EDC Utility Blade… Again…

[Firebrick43]

There’s something to the “different sizes” theory; I just measured. I have two brands that are handy:

Kobalt: .741 in height, 2.370 in length.

Lenox Gold: .731 in height, 2.371 in length.

Both shake, rattle and roll in any of the three Milwaukee Fastbacks I put them into. And the locking Fastback pivots have *lots* of play in them, too. If that much play were in a pocket knife, I’d send it back.

The fatmax 3x blades are .741 tall and My wife found a 5 pack of standard stanley blades that are probably from 2005 ish I think when we moved in that measured .739. I don't think length matters much in a utility blades. The notch size(and corresponding pin in the knife) probably matters more. Both where .016" thick

 

[Zeus36]

I do, most days. A decent Spyderco is going to run you $150-$250. I love me some S110V steel, or Z-Wear, or S45V, or SPY27, or...I would love to get a Chaves but I understand that Spyderco is considering (no promise) a folding ute, and I like their design philosophy, so I want to see that play out... some fantasy Spyderco-inspired folding utes below...would love a ute switchblade, and they'd probably be legal, given how short the edge is...

Is that Dodo photo shopped?

 

[Squankum]

But alas, since they are fixed blades, frowned upon in the streets of civilized society and hard to carry every day?

For some reason I don't carry a pocketknife or anything day to day. (Every day, I do not carry...)

Have enjoyed having a Buck pocketnife upstairs in the kitchen so much I'm getting one for the shop downstairs. (Where there is no knife shortage, but this GJ, we need options.)

Bought a very affordable (i.e., cheap) Mora folding pocketknife a few years ago, I think from HJE, and unfolding it is such a stiff affair it did not grow on me. That may be when I started thinking about not unfolding nuttin' and gravitated towards Moras and their hilariously cheap yet effective plastic sheaths.

 

[Bolster]

I had to purchase this Fiskars Folding Ute knife, my curiosity was getting the better of me. It is seriously funky-town, and gets good reviews from some people. Nice fit and finish. Big, heavy, plastic-covered glob of metal in the hand (if you like that sort of thing). Seriously crazy handle-to-blade ratio in terms of mass and length.

Ergos not as comfortable as they look. The "hump" above the lock button doesn't meld with the hand unless you grip to the back, but choking up doesn't afford a great grip, and I usually choke up on a Ute.

Most unfortunately it is yet another "push to unlock," meaning that to open it one-handed, you must push the lock button, shake down so the blade comes partway out, turn it around, shake again so it goes to locked position. There's a big comfy thumb stud but it is of no use if locked closed (unless you use your middle finger to get it started then switch to your thumb for the rest of the open--not the sort of calesthentics I want to be doing at the top of a ladder). Gotta ask: Why not a normal close-bias as is on millions of other folding knives?

When locked open, the handle-to-blade-carrier rigidity puts my Milwaukees to shame, because it is a solid lockup at that point.

But the blade itself? It shakes around and moves between Montana and Florida on its own like many other utes. Has an unusual blade retention mechanism that requires fine motor skills to operate (reminds me of a Glock trigger actually--with a safety built into the blade release), but will unlikely drop the blade as many other folding utes do. A strange offering, I had high hopes, but the Fiskars Utility Knife is not for me.

 

[Robinson1]

I'm not a big fan of the Milwaukees (own what, a half dozen or more?) because the blades do a hula dance in their holders once they've been used a few times. Then those tiny little bent springs that hold the blade will get clogged with dust, and out comes the blade. I'd pay $100 for a decent folding ute, for sure; and if it was beautiful, then more.

I say spend the money on the tools that get used. I use a ute knife constantly.

I just buy a new one every 6 months or so. They are $9.99 at the local Ace Hardware. They are the best folding utility knife on the market but their major downfall is the blades develope a crazy amount of side to side wobble if you actually use them

 

[Jmellc]

$200 for a knife!?

I fussed over $45 for my new Klein 44004. It is my work knife. I have had several of them. Lost a few.
My daily knife is the Swiss Army knife my daughter gave me. Probably about 50 when she bought it.

 

[FMB4]

A Mora folding knife? Are you sure about that?

 

[Worsedog]

Add TP to the list. JIC (just in case) TP ≡ tactical pants.

That's a new one on me. I reside in that community, and it's still toilet paper here.

 

[minke]

I sometimes get carried away, and I have no poetic license.

That's a new one on me. I reside in that community, and it's still toilet paper here.

 

[Tman]

Somehow my EDC Gerber walked out of my pocket. No idea how, the clip gripped pretty good. My wife wants to get me something for Christmas so all these ideas and discussion are appreciated.

 

[Firebrick43]

Well, I ordered a TiRant razor on Nov 8th and received it today. I am mostly happy with it. I love the latch/flipper. Single finger flips it open as fast as an assisted knife with out any springs or complex mechanisms.




fits nice in the hand yet is very thin compared to any other utility knife I have used. Clip is nice and comes with replacement hardware.



the Lennox gold blade fits very well. No side to side play. The blade tilts up and down at most a 1/16th of an inch at the tip



the blade change “mechanism is not real intuitive, actually had to read the dierections, but it works well once you figure it out. It does take some thumb strength to push it to the side however.



the biggest flaw I have seen is the pivot screw, it was not machined well on the face. Not something I would of sent out on a semi high end(for utility knives) knife.

 

[timl]

I have carried the same leatherman (skeletool) for 15 plus years.. a year ago I started carrying this Gerber EDC, (as a handyman) it's small works great, keep it in my pocket. Takes a screwdriver to change the blade, but who cares, always have my tools on the job..

 

[Daniel Dudley]

This is the one I wound up with. Very happy with the looks and ergonomics, Easy to open and close with one hand, secure blade retention.
Much nicer in the hand than the Gerber, it is compact, but unfolds into a real knife. It was a couple of bucks cheaper a month ago, but still a bargain, I think.

Amazon.com

I looked at a lot of knives, Very happy I stumbled on to this. I bought a couple more for presents, they have a nice presentation box, and show well. One caveat, it is all stainless steel, and while compact, it is not super light. I usually pocket a Kershaw Cryo as it is a compact but tough knife. Since I got this, I pretty much carry it every day. I like having a blade to waste, and then reverse. I buy these blades by the hundred when they are on sale, so There are always plenty to go around.

 

[madmax908]

So I saw this thread and wondered what replaceable knife blades you guys are using that don't rust.
This is in my pocket every day as a money clip, and rusts horribly.
Its a Stanley 1992 blade, and only lasts a couple of weeks before I have to change it.

 

[anndel]

When I air travel, my Spyderco Endura and Victronix Champ comes with me but in checked baggage.

 

[ecotec]

This is the one I wound up with. Very happy with the looks and ergonomics, Easy to open and close with one hand, secure blade retention.
Much nicer in the hand than the Gerber, it is compact, but unfolds into a real knife. It was a couple of bucks cheaper a month ago, but still a bargain, I think.

Amazon.com

I looked at a lot of knives, Very happy I stumbled on to this. I bought a couple more for presents, they have a nice presentation box, and show well. One caveat, it is all stainless steel, and while compact, it is not super light. I usually pocket a Kershaw Cryo as it is a compact but tough knife. Since I got this, I pretty much carry it every day. I like having a blade to waste, and then reverse. I buy these blades by the hundred when they are on sale, so There are always plenty to go around.

Sold.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

Continues to impress. The action is getting nicer the more it is used.

 

[NUTTSGT]

So I saw this thread and wondered what replaceable knife blades you guys are using that don't rust.
This is in my pocket every day as a money clip, and rusts horribly.
Its a Stanley 1992 blade, and only lasts a couple of weeks before I have to change it.

Any steel is going to rust, some just easier than others. The moisture is the issue, especially using it as a money clip.

US dollar bills are made with a large majority cotton blend. It'll hold moisture and as a money clip, probably not the best to use.

I'd suggest finding another money clip, even going with a cheap "binder clip" as a test to separate the two, knife from the cash. Use the pocket clip as intended for a month and see the blade rusts.

The other option is to keep the blade oiled so it doesn't rust.

 

[joseywales]

Continues to impress. The action is getting nicer the more it is used.

At $7/each, they're not cheap, but not crazy either:
- I like the feel.
- fit/finish is nice
- I have other styles, with a nice rubber/textured grip, guess what, they become nasty over time. With or without use, that material changes from smooth, to sticking rubber, that attracts all dirt, etc., makes it impossible to remove from your pocket, and leaves your hands feeling like Lester Hayes (Google him you young'uns)
- after clearing out my father's and my FIL's garages, I have a lifetime supply of blades, so, there's that...
I also has the other extreme, Fiskars Pro Utility mentioned above. And like that as well. Fat, in the hand, nice for certain tasks and these thin for EDC when I'm on certain tasks, etc. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GLBZ4QV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also have the Fiskars Pro-Drywaller knife: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VXK7RF3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks for the tip!

 

[kreisler]

here a cutting test part 2 (8min) , i love the performance of the product :

 

[craftsman creep]

I carry a buck 285 and it is really nice and I like it I got it for like 25 bucks and if I lost it I would be hurt but I can’t imagine losing a $200 knife that must really ****
-Preston

 

[JradM]

$200 for a knife!?

I fussed over $45 for my new Klein 44004. It is my work knife. I have had several of them. Lost a few.
My daily knife is the Swiss Army knife my daughter gave me. Probably about 50 when she bought it.

Swiss army knives are surprisingly good value when you start comparing them to alternatives. They're quite well made and consistently well finished. I take it Victorinox has the process down to an art. You can do a lot with a simple SAK despite their relatively small blades and soft steel.

I think Victorinox's supremacy in that space is due to the fact that no one else can achieve that level of refinement at the same price-points.

I have a MLM Malga, for example, which is an SAK clone with a powder-metallurgy M390 blade. It's about $125 in the USA. It doesn't have a direct Victorinox analogue for its tool set, but might compare somewhat to the Tinker - which is a mere $32. The Malga is purported to occasionally have issues with fit and finish (mine is pretty good, but the blade rides a little low when closed, making access to the nail nick a lightly more deliberate affair than on my SAKs). Good luck finding a Victorinox knife that isn't perfect.



Is better edge retention, a slightly larger size, a fork, micarta scales and a stonewash finish worth an extra $100? Probably not rationally.

On the other hand, isn't spending a lot more for marginal gains something that most tool enthusiasts are willing to tolerate? Husky and Nepros sockets both turn bolts. Crescent and PB Swiss screwdrivers both turn screws.

 

[WWheeler]

I have carried the same leatherman (skeletool) for 15 plus years.. a year ago I started carrying this Gerber EDC, (as a handyman) it's small works great, keep it in my pocket. Takes a screwdriver to change the blade, but who cares, always have my tools on the job..

FWIW the blade retention screw on a Gerber E.A.B. like yours was designed to use a penny. That's why the slot is just a little wider than normal so a penny fits it perfectly. Of course a dime or a flat head screwdriver will work just as well too, if that's all you got.

 

[Pinemarten]

I carry a Swiss Army Knife everyday. Either an Explorer or a Huntsman. The decision being based on which will see more use today............the magnifying glass, or the saw. Usually the Explorer gets the nod in the shop, the Huntsman if I'm in the woods.

Victorinox Explorer Swiss Army Knife at Swiss Knife Shop

The Explorer Swiss Army Knife by Victorinox is packed with 16 functions - from magnifying glass to Phillips screwdriver, providing you with everything you need to take things apart, take a closer look, and piece them back together. Order today from Swiss Knife Shop, authorized Victorinox Swiss...

www.swissknifeshop.com

 

[CS454]

Swiss army knives are surprisingly good value when you start comparing them to alternatives. They're quite well made and consistently well finished. I take it Victorinox has the process down to an art. You can do a lot with a simple SAK despite their relatively small blades and soft steel.

I think Victorinox's supremacy in that space is due to the fact that no one else can achieve that level of refinement at the same price-points.

I have a MLM Malga, for example, which is an SAK clone with a powder-metallurgy M390 blade. It's about $125 in the USA. It doesn't have a direct Victorinox analogue for its tool set, but might compare somewhat to the Tinker - which is a mere $32. The Malga is purported to occasionally have issues with fit and finish (mine is pretty good, but the blade rides a little low when closed, making access to the nail nick a lightly more deliberate affair than on my SAKs). Good luck finding a Victorinox knife that isn't perfect.



Is better edge retention, a slightly larger size, a fork, micarta scales and a stonewash finish worth an extra $100? Probably not rationally.

On the other hand, isn't spending a lot more for marginal gains something that most tool enthusiasts are willing to tolerate? Husky and Nepros sockets both turn bolts. Crescent and PB Swiss screwdrivers both turn screws.

There's a Deluxe Tinker on my coffee table for a reason. Didn't lionsteel OEM those M390 joints? Heard skeevy things about their M390 being a good 6 or 7 points soft and hope that still isn't the case.

 

[JradM]

There's a Deluxe Tinker on my coffee table for a reason. Didn't lionsteel OEM those M390 joints? Heard skeevy things about their M390 being a good 6 or 7 points soft and hope that still isn't the case.

Mercury Knives makes the Malga under MKM branding. I haven't heard complaints about the blade, just minor fit and finish issues... and the fact that it's $125.

I don't understand the price complaint honestly. Victorinox gets their prices so low because they're the biggest pocket knife manufacturer in the world, many models share parts and they're long established. No one is going to jump in at the same price point and made a product just as good. Victorinox should be commended for what they offer - but I don't think its fair to lambast their competitors for being more expensive.

For that matter, when Victorinox does a "special edition" with better steel (usually damasteel) they end up being very expensive too. E.g. this year's limited edition is the Ranger 55 in damasteel with micarta scales - it's $500 Canadian when the "regular" knife is about $85.

 

[CS454]

Mercury Knives makes the Malga under MKM branding. I haven't heard complaints about the blade, just minor fit and finish issues... and the fact that it's $125.

I don't understand the price complaint honestly. Victorinox gets their prices so low because they're the biggest pocket knife manufacturer in the world, many models share parts and they're long established. No one is going to jump in at the same price point and made a product just as good. Victorinox should be commended for what they offer - but I don't think its fair to lambast their competitors for being more expensive.

For that matter, when Victorinox does a "special edition" with better steel (usually damasteel) they end up being very expensive too. E.g. this year's limited edition is the Ranger 55 in damasteel with micarta scales - it's $500 Canadian when the "regular" knife is about $85.

I'll stick to my heirloom bowies and fighters at that price point. I paid $250 USD (Canuckistanian here too) for my Rob Calton slipjoint...1095 at 64+ HRC and 3 thou BTE, think its 7 thou at mid hollow too. Before this I carried an Opinel near religiously which is what I routinely recommend to people.

Most production knives are overpriced under performing junk far as I'm concerned but Strider sells faster than Rockstead for a reason, action hero fantasy ********. Vic is gonna go the farthest for the money by far after Opinel.

 

[JradM]

Did everyone else know Olfa made this (model SK-14)? If so, shame on you for not telling me.



I remain perfectly happy with my Screwpop, but I didn't know this was an option.

 

[Robinson1]

And the locking Fastback pivots have *lots* of play in them, too. If that much play were in a pocket knife, I’d send it back.

I’ve been griping about this for years. It’s still the best folding utility knife on the market that’s cheap enough to be considered a consumable.

 

[craftsman creep]

I bought this one a day ago and so far I like it
It feels good in the hand and not to heavy or to light and feels pretty sturdy the package says it’s made out of aluminum. paid 6 bucks for it at family farm and home it is made in china but if it lasts I really don’t care
-Preston

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Kobalt from lowes

 

[Kpaige]

Same here, I'd be sad to lose a Buck 110, Mora, Douk Douk, etc. I don't want or need an expensive knife, in spite of the one in the article looking pretty cool

Lol
I my edc is $400. But it’s not for everybody. I don’t loose knifes but I bust them and wreck blades so hence my value in my purchase

 

[carmantl]

The OLFA above uses a proprietary blade. Longer than a utility blade and locks in via those vertical slots.

 

[F-22]

Mercury Knives makes the Malga under MKM branding. I haven't heard complaints about the blade, just minor fit and finish issues... and the fact that it's $125.

I don't understand the price complaint honestly. Victorinox gets their prices so low because they're the biggest pocket knife manufacturer in the world, many models share parts and they're long established. No one is going to jump in at the same price point and made a product just as good. Victorinox should be commended for what they offer - but I don't think its fair to lambast their competitors for being more expensive.

For that matter, when Victorinox does a "special edition" with better steel (usually damasteel) they end up being very expensive too. E.g. this year's limited edition is the Ranger 55 in damasteel with micarta scales - it's $500 Canadian when the "regular" knife is about $85.

Victorinox definitely seems like in a league of its own. Leatherman is very popular but I don't think their finish is anywhere close... I expect leatherman tools would rust a lot less if they were fully polished like the Victorinox offerings are.

Still, love to carry my Leatherman skeletool. The knife is by far the most useful thing on it, but the pliers give a ton of options. I just am very disappointed that Leatherman does not use a forged plier head. The cast head is nowhere near as strong and they often crack under minor abuse. Forged stainless steel head can't cost that much - pretty sure Tsunoda sells stainless combination pliers that are much thicker than what leatherman would need, and the whole pliers cost around 30$. The new Leatherman ARC is selling for 340€ (?????).