Pocket/SA knives

I collect/accumulate folding knives, mostly high-end production pieces with a couple semi-custom/custom pieces as well. Usually used for cutting up cardboard boxes/plastic packing/plastic straps and other random stuff, but some perform better than others in terms of blade profile/edge geometry, etc for more specific tasks.

In terms of overall construction, fit and finish, edge retention, and general design in a production (factory made) locking folding knife, Spyderco is at the top of my list at the moment, and Benchmade is a real close second. Camillus, Buck, Kershaw, Al Mar, CRKT, and a few other places make solid knives as well. All of these companies' lineups are fairly affordable, higher end pieces are generally under $150. Microtech makes awesome pieces (think that's a picture of an MT HALO auto someone posted), but they tend to be very high end limited production pieces, starting at $100+.

If you're getting a locking blade, make sure you're buying from a reputable company, because it sucks some serious ass if the blade folds down onto your fingers when the lock fails. Also recommend staying away from linerlocks (leaf spring that comes in from the side to hold the blade in place) if you're planning on heavy use for the knife.

Check out New Graham, Knifeworks, and 1sks.

[swede123]

Good info from Slamhound, particularly his endorsement of Benchmade. In my experience these guys make the best knives for the money of anyone. The quality and finish is close to that of custom shops charging silly amounts for their knives. I own a 722S, which is pretty much invincible. I've had it for five years now, using it for all kinds of random cutting and the blade is about as sharp as when I got it.


Swede

I've carried one of these for over a decade now:

Mine doesn't have "POLICE" etched on it though. The blade is just under 4 1/2" long making barely legal for carry in my state. It's quick on the draw too.

[Ray Zee]

gerber for the average joe. they are easy to sharpen and are light weight and inexpensive. plus good knives. i have one that has skinned a few elk, moose, many deer and antelope, gutted sharptails and pheasnat and still looks and acts new.

i have that benchmade boot knife and although its nice its a bear to keep sharp or sharpen. and i know how to sharpen a knife. it sits in the drawer never to see daylight again.

my leatherman gets used almost everyday but the two knife blades in it arent very good for much.

[Martin]

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my leatherman gets used almost everyday but the two knife blades in it arent very good for much.

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The blades are good for small general chores like opening boxes, cutting off insulation etc. Leatherman doesn't really work as a hunting / skinning knife although the small blade works quite well for fine caping if you are prepping the skin as a trophy.

I have found that Benchmade use a weird edge bevel which make their stuff difficult to sharpen. Gerber or Crkt made better general purpose field knives.

[CallMeIshmael]

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Don't mention hunting or anything, that's pretty gay. Do you whittle sticks?

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Brilliant

[young nut]

You need to talk to this guy. He is the master of knife knowledge and he can probably get you a damn ninja sword for two bucks.



Good ole late night TV.