While im working my folders have an issue.

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Thisisit

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Well i have tried out a couple new folders. Spyderco military and benchmade presidio ultra. Both great knives but i get a couple issues while i work and idk if this means i should try out a fixed blade? My pivot comes loose fairly easily and causes side to side play and it becomes irritating to have to tighten them up and then the bigger deal since i work outside i keep getting things clogging up the blades. The spyderco becomes very gritty very fast and the benchmade gets just as gritty and also makes the lock extremely hard to use. I dont use my knives for relativity hard tasks but they just get put in a dusty and moisture environment frequently and it seems to be affecting my knives performance a lot. The only thing about trying a fixed blade is i would need one that is easily concealable and not too much cash because i spent most of my extra money now on folders (kind of regret them) and i work around people so i cant have like a 6 inch kabar on my belt.

I have just started getting into knives and i feel as though a lot of peoples opinions of a hard use or every day work knife are very different from mine. I dont have a problem with sharpness but with dirt dust moisture and debree. Any suggestions on what i should do?
 
There are so many small, quality fixed blades that will fit (sheath included) in a pocket. You may compromise on the handle length though. I'd even look in the for sale by maker section here in the Exchange section.
 
You can put locktite on the pivot screw, to help it from backing out.

I would suggest a small fixed blade for you, preferably with a kydex sheath. You can get ones that you can wear horizontally on the belt, so your shirt would cover it.
 
As far as the pivots coming loose, use a small amount of blue locktite on the threads. The grit issue wont be as bad with a tighter pivot, because there will be less room for debris to get into the pivot surface, but it will still happen. I recommend using an air compressor to blow it all out if you can. If you don't have access to one, you're stuck either washing out with water, or disassembling and cleaning often. As far as fixed blades go, Check out ESEE knives. In my opinion, there are no better value fixed blades on the market (if you consider ESEE's outstanding no questions asked, lifetime warranty). Specifically the Izula, which is small enough and un-intimidating enough not to scare the sheeple.
 
olybears57 said:
As far as the pivots coming loose, use a small amount of blue locktite on the threads. The grit issue wont be as bad with a tighter pivot, because there will be less room for debris to get into the pivot surface, but it will still happen. I recommend using an air compressor to blow it all out if you can. If you don't have access to one, you're stuck either washing out with water, or disassembling and cleaning often. As far as fixed blades go, Check out ESEE knives. In my opinion, there are no better value fixed blades on the market (if you consider ESEE's outstanding no questions asked, lifetime warranty). Specifically the Izula, which is small enough and un-intimidating enough not to scare the sheeple.
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The Izula 2 is the best small fixed blade out there but for on a budget I'd recommend the smaller Beckers. I think the smallest one is about 30 bucks or so. Not sure about the sheath but they fit in your pocket just fine.
 
I for a very good tough fixed blade that is concealable and light, I would look at an esee izula or candiru or a Becker eskabar. They great small fixed blades that will be very dependable. If those happen to be too small an esee 3 is a bigger option while still concealable. They are however more expensive than the izula.
 
Just try rinsing them out with soap and warm water. That should get them into pretty good condition, just make sure you let it dry.
 
Trying to figure out what environment you work in, how and where on your person you are carrying them, and what you need to cut? These are not small or even medium folders...are you carrying them in a front pocket?

Not trying to pick your post apart-just curious. I've been carrying a mini-AFCK/TSEK in my front pocket "forever" and have never had issues like you describe. I work maintenance/construction so I'm not out on oil rigs or anything, but never have my folders gotten so full of dirt and debris that it was an issue. I know the Military is an open design and should be easy to clean, not sure about the Benchmade thought? I have a Military and it's a great knife, but I find it uncomfortable in the front pocket as an EDC because of it's size so I don't carry it there....

Small fixed blade would be fine-BUT if, as you say, you work "around people", pulling out a fixed blade of any size OR a Spyderco Military is liable to freak someone out. Maybe move down a notch in size and try that? I'm sure you could get a fair exchange here or even "elsewhere" for you investment.

+1 loctite on the pivot...
 
Mongrel said:
Trying to figure out what environment you work in, how and where on your person you are carrying them, and what you need to cut? These are not small or even medium folders...are you carrying them in a front pocket?

Not trying to pick your post apart-just curious. I've been carrying a mini-AFCK/TSEK in my front pocket "forever" and have never had issues like you describe. I work maintenance/construction so I'm not out on oil rigs or anything, but never have my folders gotten so full of dirt and debris that it was an issue. I know the Military is an open design and should be easy to clean, not sure about the Benchmade thought? I have a Military and it's a great knife, but I find it uncomfortable in the front pocket as an EDC because of it's size so I don't carry it there....

Small fixed blade would be fine-BUT if, as you say, you work "around people", pulling out a fixed blade of any size OR a Spyderco Military is liable to freak someone out. Maybe move down a notch in size and try that? I'm sure you could get a fair exchange here or even "elsewhere" for you investment.

+1 loctite on the pivot...
Click to expand...

I have 2 jobs. For the same place though. There is a rotation of 1 week paperwork 2 weeks outdoors. Right now im working where they are digging up underground pipes in the road and im that guy when they get close to the pipe that gets into the hole with a shovel and finds the pipe. The thing about it is we work right in peoples yards in mostly housing developments. I tried it clipped inside the front pocket and back pocket. Back pocket was worse. I dont cut a whole ton except some rope, and florescent orange ribbon that is used to tie to steaks to mark where the pipe is. And other random things. The reason it gets so dirty is basically because i work in a dusty hole in the ground. And of course they take precautions to prevent the hole from caving in but there is still dirt all over. Anyone who does similar will know you come home with a pocket of dirt.
 
Okay...interesting... I'm a plumber by trade. I've spent years of my life in "dirty holes", crawlspaces, attics, you name it...had plenty of pockets full of dirt.

I stand by my recommendation-get something smaller, open design, liner lock. Carry it in your front pocket-or even clipped inside your t-shirt at the neck (while your "in the hole"). Get home home blow the dust/dirt out of it, wipe it down with some light oil or a tuf-cloth, and you're good to go.

I think you'll find a fixed-blade will get hung up on crap, including dragging the handle along the sides of the trench, car seat belts, and any number of other objects. If you try and carry a fixed blade "hidden" or covered up by your shirt it just gets harder to access. Neck knives are "neat"-until you try and re-sheath them when the sheath is on a cord hanging from your neck. Now you need two hands-one to hold the sheath and one to push the knife in. A front pocket clip mounted folder is about the most ingenious carry ever conceived-in my never humble opinion. Two finger draw, thumb open, thumb close, two finger return... Fast, efficient, quiet, and safe. Carry a non-tactical looking knife with a reasonable length working blade and the average Joe just sees a "pocket knife". Not the most exciting solution, but it'll work.

Good luck in your quest...
 
Sounds like you need a folder with a belt sheath. If you are doing that kind of work, no one will give you grief for carrying a knife. I work in a nursing home and wear a Buck 110'on my belt everyday. I do live in the south though, it's more common down here.
 
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