THE knife, often sought, never found...

I may one day get closer to the one or even a few to serve me and not feel the need for others ... after all I have recently convinced myself to thin out my knives (I don't like to use the word collection as I buy all in hopes of using) ...

but am as I like to think simplifing my knives and guns to what I use regularly ... it's a small step maybe towards "the one" ...
 
Gary W. Graley said:
Hehe, there's always a few in the bag, fixed blades/SAK's and such but THE one is clipped to the front right pocket that one will rule the day for the most part.
G2
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My go to for the last year or so has been the Benchmade Bugout. It handles most of my normal tasks quite well. If I need something more heavy duty when I'm at work, I have an old Sheffield Will Rogers "I cut my way" knife at the ready in my toolbox. I'll post up a pic tomorrow.
 
The Bugout was a contender for sure, had a couple of them but found them overall too slim, but that's just me, some folks do want a slimmer knife, it's blade shape is pretty great.
G2
 
I got into the hobby specifically trying to find 'the one'. The pocket knife that get carried for decades. Years later and after much purchasing and searching, I made it for myself by modding a SAK. Not perfect and 'take 2' (If I ever get round to bothering) will be a more polished rendition of the same concept but I'm finally happy that I have what I want. I've got other knives in bags, multitools actually but aside from a couple of suit knives and some desk knives, I've got the one. My EDC as in 'every day carry'.
 
Well I've been eye balling the pratic especially with the new price tag. Something about it Im not sure what It really appeals to me in looks and steel. Looks like I'm gonna have to pull the trigger. Luckily I'm not trying to find the one but more a core group of maybe 5 that will be my weekly rotation. Now I can say I think the pratic is gonna make.that list
 
The Perfect Knife, the ONE.. is an illusory dream at best. That's my opinion anyway, after some 60 years of wanting, owning and collecting. A reason for this is of course no one knife is appropriate for every task, but the one you have with you will get you to the one you need!
My own EDCs are a SAK and a kobun tanto (CS) tho I might have an assisted opener clipped to my right pocket, even if Im in my PJ's.. From there we're into belt knives, which might range from a kabar USMC to a bowie of various sizes, or a kukri in a range of styles and types. "There can be only one" sure wasnt said about knife blades or their owners!
 
I am after "The Many". This will probably be a long ride.
I do so many different things where a knife is useful. One knife may be suitable for one or two of those things and not another. So I accept that I will never find a single knife that fits all tasks. I am grateful for that small truth. The more I do, the more I can justify owning.
 
This is my go to knife at work for anything my regular EDC can't handle. I really only seem to need it a half dozen times a year.
Ujqyi5G.jpg
 
A Spyderco collaboration with Brian Tighe, preferably a Tighe Rod would be the only thing I'd put on the list.

My WE Deacon has stopped the search. It does everything well. I've reached the point where I have a knife for every cutting need.

My requirements/preferences nowadays:

Slim
Lightweight
Good steel
Drop point or wharncliffe/sheepsfoot/insingo
Deep carry clip preferred
Dislike G-10 and plain Ti/Al
Flipper or Spydie hole
Tip up clip a must

I still like my larger knives, but carry them less and less. Now that the weather is warming up, a lightweight folder is important to me.

So, for the past several months, my most carried are the Deacon and Gent select. They tick nearly all the boxes. That's not to say I don't still shop, and am intrigued by front flippers, but have no plans to buy.
 
I've been in the hobby 30+ years and I don't think the "one knife" exists.

I've been able to successfully consolidate my collection to about a dozen knives.

If I'm honest with myself I can spend my days happily with 3 knives:

Fixed blade : Brend Model 2
Tactical: RJ Martin Devastator
EDC: Gene Shadley multiblade

Good to "see" you Gary. I remember you from the "old days" my friend.
 
I have a hard time choosing "The One" and that's how I've ended up with a whole bunch that I like. However, the FF Gent from Massdrop/WE works really well for me. I'd have a hard time getting rid of some of my favorites but I could be very happy with only the Gent.
 
I am a simple neanderthal. The knife I carry every day is a Milwaukee Fastback. I am a service plumber and use it for opening boxes, slicing plastic sheeting, embiggening holes in plywood and sheetrock, and occasionally reaming a copper pipe if I forgot my tool.
It gets sharp, and I don't mind resharpening it weekly. Or more often if needed. It's main points are A) it's red, so I spot it easily if I lay it down, B) it cost $18 so I'm not going to cry too hard if I lose it, and C) the pocket clip doesn't tear up my pants pocket! That's the big one. Every folding knife maker in the world should copy this pocket clip.
OK, back to hearing about all the cool knives the rest of you have.
 
Gary,
That looks nice. It kind of reminds me of the Cut Jack. We all know full well that there can’t just be one knife, that there is no one and only. There’s hollow grind, flat grind, folders, fixed and of course size and style. There also is construction to consider. I recently took apart a knife for service, and I am less enamored with it now. However, before I took it apart I thought it was a favorite knife.
 
Ron Sabbagh said:
Good to "see" you Gary. I remember you from the "old days" my friend.
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Boy howdy it's been a while sir! good to 'see' you as well ! and nice grouping there too.

Well folks, you know the saying, 'best laid plans of mice and men...' I was really happy with that Practic, really I was...honest! and then, @Blues Bender up and sold his Spyderco PPT with the carbon fiber scales and S90v blade to me, arrived today, packed secure and really nice folder. Now I've owned a PPT before but not this rendition and it seems the blade is ground a little thinner than I recall, but it told the Practic to scoot over and take a rest day today ;) I'll have to see how this all plays out as both knives are very nice!

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Not sure why, but this folder just made me feel like a pirate, so when I made the bobtail fob I chose is a miniature skull ring which reminds me of the old movie "The Phantom" ;)
G2
 
My work EDC. Carried an Endura for 6 years without complaint but then moved on to flippers for easier deployment
when my other hand is occupied - as its often the case. Still looking for the perfect combo of good flipping action,
easily maintained blade, durable scales, all with a 3-1/2" +/- 1/8" cutting edge and a tip up right side carry clip - with good ergos for daily & hard use. Surprisingly elusive... :( Though it has been a fun (if not a financially sound) quest. :)

Ray
 
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One thing I did to this 'new' one was to round off that clip's tip, not sure what they were thinking making a pointy clip, but now it feels a little better in hand

Original tip of the clip;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

After some rework;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

and Ray, right there with you sir, I'm looking at retirement next Jan which isn't that far away so that will be interesting!
G2
 
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