yet another new face

L

Lev_K

Joined
Jun 26, 2001
Messages
25
First of all I'd like to say that I am glad I found these forums. I'm what one would concider a "newbie"...so reading through the backlog of threads has definatly opened my eyes to quite a few things.

Now for the questions
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I have always liked, carried, and used knives since I was a kid. Up untill this year my EDC was a cheap BUCK knockoff that I abused for my camping needs. It was easy to hide under all of those layers of clothing that I wore, so concealing was never an issue.

Now however I have entered a new line of work where I must dress in button down shirts, slacks, and such. So carrying a large knife in a leather sheath....not a good idea. Even worse is pulling it out in front of the other office people in order to cut open a box, strip a wire, or dozens of other things.

I'm sure you all see where this is going by now...which knives to buy and how to carry them? (I think that a month ago this would have been a decision between two blades, but thanks to all of you I now want a whole lot more!)

I have narrowed my selection down to...
CRKT Stiff K.I.S.S.
REKAT PIKUNI
Emerson Commander
Emerson Police Utility Knife
BILL MORAN FEATHERWEIGHT

I'm sure you've noticed that most of these are fixed blade knives, except the commander. I need a knife that I can use, and use hard. I'd hate to buy a good expancive knife only to play with it with trembling fingers.
I plan on spending about 200-250 dollars. So I will either be getting one expancive knife, or two semi-expencive ones.

I would love to hear anyone's take on these knives. Which would be better for hard work, as well to how to conceal such a knife.

Thank you in advance

-L

 
Lev, welcome to Bladeforums! We're always happy to get new guys here to ask the old questions again! Yours is a classic. It goes to the heart of owning and using knives.

So ... what were you planning on using yours for? You mentioned office work and a few small, ordinary office tasks. A Swiss Army Knife could handle all that very well -- a spearpoint blade, scissors, maybe a file.

Big fixed blades would stand out -- and scare off the sheeple -- a lot faster than a small folder in a belt sheath. Just how hard were you figuring on using it?

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Welcome to planet Earth - Illegitimis non carborundum!
 
Thanks Esav

I realize that a Leatherman or a SAK will perform all or most of the daily office jobs, and at one point I will most likely own a few. But right now money is rather tight, so have to prioritize.

As of right now I have two jobs. One is at CPA firm,(which is why the fixed knives that I have selected are all fairly small) which is where the sheeple roam. And during my weekends I go back to working construction, where my knives see the most abuse.

On top of all that I travel weekly through the east part of Brooklyn (above E17th), which is one of the worst places in the city to be caught at night. So another major job of the knife is self-deffence.

That's not to say that I go in blade swinging and every punk that wants a free wallet. But it's very reassuring to have a knife within reach, just in case.

-L
 
Hi Lev_K -- welcome to the forums. You've made a great first post.

Nevertheless, I'm a bit muddled as to exactly what your needs are. At least part of that is my normal mental condition, and another is that I'm not sure just to what all uses construction people put their knives.

Despite this, am going to jump into the deep end and make a couple alternative recommendations. But, before I do that, I would like to say that if indeed you need a relatively small fixed blade that the REKAT Pikuni is probably one of the better ones out there. I certainly would recommend it over the EK police model. At 1SKS, the Pikuni is at least $30 cheaper, and has better steel. The G-10 handles should serve you well.

An alternative to either is the CRKT Companion. Roger at Bayou LaFourche sells them for $28.50 each. If like many, you didn't like the sheaths that come with them, Normark sells a very nice one for somwhere near $30, I believe. I got mine from him, but in an unusual way, so I don't know their price. It may be on his website, if he has one. You could buy 3 of the CRKTs and the Normark sheath for the cost of the EK Police model. Or 2 CRKTs and the sheath for the price of one Pikuni. I'd be very willing to bet that the 3 CRKTs would outlast/perform the EK. Am not so sure that the 2 CRKTs would outdo the D2-steeled Pikuni.

For an all around tactical folder, I don't think you could do much better than the Spyderco Wegner, or the Benchmade 710. The lock on the 710 is great, and its a good knife. The Wegner is extremely versatile, and strongly made. It's primary stated purpose of hunting knife isn't fair to the capabilities of the knife, IMO.

If you caught a good price on the Wegner, and bought either the Pikuni or 2 CRKT Companions and the Normark sheath, if your limit is $250, you'd have enough left to buy a Spyderco Native in FRN, with a 440V blade. In my opinion, the Native is one of the most versatile knives out there. It has steel that will hold an edge for a long time. It is ergonomic for me. Has a choil so one can really choke up on it. It is far less likely to disturb any sheeple about than any of the other knives you listed.

Personally, I'd suggest forgetting about the Commander. But, I have a strong bias against Emersons that may not be fair. Many have complained about the chisel edge, the great difficulty cutting in a controlled manner, no effective point, and pretty iffy QC. The BMs have some occasional QC problems, but have never heard of any with the SPydercos I mentioned.

The one SPydie you listed, the Moran, is no doubt a good knife, but is, I believe, regarded as a lightweight hunter, and might prove not up to the tasks you envision for it. It certainly wouldn't have the self-defense capability of the other fixed blades mentioned.

From your list, the only knife I'd recommend heartily is the Pikuni. The Stiff KISS would be good if you wrapped the handle. As it is, it is too easy for the narrow, thin handle to roll in your grip. Could make it easy to cut yourself. Mine is sharp as the dickens. Besides, your work situation doesn't sound too conducive to wearing a neck knife, unless somehow you could get away with wearing it outside your shirt and exposed.

The one single knife likely to be recommended for you is the CRK Sebenza. I'm not prepared to argue against that. They do seem to be in a class by themselves.

Good luck on your decisions!

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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
Sorry about the lack of detail, working and posting at the same time can be bad.

Well...as I have stated before, I work in two seperate proffesions. The job in the CPA firm is much more of a desk job. But it is one where I do a good amount of heavy lifting (mostly boxes of files, file cabintes and such). I also end up doing quite a few of the small office repairs. Like fixing the printer, or taking apart the copying machine and prying apart the rollers. And in the process of all this I end up cutting quite a bit, be it boxes, paper, wires...mostly very light cutting.

The contruction job on the other hand isn't so easy. I use a knife to pre-cut sheetrock, cut thick rubber, strip endless spools of wiring. On occasion I have used the knife to punch open cans, shave wood, shave myself ;p ...just to name a few.

I really like the suggested blades so far, but to be honest I am a bit warry of folders. I have been forced to borrow a knife from a co-worker once or twice, only to have the lock disengage.

whew....long winded. Just one more thing ot cover though.

As far as carrying the blade, it has to be a concealed carry. Not just because of the sheeple, but also because of the law. The only time I can have my knife riding openly on my hip is when I am working construction. So no matter what knife I will end up buying I will most likely have to invest in a sheath that allows some sort of a concealed carry.

-L
 
If it must be a fixed blade that is both tough enough for hard work, yet fairly sheeple friendly, may I suggest the following;

Steve Corkum offers some very cool fixed blades with an Oriental flair. The temper lines on the blades are nice, the cord wrapped rayskin handles are attractive and durable. The 3 1/2" bladed neck knives are very nice and you can find them for $200 from sites like www.knifeart.com

Bob Dozier makes some awesome hard use knives that are attractive as well. Bob's knives are designed as users and the D-2 steel can cut with the best of them. His sheaths are as nice a Kydex rig as you will find. You should be able to find something for <$150. This would allow you funds to have a custom IWB sheath made by any one of a number of reputable providers for times when concealed carry is desired.

The last recommendation may raise some eyebrows, but I feel it is valid. Check out some of the work of GenO Denning. You are not likely to find better craftsmanship at this price (or even substantially higher) than what GenO provides. Just because his knives are so finely finished does not mean that they are fragile or incapable of being used hard. It just means that they will look better doing it is all. Leather pouch sheath is standard, but again, pricing allows you to find a custom rig for concealed carry. These can be found @ www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com

Check them out and see what you think.
 
Your price limit and the basic concept you want conveyed give you a lot of room to work. I'd go with two knives, a smallish, stylish folder for work in the office, and a fixed blade to keep in the car and have with you for hard work later. There are lots of quality production folders with locks that you'll be confident in at $100 (street) and below. That gives you the other $100-150 to spend on a fixed blade - again a great working knife price range.

I'd try putting more money into the folder, because you'll find a good quality folder will be able to take on a lot of the tasks that you'd currently think of using a fixed blade for. Since it's a knife you'll be able to carry anywhere, it will wind up being the knife that you use most often.

I'd do a combo like a Spyderco Viele for the office, and maybe a Fallkniven fixed. The combo is right around $200.
 
Welcome Lev, Phil from Brooklyn here.

I have to admit I'm a little mystified by your choices, but I'm sure you thought long and hard about them, so my suggestions may be really off-base for your needs.
First I would go with either a Locking SAK like the RuckSak or a multi-tool. These are good tools and most sheeple don't have a problem with seeing them. For a second knife I would go with a OE/Magna or Camillus/EDC, both of these knives are built like a tank, but stylish enough to be openly carried and used. You might even to be able to do all 4 knives for your stated budget of $200. Although I do carry neck knives and small fixed blades on occasion a folder still seems the most practical for EDC.

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If the fixed blade is what you want, I would consider one by Bob Dozier. Most of his regular knives are in your price range or below and it will be tough to beat the performance of his work at that price.

added later:
Oops missed blademan's post ... what he said.



[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 06-27-2001).]
 
Welcome to BladeForums!! My vote goes to the Moran Featherweight. Great price, functional, and tough. This would last you over the years, and be able to tackle those tasks well.
 
I just got my first Bob Dozier custom and I can't recommend that option highly enough if you really want a fixed blade. His knives would be great at any price and his prices are more than reasonable. If you can figure out what size and blade geometry you want he can make it for you. Then buy a second sheath from either Mike Sastre or Normark for IWB (inside the wasitband) carry and you're all set.

Having said that, I would encourage you to rethink folders. I love my Emerson Commander, but it is really too large and intimidating for use in most offices. Also, if you're worried about the lock you should look into getting one with either a Benchmade Axis Lock or a REKAT Rolling Lock. Both locks will generally tolerate stress beyond the breaking point of the blade pivot.

My folder recommendation would be the Benchmade 730 Ares. The two-color scales give it a dressy look that is less likely to scare office workers. The blade is a simple spearpoint, which is also less likely to worry people than a recurve or clip-point, but is probably the most generally useful shape around, even for defense. The Ares is big, tough, and solid without looking like it.

Another suggestion would be the Microtech LCC. It looks like a gentlemen's folder, except for the size, but it is one of the heaviest-duty folders I've seen.

--Bob Q
 
Another vote foe the Dozier as a hard work EDC fixed blade...

But get another fixed blade as a self defense knife...so many options...Newt Livesay makes some great ones:

http://members.tripod.com/~Newt_Livesay/index2.html

Also - get a solid folder - the ones your colleagues at work gave you were more than likely POS...

Anything from Spyderco/Benchmade/Emerson will be a good choice - to name just a few.

Oh yeah - welcome to the Forums!

[This message has been edited by Blilious (edited 06-27-2001).]
 
Lev,

I have a Pikuni and like it. Suggest you handle one (you may have) to see if you like it. You might find the handle to be a bit small.

One "office carry" method is to put the sheathed Pikuni in your strong side front pants pocket, having first taken off the belt slide attachment. The cord should go through both holes on the sheath bottom and then be looped around your belt. Can push the projection on the sheath (kydex) with your thumb and draw the Pikuni slowly. To draw it quickly just pull. The sheath will be held by the cord as the Pikuni comes clear. The bit of black cord around the belt does not attract attention.

Putting a piece of colored duct tape on part of the handle may make it less alarming to folks. Pink or light green G-10 would be calming, but don't think it's available.

Got a cell phone case. Has a belt loop and a hook that goes around the belt loop of the trousers. This can hold a folder without indicating its contents. To use it with a fixed blade, you'd need to anchor the sheath inside the case.

Also find that an SAK, maybe with a locking blade, can handle many chores around an office. Works well as a Pikuni "companion".


Alan
 
Hey, you're in New York, start a trend. Buy a Busse Basic #9, strap that sucker to your leg and walk into work like you own the place. Next thing you know, half of New York will be carrying large fixed blades.
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Welcome to the Forums fellow Newbie.
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Steelhed:
Hey, you're in New York, start a trend. Buy a Busse Basic #9, strap that sucker to your leg and walk into work like you own the place. Next thing you know, half of New York will be carrying large fixed blades.
biggrin.gif


Welcome to the Forums fellow Newbie.</font>
Click to expand...

Wasn't that Mae West's line, "Is that a Busse Basic #9 you're carrying, or are you just glad to see me?"
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Alan@3:30_and_punchy

 
You need to seriously assess your needs. I cannot stress enough that you DO NOT want to be carrying a fixed blade in any office in NY.

People are giving you really creative concealed carry methods, but if you're carrying at work, what's the point if you can never take it out to use it? I would say a multi-tool would fit your needs, but would not do for defense. You need a good one hand folder, in a legal (<4") configuration.

For construction work, I would also go with a stout folder, or a Stanley 99 utility knife. Not very glamorous, but it gets the job done.

Here's what I suggest - go to www.eknifeworks.com ,search on the following makers and look at their offerings:

Spyderco (Rookie & Standard - the Standard is a very stout folder)
Columbia River
Buck
Meyerco

At this site, with some of the sale prices they offer, you should be able to pick up no less than 5 knives for your $200, if you want to.

For more varety, go to www.1sks.com and look at the whole Spyderco line, as well as Benchmade (Axis locks), Cold Steel, and Outdoor Edge.

If I had to guess, I would say that the folder your coworker had was a piece o junk. Don't judge all folders based on that impression.
 
You need at least 2 knives:

A REKAT Carnivour, and the smaller REKAT Carnivour Cub. Both have the very STRONG "rolling lock", so don't worry about them closing on your fingers.

If you shop-around for best the price of BOTH of these excellent folders, so should be able to stay under your $200 spending limit.


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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
<A HREF="mailto:glockman99@hotmail.com
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I would recommend any spyderco knife. they are useful, quality, sharp, ergonomic, and non-threatening looking. Any of their knives in my opinion would suit your needs.

brandon
 
I was in a similar situation as you, I now carry two tools in the office: A SAK mini tool chest for its versatility and a Spyderco Navigator since it's small, and lightweight with an excellent grip. The Navigator has a wide, tough blade and the grip allows you to "choke up" on the blade for maximum control and it almost acts like a larger knife! This small folder is solid and strong yet it carries well in the pocket.

A large tactical folder at any office full of CPA "sheeple" is not a good idea.
 
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