So you're outfitting the hands on a ranch ...

[mnblade]

Something that woodsroamer wrote in this thread gave me an idea for what I think might be an interesting discussion.

Here's the premise: You've just taken over a Texas ranch and are tasked with outfitting a crew of ranch hands. As far as knives, you know they need something tough that's up to the tasks faced daily on a ranch, but you also know you're on a budget. Times are lean, and the boss is watching every penny you spend. So, what knife do you buy for these guys?

Me, I'm thinking seriously about the Buck 371 stockman, or a Case sodbuster Jr., or maybe even a Victorinox Electrician - perhaps not the most traditional choice, but it's an affordable, damn tough pocketknife and sort of a modern version of a cattleman's knife, IMO.

How 'bout you, Slim?

 

[Will Power]

Does it have to be pocket knife, or can a sheath knife get a look in

If so, a Mora serves that purpose. Cheap, tough,easy to sharpen.

Opinel should not be overlooked either.

If cost (money) really is the main issue then Rough Rider cannot be ignored. Might cause a furore mind....

An obvious choice is the CASE Large Stockman in cv Amber Bone/Yellow delrin. Big, tough,durable, 3 fine blades and a wonderful looking knife. 45 USD is not a lot for a lot of knife,and a bulk purchase would get that sum lower:thumbup:

 

[Ken44]

The Stockman.

 

[Bastid]

If I could talk the boss into the extra bucks () the stockman. Otherwise the sodbuster.

 

[Knife Crazied]

Tight budget would be a rough rider or case soddie IMO. Great topic I also believe.

 

[dalee100]

Hi,

Any cowboy that wanted to work for me should already have three things before I'd hire him. Boots, saddle, and a knife.

I've got a Buck 371. A tank of a stockman. It would handle most any chore with ease. But I think I would prefer the Case Jr. Soddie in CV. Buck does a nice job with 420HC, (even the Chinese stuff), but I think Case CV is a bit better.

I might be tempted to issue a carbon steel Mora. They're cheap and rugged. I know my S1 is a real workhorse that can be relied upon under the worst conditions.

A SAK would also be a great issue knife. Though they are starting to get pretty spendy. You could argue for the value of the versatility of them. If I had known about the Vic Soldier, I might have never owned a stockman as a youngster. A Wenger SI or Vic Farmer coupled with a slip-joint pliers would be a great "in a pinch" tool set when you're far from the shop. (I'd never issue a multi-tool. They aren't much good for fence work. The pliers are too flimsy for the twisting of fence wire).

As much as I like my German Boker Barlow, it's getting a bit expensive. Though Boker's Magnum line might well be worth a look.

I think there is a lot of good choices that could be made. Decent, inexpensive working knives, slippies and fixed are still easy to find.

dalee

 

[mnblade]

Any cowboy that wanted to work for me should already have three things before I'd hire him. Boots, saddle, and a knife.

Very true .... but that'd make for a pretty short thread.

A SAK would also be a great issue knife. Though they are starting to get pretty spendy.

You can get the Alox models like the Soldier and Electrician for around $25. That, btw, was sort of the top end of the budget that I had in mind when I started this thread, but to each his own.

Also, if you root around on a popular online auction site, you can find barely used Swiss Army Knives for a song.

A Wenger SI or Vic Farmer coupled with a slip-joint pliers would be a great "in a pinch" tool set when you're far from the shop.

I totally agree! :thumbup: I've long called a good SAK and a pair of pliers a "poor man's Leatherman." Not much you can't get out of with those tools.

I think there is a lot of good choices that could be made. Decent, inexpensive working knives, slippies and fixed are still easy to find.

Yep. Don't tell the Sebenzanistas, but there are a lot of damn fine working knives for less than $30.

 

[Modoc ED]

Large Stockman -- Case, Buck, Boker; brand doesn't really matter.

A good Barlow would be a good choice too.

 

[Absintheur]

There are so many things a cowboy can use a set of pliers on...I would have to vote base model Leathermans and add a Soddie if possible.

 

[JTR357]

Another vote for one of these....

At around $20(give or take a few dollars).They can't be beat for the value.If well maintained,they will last a lifetime.

My second choice,especially if the employer insists on buying "American Made", would be a Case or Queen Sodbuster.

(knarfeng's photo)

 

[338375]

A good boss knows that quality tools are money well spent, and would not quibble about a few extra bucks.

For workin on the ranch I would have to go with a stockman. I would also sit down with each hand, and make sure they know how to put an edge on it when it gets dull

 

[Itch Blade]

I'm just a yuppie and student 80% of the time, but up here in Tahoe there is some "ranch work" to be done, so I'm not completely clueless.

If'n I had to outfit some boys with tools, they'd definitely all get a Mora #1 and an Opinel No. 12 Saw. I'd also instruct them the Opisaw is a PULLING saw only!

If they don't already own a good MT while looking for ranch work, the only job I think they are cut out for involves a shovel!

While I think it's cool to stick with all these traditional Stockmans and such, the fact of the matter is newer designs are just inherently more robust, and better for the purposes of ranch work.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Those 371's are cheap, well made, and easy to put an edge on. Plus, it kinda goes with the job .

 

[338375]

I'm just a yuppie and student 80% of the time.

While I think it's cool to stick with all these traditional Stockmans and such, the fact of the matter is newer designs are just inherently more robust, and better for the purposes of ranch work.

Thems fightin words around these parts.... JK
I grew up working on a small ranch and farm. I didn't use a multi tool, but then again, they didn't have them back then.

I'm sure they would be handy, but I prefer to carry a job specific tool, instead of one that is suppose to do everything. YMMV

 

[comoha]

If I'm branding calves on Ted Turner's ranch, I'm asking for a Randall Cattleman fixed blade. He can afford it.

 

[navihawk]

a 6347HP or a Buck110

 

[Itch Blade]

Thems fightin words around these parts.... JK

Note to self: Current EDC is inappropriate for spouting fighting words.

I found much of my time working on ranches involved repairing fences, the MT came in handy there. It would be nice to make a rancher's MT with pliers, some knives, files, a nail puller, and a branding iron!

 

[mendezj]

Not exactly a "cowboy" but I've been around a farm and horses a great deal; cows too. I'd take the Victorinox hands down. There is a model ($27) a bit larger than the one in your picture and very sturdy which I would prefer because of the size. You need something easy to grasp when on the field.

 

[texasflyfisher]

Had this been asked 20 years ago, I would have said the 1095 steel Schrade 8OT stockman but since those aren't made like they used to, I guess I'll go with the Buck 371.

 

[DennisStrickland]

taken from ed fowler a working hand does better in less time with a small straight knife. on horseback if in trouble he would never be able to get to a folder. mora hands down.