suggestions on a new "work folder"....

allyourblood

allyourblood

Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
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i've been using a CRKT M16-12Z for work, and i've really brutalized the thing. as a surveyor, i use it for lot of regular cutting tasks (cardboard, flagging, rope, etc.), as well as (and here's the important part) slicing/shaving wood. i use lath (those funny stakes you see all over construction sites), and i often need to nick or scrape off markings that have been written on them in marker.

i'm looking for something with QUICK blade-access (no autos though, they're illegal here :grumpy: ), so "flickers" are okay, but not mandatory - it just has to be one-hand opening (and EASY!). i'm hoping there's something heartier or tougher than the M16, as in the last 6 months, mine has really worn out quite a bit. also, i'd like to keep it under $75. any suggestions?

abe m.
 
I recommend the Benchmade 806 AFCK in D2 steel for your needs. It is a bit over 75 bucks but I am sure you would find it worth the money. Very ergonomic, the D-2 is a good edgeholder and this knife is a very very smooth one hand opener and closer. It has a 4 inch blade, which in your case would probably come in handy as it gives you more sharp edge to work with. It sounds like your needs are fairly demanding. I almost forgot to mention...this has the Axis lock. If you prefer a shorter blade take a look at the Benchmade 720 series or Griptilian for an economical version.
 
Spyderco Native Lightweight. Don't let the FRN fool ya, she's a stout work knife. Fits your cost requirements and then some. Make sure to get the S30V blade steel.
 
funny you should mention the Endura, joe. i've got one in the mail as we speak (hope it gets here on Monday!!!). being the dork i am, i will probably chicken out on using it as a work knife, 'specially since i chose the SS. this just seems a more... gentlemanly handle choice (??), and i don't want to ugly-it-up.

i will however, march down to my local "how-in-the-world-does-this-guy-sleep-at-night-charging-so-freaking-much" knife shop, and play with those mentioned. then i'll buy one online. ;)

thanks for all the replies, gang! any other suggestions?

abe m.
 
I would recommend the Spyderco Military. It's a little large with it's 4 inch blade but it's one hell of a utility knife. Very easy to open with one hand. I do it all the time with and without workgloves. Just make sure you get one in S30V steel.
 
Just jumping in here to mention that those lucky enough to have a well-stocked knife store nearby should support it once in a while. These are typically knife-loving mom and pop shops who, in order to have selection, don't buy tons of merchandise in any one knife style, so they don't get manufacturer discounts. And if you stood on the other side of the counter, you'd see salespersons getting paid salary to clean and replace in the case all the knives a customer is spending lots of time checking out, many of those knives inexpensive. I mean, you can spend an hour or two checking out knives and then buying a $25.00 knife. Store loses in that case, so give 'em some slack. Even worses to spend that two hours and then begrude the price and go elsewhere on the net. Yeah, it's nice to save money, but try and support your local knife store once in a while, otherwise they won't be there as merely a "try one on for size free showroom" anymore.

btw - I don't own a knife store.
 
If you need a knife for opening things at work, get a 35/65 Native. It has a touch of plain edge for fine work and it has lots of serrations for opening packages and cutting rope or boxes.
 
Check out a Spyderco of your liking with a Zytel handle. For a work knife I like the Cold Steel Voyager series with a tanto blade. They have a Zytel handle, with a lock back lock (which I prefer to a liner lock) and while I am no big fan of tanto blades, for work they are great since I other blade shapes the tip tends to break when doing some prying work. For the $$$ they are a pretty good knife, and it doesn't break the bank if you loose one.
 
Spyderco Delica and A.G. Russell K-93 One Hand Knife. I use the K-93 everyday at work for cutting cardboard and strapping. It's held up for several years now.

Paul
 
I put the spydie Native lightweight thru hell.
Here's the REVIEW
I recommend it for anyone who uses a cutter on a daily basis. AND wants it to last.
I see some in the Sale forum frequently. I think there's some there now.
Not by me :)
Tom
 
Originally posted by Boink
Just jumping in here to mention that those lucky enough to have a well-stocked knife store nearby should support it once in a while. Yeah, it's nice to save money, but try and support your local knife store once in a while, otherwise they won't be there as merely a "try one on for size free showroom" anymore.
Click to expand...

actually, i'm quite fond of the idea of a local knife store, and if we were referring to any other knife store than the one i'm headin' to, i'd agree. this particular establishment is run by some very bitter and uninformed individuals, who will make every effort to rob every last penny from your wallet. they will change prices on you midway thru their lofty and snobby ramblings. want a Chive? better get ready to spend $54.99. overhead can't be THAT bad.

i've even had a fellow show me an M16-12Z (the very same one i mentioned earlier in this thread) and proceed to tell me it had aluminum handles! in the same transaction, he pulled a "switcheroo" and placed a used M16 in the box, before sending me on my way. it wasn't until i was home that i noticed the swap, and called regarding an exchange. the clerk told me to come in the next day (a Sunday). i asked, "will you be open?", to which he said, "sure." upon arriving, at 11am the next day, i found they were closed (they are never open Sundays). my wife showed up on Monday (i had to work) to exchange the knife for me, and was met with raised eyebrows and heavy sighs. this was my first knife purchase, and it really soured my brick 'n mortar knife shop experience. what's more, this is the only dedicated knife store within reasonable driving distance from my home. it is because of all this, that i feel no remorse in "using" the store, testing their knives, wasting their time and walking out emptyhanded. it's my pleasure, you could say.

again, i'm not bashing knife stores, and those of you who live near good ones, run by kind and passionate individuals, should do everything to support them. i would.

abe m.
 
At the risk of getting flamed...I recommend the Super Knife

It's not very expensive at $25.00 (about), you don't have to worry about sharpening it as you can just replace the utility blade, and you won't have to worry about ruining it if you have to cut wire, you won't care about loaning it to someone and it's not so bad if you actually lose it for the money, it opens and closes one-handed too (liner lock).

It's deffinately not a glamorous knife but it suits most peoples more mundane cutting tasks.

Just my two cents, and my very humble opinion,
Mike
 
Mike,

I agree that the Superknife is great for the more mundane cutting tasks you find on a day-to-day basis. I do wonder how long they would last under constant use. I have one and it seems like it would loosen up pretty fast.

I would like to put this Stanley knife up for consideration. They call it the Sport Utility knife and it has a standard folding blade and a replacable utility blade I think for under $30 (I might be off on that price). If the size isn't to big for you, it might work out pretty well.

Rob
 
Dr. Nick,

I wholeheartedly agree with you on all counts. The Sport Utility Knife is a pretty decent suggestion too. The $30.00 is about right, but I have seen them a little lower making it an even better deal.

I guess my real point is this. Why spend a bunch of money on a knife (tool) that is going to be abused if you don't have to? I mean, most of us here do it because we are insane and in dire need of some kind of therapy for our obsessive/compulsive knife disorder. This forum is nothing more than a way for us to justify and continue to enable our "illness". We are hardly good examples to follow. ;)

In any case, sometimes I do think we pass by on some of the less glamorous cutting tools when they might be worthy of some consideration.

Now, I'm thinking of getting a Spyderco Military, then a Camillus Dominator, and then..........

Mike
 
I will recommend the Spyderco SS Native II.
All steel construction, AUS-10 blade-steel, and partially serrated.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
the Native (well, some version thereof). looks to fit just about all of my criteria, so long as i can open and close it smoothly. i appreciate the suggestions for those knives which inlcude a utility blade, but that won't satisfy my wood cutting needs. nonetheless, i'm now convinced i somehow need (read: want) a Superknife. this turned out just like i figured it would! :D

abe m.
 
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