You can find the answers to almost this entire list by doing a search; however, just being a registered member won't let you do that. So, a couple of options: (1) I'd recommend joining with at least a GOLD membership; that way, you can support bladeforums and you can search here as well. The folks who run it do a great job, and they deserve the support.
(2) If you don't want to join the forums (or can't right now), you can go to GOOGLE, and search for the same kind of terms in your list. You'll find that bladeforums threads pop up quite often.
I don't think there is a "standard" for any category, as everyone here on the forums will have a different opinion. I have a little free time , so I'll give my opinion on the knives that would be on your list:
1. Military/tactical fixed blades (replicas or originals: KaBar; Randall; SOG bowie; Gerber Mk. II.)
2. Tactical folders (The list is endless; mine: Buck Mayo; Kershaw JYD; Browning Icestorm; Leatherman c301; various S&W imports that I can beat up & toss when they're too far gone to use any more. For an incredibly nice, but pricey one, get a Chris Reeve Sebenza.)
3. Scout knives (In my collection, I have at least five different models & designs marked "Official Scout Knife"; I assume you mean the typical four-blade type pocket knives that just about every mfr. has made. I have Camillus, Imperial, Case, and Schrade. You'll see these four-blade types are called camp knives as well.)
4. Every day carry (Everybody's different. You'll see "SAK" a lot on the forums. It means Swiss Army Knife. My EDC is a Huntsman, with a SAK Classic on my keychain. If I'm hiking/working, I have a Buck 110 as well.)
4a. (added by me) Traditional pocket knives (My other EDC, if not a SAK; my favorite is a Stockman pattern, next is a Trapper, with Stag or bone scales, carbon steel blades. Any quality mfr. Will do; I'm partial to Case & SchradeUSA.)
5. Hunting knives (Marbles Ideal; Buck 119 Special; SchradeUSA 171UH.)
5a. (added by me) Folding Hunting knives (Buck 110; SchradeUSA LB6 or LB7; Case folding Hunter)
6. Fishing knives (Mine: Imperial or Case two blade type; some interesting types are discussed here occasionally.)
7. Automatic knives ("Assisted Openers" as well. I don't really have a use for either, but I think they're all cool. Someone else would have to make recommendations on this one.)
8. (added by me) Survival knives (Mine: Becker BK7, made by Camillus; also, several Kukris made by Himilayan Imports. On the forums here are several manufacturer sub-forums, like Busse. Busse's are some of the best in the world.)
9. Multi-tools: If you can find an original Leatherman tool, get it. They're discontinued now. I have a bunch of old MT's, from Civil War Musket tools to the new Leatherman's & SAK tools.
There's my list for you; I'm sure others might chime in, or maybe not. There seems to be no end to the "What's the Best _____ ?" threads here. Don't be offended if no one else says anything.
thx - cpr
