JoeBlow131b

I'm a big Benchmade fan... I also suggest getting an Emerson.

krystalogik

I saw that the CRKT M16 was recommended a lot, and wanted to add a note to that : do not buy any of the lower end M-16s. the AUS-6 mine was made of was horrible, and would not keep an edge for longer than 2 weeks (without being used!).

I've been adequately happy with my SOG Trident for quite some time now, although I would've like it in CM154, or even better, S30V.

I dislike most Spydercos, but only because of the backlock. I've had the locking mechanism fail on me while in use because I gripped it too hard (I have meaty hands). They've gotten better about release placement in recent years, so don't write them off. I do really like the Spyderco Native; It's very light, for every day carry, without sacrificing usability.

Find a locking mechanism that you like and are comfortable with. I prefer Axis locks, or similar. CRKT should be lauded for their auto-lawks system, for liner locks.

It's very important to know what is and isn't legal in your locality. Most people in California think that there is a limit on the length of a folding knife. There isn't.

For California, the pertinent information can be found in section 12020 of the State Penal code, and might be linkable here : WAIS Document Retrieval Nowhere is there a mention of length limits.

Good thing to know as well:
(comment added)


...which means that a closed folding knife can always be carried concealed in the state of California.

Starkizzer

I love my Benchmade Griptillian! Its functional, looks a little reptillian hence the name, and it stays sharp. Plus its a decent size to carry.

im2smrt4u used to work at a cutlery store and thats the first knife he bought for me. He has lots of really nice knives,pocket and otherwise. I also really like my Kershaw Leek, its really sleek looking but usefull.

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krystalogik

3 of my friends have the griptilian, and love them, but I find their handles a bit too small for me. (6'4", hands to match).

I've been looking at the Benchmade Pardues (model 520/523) because their handles are similar to my nimravus, which I love. Need to go find someone with one in stock...

im2smrt4u

I'm really suprised that the discontinued that one. A really solid knife!

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im2smrt4u

As far as a "best pocket knife" goes, the answer is different for everyone, and often changes over time.

For me, right now, I carry my Benchmade 940-TI most of all. Titanium frame, AXIS lock, S30V blade, slim, and fairly light. I love it!

However, I've got all sorts of other knives from cheap productions to high end customs. One of my favorites has to be the Grant & Gavin Hawk External Toggle. It features assisted open and close by pushing on the back toggle. At $650, the custom version is a bit pricey for most, but Kershaw makes a production version that is very nice.

Attached Images

et3.jpg (60.7 KB, 201 views)

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slick50

I carry a Case Pocketworn folder (small Texas Toothpick) and have for a couple years. I buy, collect or accumulate the more traditional styles and handle materials.
I like most of the CRKT knives and buy them as gifts.
Go to a knife store and touch, feel, hold, put in your pocket, open, close, repeat.

JStrider

I carry a Benchmade PIKA cheap enough that I wouldnt be upset if I lost it, but it definitely gets a job done.

I also carry a couple different victorinox swiss army knives... either one of the smaller ones, or one of the big ones, depending on how big my pockets are/ what I'm doing

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-=JStrider=-

~Clatto Verata Nicto

Tirian

I carry my leatherman wave everywhere. Also like the Victorianox Trekker.
All locking everything, and the saws on both are amazing survival tools.

Although I realize that neither qualify for your first question of knifes without all the folding accessories.

Plaid13

I also carry a leatherman but i have the charge ti instead of the wave. almost exactly the same though. But yeah not just a simple folding knife. But based on the quality of the multitools they make I assume the folding knives they make are just as nice. Might be worth looking into. But i do suggest getting a leatherman multitool if you ever want something with more then just a simple blade.

Force 10

Oh don't pity us, we may very well be on our way.

I happen to like my Cold Steel Ti-Lite folder.
-----Added 2/11/2008 at 12 : 23 : 52-----

DonnieBoy

You just can't go wrong with Case knives. American Made and dependable.

I have a few I like the RussLock and Seahorse Whittler Styles myself.

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company Handcrafted Knives

Walt

Unfortunately, Im inclined to agree. Ive also had an Emerson CQC 7 since the seventh grade, though mine has the black teflon coating which makes it slightly cooler than Gregs.

Its a great knife and Benchmade customer service is hard to beat. I once watched a buddy try to cut a live high voltage power line with a CQC 7. Almost melted the blade clean in half. He sent it in. Benchmade didnt ask any questions, just threw a new blade on there and shipped it back.

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phathom

The one I carry is actually the Kershaw Multi-tool. They no longer sell them, but if you can find one they are gold. Has a serated/flat blade of legal length that pops out extremely fast with a very little effort in the wrist and a gentle flick of the thumb. It is very comfortable to use and also includes the following inside the multi-tool. Flathead and Philips Screwdriver, file, bottle opener, Hacksaw as well as pliers/wire cutters/locking vice grips that also are adjustable via screw on the handle. The most versatile tool I have ever used, and works great for defense as you don't have to open it up to get the blade out, it's right there on the outside ready to be used. Only complaint I have about it, is that the tools don't lock into place when out like the newer leathermans do, but really it doesn't make a difference to me. I will choose hands down as the "Only thing you can choose to have with you if you get lost in the forest/desert island, etc scenario."

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FuglyStick

I carry a Gerber Paraframe. The quality of Gerber knives varies a great deal. I bought my Paraframe at Walmart for under $30. There are a lot better knives out there, but I'm not worried about losing or damaging it; it can be easily replaced. It's a bit large if you wear slacks to work, but it fits nicely in a pair of jeans--the blade is just short of 4 inches, but it is a slim and relatively light weight design. It is partially serrated, which many people think is unnecessary; I DO have occasion to cut rope and cardboard quite a bit, so I appreciate the serration. All in all, it's a pretty practical knife, for those who actually use a knife.

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blade02

I carry a Case knife. I'm not sure of the model, but its single bladed, drop point, lock blade with a black plastic handle. I carry it every day, everywhere I go. Simple, American built and dependable and less than $20.

Turpis

to everybody who has actually stabbed or been stabbed put your hand up...

yeah, thought so. a knife is an offensive weapon. if you are purchasing one for defensive purposes you have already set yourself back by not realizing the purpose of the knife.

if however you do however want to kill someone i would suggest an oldschool bayonette look at the blade. is the blade diamond or flat? how heavy is it? how thick is it? most of these little flip knives are good for kids only. they are flimsy and lack the leverage necessary to pry with. if you have never had to use your knife to pry then you have never worked with your hands.

my knife is a solingen made richaherder. i cant find any pics of the particular knife but this one has the almost same handle(http://www.youwantit2.com/205818NEW.jpg mine is however not a bowie knife). alot of people like flip knives cause they feel cool when they snap them out. I agree they can be handy but they are all ultimately cheap. get something with a full tang and a good handle with a guard.

my REAL knife is a german made swedish contract bayonette. these were made to clip on a K98, it has a special hollow where it clips in so that you can ground a radio wire. (yeah i dont need to ground radio wire right now, but who says i never will?)
http://www.lawranceordnance.com/lawr...sh-bayonet.jpg

FuglyStick

My knife is a tool, not a weapon.

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Turpis

and you get what you pay for. $30 knife is not something im going to be able to give to my son should i chose to have one. nor would i want to for that matter.

i bought my main one off an old farmer who had had it for a while and it doesnt look like its about to break any time.

you stick with your kids toolkit ill take my snap-on thank you.

telekinetic

Why the hate? I carry a $17 Gerber Easy-Out and a $30 Boker ResCom. Would the custom Howard Viel Spyderco or the Benchmade auto that sit in my nightstand open boxes and cut rope any better?

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twisted no more

Slims

Do you also duct-tape armor-plates around your torso?

FYI, I have used a knife to end an attempt on my life. As soon as I pulled it out the encounter ended and the person who was attacking me made a quick retreat. In that particular instance I ended the encounter by introducing a knife. Had the attack not stopped, I would have been able to stab his neck/arms and I am absolutely positive my non-bayonet shaped knife would have convinced him to stop choking me.

As for prying ability...If the people who have posted to this thread have not broken their knives, then they have likely picked a tool which suits their needs. No need to carry a crowbar around if you do not use one during the course of your day.

Your bayonet is a fantastic tool, but most people would probably look out of sorts carrying a bayonet around with them. If you are in a place where you can carry whatever you want, then why bring a bayonet to a gun fight?

Additionally, it was state-of-the-art for a mass produced tool 40 years ago. We can do much better now.

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"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence

Turpis

thats the attitude that got American luxury cars looking like asian family cars and not the other way around. nobody cares about quality anymore or lasting performance and endurance.

i dont know how any of those cuts because i'd consider the most expensive among them of bad make. put simply two words: 'moving parts'. folders, flippers whatever they are for show. the only reason you need a knife in pocket at all times is if you intend to use it for hurting someone. if you are working you have your tools with you if you dont have your tools... well then you aint working are you?

FuglyStick

Thank you. There's a correct tool for every job. Sure, I could carry a $200 pocket knife--there are plenty of fine examples to choose from. But I use my knife nearly every day, for some not so glamorous chores, not to impress anyone.

---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:35 PM ----------

You are clueless, and have obviously never done a real days work.

the weekend warrior is among us.

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Turpis

I am absolutely positive that he was not that into it then. if he was he would have pulled a knife too and yours would not have been much good. you do not understand the mindset of someone who wants to kill you. secondly you should be able to stop an attacker if you cant fight unarmed how can you expect to fight armed? that's a fundamental of every martial art around the world.

Slims

Oh, and a follow on.

I originally posted in this thread in 2003.

My Benchmade CQC-7 is still going strong and has not yet failed me in any way. I have done horrible things to this knife as I joined the military after college and carried it through all kinds of military schools and to Afghanistan. I have used it to dig holes, cut wire, sheet metal, chop wood, dove with it in salt water, carried through swamps and in the desert sand. It has alway opened, always got the job done and has not yet failed me. Additionally it folds up small enough I will always have it with me vs. the sheath knife that stays behind in my deployment bag due to it's size.

Right now I am trying a new Zero Tolerance auto that seems fairly sturdy. I am not sure how durable the auto mechanism is, but I am fairly confident the metal in the blade will break before the 'hinge' will if I chose to pry that hard with it.

I have destroyed a Benchmade Nimravus (fixed blade) and it has held up very well. Also I have carried a SOG Daggert for a while and it is a good knife, though being a single-purpose knife is not nearly as sturdy as a utility knife.

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"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence

Turpis

oh sorry i didnt realize cutting up boxes behind burger king was real work these days. i suppose i over looked the soft materials workers paper tie cutting folk or maybe you use em to turn screws? smart one dull your knife and strip the head. the fact that you couldn't come up with anything else points to your own inexperience. try some farm work sometime son you will get my drift i guarantee you that.

Slims

Ok buddy.

First, I was seated in a car with the seatbelt on when a much larger man reached through the open window and before I realized what was going on he began to choke me, lifting me up and back pinning me against the seatbelt and the seat of the car so I could not reach the shift-lever or maneuver in any way. I was able to pull the knife from my pocket which caused him to let go and allowed me to get the car in gear and floor it.

If you can show me the style of martial arts which allows you to overpower a much larger man in that circumstance let me know.

Second, sure, you *should* be able to stop an attacker who is unarmed, but life isn't fair and a smart attacker won't be either. By the time you realize you are in a fight he may have already screwed you up, he may be better at it than you, or he may have a friend or two.


Third, if you respond to deadly force by producing a knife and your assailant does the same then you have not made the situation any worse...you are still fighting for your life, just now you have a weapon.

Fourth, MOST attacks in the United States are opportunistic and the assailant typically is not willing to sit around and get cut/shot just to hurt you. They are after easy targets and as soon as you stop being easy they take off. There are always exceptions and it is prudent to plan for the worst-case situation, but the worst-case isn't what typically happens.

Fifth, I have no intention of sticking around after an encounter to watch my attacker slowly bleed to death/find a weapon. If I have to use a knife it will be to create space so I can either 1: Run away or 2: Draw a gun. A simple folding knife is more than adequate for the intended job.

Sixth, it is awfully presumptuous of you to assume I have no idea what a life-and-death fight is like.

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"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence

FuglyStick

Son. Cute.

I'm not going to get in a flame war with you, because you're not worth it. My $30 knife has served me as well as the more expensive knives that have come before it, for a variety of chores, from stripping wire to cutting fuel line. To say that the only reason to carry a knife is as a weapon is nothing but ignorance. After the hammer, the knife is probably the most useful tool that man has ever utilized.

Tough guy.

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telekinetic

OK, I propose two scenarios. Let me introduce you to one of my two (three actually) daily carries first:

Ain't she a beaut? Perfect for cutting of all textiles, opening of boxes and letters, etc etc, in a very non-threatening safety-tipped package.

Now, farming's a bitch, no denying, and if you can daily carry a sword or whatever, go you. The civilized people who design all your farm equipment (brethren to myself) must choose significantly more discrete options for tools (Did you really insist that small tools aren't, somehow, tools, by the way?)

First scenario, you (or someone you love) is stuck in a car...let's make it an upside-down car, with the seatbelts jammed, and the gas slowly seeping towards the hot exhaust. In the first scenario, I get the above pictured Boker ResCom that I carry on my person at all times, and you get your bare hands (since you weren't intending on hurting someone that day), and we race to get away from the explodey car.

Second scenario, I get my rescom and you get your bayonette, and you have to get the seatbelt off without drawing blood. On your mark...get set... (don't forget the fire)...

There are other scenarios...opening retail packaging (I assume you use your teeth like god intended?), opening boxes (maybe all that milk you drink on your farm has given you Nails of Extreme Tape Penetration), shortening rope, (teeth again, or perhaps brute force?)

As far as prying, well, that's what the leatherman Micro on my keychain is for. Who pries with a blade?!

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twisted no more

Redlemon

Twisted, what's that safety-tipped knife called?

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phathom

*Puts both hands up*
I have been stabbed and have stabbed
It doesn't matter if you have a huge machette, or a 3" blade, when properly used for defense or offense, it will stop whoever your opposition is, A 3" blade might not kill them, but then again do you really want that on you, proving self defense is getting harder and harder to do these days. I say just carry whatever is best suited for your own needs, there is no one knife fits all, it's as individual as your underware choices.

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-snooch to the nooch

telekinetic

It's a Boker ResCom...it's designed by Chad Los Banos, a cool regular knife enthusiast-turned-designer from Hawaii, as part of his awesome SubCom series. It's as tiny as possible while still being practical. I'd love to have every single knife in the set, espcially the Wharcom and SubClaw:

Wharcom, with quarter for scale:


Subclaw, held in hand:


The designer posts frequently on a couple enthusiast boards, and is a really laid back cool guy. For $30 a pop I can just barely justify not buying one of everything he's designed...I think if I were single I'd already have two of each!

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twisted no more

AlphaFox830

I have carried a benchmade osborne 940 for about 10 years now. It's by far the best knife I've had, and like alot of the posters here... i'm a knife enthusiast.

I also like:
CRKT
Spyderco
KA-BAR
Victornox
Leatherman - TI

But those I generally dont use for EDC.

Happy shopping

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Self Styled Pirate

Push-Pull

I have carried a Junglee Marshall for about 7 years now. Been clipped to my right hip pocket every time I go out. I love it, it's simple, and has been quite abused, including prying, turning screws, and even hammering, and still it carries on. Best part is, I can fully disassemble it and really clean it up, and when I get it back together, it snaps out with the slightest flick of the wrist.

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DAMMIT! -Jack Bauer-

Cynosure

Interesting thread.

Okay, let's assume you're stuck on a deserted island, like Tom Hank's character in Castaway. You open up one of those FedEx boxes, and out slides a knife.

Which knife would you want it to be? Remember, this will be your ONLY tool, for your duration on the island (which will be 1 to 2 years). At least, the only tool that you don't have to craft for yourself.

To make it harder, let's assume the knife costs $100 or less, retail.

telekinetic

Leatherman Wave--no contest!

If you're talking strictly knives, then the fixed blade I have with a compass on the butt and a survival kit with fishooks and line in the handle.

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nomcat

Ooooh I don't know, I could contest that! Victorinox SwissTool over a Leatherman, for sure... I've had both and found the SwissTool to be better in almost every aspect.

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Cynosure

The bottle opener, can opener, wire stripper, screwdriver, and bit drivers on that knife are going to be pretty much useless, on that island. Furthermore, I think the knife blade itself is too small. If you insist on Leatherman, I think it would be better to go with one of their hunting knives (which is still keeping within the "pocket" knife category).

nomcat

For the island scenario I'd go for some form of kukri... something that you can use to hack down vegetation for shelter and still use for skinning etc.

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There are many powers in the world, for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am. Against some I have not yet been measured. But my time is coming.

Strange Famous

carrying a knife around in your pocket would equal grey days where I'm from.

on a desert island I'd take a Swiss Army Knife, since they have lots of tools built into one knife.

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for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."

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