Thoughts on a Folder for a "tin knife"?

J_Curd

J_Curd

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Jul 26, 2006
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I have recently seen some fixed blades on a couple of sites (this one included) that people are putting in survival tins. I have seen Hartsooks, custom knives, etc.

Why aren't people finding thin folders to use instead? Is there a reason to avoid them?

I was considering a thin lockback like the 2.5 or 3 inch A.G. Russel Titanium Lockback.

What do you think either way?
 
if you have the option, a fixed blade is going to be much better in a survival situation, because there is so much less a chance of a fixed blade failing.
 
J_Curd said:
I have recently seen some fixed blades on a couple of sites (this one included) that people are putting in survival tins. I have seen Hartsooks, custom knives, etc.

Why aren't people finding thin folders to use instead? Is there a reason to avoid them?

I was considering a thin lockback like the 2.5 or 3 inch A.G. Russel Titanium Lockback.

What do you think either way?
Click to expand...

Who said nobody has any folding tin knives? :) I have plenty. I think they are excellent for what they are. Buck, Gerber, Craftsman, Leatherman, Victorinox and others each have a few tiny folders that fit the category of tin knife. I put a Buck Prince in one of my Ritter PSK's, and I put two Buck Scholars in other RPSK's. I also like the Gerber LST (which I'm currently out of :mad: ), the Gerber APD (the folding box cutter), the LM Micra, LM 302 (not exactly a tin knife but quite compact and edgy), and the Vic Classic. They are out there, and they are pretty good for the most part. I even have a medium sized carbon steel trapper pattern by Schrade that would fit the bill pretty nicely, in terms of inches of edge per cubic inch of volume... I think it's just a personal choice whether you run with the FB or the folder crowd. Both have their good points. Just my $.02. :thumbup: Good thread.
 
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wellllll now. That's an interesting question. I'm not huge on the altoids size tin for trying to fit a knife, myself, but If I HAD to it would probably be one of the medium small 'gents' SAKs. Only knife I carry that could be made to fit in a tin would be the 2 finger necker style, which is pretty bitchin, but better as a necker :D


I think if you go up to 6 or 7 inches for your "tin", then a fixed blade is definitely the way to go. I could easily see a small kit built around a 6 inch puukko style fixed blade (or PSK knife) and a vic minichamp, classic, rambler, or swisslite.
 
I was thinking about the two finger CRKT "Ringers" but they are made of really soft steel. I'd like to find some "ringers" in A2 or D2. I'm a bonehead for not considering a SAK (been thinking about super small/thin).

*goes to cram a Vic Camper in a tin*
 
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Victorinox Executive, a great PSK knife
 
folders are fine for kits...kits imo are there for back up so a folder is great...I think we tend to get focused on the strength of a fixed blade, and while that is certainly important..what I find is most often handier than something I can baton with is something I can cut and carve with,
a good folder will do that...personally I think for an altoids size kit ou cant go wrong with a vic farmer..tougher than woodpecker lips nice flat grind great whittler kick ass saw..and it fits in the tin with room to spare..that's hard to beat..I always carry a folder...I've had the actions gum up on me but I''ve never, ever had one break. or seize up to the point where it could not work. That being said when out crafting or in the bush I use a heavy fixed blade knife for the rough stuff.
 
I agree, ideally a fixed blade would be the best choice. But if a "tin size" saw equiped Vic will fit, then that could remove the need for a "baton tough" fixed blade in a pinch.

Lots of good ideas guys...keep em coming.
 
I have an altiods tin kit. I used a small key ring SAK that has a blade, file, toothpick and tweezers. To compliment that I modified a stainles carbon steak knife to fit in my tin.
 
Sure a fixed blade is stronger, but I'd rather have a decent sized handle and blade...so I'd take a thin lock blade or a sak personally. A farmer or Hiker would be hard to bead IMO.
 
Victorinox Classics are good for small kits and I add single edge razor blades to all my kits. I tape two together with clear shipping tape to keep them from rusting-- and biting me. For slightly larger kits, the Victorinox Farmer is perfect. The small Spyderco's and Buck's and Gerber's will work too.

My favorite small/light/cheap knife is a Victorinox paring knife. They have a 3-1/4" blade, molded plastic handle, weigh 3/4oz and cost about $4. They are sharp and will clean small game and cut line. Commercial fishermen use them for cutting bait and repairing nets. Think of a baby mora. I look for good quality paring knives in thrift stores--- paying $0.69 for a Henkel is fun.

The Vic's come with a plastic slip cover that makes a good sheath for a kit knife. You can get hinged plastic covers for kitchen knives that work well, but add more bulk.

yhst-58549248037370_2033_10278437
 
I have a small SAK in my kit, and one of Scott Gossman's Strikers (fixed). It's a good combo.
 
I guess I may be thinking different than most. I don't see a SAK or multi-tool as a knife. I have them for the tools.
Yes they have a blade but not one that I want to rely on. My kits have a SAK or multi-tool and a strong knife.
 
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protourist- I hear you on that point, however I'm pretty sure we are talking about very small backup kits here
 
I have slipped a SAK secretary (no laughing, please) into a Ritter/Adventure Medical Pocket pocket survival pak. I figured it's so light and thin--and has two blades--it could come in handy as a back-up in a true survival scenario.
 
How about a Bark River PSK? It's very compact with a kydex sheath but a serious bit of kit for many tasks.
 
LittleHairyApe said:
I put a Buck Prince in one of my Ritter PSK's...
Click to expand...

I carried one all the time in survival kits in the 80s. I even managed to find it in my nephew Frankie's bedroom after he liberated it from me when I was living with my sister for a while in the 80s. I lost it some time after that and have been hankering for another one.

That Prince is about the best folding knife to put in a "tin."
 
If you're looking for a folder, check out a Buck 425. At the pivot pin (widest point) its 3/8". Length closed is 2.75" and the blade has 1.5" of cutting surface.
The spine can be cleaned up/squared off to make it a better striker. It locks, and its made in the US so there should be no question about heat treat (if that matters).
602-403-00.jpg


I have one but no pics and I just so happen to be out of Altoids tins too. :o They seen to wander off when I'm not lookin'.
 
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