What knife are you carrying today?

[sparky 1971]

My Benchmade, above, was purchased new in '90 or '91 for, IIRC, $135. Amortize that over thirty-five years of heavy use... $3.86/year. Pretty damned cheap--and it ain't done paying back.

That's about the same time I bought my Buck 301 for about $30 and up until it fell off the dresser into my sock drawer, making me think I'd lost it until I found it about two years later, it was my EDC until 2025. I replaced it with a $30 371, same knife but Chinese and it's every bit as good as the 301 which now sells for 75-100.

 

[CGarage]

When paid to do so, the Chinese quality can be very, very good.

 

[mike93lx]

My Benchmade, above, was purchased new in '90 or '91 for, IIRC, $135. Amortize that over thirty-five years of heavy use... $3.86/year. Pretty damned cheap--and it ain't done paying back.

That's about the equivalent of $350 today, which is about what one of their higher end off the shelf offerings costs today (like a carbon scale Osborne or bailout). My bailout with grivory scales is a paltry 200.

And still made in 'Murica

 

[mngundog]

Random thoughts, to some of the recent posts.
I finally quit getting subscription magazines (hunting and guns) a few years back, if I recall correctly Benchmade advertised the heck out of those magazines and I got a Scheels Pursuit Magazine/Advertisement/article type thing in the mail today, and the only knife manufacturer in it was a 2 page spread from Benchmade.
While true most of these knives get used to death, there is no doubt there are guys who have 20-50 higher end knives, that rotate them like the guys who collect watches.
I own 2 Benchmades, one (Boost?), has the rubber peeling (perhaps why its discontinued). It was a gift, so I'm on the fence about warranting it.
I lost a bunch of knives, prior to pocket clips, most I recovered from recliners, but every Case/Buck/Old timer got lost through the decades, I never buy those old school knives now because of that.
While on occasion I still use multi-tools, I still carry a knife.

 

[jblnut]

Stanley utility knife with a Lennox blade.

 

[NUTTSGT]

That's the secret.

By spending a few hundred bucks on a knife, I'm much, much more in tune with where it is.

I have lost several $30 knives, have yet to lose a $100+ knife to carelessness.

When I say "lose" a knife, its not so much as carelessness, its just more of a factor of it being gone...

I've carried a pocket knife since I was 9, with rhe exception of school but sometimes, still had it with me. It has just become an extension of who I am or part of me, enough that I don't even realize or think about it. I've carried many times into places that have signage against... last time was going into a Reds game. I gave it up to an older male employee handing out bobbleheads before I got to security. Going back out to the hotel wasn't really an option. Granted, the old guy was stoked about the gift.

Its not so much as a "weapon" to me, yes, I can use for self-defense, but as a tool. Being so, I carry a knife with a serrated section because of that.

Just my take on an EDC, not right, not wrong, just different.

 

[dr_clyde]

When I say "lose" a knife, its not so much as carelessness, its just more of a factor of it being gone...

I've carried a pocket knife since I was 9, with rhe exception of school but sometimes, still had it with me. It has just become an extension of who I am or part of me, enough that I don't even realize or think about it. I've carried many times into places that have signage against... last time was going into a Reds game. I gave it up to an older male employee handing out bobbleheads before I got to security. Going back out to the hotel wasn't really an option. Granted, the old guy was stoked about the gift.

Its not so much as a "weapon" to me, yes, I can use for self-defense, but as a tool. Being so, I carry a knife with a serrated section because of that.

Just my take on an EDC, not right, not wrong, just different.

I get it.

I hoofed it a mile and change back to the parking lot to avoid giving my benchmade to the security guards at a concert I went to a few years back.

Didn’t occur to me that they’d have metal detectors at this show and my knife is as part of my EDC as my wallet, keys and phone.

Since then I try to leave it in my console if I remember that I’m going into a place that prohibits “weapons” even though my knife is very much a tool to me. But I admit I occasionally forget and have to either hide it in the bushes or head back to the car.

 

[Fly Fishing Rick]

The smallest knife I own/carry for today.

 

[mike93lx]

The smallest knife I own/carry for today.

I feel like a nice otf would be about the best fidget toy possible.

 

[Fly Fishing Rick]

I feel like a nice otf would be about the best fidget toy possible.

They definitely scratch an itch that no other knife type does, for me anyway. I only own 2 though, because quality ones are not cheap.

 

[Fly Fishing Rick]

Just realized my comment about it being my smallest doesn't mean much with my initial photo. This should clarify things .

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

Kershaw Leek

 

[N_Jay]

Kershaw Fatback, assisted opening flipper, deep carry.
Discontinued, but best darn cheap knife I have ever had.
Did like the early black blade over the newer finish.

 

[Cheesy1]

I might carry a flipper mostly. But I like slip joints more.

Here’s a 12 day of Christmas special DLT had made up by GEC. Crosscut Mammoth. It’s mostly carried to church.

 

[Cheesy1]

The troll level was expert by Zero Tolerance back when Benchmade was cutting up guns for the Portland police. I’d buy a ZT. I won’t ever buy a Benchmade.

 

[rust in the eye]

I get it.

I hoofed it a mile and change back to the parking lot to avoid giving my benchmade to the security guards at a concert I went to a few years back.

Didn’t occur to me that they’d have metal detectors at this show and my knife is as part of my EDC as my wallet, keys and phone.

Since then I try to leave it in my console if I remember that I’m going into a place that prohibits “weapons” even though my knife is very much a tool to me. But I admit I occasionally forget and have to either hide it in the bushes or head back to the car.

Standing in line to visit the Eiffel tower(in order to propose to Mrs Rust) I see a sign informing visitors about prohibited items. Remembering a folding knife was in my pocket(along with an engagement ring) I decided to pay a visit to the security office to speak with a member of the local gendarmerie. I presented the knife, pleaded my case and inquired if it may be allowed. "No way". Oh boy! I had just bought it, it was somewhat expensive, I really like it and we are there for more the just sightseeing. "Clouseau" offered to return the knife to me rather than confiscate it after our visit, which he did.
Who says the French are unfriendly?

 

[bdbecker]

I've been carrying this Buck 110 Slim for the last six years. I was replacing cheap knives every year or so due to damage/abuse, so I decided to try a good quality inexpensive one (was around $30 at the time). Not the coolest or fanciest, but it has held up well for me.

Don't get me wrong, I do love some of the higher end knives I've had the chance to handle, but have never treated myself to one. Maybe someday...

 

[duneslider]

Been carrying a Gerber Curve lately. Not a serious knife by any means but small, light, and has the three things I need most knife and flat blade screw driver for opening electrical cabinets and a small pokey thing to assist in bypassing disconnect handles.

 

[CGarage]

Standing in line to visit the Eiffel tower(in order to propose to Mrs Rust) I see a sign informing visitors about prohibited items. Remembering a folding knife was in my pocket(along with an engagement ring) I decided to pay a visit to the security office to speak with a member of the local gendarmerie. I presented the knife, pleaded my case and inquired if it may be allowed. "No way". Oh boy! I had just bought it, it was somewhat expensive, I really like it and we are there for more the just sightseeing. "Clouseau" offered to return the knife to me rather than confiscate it after our visit, which he did.
Who says the French are unfriendly?

Well done. About what year was this?
If you begin the conversation in French and are respectful and polite, the French are some of the warmest you will ever come across, even in the north (Paris).

As of today, Paris, like many other major Western European cities (London, Brussels, Milan, Cologne, Malmö, etc) are suffering from major knife crime and internal unrest.

 

[dr_clyde]

I feel like a nice otf would be about the best fidget toy possible.

They are in fact, excellent fidget toys.

I have a Benchmade Precipice and have spent lots of idle time just firing it in and out.

They're not the most practical EDC knives in my experience, the dual action mechanism is prone to jam with pocket lint or whatever debris gets into the handle, causing it to not lock out or in all the way. Easy enough to clean, but annoying when it happens. They also attract attention when you open them.

I have found I strongly prefer normal spring action pivot automatics, as they're not nearly as sensitive to random obstructions.

I have not used any Microtech automatics, but I've always wanted a Scarab.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I get it.

I hoofed it a mile and change back to the parking lot to avoid giving my benchmade to the security guards at a concert I went to a few years back.

Didn’t occur to me that they’d have metal detectors at this show and my knife is as part of my EDC as my wallet, keys and phone.

Since then I try to leave it in my console if I remember that I’m going into a place that prohibits “weapons” even though my knife is very much a tool to me. But I admit I occasionally forget and have to either hide it in the bushes or head back to the car.

Right on my friend... the 4 things I check constantly...EDC, keys, wallet and phone.

Did check out Spyderco and like this one


At work currently, this is what carry at top.... bottom knife as mentioned earlier. If someone can point out a reasonable Benchmade or Spyderco similar to these, I might be tempted to break out my plastic.

 

[liliysdad]

They are in fact, excellent fidget toys.

I have a Benchmade Precipice and have spent lots of idle time just firing it in and out.

They're not the most practical EDC knives in my experience, the dual action mechanism is prone to jam with pocket lint or whatever debris gets into the handle, causing it to not lock out or in all the way. Easy enough to clean, but annoying when it happens. They also attract attention when you open them.

I have found I strongly prefer normal spring action pivot automatics, as they're not nearly as sensitive to random obstructions.

I have not used any Microtech automatics, but I've always wanted a Scarab.

I had a Benchmade Infidel and it was a neat toy. It was too unreliable and fragile for a daily use knife for me at that point in my life.

I had two different Microtechs, an LUDT and a SOCOM. Beautifully made knives, but just too “Tactical” for me. Fat, bulky, but damned well made.

The only auto I ever really liked was the Spyderco Citadel, but even that proved to be an unnecessary feature for me.

 

[liliysdad]

Did check out Spyderco and like this one

That’s a Byrd, Spyderco cheapest line. Decent for what they cost, but I’d encourage you toward a higher end model.

 

[KwikFab]

I'm not a knife guy at all, but do find it convenient to carry one everywhere.

Used to carry my Gerber automatic for over 16 years, until switching to the smaller one 4 years ago.

 

[dr_clyde]

Right on my friend... the 4 things I check constantly...EDC, keys, wallet and phone.

Did check out Spyderco and like this one


At work currently, this is what carry at top.... bottom knife as mentioned earlier. If someone can point out a reasonable Benchmade or Spyderco similar to these, I might be tempted to break out my plastic.

View attachment 2574835

Are you attached to that blade shape?

 

[liliysdad]

Are you attached to that blade shape?

That Spyderco leaf blade shape is pretty amazing. The Spyderco Endura is one of the best knife designs ever made, and is even better in a full flat grind.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Are you attached to that blade shape?

What I carry now, tanto ? Actually, yes I am partial to it. I wasn't sure if would like it but it has grown on me.

 

[mike93lx]

Right on my friend... the 4 things I check constantly...EDC, keys, wallet and phone.

Did check out Spyderco and like this one


At work currently, this is what carry at top.... bottom knife as mentioned earlier. If someone can point out a reasonable Benchmade or Spyderco similar to these, I might be tempted to break out my plastic.

View attachment 2574835

Is the partial serrated a must-have for you?

I really like the tanto shape, especially when it comes to sharpening, but haven't found myself wanting partial serrated anymore

 

[NUTTSGT]

That Spyderco leaf blade shape is pretty amazing. The Spyderco Endura is one of the best knife designs ever made, and is even better in a full flat grind.

Mot bad and does have a decent blade length. Honestly, I need to actually feel one in my hand, opening and closing it. The loop/hole on the blade would be something different to get used to.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Is the partial serrated a must-have for you?

I really like the tanto shape, especially when it comes to sharpening, but haven't found myself wanting partial serrated anymore

Yes, partial serrated is a must have...I never know what I'm going g to be cutting, especially at work....part of the reason for not spending big $$ on a knife....much like duty boots.

 

[mike93lx]

Yes, partial serrated is a must have...I never know what I'm going g to be cutting, especially at work....part of the reason for not spending big $$ on a knife....much like duty boots.

Makes sense. I am rarely cutting rope and never need to cut stuff like a seat belt.

I'd probably stick with what you are running for that use case unless you are finding them deficient in some manner

 

[duneslider]

Right on my friend... the 4 things I check constantly...EDC, keys, wallet and phone.

Did check out Spyderco and like this one


At work currently, this is what carry at top.... bottom knife as mentioned earlier. If someone can point out a reasonable Benchmade or Spyderco similar to these, I might be tempted to break out my plastic.

View attachment 2574835

I have the Cara Cara Byrd and don't care for it much. I don't think it is super great quality and doesn't hold an edge great.

I have a Spyderco Delica and that has been a fantastic knife, it is a little more expensive than the Byrd but totally worth it in my opinion. The Delica is probably my favorite knife.

 

[Beerhippie]

I really like the tanto shape, especially when it comes to sharpening,

I hate the tanto shape when it comes to sharpening!

It's like having to sharpen two knives if you want to keep the stock shape.

Speaking of which, it's kitchen knife sharpening day... better get on it.

 

[mike93lx]

I hate the tanto shape when it comes to sharpening!

It's like having to sharpen two knives if you want to keep the stock shape.

Speaking of which, it's kitchen knife sharpening day... better get on it.

Obviously you are wrong and I am right

 

[liliysdad]

The SpyderHole (yes, that’s the name and yes, I feel dumb saying it) is, for me, the most intuitive single hand opening method. It’s easy to use quickly with either hand, with any finger, with or without gloves, etc.

I don’t mess with serrated anything, so I can’t help there.

You’ll love an Endura.

 

[dr_clyde]

Yes, partial serrated is a must have...I never know what I'm going g to be cutting, especially at work....part of the reason for not spending big $$ on a knife....much like duty boots.

Spyderco makes specific "rescue" knives designed to do what you do. They're probably not great for EDC, but I suspect they're way more useable in an actual rescue situation.

https://spyderco.com/products/rescue-79mm%E2%84%A2

https://spyderco.com/products/assist%E2%84%A2-salt%C2%AE

Benchmade also offers some Rescue knives, never used one personally but they're probably my favorite "boutique" knife maker for off the shelf products before you jump into custom knives.

Triage® Blunt-Tip Folding Knife – Tactical Rescue Knife | Benchmade

With the safety-forward design of a blunt-tip blade, the 916SBK Triage® is a tactical rescue knife built for confident response. Features a serrated edge and safety hook. Enjoy free shipping, lifetime service & warranty.

www.benchmade.com

The Griptilian is a pretty legendary knife, can't go wrong with one IMO.

https://www.benchmade.com/products/551sbk-s30v

 

[NUTTSGT]

That Triage is a nice looking knife but $325 is a lot of cash for me to spend on a knife that can disappear on a call. I know a few guys with Leatherman Raptors get visibly upset when they can't find them right away after a call.

I'll keep my eyes open for what I find browsing but for now, I'm going to stick with my S&W knives, they have been good to me....appreciate the help.

 

[Beerhippie]

Spyderco makes specific "rescue" knives designed to do what you do.

That was Spyderco's original target market--first responders.

 

[rust in the eye]

Well done. About what year was this?
If you begin the conversation in French and are respectful and polite, the French are some of the warmest you will ever come across, even in the north (Paris).

As of today, Paris, like many other major Western European cities (London, Brussels, Milan, Cologne, Malmö, etc) are suffering from major knife crime and internal unrest.

2013
Like most of the countries visited in Europe (one excepted) the folks were extremely nice and appreciated my feeble efforts to speak their language. Out in the country was a bigger challenge. Never witnessed any violent crime there but did get approached by one of the Parisian scammers while I had a tourist book in hand looking at (swear to God) warnings about the scammers by the tower. We laugh about this every time remembering our trip, can't make this stuff up.
I'm certain I'd be less welcomed now so pretty sure I'd identify as Canadian, eh if traveling these days.

 

[CGarage]

2013
Like most of the countries visited in Europe (one excepted) the folks were extremely nice and appreciated my feeble efforts to speak their language. Out in the country was a bigger challenge. Never witnessed any violent crime there but did get approached by one of the Parisian scammers while I had a tourist book in hand looking at (swear to God) warnings about the scammers by the tower. We laugh about this every time remembering our trip, can't make this stuff up.
I'm certain I'd be less welcomed now so pretty sure I'd identify as Canadian, eh if traveling these days.

You were very lucky to see Europe when you did.

It began to change dramatically, in my mind, beginning in 2014/2015, and has been deteriorating ever since, especially in the big cities.

The countryside can still be quite nice in some places, but it is beginning to change there, too.

I am sure your proposal to your Mrs was unforgettable. Very nice gesture and effort.