Probably the most overasked question

Joined
Oct 13, 2000
Messages
549
This is probably the most overaked question on this forum, but here goes anyway

I'm buy a "New" (used) pickup, and like all my cars, I'm going to be keeping a "kit" in it - first aid, basic tools, etc

The question is, what knife? In my current car, I have an old Schrade LB7. I'd like to put a reasonably priced, heavy duty folder in the kit. It should be LOW maintenance.

Remember, I will be the person driving it most of the time, and I will have my EDC with my (Usually a DC Munroe "Chimera")
 
I'll go out on a limb here, and say that if you only want something to keep in the vehicle or first-aid kit, go with a multi-tool. A Leatherman Wave is a good choice.

You already SHOULD have a knife on your person at all times for any other reason that you truly need one.
 
A dedicated "kit" that stays in your vehicle is a GOOD idea. You may not have your normal evryday loadout of knives on you when a crisis hits. Since this kit is going in a pickup, and size and weight isn't too big an issue, I would strongly suggest a fixed blade instead of a folder. Couple a 5-7" FB and a multi-tool together and you can handle about anything. It doesn't have to be expensive...since you won't used it that much. But, when the price goes down, that is when the "sturdiness" of a cheap FB usually really pulls ahead of a cheap folder.

Remember, a folding knife is just a pre-broken fixed blade:rolleyes:

In the price range it seems that you are after, it would seem that you could pick up a MK2 Marine Fighting/Utility, and be much better served. I'm sure there are many more good examples....good luck, and I hope you never "have " to use it.
 
Originally posted by Will Fennell
A dedicated "kit" that stays in your vehicle is a GOOD idea....snip...

I would strongly suggest a fixed blade instead of a folder. Couple a 5-7" FB ...snip...

The Multitool was "assumed" (as is an e-tool) - like I said, I've got a kit in my current car - I even carry a set of binoculars! Besides the multitool, I have a small toolbox with REAL tools <g> - and that's in my Saturn

I live in NYC, so I really DON'T want to carry a fixed blade (Too much hassles if I do get stopped) - In fact, I want to keep the folder under 3.5"
 
What knife should I buy is the most asked question, but I wouldn't call it overasked -- we all love it when people ask us that. :)

The original milspec USMC fighting/utility knife is a good knife to keep in the car. The new Becker would be even better but it's a little more expensive. If you really want cheap get a Bushman. I bet more of us keep a Bushman in the car than any other knife. If you ever walk around naked then put an Opinel or something in the trunk too, but most of us are never without a pocketknife so that's a little redundant. Redundancy in vital gear can be a good thing, though....
 
Those last posts crossed.... I believe it's legal to keep an enormous fixed blade locked up in the trunk of your car anywhere in the US, even in NYC. Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, just a dork with a modem, and this is not professional legal advice.
 
Well first of all i'd check the law if you're the type who worries if you get pulled over and the cop sees it.
I'd get a fixed blade (even though I actually like folders better) because they're more durable.
I'd get a knife that has a good tip because I can think of some uses where you might need it in first aid.
As to which knife you should choose, I'd leave it to the more experienced.
 
I keep a small toolkit with "real" tools in my truck, along with a Leatherman Wave and a Spyderco Rescue.
 
Maybe mine's a case of overkill but here goes....

In my pocket....a Benchmade 850 "gents folder"....collaboration between Mel Pardue and Benchmade....

In the zippered leather case where my Glock 30 resides, a Benchmade 886 Bluestar...

In the dash, a Leatherman Micra...love those super-sharp scissors

In the trunk, a large Gerber coffin-handled bowie for big jobs and then a very sharp hatchet for...well...whatever....

Think Big! Don't limit yourself....:D :)
 
My personal choice is a Spy Endura,
but that is strictly personal (and fully legal here).

Just a tip: Dont forget a spade, just because of.......




.....




...


my son (6) loves to dig with it

:D ;)







:rolleyes:
 
Charles,
You might want to consider one of the Frosts Mora clippers - a very cheap fixed blade (choice of stainless or carbon steels), rubber handle and sheath. Blade length is listed as 100 mm, which should put it just under the under 4 in. NYC legal limit.
If you are set on a folder, a Buck 110 would be nice, but personaly, I have an assortment of folding knives that see little use, and I would probably use one of those.
 
Originally posted by Charles Gallo


The Multitool was "assumed" (as is an e-tool) - like I said, I've got a kit in my current car - I even carry a set of binoculars! Besides the multitool, I have a small toolbox with REAL tools <g> - and that's in my Saturn

I live in NYC, so I really DON'T want to carry a fixed blade (Too much hassles if I do get stopped) - In fact, I want to keep the folder under 3.5"

If you have the above items PLUS your daily carry, I would say a knife is not needed. If you really want a knife it should be a fixed balde for ease of care and sturdiness. BUT if you want something sharp; go with the Opinel, a SAK, or scissors. If I was you (and I am not, I don't spend money on redundancy like that unless going cross-country, but if I was you...) I would go cheap and include razor blades in a small box, five for a dollar or such, carpenter's knife, snap-off hobby knife, or (big $) an X-acto knife. Or course, any of the above can be the infamous "box cutters" but that is a different topic. My thinking here is KISS, keep it simple silly! (I don't call fellow knife nuts stupid)
 
Originally posted by Clint Simpson


If you have the above items PLUS your daily carry, I would say a knife is not needed. If you really want a knife it should be a fixed balde for ease of care and sturdiness. BUT if you want something sharp; go with the Opinel, a SAK, or scissors. If I was you (and I am not, I don't spend money on redundancy like that unless going cross-country, but if I was you...) ...snip

I tend to be a bit redundant in my carry (Heck, want to see ehat I wal around with every day
My Go Bag

The Car has a very redundant set, just in case I don't have my pack with me - everything from a first aid kit to food, water, another knife, fiskars shears, a lot more 550 cord, another flashlight etc. I want to setup another set for the truck, and I just can't decide on which knife to add. I've never had to use the knife in the car, but I figure it's there just in case, plus if I'm with some of my friends who DON'T carry:rolleyes: , I can hand it to them if needed:cool:

I keep all of the smaller stuff in a 30 Cal Ammo can, so I can "Grab and Go"
 
Back
Top