where I live I am not carrying a knife to protect myself in a knife fight. It seems from my reading and You Tube viewing the neither are most people who review tactical knives. They talk about how well it cuts an apple, as if that is what is important in a tactical blade. So, why are tactical knives so popular?.

And if you want a chuckle, check out this BladeHQ video by two youngsters, talking about why anybody would want to carry a pocket knife. Funny without intending to be!! Not picking on BladeHQ - I enjoy the site and information and those guys do a great videos.

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

I would suggest that you don't get too caught up in the word "tactical"; it's too ambiguous and overused. Unless your local laws forbid you from carrying such a knife, I'd recommend that you try one out.
 
OneSharpGuy said:
Thanks for all the responses - this last one is the best!!

I am impressed by the one hand open/close on tactical knives and may look at something less expensive than the Grip - a Kershaw is always highly recommended. And, I am going to get myself another 301 - just miss that knife too much! I am sure nobody here will object to a guy with three EDC knives in his pockets.
Click to expand...

I carry a modern folder, a Northwoods Presidential(a traditional folder), a GEC Coyote(traditional), a GEC Stallion(traditional), and a Rough Rider Barlow(traditional). The barlow is sentimental as is the Presidential. The Coyote is perfect for small tasks and I can carry it at the office. The Stallion just looks awesome and I have a pocket sheath from Hitch and Timber that fits both my Stallion and a Surefire Titan Plus. We are all knife guys; I don't think anyone here will fault you for carrying 20 knives.
 
Blues Bender said:
I would suggest that you don't get too caught up in the word "tactical"; it's too ambiguous and overused. Unless your local laws forbid you from carrying such a knife, I'd recommend that you try one out.
Click to expand...

I think Blues Bender took the words out of my mouth. I think it would make much more sense to you if you thought of modern folders as modern folders and not as tactical knives. They are folding knives that do what you’ve always done with your knife but offer modern features and modern high performance steels. For instance, the fast action one hand opening is a modern convenience not to be mistaken as something for ninja combat. The only real difference is that on average, they will be much larger than your Buck 301 and they are locking blades. Give one a try. You may enjoy it
 
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OP:

There doesn't have to be an either/or. You can get another 301 and/or a modern one-hander. BTW, modern clip folders are still 'pocketknives' (IMO). I always carry the same 2 different SAKs, and I always carry a modern folder as well, which isn't unusual. Many people EDC more knives than that.

A Delica 4 FFG is not big; it cuts very well, is easy to maintain, and isn't a cheapie gas-station special; yet it won't break the bank, either.

As for 'tactical', IMO, neither the Griptilian or the Bugout you mentioned are particularly tactical or combat-oriented, anymore than any other utilitarian pocket folder. One-handed opening is about convenience, and not necessarily about knife fighting. There are times when I'm up on a ladder and gripping something, and the pocket clip and one-handed operation of a modern folder is FAR more convenient, and safer, than having to fish around in my pocket and two-hand open my knife. Especially with gloves on. Admittedly, for myself that's not an everyday occurrence, but for others it can be.

If you hang around these forums long enough, you will more than likely end up buying more of both types anyway, even if you end up leaning more towards one or the other.

Jim
 
And... why don't get the best of both worls (almost) and get a one hand opening SAK? If you want a pocket clip, unless you want to have it fitted aftermarket, you will need to stick to the the Victorinox Sentinel OHT (as far as I know, there is no other Victorinox SAK with a pocket clip).

If you don't care that much about the pocket clip, you could buy a Vic Soldier, Trekker, Trailmaster... There are several models out there that combine the multitool capability of a SAK with a pocket clip + One hand opening feature.

Wenger SAK's are also handy and well built, but bulkier and heavier than the Victorinox. They also have the option of one hand opening, but they don't come with toothpick or tweezers. I have one, but I wouldn't buy another.

I hope this helps!
 
Welcome to the forum OneSharpGuy:thumbsup: Sorry for your loss.Carrying the same knife for 40 years it almost becomes a part of you and the smooth fit and finish of a good slip joint sometimes doubles as a worry stone to where the knife almost has a soul.If that's the case, I can't think of a modern knife that can replace it. Good luck my friend.
 
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