Suggestions for a quality, utility, non-locking knife?

Midget

Midget

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Joined
Jun 1, 2002
Messages
2,806
Hey All, long time BF'er, but new to this forum specifically.

I'm moving to Germany for work. Looking for options on a carry knife that complies with their laws.

While i'm not a traditional knife user or collector, i figured this forum is a great place to start given the nature of traditionals.


I'm looking for a lightweight utility knife, my desires are:
- lightweight handle, preferably a g10 grip or grippy FRN
- non-locking
- slipjoint would be great if it had a VERY strong mechanism


I currently carry a Spyderco Endura but for years have carried a Strider SNG as well. I'm kind of looking for as close to a non-locking version of either of those knives as possible.


The Spyderco Pingo fits the bill but I wanted your collective input as well.

I'm also kind of leaning towards this Andre De Villiers as I like the blade shape and the description of the stout slipjoint mechanism. The handle seems heavy, however, and i'm not a fan of wood scales.



Any suggestions?
 
How about a Case 3137CV (in picture) or SS Junior Sodbuster in either carbon or stainless steels? There is also the bigger Sodbuster. I think it meets your requirements. OH

Case_3137_CV_-_2011_-_NY_Apples_-_PA_Knife.JPG
 
I don't know whether it meets the German law requirements or your handle preferences, but the A. Wright Lambsfoot knives are hardworking knives with a versatile blade shape and a stout, reassuring pull.

Here is my buffalo horn one, which I carry frequently:

0b58312abb59b2675391c70dfdf0e1e2.jpg
 
Queen Cutlery did a Sodbuster in Green Micarta and D2 a few years ago, this will be light and you might find one out there on the net.

Are you sure locking knives are outlawed? It may be a size thing. Moki's Small Fishowl in G-10 is astounding in its build quality and lightness, locks though.
 
Knife laws are not rigidly enforced I've carried auto's here for years and not had an issue even going through various DUI check points and such. You're American they know that so they tend not to worry much about it. Just bring your Endura and don't be an a$$ and you'll be fine.
 
Midget said:
...
I'm moving to Germany for work. Looking for options on a carry knife that complies with their laws.
...
Any suggestions?
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Midget, would you consider waiting to get something "local" once you arrive? Buying a German knife in Germany should facilitate legal compliance, and it would be a great souvenir of your move. From what I've seen here in the traditional subforum, there are some very desirable folders coming out of Solingen.

- GT
 
I've read members from Germany mentioning the Spyderco slippies for carry, as well as many thereseem to carry a Victorinox of some type. A 93mm alox model is a tough folder and legal there. Pioneer or Electrician. With a textured surface.
 
5k Q's got it right, get one there. Barring that the good ole TL-29 has a strong mechanism (nail breaker has been mentioned). It's a little tough to say until you get a chance to suss around where you'll be a little.
Thanks, Neal
 
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Jack Black said:
PM sent :thumbup:
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Thanks for the PM!

GermanyChris said:
Knife laws are not rigidly enforced I've carried auto's here for years and not had an issue even going through various DUI check points and such. You're American they know that so they tend not to worry much about it. Just bring your Endura and don't be an a$$ and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...

Thank you for that real-world experience. I will take your advice and still bring my Endura. I promise to not be an ass.

I see there's a 4" limit on fixed blades as well, so I might just bring one of my modest fixed blades and keep it under wraps.

My work will involve a significant level of travel to other EU countries, so i'll still look for something that is compliant in different locations.




Everyone, thank you for the feedback!
 
Midget said:
Thanks for the PM!



Thank you for that real-world experience. I will take your advice and still bring my Endura. I promise to not be an ass.

I see there's a 4" limit on fixed blades as well, so I might just bring one of my modest fixed blades and keep it under wraps.

My work will involve a significant level of travel to other EU countries, so i'll still look for something that is compliant in different locations.




Everyone, thank you for the feedback!
Click to expand...

From what I understand Italy is quite a bit more stringent than Germany. I have a ProTech Sprint that I take with me there I figure with a less than two inch blade I can probably talk myself out of issues or at worst just lose the knife. The English don't seem to like them much either I took my Buck 845 there last time I went but when I go again in the fall I'll just take my GEC.

Honestly I'd just pick something up here while knife stores are not common there's enough around for you to find something. I'm headed to one after work today today to pick something up have something to return a favor If I think about it I'll take some pictures.
 
Midget said:
I'm looking for a lightweight utility knife, my desires are:
- lightweight handle, preferably a g10 grip or grippy FRN
- non-locking
- slipjoint would be great if it had a VERY strong mechanism
Click to expand...

The Boker Plus Tech-Tool City 1 fits your stated attributes. I hesitate mentioning it here in the trad subforum because it has a pocket clip but, I have one and love it.
 
It sounds like the requirements transcend what passes for a "traditional" knife around here. There are a good selection of knives these days that will not fall within this forum's parameters, but will fall into yours.

I'm rather fond of some of Sanrenmu offerings in the non-lock blade category. Some would pass easily here as "traditional", some not. They are well made, come in a variety of variations and sizes, and are pretty inexpensive.

The very simple choice for a US based person would be a Case. They offer many models in sythetic handles, typically Delrin, sometimes G10 or carbon fiber. The Sodbuster is a popular go-to choice. I'm a bit partial to the Slimline Trapper. There are a few single blade Mini Trappers that are very nice.
 
The Manly is pretty cool, and they make a nice fixed in a D2 equivalent. Gary Graley did a good review of them. My one common sense caveat, and you probably know this already, is just make sure you don't take something you aren't prepared to lose. Or, in other words cause I just confused myself, whatever you bring don't be sentimentally attached to it in case it gets confiscated.
Thanks, Neal
 
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