Pocket Knives

[Wyatt]

Here is a new article that tests some knives in different price ranges: Pocket Knives Review (http://realisticpreparedness.com/a-folding-knife-your-pocket-companion/). With Christmas coming up, I think that I'll need to put a new knife on my list and leave it on my desk in the hopes that the Mrs. will find it and not buy me socks again this year. ;)

[4Bears]

Thanks for sharing, I have had a knife in my pocket continuously since I turned 8 years old and have "retired" a number of knives, as they were just worn out.

[atraildreamer]

Thanks for sharing, I have had a knife in my pocket continuously since I turned 8 years old and have "retired" a number of knives, as they were just worn out.

All the Boy Scouts, and a few of the Girl Scouts, all carried pocket knives at school when I was younger. The teachers knew about and didn't consider it a big deal. Not like today! A kid up the road in Pawtucket, RI got suspended for bringing a PLASTIC picnic knife to school so he could butter his bread at lunchtime. Pre-9/11, I even carried a SAK on a plane. Never had a problem with the baggage screeners.

[Feral Bill]

All the Boy Scouts, and a few of the Girl Scouts, all carried pocket knives at school when I was younger. The teachers knew about and didn't consider it a big deal. Not like today Teachers, too, can't carry knives including the tiniest SAK or multi tool. Scissors you could butcher a steer with, sure, but no knives.

[swjohnsey]

My grandma carried a pocket knife in school to sharpen her pencil. She said she didn't use it much, just winked at one of the boys. Twenty-two rifles were stacked in the back of the room 'til after school.

I carry a pocket knife when I'm teachin' school.

[Feral Bill]

I carry a pocket knife when I'm teachin' school. You may be (gasp!) violating district policy! How can you live with yourself?:)

[cabbagehead]

Here are some problems I have with this article:


It's an advertisement for Amazon. Amazon already has too much power.
The amount of perpendicular force the blade can handle is more important to me than sharpness. This isn't mentioned.
You don't list the percentages of carbon and chromium in the blades.


Good job on the photos.

[STICK]

Lets not forget the Hinderer's (http://www.knifeart.com/xm181.html), the Chris Reeve Knives (http://www.knifeart.com/lgcarbonfiber.html) and the Striders (http://www.knifeart.com/mickstrider1.html)! As a new "collector" these are definitely on my list! The ZT 0550 (http://www.knifeart.com/zt0551.html) is on my Christmas list this year and I have a feeling that Santa will be bringing it by! I also like my Benchmade and all my Spyderco's too though... I just ordered a PM2 (http://www.agrussell.com/spyderco-para-military-digi-camo-g-10-handles/p/SPC81GPDC2/) with the Digicamo G-10 scales and the black DLC blade last night! Can't wait for it to get here... :)

However, I will admit, all of the above mentioned knives are my EDC knives and I would not carry them backpacking. For me, they are much more than I need. For backpacking, at the moment I have a simple Ka-Bar Mini Dozier (http://sticksblog.com/gear/knives-multi-tools/ka-bar-mini-dozier-folding-knife/) in bright orange (and truth-be-told, it is a little more than I need even for backpacking). However, I would like to swap it out for a Spyderco LadyBug (http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ladybug-Plain-Knife-Yellow/dp/B001RATY40/?keywords=spyderco+ladybug&qid=1352655098&ref=sr_1_2&ie=UTF8&sr=8-2) in yellow with H1...

[SunnyWalker]

Your review of the Bear Grylls Scout Knife is pretty accurate. It IS light. Kind of hard to believe until you pick it up. I see it as you said, kind of an all around workhorse for general stuff. That's why I am going to try it on my thru hike of CDT. Start in May 2013.

[jakedatc]

weights would also be nice to know..

[kayak karl]

i've never carried a folding knife hiking or camping. since its used for food also i always thought food particles would get in the mechanism.

[J Zed]

Check out http://www.equipped.com/ , some great knives and survival info.

[MuddyWaters]

When I was in cub scouts, the cub scout pocket knife was worn with uniform, clipped to belt usually , when wore uniform to school on meeting days. That was third grade. No one gave it a thought.

[Trollhunter]

Are there any laws in the states the AT crosses, which limit the size or whatever of a pocket knive?

[Schooley]

that's a good point kayak; never thought about like that. I have noticed dirt, dust and kunk of all sorts on the groove of my locking blades

[brian039]

i've never carried a folding knife hiking or camping. since its used for food also i always thought food particles would get in the mechanism.

They do. Oh the things I did when I thru-hiked...

[Tipi Walter]

Thanks for the review link. Backpackers as a rule seem to favor carrying overkill knives when something small and simple will do. Like below---

http://www.knife-depot.com/images/product/69/6_304367.jpg (http://www.knife-depot.com/images/product/69/6_304367.jpg)

[atraildreamer]

[QUOTE=cabbagehead;1364585...The amount of perpendicular force the blade can handle is more important to me than sharpness. This isn't mentioned. ...[/QUOTE]

The duller the knife, the more perpendicular force needs to be applied to make the cut. The harder you push, the greater the probability that the knife is going to jump and/or slip, causing you to cut yourself. :eek: A good, sharp edge reduces the force needed to make the cut and reduces the possibility of the knife slicing the user. :)

[Gray Blazer]

I carry a pocket knife when I'm teachin' school.

You ain't the only one. The Asst. Principal borrowed mine the other day.

[Gray Blazer]

I do not recommend small plastic handled knives as they will collapse on you while whittling. It ain't fun giving yourself stitches in the middle of nowhere.

[SunnyWalker]

Here's a new one: Buck Hoodulum. It would be overkill for for a backpacker for sure though.

[stumpknocker]

Here's a new one: Buck Hoodulum. It would be overkill for for a backpacker for sure though.

The Buck Hoodlum would be overkill for a backpacker, although I do use one when I'm doing trail maintenance.

Buck has some excellent options for backpackers though, their Bos heat treated steels are excellent for edge retention and their top of the line s30v steel holds an edge much longer than most. Buck knives are what I used over 30 years ago. I tried a few other brands, but I came back to a Buck knife and that is all I've carried for a few years now.

[TheYoungOne]

Are there any laws in the states the AT crosses, which limit the size or whatever of a pocket knive?

If the blade is 3" or less, its a standard folding knife, meaning no automatic switch blade, assisted opening, or butterfly/bailsong then you will be OK. The only state you really got to watch out for is New Jersey, since their police think almost any weapon is illegal. Even so, as a Thru-hiker you have a "explainable lawful purpose" to be carrying a pocket knife. I would get a plain jane lightweight folder that does not look too scary, and keep in INSIDE your pocket or pack. Just don't clip it to your pocket, outside your pack, or whip it out while in town and you will be fine.

Knife Laws by State
http://thefiringline.com/library/blades/knifelaws.html

I personally like a Ka-Bar Dozier regular and mini Dozier as the best bang for your buck. I have a regular which is a 3" blade and weighs 1.5oz.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_sq_top?ie=UTF8&index=blended&keywords=ka%20bar%20dozier&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0013AUDFS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0ZW1G944SRYB40APX62N

The kershaw skyline is nice, USA made with G10 handles. 3 1/8" blade at 2.3oz
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Kershaw-Blaze-Skyline-Knife/1327147.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dkershaw%2Bskyine%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BS earch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=kershaw+skyine&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products


Spyderco is real nice but some are real evpensive. I like the Ladybug which is reasonably priced has a 2.25" blade and weighs in at 1.2oz
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=17687619&findingMethod=rr

If you are on a budget Gerber also makes a Bear Grylls "Compact Scout" which has a 2.5" blade, weighs 1.4oz and only cost $10 to $15 in most retail stores, so no online shipping charges.
http://www.rei.com/product/816211/gerber-bear-grylls-compact-scout-knife,-black/orange?preferredSku=8162110001&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-8162110001&mr:referralID=f35848bb-3e2b-11e2-8751-001b2166c2c0

[Trollhunter]

If the blade is 3" or less, its a standard folding knife, meaning no automatic switch blade, assisted opening, or butterfly/bailsong then you will be OK.

Thanks TheYoungOne . Seems to be nearly the same laws as in Germany. I have a Victorinox Rescue Tool (non one hand-verison), which seems to be ok.

[dornstar]

I've been using the Gerber Paraframe I for a while and love it. Inexpensive (@ $25), light (2.6 oz) and a great length (7.01").

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31SoKQbZ60L.jpg

[TheYoungOne]

Thanks TheYoungOne . Seems to be nearly the same laws as in Germany. I have a Victorinox Rescue Tool (non one hand-verison), which seems to be ok.

That should be fine. I don't know if yours looks like the current model they sell here in the US, but ours is bright yellow and has the words "Rescue Tool" stamped on it in bright red. If it looks are similar, that fact should keep you out of trouble, and not have you mistaken for a knife wielding hoodlum, up to no good. ;)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ENW%2BN-GkL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[Trollhunter]

The version in your image is in germany only allowed for rescue-service and police, etc., because you can open it with one hand. Mine has a little different blade, but rest is the same.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fjMakSzzL._AA160_.jpg

[Hosaphone]

I don't really see what purpose folding knives like these serve for backpacking...? They seem like kind of a useless in-between to me. The way I see it, there are two extremes. Either one makes sense depending on the situation:

On one hand you have the classic tiny victorinox with its useful scissors and blade that is adequate for opening Mountain House packages... Or maybe you can even get the job done with a razor blade. For the overwhelming majority of backpacking purposes on established trails in 3-seasons, these tiny blades are all you need.

On the other hand you have the fixed blades which can take more abuse, baton through wood and do other bushcrafty things that would put a lot of stress on a folder.

Folding knives are heavier than they need to be for most purposes, yet are not well-suited for the kinds of things you'd want to do with a full tang fixed blade. I just can't imagine a backpacking situation where I would want to be carrying one. They're great for every day carry in the "real world", though.

[TheYoungOne]

I don't really see what purpose folding knives like these serve for backpacking...? They seem like kind of a useless in-between to me. The way I see it, there are two extremes. Either one makes sense depending on the situation:

On one hand you have the classic tiny victorinox with its useful scissors and blade that is adequate for opening Mountain House packages... Or maybe you can even get the job done with a razor blade. For the overwhelming majority of backpacking purposes on established trails in 3-seasons, these tiny blades are all you need.



On the other hand you have the fixed blades which can take more abuse, baton through wood and do other bushcrafty things that would put a lot of stress on a folder.

Folding knives are heavier than they need to be for most purposes, yet are not well-suited for the kinds of things you'd want to do with a full tang fixed blade. I just can't imagine a backpacking situation where I would want to be carrying one. They're great for every day carry in the "real world", though.

I kind have been around the block with that one. Granted no one wants to hike, especially thru hike with a 1 pound huge survival knife like a Buck Hoodlum, an Esee Junglas, or a Ka-bar BK2, or even that original Bear Grylls Gerber survival knife. I'm assuming you are thinking of the sturdy yet smaller knives like the Becker Necker, a Mora, the Rat Izula and the like. Most of those knives with the sheath included weigh in at 5oz and up. At 5oz you can get a Leatherman Skeletool, and you will have a knife, pliers ( that can double as a pot grabber) a bottle opener, and screwdrivers, or a Victorinox one hand trekker which is similar to trollhunter's rescue tool minus that 2nd curved saw thing. Also Cold steel makes some 2oz to 5oz folders like the regular and mini versions of the Recon 1, Lawman and the AK-47 that can take some serious abuse like batoning.


Like mentioned earlier by others on this thread, the problem I have with folders are the dirt, grit, and food stuff that will work its way into the folding hinge. I like a small fixed blade like the Becker Necker and the Mora, but then you get into where to carry it and the legality of it. A fixed blade will either be in your pack (which will make it a PITA is you need it when stop to get it out) or somehow attached to the outside of your pack which for some knives sheaths and some pack it can be a PITA to do. Also State Knife laws get a little weird when it comes to fixed blade knives, and if you are going to carry a noticable fixed blade knife on your pack's shoulder strap during a thru hike you may have some police issues when you hike along roads or go into town.

[Hosaphone]

I kind have been around the block with that one. Granted no one wants to hike, especially thru hike with a 1 pound huge survival knife like a Buck Hoodlum, an Esee Junglas, or a Ka-bar BK2, or even that original Bear Grylls Gerber survival knife. I'm assuming you are thinking of the sturdy yet smaller knives like the Becker Necker, a Mora, the Rat Izula and the like. Most of those knives with the sheath included weigh in at 5oz and up. At 5oz you can get a Leatherman Skeletool, and you will have a knife, pliers ( that can double as a pot grabber) a bottle opener, and screwdrivers, or a Victorinox one hand trekker which is similar to trollhunter's rescue tool minus that 2nd curved saw thing. Also Cold steel makes some 2oz to 5oz folders like the regular and mini versions of the Recon 1, Lawman and the AK-47 that can take some serious abuse like batoning.


Like mentioned earlier by others on this thread, the problem I have with folders are the dirt, grit, and food stuff that will work its way into the folding hinge. I like a small fixed blade like the Becker Necker and the Mora, but then you get into where to carry it and the legality of it. A fixed blade will either be in your pack (which will make it a PITA is you need it when stop to get it out) or somehow attached to the outside of your pack which for some knives sheaths and some pack it can be a PITA to do. Also State Knife laws get a little weird when it comes to fixed blade knives, and if you are going to carry a noticable fixed blade knife on your pack's shoulder strap during a thru hike you may have some police issues when you hike along roads or go into town.

My "Classic #1" Mora with 4" blade cost $10 and weighs in at 3oz including the sheath. There is also a 3" version that I believe weighs in at around 2oz with sheath. They are "full tang", though the steel tapers as it goes through the handle which is probably part of what makes them so light.

I don't need pliers/pot grabber, bottle opener or screwdrivers when I'm backpacking. If I did want those things, I think I would prefer to carry a 3oz mora plus a leatherman squirt or something like that.

I just did a quick google search for batoning with a folder and found this great video. Apparently it IS possible to do it safely and without damaging the knife so long as you are careful and use a very specific technique:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUY0y6w7ZDU

[zorobabel]

I just received a Mora 511 yesterday (yes, I did manage to cut myself :)), and thought I'd post the weight for posterity. The Mora 511 knife weighs 68g and the sheath is 29g. I'll try to make a ligher sheath at some point in the future.

[atraildreamer]

That should be fine. I don't know if yours looks like the current model they sell here in the US, but ours is bright yellow and has the words "Rescue Tool" stamped on it in bright red. If it looks are similar, that fact should keep you out of trouble, and not have you mistaken for a knife wielding hoodlum, up to no good. ;)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ENW%2BN-GkL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Needs a corkscrew.

[Wise Old Owl]

I've been using the Gerber Paraframe I for a while and love it. Inexpensive (@ $25), light (2.6 oz) and a great length (7.01").



http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31SoKQbZ60L.jpg

I am sure this is a good choice- my issue is it's just stainless.. not a recommendation for keeping sharpness... some folks don't care and that's OK. Would not be my choice for the woods.

[Slo-go'en]

Lately I've been using a 3" folding blade Buck Knife W/ plastic handle. It's big enough and sturdy enough to do some basic trail mantinance of cutting back small branches which grow into the trail. Every so often I'll run into a section of trail which hasn't been brushed in a long time and get tired of pushing branches out of my face. So, out comes the knife and I start cutting out the more offensive branches until I get tired of doing it after a mile or two.

I carry its baby brother (1 1/2") blade as back up. Knifes, lighters and flashlights are three things I always carry a back up for.

[Rain Man]

Thanks for the review link. Backpackers as a rule seem to favor carrying overkill knives when something small and simple will do. Like below---

http://www.knife-depot.com/images/product/69/6_304367.jpg (http://www.knife-depot.com/images/product/69/6_304367.jpg)

Agreed. That's the knife I carry most often ... and mostly never have to pull it out.

Rain Man

.

[swjohnsey]

Me, too. I actually used that knife to field dress a deer just to see how it worked. Worked fine. Don't take much knife to get the job done.