Two Tradional Knives - Two Types - Two Blades

[redsparrow]

I was all set to post, "If I can only select a single blade folder and a fixed blade then I really only need one knife for my day-to-day cutting tasks. Either of these two would do..."

...then I read John's post above and had to rethink my choice.
If the two knives must cover all duties including kitchen duty, then one of the two would have to be useful in the kitchen. Especially in ways the pocket knife would come up short and one that I don't mind getting messy. For the folder I still chose the Tidioute 73L. It's the best option I have in a single blade folder for all round use. Then for my fixed blade a 10" butcher might be a logical choice, selected to handle task that are beyond the pocket knife's capabilities and easy to clean.

 

[JohnDF]

I'm out!
I decided I'd need three knives minimum.
A small pocket knife for EDC, a medium locked blade for outdoors, and a large fixed blade for kitchen duty.

 

[redsparrow]

I'm out!
I decided I'd need three knives minimum.
A small pocket knife for EDC, a medium locked blade for outdoors, and a large fixed blade for kitchen duty.

John, it seems we're having similar ideas today as we work through this "thought experiment". I'm not going to drop out but... I carry two pocket knives daily and of course I need kitchen knives. I'd like to keep the traditional knife and the SAK I am accustomed to having with me as well as the necessary kitchen knives. I'll just keep the SAK on the down low till the next "thought experiment". Hopefully that one allows us to keep at least three.

 

[WhittlinAway]

I know when I've been beat. You can keep your kitchen knives. But, they can only be used in the kitchen. The knives in this thought experiment have to cover everything else.

Hickory n steel interesting in giving it another go? JohnDF does that reinstate your first response as your choices?

 

[JohnDF]

JohnDF does that reinstate your first response as your choices?

Yes, my first response of the Lambsfoot and Woodswalker would suit my needs perfectly.

 

[Prester John]

As long as I can keep my chef's knife, I guess I could go with these:

Buck 119. I bought it for my wife, but I am welcome to use it whenever.

And:

Le Thiers. My Laguiole or Opinel or Langres would work as well, but this knife is perfect for the pocket.

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

Gene Shadley small drop point (3” blade)
View attachment 1350974


Tony Bose single blade trapper with modified clip point (not mine - yet!!)

View attachment 1350969

I can accomplish 90+% of my needs and honestly satisfy 90+% of my knife lust with these 2 knives

 

[Hickory n steel]

I know when I've been beat. You can keep your kitchen knives. But, they can only be used in the kitchen. The knives in this thought experiment have to cover everything else.


Hickory n steel interesting in giving it another go? JohnDF does that reinstate your first response as your choices?

Schrade 12OT pal and a GEC H20.

The 12OT has a thin sharp blade of that just right size, carrys well, and will handle almost all of my knife needs outside the kitchen.

The H20 offers more if I need it, isn't too big or too small, cuts very well, carrys well, and of course is a one handed blade as I do need once in a while.
Lastly and most importantly I have one small blade and one larger blade, I may not find it 100% necessary on one knife but if I'm carrying more than one I do.

Now this is subject to change, but only because I'm limiting myself to knives I already have and the 12OT has a very loose blade and may not survive the repair its about to go through. ( removing the Swindon key to drill for a standard through pin )

 

[Hickory n steel]

Great news the work was a success so I won't have to choose something else.

 

[Will Power]

Don't believe I'd choose any very expensive or rare knives I admire, as loss is an ever present threat with knives...

Couple of years back I posted pics of THREE knives I could make do with: fixed, locking, multi-blade which ought to suit most peoples' needs, but this task is more exacting.

I'd take a low cost Marttiini puukko. Why? Not because it's the 'national' knife here and I've always regarded puukkot as inexpensive but effective tools - the costly custom ones leave me cold. But because it's very good in the hand, you can multi-task with it, it's not too big (could be carried in a coat pocket if you like) the sheath is the most practical type of sheath for a fixed knife as it is unobtrusive on the belt due to dangler arrangement and is really tight in its tube construction so you cannot lose the knife. This contrasts with many other sheath types I've encountered-Bark River, thick inflexible leather, button straps and huge potential for losing the knife. They also cost too much and I've a cupboard load of them mouldering away The puukko would be a carbon one as I like that in a fixed blade and it's easy to sharpen etc. Folding blades, prefer stainless types.

Which brings me to the 'other' knife the folding one. A much more difficult task even if it's just single-blade ....Size is a problem too, although I admire large knives and patterns I don't like carrying them in trouser pockets too much, coat pockets OK but...no. On the other hand, as the pocket knife will be for food tasks say; don't want the puukko for that except dressing fish or prep raw meat you have to keep these separate; you don't want anything too tiny of dinky. It must slice well, it must be all stainless construction because of food acids etc AND, it should lock Yes, I know the school of thought that goes-if you know how to use a knife properly you don't need locks, you can't depend on locks but I LIKE them it shows ingenuity in construction. Thus I'd opt for a Fontenille-Pataud 10.5 cm locking Laguiole in Sandvik and fragrant Juniper wood. The Lag carries well and gives you both a long and wide blade and fantastic handling, a very important quality in a pocket knife. It's quite an expensive knife yes, but it's not rare and can be replaced without stress.

Only problem, don't have pics of these two as they're out at the country place and the FP is Ram's Horn with polished finish, I want matte and Juniper- Better sell of a Bark River and fund the purchase

I may of course change my mind, but doubt it....

Thanks, Will

 

[Jack Black]

Interesting thread idea Greg

Probably no surprise that I'd choose a Lambsfoot as my folder It's the most versatile blade I know of, far more versatile than those who haven't used one could imagine I think, and handles almost all my daily cutting chores. I've used them in the kitchen plenty, but generally prefer a longer blade. Any well-made Lambsfoot would do, but I've become smitten with my Hartshead Barlow, so I'll choose that one.

Having a second knife is a luxury. I can do everything from shaving to shelter construction with my Jack Black Knives U1, double Cryo-treated SF-77 at RC57, 5" flat-ground, drop-point. It works great in the kitchen. If I didn't have this, there's plenty of other 4-5" fixed-blades I'd be happy to carry, the main thing for me would be a flat-grind, since I do more cooking than I do whittling

 

[Peregrin]

Since this is a non binding exercise I'll weigh in. Normally I'd say "Two knives? Say what?"

I like clip points. I like trappers. I love my Lloyd trapper and carry it alot! The blade serves me well when doing the little suburban seniors tasks I happen upon. Opening an envelope or package. Peeling and or slicing an apple. Cutting some cheese, sausage or a baguette. In a pinch I could clean a trout or panfish if needed. At 4" folded it's just the right size and it looks good.

Sheath knifewise I'll go with my Krein Micro Chef. The straight blade with a bit of belly is great for the majority of straight blade tasks and also slices , dices and chops when needed. The D2 blade is wide and flat ground from 1/8" stock, making it a very capable knife.

They're both with my right now and I'm quite happy with my choices, although that could change in a heartbeat!

 

[Pàdruig]

An interesting thought exercise, Greg. It isn't one that is overly difficult for me, however - I tend to be a man of many thoughts and I often think about what knives that I absolutely want on my person, given hell or high water (I hope you'll pardon the expression). When I am out and about, I generally have at least 2 knives on my person and at least one in my bag. The one in my bag is a larger blade and one that rarely gets used on an everyday basis.

The fact of the matter being: Any one of us will get by just fine with only one knife, even if it's the most impractical design. A cutting tool is one of the most invaluable assets a person can have with them as it can be used to cover all the bases when it comes to survival. But as this isn't necessarily a survival scenario, we can afford ourselves a bit of "luxury".

The last week or so has seen me carry only two knives regularly. In fact, I haven't deviated much from these knives and since I don't like boring anyone, I haven't really been posting my carry choices lately (I've also been really busy with life and such).

The first knife choice is easy for me - I MUST have a Lambsfoot. The utility of such a knife is undeniable and I cannot go a day without having one in the pocket, on my desk, or simply close by. It is the most used style out of my entire collection.

The second knife choice is a little more complex. For a very long time, I have sought a small fixed blade that would suit me for my everyday needs. The sought after "solution" has eluded me for quite some time and I've tried several variants, ranging from the quaintly traditional to the far more modern. This brings me to the puukko - this is a style that has long fascinated me (I love the history and the culture behind it), but it also was a style that I never allowed myself to fully appreciate. I've scooped up various takes on the pattern from a number of makers but I didn't land a more traditional Scandinavian version until relatively recently.

Since that day, I have had this puukko on my belt since and I've fallen rather hard for the pattern. A puukko is a working knife, it's simple handle is meant to accommodate at least 10 different grip styles - it is meant to have a fine, yet robust blade. The Sami people used this style to do so much - tasks that ranged from bushcraft to food prep to everyday cutting chores and so much more. I already have a second traditional puukko that I got in today and I expect that there will be many others in the future as well.

I use my everyday knives for kitchen duties more than I use my actual kitchen knives so that particular scenario is not applicable to me. At this juncture, I am very happy with a Lambsfoot and a Puukko and could continue being happy with this duo for a long, long time.

 

[CelloDan]

An interesting thought exercise, Greg. It isn't one that is overly difficult for me, however - I tend to be a man of many thoughts and I often think about what knives that I absolutely want on my person, given hell or high water (I hope you'll pardon the expression). When I am out and about, I generally have at least 2 knives on my person and at least one in my bag. The one in my bag is a larger blade and one that rarely gets used on an everyday basis.

The fact of the matter being: Any one of us will get by just fine with only one knife, even if it's the most impractical design. A cutting tool is one of the most invaluable assets a person can have with them as it can be used to cover all the bases when it comes to survival. But as this isn't necessarily a survival scenario, we can afford ourselves a bit of "luxury".

The last week or so has seen me carry only two knives regularly. In fact, I haven't deviated much from these knives and since I don't like boring anyone, I haven't really been posting my carry choices lately (I've also been really busy with life and such).

The first knife choice is easy for me - I MUST have a Lambsfoot. The utility of such a knife is undeniable and I cannot go a day without having one in the pocket, on my desk, or simply close by. It is the most used style out of my entire collection.

The second knife choice is a little more complex. For a very long time, I have sought a small fixed blade that would suit me for my everyday needs. The sought after "solution" has eluded me for quite some time and I've tried several variants, ranging from the quaintly traditional to the far more modern. This brings me to the puukko - this is a style that has long fascinated me (I love the history and the culture behind it), but it also was a style that I never allowed myself to fully appreciate. I've scooped up various takes on the pattern from a number of makers but I didn't land a more traditional Scandinavian version until relatively recently.

Since that day, I have had this puukko on my belt since and I've fallen rather hard for the pattern. A puukko is a working knife, it's simple handle is meant to accommodate at least 10 different grip styles - it is meant to have a fine, yet robust blade. The Sami people used this style to do so much - tasks that ranged from bushcraft to food prep to everyday cutting chores and so much more. I already have a second traditional puukko that I got in today and I expect that there will be many others in the future as well.

I use my everyday knives for kitchen duties more than I use my actual kitchen knives so that particular scenario is not applicable to me. At this juncture, I am very happy with a Lambsfoot and a Puukko and could continue being happy with this duo for a long, long time.

I am mesmerized by the quality and beauty in your photo Dylan , very nice.
Now I am off to research and learn more about the puukko knife
Cheers !

 

[Prester John]

An interesting thought exercise, Greg. It isn't one that is overly difficult for me, however - I tend to be a man of many thoughts and I often think about what knives that I absolutely want on my person, given hell or high water (I hope you'll pardon the expression). When I am out and about, I generally have at least 2 knives on my person and at least one in my bag. The one in my bag is a larger blade and one that rarely gets used on an everyday basis.

The fact of the matter being: Any one of us will get by just fine with only one knife, even if it's the most impractical design. A cutting tool is one of the most invaluable assets a person can have with them as it can be used to cover all the bases when it comes to survival. But as this isn't necessarily a survival scenario, we can afford ourselves a bit of "luxury".

The last week or so has seen me carry only two knives regularly. In fact, I haven't deviated much from these knives and since I don't like boring anyone, I haven't really been posting my carry choices lately (I've also been really busy with life and such).

The first knife choice is easy for me - I MUST have a Lambsfoot. The utility of such a knife is undeniable and I cannot go a day without having one in the pocket, on my desk, or simply close by. It is the most used style out of my entire collection.

The second knife choice is a little more complex. For a very long time, I have sought a small fixed blade that would suit me for my everyday needs. The sought after "solution" has eluded me for quite some time and I've tried several variants, ranging from the quaintly traditional to the far more modern. This brings me to the puukko - this is a style that has long fascinated me (I love the history and the culture behind it), but it also was a style that I never allowed myself to fully appreciate. I've scooped up various takes on the pattern from a number of makers but I didn't land a more traditional Scandinavian version until relatively recently.

Since that day, I have had this puukko on my belt since and I've fallen rather hard for the pattern. A puukko is a working knife, it's simple handle is meant to accommodate at least 10 different grip styles - it is meant to have a fine, yet robust blade. The Sami people used this style to do so much - tasks that ranged from bushcraft to food prep to everyday cutting chores and so much more. I already have a second traditional puukko that I got in today and I expect that there will be many others in the future as well.

I use my everyday knives for kitchen duties more than I use my actual kitchen knives so that particular scenario is not applicable to me. At this juncture, I am very happy with a Lambsfoot and a Puukko and could continue being happy with this duo for a long, long time.

What a lovely photo. Excellent choices, and a quality post, Dylan.

 

[WhittlinAway]

I was all set to post, "If I can only select a single blade folder and a fixed blade then I really only need one knife for my day-to-day cutting tasks. Either of these two would do..."

...then I read John's post above and had to rethink my choice.
If the two knives must cover all duties including kitchen duty, then one of the two would have to be useful in the kitchen. Especially in ways the pocket knife would come up short and one that I don't mind getting messy. For the folder I still chose the Tidioute 73L. It's the best option I have in a single blade folder for all round use. Then for my fixed blade a 10" butcher might be a logical choice, selected to handle task that are beyond the pocket knife's capabilities and easy to clean.

Both look like mighty capable sets of knives. Thanks for sharing your pairing!

I'll just keep the SAK on the down low till the next "thought experiment".

As long as I can keep my chef's knife, I guess I could go with these:

Buck 119. I bought it for my wife, but I am welcome to use it whenever.

And:

Le Thiers. My Laguiole or Opinel or Langres would work as well, but this knife is perfect for the pocket.

Very nice, Vince! And, nice of your wife to let share.

Gene Shadley small drop point (3” blade)
View attachment 1350974


Tony Bose single blade trapper with modified clip point (not mine - yet!!)

View attachment 1350969

I can accomplish 90+% of my needs and honestly satisfy 90+% of my knife lust with these 2 knives

90% on both scores is a solid performance! Your Gene Shadley looks like quite a capable knife.

Schrade 12OT pal and a GEC H20.

The 12OT has a thin sharp blade of that just right size, carrys well, and will handle almost all of my knife needs outside the kitchen.

The H20 offers more if I need it, isn't too big or too small, cuts very well, carrys well, and of course is a one handed blade as I do need once in a while.
Lastly and most importantly I have one small blade and one larger blade, I may not find it 100% necessary on one knife but if I'm carrying more than one I do.

Now this is subject to change, but only because I'm limiting myself to knives I already have and the 12OT has a very loose blade and may not survive the repair its about to go through. ( removing the Swindon key to drill for a standard through pin )

Very nice. I really like the old Schrade Old Timers and that H20 doesn't look like any slouch either!

Great news the work was a success so I won't have to choose something else.

Huzzah! I'm glad to hear that the Old Timer can remain in service.

Don't believe I'd choose any very expensive or rare knives I admire, as loss is an ever present threat with knives...

Couple of years back I posted pics of THREE knives I could make do with: fixed, locking, multi-blade which ought to suit most peoples' needs, but this task is more exacting.

I'd take a low cost Marttiini puukko. Why? Not because it's the 'national' knife here and I've always regarded puukkot as inexpensive but effective tools - the costly custom ones leave me cold. But because it's very good in the hand, you can multi-task with it, it's not too big (could be carried in a coat pocket if you like) the sheath is the most practical type of sheath for a fixed knife as it is unobtrusive on the belt due to dangler arrangement and is really tight in its tube construction so you cannot lose the knife. This contrasts with many other sheath types I've encountered-Bark River, thick inflexible leather, button straps and huge potential for losing the knife. They also cost too much and I've a cupboard load of them mouldering away The puukko would be a carbon one as I like that in a fixed blade and it's easy to sharpen etc. Folding blades, prefer stainless types.

Which brings me to the 'other' knife the folding one. A much more difficult task even if it's just single-blade ....Size is a problem too, although I admire large knives and patterns I don't like carrying them in trouser pockets too much, coat pockets OK but...no. On the other hand, as the pocket knife will be for food tasks say; don't want the puukko for that except dressing fish or prep raw meat you have to keep these separate; you don't want anything too tiny of dinky. It must slice well, it must be all stainless construction because of food acids etc AND, it should lock Yes, I know the school of thought that goes-if you know how to use a knife properly you don't need locks, you can't depend on locks but I LIKE them it shows ingenuity in construction. Thus I'd opt for a Fontenille-Pataud 10.5 cm locking Laguiole in Sandvik and fragrant Juniper wood. The Lag carries well and gives you both a long and wide blade and fantastic handling, a very important quality in a pocket knife. It's quite an expensive knife yes, but it's not rare and can be replaced without stress.

Only problem, don't have pics of these two as they're out at the country place and the FP is Ram's Horn with polished finish, I want matte and Juniper- Better sell of a Bark River and fund the purchase

I may of course change my mind, but doubt it....

Thanks, Will

Thanks for your thoughts, Will! It was your influence that caused me to buy my first puukko, a Marttiini Lynx Lumberjack. I was just using it yesterday.

And, glad you decided to treat yourself to a little treat in the other one.

Interesting thread idea Greg

Probably no surprise that I'd choose a Lambsfoot as my folder It's the most versatile blade I know of, far more versatile than those who haven't used one could imagine I think, and handles almost all my daily cutting chores. I've used them in the kitchen plenty, but generally prefer a longer blade. Any well-made Lambsfoot would do, but I've become smitten with my Hartshead Barlow, so I'll choose that one.

Having a second knife is a luxury. I can do everything from shaving to shelter construction with my Jack Black Knives U1, double Cryo-treated SF-77 at RC57, 5" flat-ground, drop-point. It works great in the kitchen. If I didn't have this, there's plenty of other 4-5" fixed-blades I'd be happy to carry, the main thing for me would be a flat-grind, since I do more cooking than I do whittling

The HHB is a solid choice for sure. I certainly wouldn't part with mine in the real world outside of this exercise.

I really like the look of the U1. I can see why you were willing to put your name to it. The shape of the blade is very appealing and I can see it making a fine slicer-in-chief in the kitchen.

 

[WhittlinAway]

Since this is a non binding exercise I'll weigh in. Normally I'd say "Two knives? Say what?"

I like clip points. I like trappers. I love my Lloyd trapper and carry it alot! The blade serves me well when doing the little suburban seniors tasks I happen upon. Opening an envelope or package. Peeling and or slicing an apple. Cutting some cheese, sausage or a baguette. In a pinch I could clean a trout or panfish if needed. At 4" folded it's just the right size and it looks good.

Sheath knifewise I'll go with my Krein Micro Chef. The straight blade with a bit of belly is great for the majority of straight blade tasks and also slices , dices and chops when needed. The D2 blade is wide and flat ground from 1/8" stock, making it a very capable knife.

They're both with my right now and I'm quite happy with my choices, although that could change in a heartbeat!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gary. Really nice pairing. That Micro Chef is very appealing and it's always nice to see your Lloyd Trapper.

An interesting thought exercise, Greg. It isn't one that is overly difficult for me, however - I tend to be a man of many thoughts and I often think about what knives that I absolutely want on my person, given hell or high water (I hope you'll pardon the expression). When I am out and about, I generally have at least 2 knives on my person and at least one in my bag. The one in my bag is a larger blade and one that rarely gets used on an everyday basis.

The fact of the matter being: Any one of us will get by just fine with only one knife, even if it's the most impractical design. A cutting tool is one of the most invaluable assets a person can have with them as it can be used to cover all the bases when it comes to survival. But as this isn't necessarily a survival scenario, we can afford ourselves a bit of "luxury".

The last week or so has seen me carry only two knives regularly. In fact, I haven't deviated much from these knives and since I don't like boring anyone, I haven't really been posting my carry choices lately (I've also been really busy with life and such).

The first knife choice is easy for me - I MUST have a Lambsfoot. The utility of such a knife is undeniable and I cannot go a day without having one in the pocket, on my desk, or simply close by. It is the most used style out of my entire collection.

The second knife choice is a little more complex. For a very long time, I have sought a small fixed blade that would suit me for my everyday needs. The sought after "solution" has eluded me for quite some time and I've tried several variants, ranging from the quaintly traditional to the far more modern. This brings me to the puukko - this is a style that has long fascinated me (I love the history and the culture behind it), but it also was a style that I never allowed myself to fully appreciate. I've scooped up various takes on the pattern from a number of makers but I didn't land a more traditional Scandinavian version until relatively recently.

Since that day, I have had this puukko on my belt since and I've fallen rather hard for the pattern. A puukko is a working knife, it's simple handle is meant to accommodate at least 10 different grip styles - it is meant to have a fine, yet robust blade. The Sami people used this style to do so much - tasks that ranged from bushcraft to food prep to everyday cutting chores and so much more. I already have a second traditional puukko that I got in today and I expect that there will be many others in the future as well.

I use my everyday knives for kitchen duties more than I use my actual kitchen knives so that particular scenario is not applicable to me. At this juncture, I am very happy with a Lambsfoot and a Puukko and could continue being happy with this duo for a long, long time.

Wow, Dylan. What a great post in all regards. We ended up with the same two patterns, but you expressed yourself much more eloquently than I did. I agree with everything you said about the merits of both.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Huzzah! I'm glad to hear that the Old Timer can remain in service.

The bit walked a little when I was drilling out the rocker pin, but the W&T hasn't changed and overall I would consider it a success.

 

[Pàdruig]

I am mesmerized by the quality and beauty in your photo Dylan , very nice.
Now I am off to research and learn more about the puukko knife
Cheers !

Thank you, Dan. Do let us know what you end up thinking of the puukko if it ends up catching your fancy.

What a lovely photo. Excellent choices, and a quality post, Dylan.

Wow, Dylan. What a great post in all regards. We ended up with the same two patterns, but you expressed yourself much more eloquently than I did. I agree with everything you said about the merits of both.

Thank you, fellas, it's been nice having some time to spend in the forums today.