Pocket Folder v Tactical Knife?

For me, I carry modern exclusively. My wife bought me a couple nice slipjoints in Europe with horn handles, and I just couldn't deal with them floating around in my pocket, front or back. I like knowing exactly where my knife is at all times, that it is tip up or tip down, and just being able to grab it. So while I admire the simple elegance and classic aesthetics of slipjoints, carrying wise, they are just not for me. You can also find plenty of modern folders that have no "tacticalness" and may suit your tastes better. There are lots of very plain/simple ones.
 
The mini grip is a great little knife and I'm sure you'd love it. If you're used to a stockman, maybe you can try a different style traditional. You can still get a GEC Churchill and they are fantastic....
 
OneSharpGuy said:
Newbie here - perhaps there is an ongoing thread about this . . .

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?

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

I solved the problem by carrying both a traditional in my right front pocket and the Ontario Rat 2 in a belt sheath..
What you'll loose is two blades.
What you'll gain is a nice knife.
You can always find an older or a new Buck 301 if if you want later.
You could also carry all three the Rambler, 301 and a Rat 2 or any combination of the three.

What you won't like is the mini grips blade profile, if you are used to the older 301's. That saber grind is not a good slicer compared to the 301's clip blade.

Maybe a better choice to try out is the Ontario Rat 2, it's the best bang for your buck out there. You would have a choice of AUS-8 or D2. You would feel at home sharpening wise with the AUS-8. It's better than Bucks 301 and still easy to sharpen. The D2 would be a harder to sharpen if you do not have diamonds.

It might be a good time to try a GEC Churchill, it's replaced my stockmans.
 
I grew up with "traditional " and that was OK because there was nothing better . Now we have much better folders available . More convenient to carry , open , use and close . Superior ergonomics (handling) , choices of steel and heat treatment for your particular needs , and a variety of blade shapes . " Tactical" is by now mostly just a marketing term .
 
I carry modern exclusively.
Mostly for the convenience of being clipped right where I want it and with my big mitts I also need a sizeable handle which most traditionals don't have, and if they are large enough it needs a clip.
I wanted to get back into traditionals though but a little time on the sub-forum here cured me of that desire in a hurry. :rolleyes:
 
I used to carry modern knives exclusively when I worked for a cable company and would at times need to open a knife while working in an odd position or up a ladder. The pocket clip also kept the knife securely in my pocket when crawling through attics or under houses.
Now that I'm out of that line of work I tend to carry traditionals a lot more often because they are more versatile and are less likely to cause problems out in public (although I have had someone call the cops on me when I was at the park whittling with a small schrade stockman :rolleyes:).

Once the weather warms back up and I'm forced to wear shorts my modern knives will start seeing the majority of the pocket time again because traditionals slip out of the shorts pockets too easily.

It really has nothing to do with being "tactical", modern and traditionals each have their strengths and weaknesses, sometimes convenience trumps versatility.
 
One advantage of a pocketknife like a Vic SAK is versatility; for example, if you need to turn a screw or open a can (that doesn't have a pull top), you can do both very safely and easily. I've seen YouTube vids where guys open cans with their Spyderco or other folder, to test in case "it's the only thing you have in an emergency situation." If you carry both a modern clip knife AND a $20 SAK, you can use the right tool for the job and save the knife blade for knife uses. If someone is worried they wouldn't have a SAK with them during a post-apocalyptic event, well, the chances are at least as great that you wouldn't have your modern folder on you, either.

Jim
 
Why not both? I always have a Victorinox Midnight Manager and a Spyderco Ladybug on my keys (I guess the Ladybug doesn't have many of the perks of a modern knife, just the one hand opening). I also almost always carry a modern, screw construction, clipped, one hand opening knife AND a traditional slipjoint. I think they both have their place.

I'd suggest getting to a good reputable brick and mortar dealer and seeing how you like the modern knives in hand first.
 
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