Best Pocket Knife

[finesse_r]

While I buy only quality firearms, all my life I have gone with inexpensive knives. They are not bad knives, just not high quality. Most all of my knives have decent steel in them (440 C or better with decent Rockwell hardness ratings) and work for most of my needs, but none of them are the knife I would want if stranded on some desert island with only one knife. Sadly in the past I lost a pocket knife before I wore one out, but as I aged I am getting better at not losing them.

My 70th birthday is coming up in a few months and I am thinking about treating myself to a really good pocket knife. Any ideas on what I should be looking at?

 

[wwb]

If you're looking for a pure pocket knife.... not to be used as a prybar, screwdriver, gasket scraper, etc. I've carried one of these for years:

http://www.buckknives.com/product/the-55-knife/0055BRS-B/

 

[Big Rack]

Great Eastern Cutlery, some Queen Cutlery like the File and Wire series

 

[GoBow]

Get yourself a Benchmade; with their Axis lock. :)

 

[Rick Courtright]

My 70th birthday is coming up in a few months and I am thinking about treating myself to a really good pocket knife. Any ideas on what I should be looking at?

Hi,

Are you looking for a "classic" knife pattern, or something more "modern" and perhaps affected some by the "tacticool" school of thought? And will it be a working/EDC knife, or a bit more for show, maybe something to hand down to a kid or grandkid, figuring as 70 approaches, more of your purchases are likely to become "a lifetime supply of (whatever)"? And if it's a "working" knife, what kinds of "work" will it do? And would any possible "legalities" affect your decision?

There are so many question marks there. I dunno how many pocket knives constitutes "enough" but I don't think I've reached that point yet, and know for sure having to reduce myself to picking just one to be my next one would be a really tough decision! So maybe telling us a bit more about what you like or think you want might help with the suggestions.

Rick C

 

[Hugh]

I have always had a multi-function pocket knife. For the past 30 years or so I have had a Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker in my pocket. I truly like the Buck knives; mine are the 110, kinda big for every day pocket carry but one is with me in the woods and in my truck.

The Tinker I carry is available in pretty much any sporting goods store, or on-line. Here's one at http://www.amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Tinker-Pocket-Knife/dp/B00004YVB4/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1442603872&sr=1-3&keywords=victorinox+swiss+army+knife+tinker+red

 

[GunnyGene]

While I buy only quality firearms, all my life I have gone with inexpensive knives. They are not bad knives, just not high quality. Most all of my knives have decent steel in them (440 C or better with decent Rockwell hardness ratings) and work for most of my needs, but none of them are the knife I would want if stranded on some desert island with only one knife. Sadly in the past I lost a pocket knife before I wore one out, but as I aged I am getting better at not losing them.

My 70th birthday is coming up in a few months and I am thinking about treating myself to a really good pocket knife. Any ideas on what I should be looking at?

What you look at depends a lot on your budget. High end custom folders can reach several hundred dollars. these will usually have the very best steels and close tolerances for hinges, etc. Here's one custom maker that focuses on the essentials and not fancy engraving, etc. http://www.warrenknives.com/folders.htm S30V steel is often considered one of the best steels for edge retention and toughness (not to be confused with hardness). Here's a little info about the steels he uses: http://www.warrenknives.com/blade%20steels.htm

The weaknesses of hardware store knives is usually sloppy hinges which lets the blade wobble when open; and often kitchen knife steel (440C), and poorly made grips.

 

[ndcowboy]

If you have never looked at the Helle line of knives, take a look. Most are small fixed blades, but they do have a couple of folders too. Beautiful knives that are heirloom quality for a little over $100.

 

[bogus bill]

Here are a couple of my favorites. You do have to see a couple of the competitions guns though.

 

[Bob Wright]

I've had this Cherokee Warrior from Frost Cutlery for fifteen~twenty years. Gave, I think, $12.50 for it. I've switched off time and again, but always go back to it:





Bob Wright

 

[smoke-eater]

I also buy "less than top-of-the-line" pocket knives, because of my tendency of losing them. They also occasionally take a spin in the washing machine, much to The Mrs.' dismay :oops: .
If I ever get up the nerve to invest in a good'un, I'd go for a Benchmade Griptillian in D-2 steel.

 

[sfhogman]

I've been carrying a Kershaw Leek in olive drab ever since retirement, three years ago. It's a nice gent's knife, holds an edge very well, and has a tight lockup. The price is moderate, and it fits unobtrusively in the pocket. For cutting only.

Jeff

 

[finesse_r]

I also buy "less than top-of-the-line" pocket knives, because of my tendency of losing them. They also occasionally take a spin in the washing machine, much to The Mrs.' dismay :oops: .
If I ever get up the nerve to invest in a good'un, I'd go for a Benchmade Griptillian in D-2 steel.

The Benchmade Griptillian in D-2 steel looks pretty close to what I can and will afford for a quality knife. I can’t see paying more for a knife than I do for the pistol I carry.

 

[Cholo]

Ask 100 people, get 200 answers :mrgreen: I have a several pocket knives, but this one soon became my favorite. They're about $110 on the net. It's a funky looking little thing, but I won't carry a knife much bigger than this. I feel like buying a 2nd one! :)

www.almarknives.com/product/slb-stout-little-backup

 

[whichwatch]

Case, or Buck. Just be sure not to get a Buck that is made in China.

 

[Acorn]

Case Muskrat

 

[Jeepnik]

First question is how much do you want to spend.

I'm pretty partial to the Sebenza from Chris Reeve.

http://chrisreeve.com/Sebenza-21

As to stuck in the desert, I'd want a fixed blade for that. Few "pocket" knives are really up to the type of abuse I would be giving it. Think digging, hacking, prying etc.

 

[H.H. Hipshot]

I have a Kershaw in my pocket right now, but my experience says that Buck USA steel will hold an edge longer. I also like the old USA Schrade knives.

So, I switch between the three brands depending upon what I am doing and to keep one from getting jealous of the other two.

HHH

 

[exavid]

I've carried a Shrade Medium Stockman for over 60 years now. Not the same one, I think I'm on my fourth. When my last one became pretty worn out I found out that Shrade had sold out to China. Luckily I was able to find three nearly new US made ones on eBay and bought all three. So I should have enough to last me out and leave one or two for my grandson.

 

[Big Old Boy]

I have only owned Benchmade knives for the last 20 or so years the best knife for the money with free life sharp, can't beat it.

 

[coach]

Ask 100 people, get 200 answers :mrgreen:

I have many knives too and from time to time different ones have been my favorite for everyday carry or for specific purposes such as yard work or fishing.
My favorite that I usually carry and not the most expensive or prettiest is a Benchmade model with synthetic handle and high speed bearing steel. Not stainless as evident by some staining when I lost it outside for a few weeks. It's the right size to be useful and the blade takes and holds a good edge. Other knives get used when in "polite company" such as the office, church, etc.

 

[wrdwrght]

I discovered Spyderco several years ago and haven't been bored since. Innovative designs, variety of steels, and a classy organization.

 

[pete44ru]

.


I'm partial to a Browning stag trapper, that I bought directly from Browning in the mid-1970's, for my "Sunday" pocket knife.

For everyday carry/work, I prefer a more utilitarian blade, like this Spydeco Police (below, with my .380 Browning Model 1955)

.


.

 

[JackpineWillie]

I'm partial to USA made Schrades and Bucks.

 

[gramps]

I also buy "less than top-of-the-line" pocket knives, because of my tendency of losing them. They also occasionally take a spin in the washing machine, much to The Mrs.' dismay :oops: .
If I ever get up the nerve to invest in a good'un, I'd go for a Benchmade Griptillian in D-2 steel.

Pretty much the same here. Back in the 90's I bought a $40 S&W, that I carried for several years, and then lost. I have since carried knives that were $15 or less. When I find one I like, I buy a couple. I have never broken a knife (I don't abuse them- only use them for cutting). My son (38) has bought a couple of Benchmade knives in the $100-200 range. He has been able to keep up with his knives better than me. :)
gramps

 

[tinman]

During my time in the service I carried two. A Buck 112 and a MC-1 Riggers Knife made by Schrade....I still have them both.

http://www.buckknives.com/product/112-ranger-knife/0112FAM01/

http://e-militaria.com/catalog/usa_ww2/zz_df_knife_schrade_oj/index.html


Now that I work indoors I carry a Kershaw Leek as a pocket tool and a Spyderco Wegner if I'm gonna be working outdoors or just need something heavier duty.

 

[Goldstar225]

I was very partial to Schrades until production went to China. I bought a Benchmade mini-griptilian (2.9" blade) earlier this year. After getting rid of the pocket clip it's been an excellent knife.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I'm partial to Bucks and have done a few moose, caribou and such with them. One of my favorites is the 110. Most people don't really pay attention but they also do a custom 110. You can get S30v blade, nickle bolsters, Horn or stag grips, etc. I've got 3 of them. Not cheap but not unreasonable at all. Worth a look.

http://www.buckknives.com/custom-knife-shop/

 

[Ugly Hombre]

I carry a bench made "mini griptillian".

Light sturdy and good steel, like it a lot- before that- a spyderco "dragon fly"

I prefer the grip now.

Heavy duty?- can't go wrong with a Buck 110

 

[Scout943]

Not fancy but a good every day knife Camillus military issue 1961 model https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS4zpyVWg1RHGaiSy85mhZyW8EoABdjoQ5_xyRskIZuvdm_PoDg can be gpurchased on e bay the best ones are the 1960 s models . Been using mine for 45 years .