What knives are really practical for DAILY use?

Brian Bentley

Brian Bentley

Joined
Oct 28, 2000
Messages
103
First and foremost I am NOT trying to start any flame wars here. I have, myself, went full circle about which knives I use/carry on a daily basis.

My first knife was a little medium stockman that my dad gave me. Carried it for years, and I still have it. Used it for everything from cleaning squirrels, to opening letters, to whittleing various sticks for various reasons, to working calves, to cutting up an apple for lunch, after I cleaned it of course. :)

As I got a little older I figured that I needed a "Bigger" knife in the event a "Bigger" task came along. So I bought a 110. Carried it for years. As bigger tasks did come along I found myself balking at using my knife but instead finding the proper tools, hatchet, machete, saw, instead of abusing my knife, I didn't want to mess it up on tasks that were obviously more suited for different tools. Oh, I did still do those same things that I did with the little stockman but never really saw the benefit of lugging around all of that extra weight just to cut up an apple.

I joined the Marine Corps, I learned the real meaning of integrity there. Will carry it with me for the rest of my life. Anyway, I gravitated to large fixed blades for the most part, but that is what we were issued and at that time "personal" knives were frowned upon. Not because they didn't believe that we were able to make good decisions about which blades to choose to protect our own lives but there always seemed to be that odd fellow that would inevitably decide that he needed to carry a katana. They just bypassed the whole thing by stating "issue blades only". Anyway, I used that knife for everything including digging, even though a shovel is more efficient, sometimes it wasn't as handy. And of course the odd apple that needed to be cut up. (See a pattern yet? You will.)

After the service I realized that carrying a 7 1/2", fixed blade, combat knife didn't really fit in the day to day workforce. For some reason office personnel seemed intimidated. " Crazy Peoply" :) So I carried my locking folder but it always seemed a little too bulky for pocket carry and belt sheaths didn't look professional enough.

So I downsized to a model 500 and then eventually even down to a model 532 and then finally a 172 Mayo. All the while realizing that the day to day tasks of my knife had become less adventureous and more mundane. I still skin a squirrel on occasion and certainly open the mail or cut up an odd box but mostly I carry it because I like to, and would feel naked without it. Oh yeah, and the occasional apple that needs cutting up. Even though most apples I get out of the kitchen where a more effecient paring knife is available. I like to use a pocket knife cause that's the way I have always done it. After a while I realized that everything that I use my knife for could be done with a smaller knife so I decided to start carrying a little 503. Love this knife, one of my favorites. Anyway I used that knife for a long time but was popping an edge back on it one day and thought to myself. "You know this knife is not much different than that little stockman that I used to carry. Not to mention that the stockman had more blade options for different uses. I even got a little nostalgic and started to reflect on the fact that a stockman is what my grandad and my dad carried, and if it was good enough for them...."

I have been carrying my little stockman again for a good while and on the occasion that I need a bigger knife I would go and get one. Most of the time though my little, unassuming, unthreatening, miniscule, non-tactical, simple stockman has been by my side and never failed to complete a task.

I say all of that to ask this. Where are you in your circle of knife growth? Sometimes we all need to reflect about what is really needed and sensible. Is that new ultra modern combat knife "REALLY" something that you can carry and or use on a daily basis?

I am not trying to offend anyone. Everyone is different. I am just feeling a little frustration due to the availability of quality slipjoints available today. Even Buck has reduced their offering of these seemingly insignificant tools to an afterthought, an also ran if you will. They, and MANY knife makers, have released their slipjoints to the outer regions of their design tables. The only people making decent slipjoints today either have so few offerings as far as patterns, or produce a product that is designed more for looks than use. For the most part the only option for a quality slipjoint that is reasonably priced is to buy foreign or custom, (and customs aren't that cheap). I know that Buck makes the 300 series and that is pretty much what I carry, but I, and I'm sure many others, would like some options as far as materials and patterns.

How many of you are out there really wanting a quality slipjoint at a reasonable price for daily carry? I know I can't be the only one. Surely not everyone in the world but me NEEDS a tactical knife everyday. I don't see that many knife fights going on around me. :)

Thanks for listening,

Brian
 
I have a few knives that are in my rotation but I must say vertually all of them are traditional slipjoints and only one of them is in any way tactical. Dogs with jobs, thats what interests me, knives that were designed for everyday jobs. Stockmen, trappers, muskrats, all cool and not intimidating.
 
Slipjoints have worked fine for me for urban daily use, I EDC a SAK and a stockman since the 60´s, locking folders and fixed blades also see use but not regular everyday carry.

I have enough stockmans to last me a lifetime, mostly old Schrades, my Buck is a 701. I like other traditional patterns, like a camper/boy-scout that can take the place of a SAK, and a Barlow just cause they´re cute, some manufacturers still make these and other patterns, if there was more of a market for them Buck would make more and Schrade would still be in business.
 
Great post Brian. Thanks for sharing your story.

I grew up with a SAK and for a long time the only thing I looked for was the SAK with all the tools I wanted :). I bought my first locking pocket knife from AG Russell because I realized that I used my SAK blade far more than any other tools, and on several occasions I had nearly closed the blade on my hand accidentally. This was not because of hard use or prying; a few times I simply bumped the spine of the blade while I was holding it.

I went through a pair of Kershaw linerlocks and a BM 806D2 before buying a Buck/Mayo 172. It's the ideal office EDC for me: around 3", hollow ground S30V, Ti frame lock, under 3 oz. It's not perfect but awful close for much less than a custom folder. I still carry my AFCK sometimes . . . just because I like it so much!

My latest acquisition is a Simonich Talonite Bitteroot, carried on a belt sheath. I will probably rotate it with the 172 at work, since I dislike carrying folders in slash pockets. With an Atwood Prybaby on my keychain, I've got the more abusive tasks covered as well.
 
I just got done slashing my finger to the bone eating an apple with my Nowland Saddlehorn so forgive me if I drift, but I too have gone full circle.... at least twice.

I have always had a selection of fixed blades so what I'm saying here mainly pertains to folders.

For years I carried slipjoints only, and had a few lockbacks I would occasionally carry in a belt sheath. When I was 13 my friends parents had a hard time understanding why I would carry a "big knife" in a belt sheath, I pretty much stopped so I didn't have to listen to them.

On to college, still mainly slip joints but bigger ones. I also got a few Spyderco's. Primarily a large Buck Stockman.

After college the BM705 came out and I thought that was the bees knees, I carried that sucker for a long time.

Then one day I decided I wanted something different and stumbled on to Bladeforums in my quest, it was all down hill from there ;)

I went from mid-range production tacticals, to high end production tacticals, to custom tacticals ranging the full spectrum. I went through a phase where I thought 3" was my perfect size, then 4", then anything bigger than 4". During this phase of evoltuion I saw little need for the small stuff.

Tacticals were mainly the order of the day and I bounced back and forth between favorite locks types and steel.

One day the process of "sewing my oats" brought a startling revelation, all of these big tacticals were great for the wow factor, beautiful to look at and would be nice in the rare event I needed to defend myself with one, but they could not cut for poo. That was about the same time that I realized I hated liner locks....

So, the process of revamping the collection went through another phase.

Now for the most part I carry a slip joint every day in my left front pocket (usually a beautiful custom like the one I just about de-tipped my finger with today), a lock-back, Axis lock or frame lock (although I only have one of these anymore because I decided I really don't like frame locks either, but that's a whole nother story) of choice either clipped to my pocket or in a belt sheath if it's one of my many 110's.

So for me it's efficient cutting big knives with blades in the 4" range and a nice traditional slip joint. In day-to-day use the slipjoint sees 95% of the action and I'm getting to the point where some days I don't even carry a bigger knife to the office.

I'm sure a good shrink could tear me apart but hey, it's what makes life interesting. My wife and I already have established that I have OCD when it comes to hobbies and things I'm passionate about but that's why she married me.

At last count I had conducted over 350 buy/sell/trade transactions on this and other forums with knives ranging from $10 to $750, I think I've finally got what I like down pat and am happy with life :D
 
I decided awhile ago that I needed a "good" knife. Thus began my obsession with finding it. I went from carrying one knife (a spyderco I won in a contest on these forums), to carrying multiple knives. I also went from carrying folders to fixed blades. I have everything from a cheap victorinox knock-off that my wife gave me as a gag, to an Obie small model 2 which I never carry, and a huge saddlehorn trapper from Don Morrow that I'm not allowed to carry for legal reasons (please don't ask). I find, however, that in the few years I've been collecting, I've settled into a pattern of carrying 2-3 small fixed blades and a Schrade Senior Rancher. I really wish that more companies would come out with good slipjoint patterns. I would be in pig heaven if someone would come out with a good Saddlehorn trapper (other than Case who I can't stand). I feel your pain, though I haven't had the serious urge to buy a knife since getting my Ingram pocket bowie. That said, however, I'd really like to have a Charles Marlowe bulldog and/or a Carson M4. But anyway... I never really knew how good knives could be till I got my first slipjoint. Tactical is nice, and with a fixed you don't need a locking folder. BUT the slipjoint (seemingly becoming more of a relic), will always be #1 with me. Sorry for rambling.

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
I sure hope that someone from Buck is reading this. Us slipjoint guys don't normally speak up. But at least ONE offering in a premium grade slipjoint can't be too hard to justify. We are six for six on slipjoint buyers/users. I'm sure that we could muster others if they thought there was a chance.

Remember, We aren't talking about a high $$ limited edition, although they are nice. We are talking about a premium offering in the standard line. The 700 series, with possibly upgraded steel and/or scales, is a good example.

Thanks,

Brian

P.S.

Where do I send my resume' for a marketing/sales position. :D
 
I too have been on the quest for the "perfect" knife but with my budget I don't have any of the real high-dollar customs but do have some of the one-handers from Buck, a Kershaw and a couple of Gerbers. I still carry my traditional slipjoint all the time with a tiny SAK, mostly for the toothpick. I love Buck knives. They are good quality and the customer service is second to none. I would love to see Buck make a line of 300s with a variety of handles. Upgraded steel would be great too but the 420HC works well for me. I like the smooth yellow, the Amber bone, even a nice looking jigged Delrin, cocobolo wood, etc. Case make the handles, but Buck makes a knife that is made for EDC. Now, if they will make some variety. They discontinued the 700s with the nice wooded handle and if you can find a nice stag handle on Ebay it usually costs a small fortune. Maybe with the move to ID they will look at a line of slipjoints for all the folks who love the good ole knives like our dads and granddads carried.
 
I had to see what all the fuss was about so I started carrying a model 303, with wood inlays, made for me by Wilde Bill. I also have a 172 Mayo clipped to my pocket. As much as I dislike belt clips, I am constantly reaching for the 172, just because it is easier to grab, and my hands are usually dirty so I don't want to be messing up my clothes digging in my pocket for the 303. I have to admit though, if someone was standing next to me with both knives on a platter, I would still grab the 172. I love the 303, and would love to see the 300 series done in a high grade steel, with bone or horn or whatever, and I would most likely buy 2 of each if we did, but i would hardly ever use them. I am sure it is just personal preference, but i like the larger blade, and the lock.
Just my 2 cents.
 
Well put Joe, Messy hands is a great reason to carry a knife that is designed for easy access. I agree that there is a time and place for most of the designs. My whole point was that the slipjoints need a voice too. The availability of offerings seems to diminish every year. Not just with Buck but with all of the manufacturers. "MY" favorite brand just happens to be Buck and I would like to have a respectable offering in a higher grade slippy. Just my 2 cents. :D

Thanks for being so attentive,

Brian
 
Hell Brian, you already have a perfect practical knife(unless you sold it) Those 560's upgraded to BG42 are my choice for the perfect EDC, pocket clips be damned. ;)
 
Still got a couple of them. Just don't carry them. So many knives, so little time. I haven't figured out how to carry them all. They are like children to me. I love each one of them for a different reason. If I tried to carry all of the knives that I really liked, I would be weighted down so much that I wouldn't be able to walk. :D I still generally just stick with a couple of slippies nestled in my pocket. I'll throw in a Mayo and a Dozier fixed when my ventures take me afield. Four knives at once. Is that overkill? :eek:

Thanks,

Brian
 
For me, tactical = practical. I like a knife clipped to my pocket that I can get to quickly. I don't know how many times I've needed a knife that I can open with one hand because the other was holding what I wanted to cut.

I love slipjoints for nostalgia and beauty. I have several, but for everyday cutting, I'll take something that I can get to, doesn't attract a lot of attention, and is efficient. Digging around in my pocket for a bulky knife just doesn't "cut it". Sorry...

For me, that means a blade around 3 inches, lockback, and a subdued look. Currently, I'm using a Spyderco Calypso Jr., Native, or a CS Trailguide. Considering some of the Buck 110's I own, I would love to try a Buck with their great sharpness in a pocket clipped blade. Sorry if that disappoints the traditionalists, but necessity .....
 
Brian Bentley said:
Still got a couple of them. Just don't carry them.
Click to expand...

Brian, let me know (offline) if you want to unload a BG-42 560 :)
 
I think traditional slipjoints are by far the most beautiful. However, for my uses a one hand opening and closing locking knife with a clip is the most practical. I often find myself needing to cut something I am holding and can't put down, or if I do, I loose the position I need to be able to cut properly. If a small knife is used correctly, it doesn't need a lock, but for me, there have been several times I am glad it has one. I agree, a blade of over 3" is rarely necessary in an office environment, but other than that, the newer designs are much more practical for my needs.
 
In junior high, high school and college, I carried a Ka-bar 1100 stockman. Switched over to an 84mm Tinker and have carried it for over 20 years. My heavy duty knife is a Buck 112. I never needed anything bigger because when I was an honest enlisted guy, we always had an ax on the track. Now that I'm a staff weenie, the SAK/112 combo still works for anything I need to cut.
 
have you guys considered carrying your slipjoints in a clip pouch? The 301 and 303 fit in William Henry clipouches. They arent the heaviest made, but they do the job.I was able to get my hands on an Umfaan and it fits the WH also. Oh! Almost forgot.. The 503 also fits in the T10 clippouch.And the 501 in the larger T12.
 
Joe,just a thought. since you are having sheaths made in China, would it be practical to design either a leather or nylon clippouch for aftermarket sales. Only a couple of sizes would be needed.
 
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