The "most" knife (folder) you have needed in the past year?

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ShooterMcgavin

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Jan 20, 2008
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Lots of us, myself included, really appreciate tough and overbuilt folders. There comes a point when you shouldn't be using a knife for the task. When people look forward to owning an AD-10, or a Grayman, or an Adamas, have you ever needed that much strength in a folding knife, in the past year for example?

Considering blade length, blade thickness, steel toughness, and lock strength... What is the weakest knife that would have survived the toughest tasks you have asked of a folder in the last year? In other terms, what level of strength do you really need in a folder?

In the past year, I probably could have gotten by with a simply Rat-1, for the extra blade length (cutting apples)... even though I don't like liner locks.
In the past 2 years, I needed something with a slightly stronger lock/pivot, like the Griptilian.
 
In the past 10 years all I have really needed is a SAK to take care of the tasks I need a knife for, and the same holds true today. I carry a nice, walnut handled, Victorinox Fieldmaster that will handle everything I need a knife to do in my day to day activities. Even so, that does not stop me from carrying a big overbuilt folder in my right front pocket. Currently that is a ZT0600, ZT0801, or my raindrop damascus Lionsteel SR-1. Btw, I also carry a CS 6" TiLite in my fannypack for fun and some giggles!!

I just like carrying a piece you are rarely going to see, and something that is plain well built.:thumbup::)
 
I could have got away with a SAK or anything else. That doesn't mean that I am going to.
 
Other than "testing" for fun and to see what a folder could do,( hacking a 2X4 almost in half with a ZT0350) I have never needed anything more than a PM2 or a BM940. I do prefer knives with locks over a SAK or slipjoint, but it's just the cool factor toting something like a ZT or whatnot.
 
"Needed" folder, that would be a SAK - a Spartan in my case although I rotate a variety of right front pocket, pocket knives from Zt to Opinel.

Fixed blade - a different story.
 
In the last year I could have gotten by with an Endura 4 most likely, but I can be extremely hard on it to the point where I think to myself (do not break the knife) but the knife can handle more than I think it can. I just like having the sturdy feel of overbuilt folders which are my latest obsession.
 
other than hunting, the manbug on my keychain can realistically handle my edc needs... but it wouldn't be much fun if that's all I ever pulled out of my pocket, now would it?
 
My Kershaw Tremor would have served my needs over the last year. However, the size of my edc isn't going to keep me from using the proper tool for a given task.
 
Douk Douk, though I have used a fixed blade in the woods a good amount, so if you included that then something considerably bigger like a ZT0200/0560, Enlan EL01, or benchmade 710.
 
I didn't need "more" knife than is necessary to cut up cardboard boxes and nylon ties.
But I carry a high-quality knife which is capable of MUCH MORE than this.
Just like I drive a car that will go 120, but I seldom go over 80 mph.
The POTENTIAL of the knife is the more important feature for me. So I usually carry a CRK.
 
My Leatherman Squirt that I carry almost everday would probably have sufficed for most folder duties. Where's the fun in that though?
 
Before I got into knives a couple years ago I didn't need squat. But as the others have said....what is the fun in that. I enjoy collecting, lusting and getting things I enjoy. Craziness, addiction or whatever else you call it.
 
The most I have needed is a classic SAK. The least I can get by with is my SRM 763. I can't EDC anything smaller or go without one handed operation. Too convenient for me to live without
 
I could still be using my first knife which I got close to 20years ago a Vic Recruit with no problems on ever needing anything more sturdy. Though something like a Farmer would make it easier with the Alox scales. Those little SAK's take a beating and than will ask for seconds from my experience as long as you don't do something stupid like a destruction test for Youtube.
 
I like a folder that is as close to being a fixed blade as possible while still being easy to open and close. Yesterday I carried my Knives of Alaska Folding Hunter which is basically a liner lock sodbuster. I was testing exactly this topic. Do I need, for example, my Sebenza? I also carried a stouter fixed blade "just in case." When I sharpened my carpenter's pencil, for some reason, I went straight for the fixed blade on my hip. I then realized that I would likely not be using the KoA so I put it in the truck.

Well... that didn't work! I don't like carrying a bunch of stuff on my person so I don't like carrying more than one knife. I also don't really like carrying stuff in my pockets so that rules out folding knives without clips. I'd say the least knife, or blade/cutting instrument I'd be comfortable (but not really) carrying would be a multi tool such as a Victorinox Spirit or a Leatherman wave. The least knife I've "needed" would be a hatchet/hawk for splitting wood (getting to the dry inside) when everything else is wet. This can and has been done by me with a stout folder, so I typically carry an SnG or Lg Sebenza if I'm carrying only a folding knife.
 
when i was working outdoors on houses and other things, i got by easily with a retractable utility knife. honestly the "most" knife i have needed in the past year for edc would be a buck 303 or maybe a spyderco delica for a modern. nothing more.
 
I use a Benchmade or Spyderco auto for most things around the house and shop. I just like the fast one-handed opening. When traveling I carry an old Browning 3-blade stockman. It is a large enough knife but doesn't scare folks I let use it. My knives are primarily cutting tools. I have saws/chainsaws, axes, etc. for chopping up the big stuff and for dressing out a deer, etc. a small bone saw beats any knife for the task.
 
benchwarmer380 said:
My Leatherman Squirt that I carry almost everday would probably have sufficed for most folder duties. Where's the fun in that though?
Click to expand...

I totally agree. No argument here :)
I was just wondering if some of us here really put our blades through some tough use, or if you are like me and pretty much just want a super-solid, beefy knife to feel good about. Nothing wrong with that.

I have been carrying my Hogue EX-01 for a while, in combination with a Leatherman Sidekick. I switched over to a Caly 3 for a bit (now) and I must admit, I feel just a little underprepared.
 
Living in suburbia and working in a small office, my typical EDC needs are pretty light. However, I did spend ~3 weeks this year furnishing, stocking, and setting up a new house. There was a tremendous amount of unpackaging/breaking down (could've built a shantytown out of the cardboard alone) so I brought my mini Grip (EDC), Endura, Gayle Bradley and a couple more. Ended up using all 3, though probably could've survived with just the Endura.
...Also came to the depressing realization that the best knives for cutting up cardboard boxes are probably just box cutters.
 
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