Not Cheap Pocket Knives

[CS454]

Put it back up. If you don't think it's cheap then it isn't a cheap knife. It's all about perception.

Correct. I sold $1000+ switchblades and carry a $25 farmers knife most days.

 

[Dave455]

Wasn’t sure about the “entry requirements” for this thread, as I’ve encountered many costly knives, that aren’t of particularly good quality, and even a few inexpensive ones that are!

I’ll play though -

Al Mar Eagle (micarta) and Hawk (black pearl). Al Mar knives were superbly designed, and flawlessly manufactured in Japan (latterly by Moki). I have several, and they are among the best “factory” knives ever produced. Sadly, Al Mar himself is long gone and the company was recently sold. I won’t comment on the quality of the current Chinese made knives bearing the Al Mar name.

Some traditional German knives, by Boker and Hubertus. The Boker is ‘90’s vintage, and the quality was still acceptable then. The Hubertus are superior in every respect.

Some more Boker. Again, slightly older knives. These are (or were) beautifully put together - very finely ground. Sadly, Boker quality has slipped considerably, and current iterations of these knives are nowhere near as good.

125th anniversary knives (remakes of their original soldiers knives) from Victorionox and Wenger. As expected, the Victorinox is slightly better quality.

Another Victorinox, Pioneer with Damascus blade. Lovely. Wish I’d bought another of these.

 

[Ton ton]

Put it back up. If you don't think it's cheap then it isn't a cheap knife. It's all about perception.

I agree with sparky. I know this is an older thread but I appreciate knife threads.

 

[boom_bap]

I'm not a huge knife guy, but my first knife was a black victorinox in the 90s. It has the little umbrella on the blade. Since then I've bought 4 other models over the years. Its cool to see how they date mark them with the little blade icons. I'm a big fan of SAKs from vic. Big knifes could care less, these days a standard full tang knife from mora is good enough.

 

[Kuma601]

Leave it up, nice to see the tools being used regardless.

Made this for EDC and it has been in use for about 4 years now. Is used for scribing lines on steel or for wood cuts, opening up boxes, scraping stuffs, digging out burrowing bugs/termites... This one replaces the prior one that had been carried for 14 years. Same pattern.

 

[Jr5]

Benchmade Autostryker, I’ve carried it since 1996! (Still available HOWEVER it’s an automatic, so your legality mileage may vary…)

(Forgot to add a pic!)

 

[hailwood1965]

Whatever is nicest at a garage sale for a few dollars. I lose them.

 

[Frushlorton]

Emerson Comander, sent to me after conversation with Ernie Emerson. Carried worldwide and abused by others to include a lady who cut potatoes.....on the sidewalk with no cutting board. Great hard use knife, good company.

Not great for delicate cutting.

 

[toyotadriver]

I didn't care for Spyderco knives when they first came out. Maybe 7-8 years ago I decided to try a Spyderco Delica. It's now my favorite daily carry knife. I like the non-serrated blades. I also have an Endura and like it too.

 

[geartow]

Ontario Rat is my choice for carry knife , run $40 when not at work . A retracting utility knife is my choice for work carry.

 

[4x4Pete]

I edc a Benchmade Northfork. It been a good knife to have in my pocket. I have used the cheap hardware store knives that break too easily and decided on a "better" knife. This one has been around for 10+years so far.
When camping or out in the woods I carry a SOG Pillar. Big enough to accomplish most tasks when camping, good steel and holds an edge well.

 

[JWC86]

I’m not a “knife guy” I don’t collet them or anything like that but about 7 years ago I decided I wanted a good one as I EDC a knife and it gets used lots. I did a lot of research and picked up a Benchmade 940-2. I really like it, I lost it about 6 months ago and replaced it with another 940-2, hopefully I get 7 years out of this one also.

 

[rdenney]

My favorite EDC is a Kershaw Leek. Even with the carbon scales, it's under a c-note, so not really expensive.

My priciest knife is a GiantMouse Ace Biblio with micarta scales. Really nice, but just a tad bulky for EDC.



(Their photo--too bad about the Stanley import wrenches.)

For knives I can abuse, I have several Bestech knives of various shapes with G2 scales and usually D2 steel, most bought through MassDrop. They sharpen easily and hold an edge pretty well. None were expensive, but all are made well and if I scratch it up I don't care.

Rick "has 'given' several of the Kershaws to the TSA over the years" Denney

 

[ycgoat]

From reading through, I have never had an expensive knife, and if I did It would have been lost or destroyed a long time ago. I have had 2 knives I really liked.

A smith and wesson locking blade ($8 at a yard sale)
Buck USA all stainless locking blade ($35 at sn Ace Hardware)

 

[Garcky]

I have always had a Schrade Old Timer 450T Stockman in my right front pocket. I can't say how many of them I have owned, but I have lost all of them except the one in my pocket today. That's why I don't carry more expensive knives. I use the knife and sometimes put it on some surface and walk away. I have a couple of new ones on hand, ready to slip into that pocket, at all times.

 

[Shocker]

I have a pretty big collection, mostly cheaper knives, but I have switched from a pocket folder (right now a Ontario Rat II) and am starting to scout carry a Gerber fixed blade.

I just picked up a Buck USA fixed blade that I am going to modify the sheath for scout carry. With my disability I need some kind of advantage on the mean streets.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Benchmade or SOG, but so many quality options. Similar to an EDC flashlight would not want a knife to fail in an emergency. Keep it sharp.

 

[uscarry45]

My EDC is a Kershaw Blur. Some think it's a large knife but I've been carrying it so long it just seems perfectly normal size to me.



https://kershawguy.com/products-page/?product_search=blur

I agree this is one of the best knives I have ever been around

 

[byoungblood]

My "expensive" knife territory is anything above $75 or so. I'm afraid of spending much more than that because I have a tendency to lose knives after 4-5 years. I lay one down or pops out of my pocket and ****...its gone.

I finally splurged last summer and bought a Benchmade Mini-Griptillian for $110. To avoid the above situation from happening with this knife (and I REALLY like this knife!) I put a bright orange paracord lanyard on it. Probably looks tacky as hell, but it has already helped me find the knife a couple of times.

 

[Paco Pena]

Buck 110. If I can't do it with that I use a fixed blade.

Paco

 

[Stobal]

Buck 110. If I can't do it with that I use a fixed blade.

Paco

Knives are a lot like wine in the sense that there is a curve that tops out with greatly diminishing returns. Past this point owning them is more about collecting, or “flexing.” Also they are some amazing examples of each at perfectly reasonable prices with converse also being true. Both require a certain knowledge base and understanding in order not to be had. Nothing more tragically funny than when someone pulls out a 10lb monster custom made knife they paid $500 with poor tolerances and a sloppy grind. But because the local “master blade smith” Bubba who has been watching YouTube videos for years made it from some oversized exotic steel blank and its a “one of one,” the purchaser feels they bought an heirloom. There are also some awesome pieces of true craftsmanship at eye watering price points which I can appreciate but will never buy. The snobbery in both communities is often off putting as well. Making a serviceable knife isn’t rocket surgery, keeping it sharp trumps paying more every time.

 

[GQSnake]

I have this M3 Tactical Tech folder on me at all times. I have always had a love for quality knives, but these knives are simply amazing. They are solid with heavy duty parts and a beefy locking mechanism. This one has dropped a few times and been in my pocket every day for the last few years. It looks and performs as well as day one. A have a couple of their fixed blades, but this is my every day carry. They do custom work and laser engraving too. They are excellent blades all around.

 

[zktk01]

I bought a bunch of swiss army knives last year, the one I ended up keeping on me was a Swiza D04. I know there are better knives, but I keep it in my pocket because I hardly notice it and I use the phillips alot more than I thought I would. I sometimes also use a leatherman micra but it is a little annoying to get to the blade imho.

Swiza D04R Swiss Pocket Knife w/Ring for Sale $40.99

3.63" (9.22cm) closed. Red synthetic handle. Tools include: Blade with safety lock l Reamer with sewing eye l Bottle opener l Flat head screwdriver l Wire

www.chicagoknifeworks.com

 

[thr3squared]

I rotate through a few different knives. The all have a different feel, and I like to comfortable with the different styles. All with deep-carry clips.

1. Spyderco Tenacious
2. Spyderco Para3 Lightweight
3. Benchmade Griptilian (full size)
4. Benchmade Mini Griptilian
5. Benchmade 940

 

[JradM]

Since Dave455 posted some traditionals, I'll add my Canadian-made Grohmann:


It's prettier without the add-on thumb stud, but I really prefer being able to open it one-handed when I carry it.

I carry my Civivi Button-lock Elementum more often than any other of my knives, but it's not particularly expensive or fancy. Sandvik 14c28n is one of my favorite blade steels (for a non-super steel). This is one of the larger blades I EDC, even though it isn't very big.



My second-most carried knife is also a Civivi - a green Hadros. I REALLY like this knife, but I wish it was available in a nicer steel than 9CR18MOV (which is fine, but I would absolutely spend more money to have this knife in something better).

 

[will335i]

Well my Gerber EAB Lite definitely isn't going to move the needle on the expensive meter but it hasn't failed me and I like the ability to just toss the blade if I forget to take it out of my pocket before I go somewhere it is not allowed.

To make up for it I thought I would share my custom JC Provost. I had Jim make this for me as well as another custom that was gifted to a family friend. All made by hand and seriously sharp.

 

[Al Borland]

Less "pocket" more "toolbag", but definitely handy:

Milwaukee 11 in. Stainless Steel Clip Point Partially Serrated Duct Knife 48-22-1920 - The Home Depot

The Milwaukee Duct Knife is designed for optimal edge retention and durability. The stainless steel blade is engineered to stay sharper up to 5X longer when cutting flexible duct and insulation. The double

www.homedepot.com

Milwaukee 5 in. Hardline AUS-8 Steel Fixed Blade Knife 48-22-1928 - The Home Depot

Experience the uncompromising performance of this 5-in. Milwaukee HARDLINE knife, which features an AUS-8 steel blade with a full tang to deliver unmatched durability. A great choice for tough cuts, this

www.homedepot.com

 

[rooster59]

Buck 110

 

[cgrutt]

Wilson Combat tanto has been my EDC for past 7 or 8 years and it shows lol. Use it for everything. Could use a tune up lol...

 

[nadogail]

For many years I carried a Buck Folding Hunter, I could pull it out of my pocket and flip it open in one motion.

After being stopped too many times by TSA, i found I really don't need to carry a blade anymore,

 

[Lassen Forge]

I have a Gerber mini skeleton that clips to a pocket on whatever I'm wearing as my "don't leave home wihtout it" knife... It hides anywhere, and is so small I can actually clip it to certain undergarments (so beware, boys heh heh heh)... I've always been partial to Gerber, and this thing is well deserving of the marque.

For a work sheath knife, a custom shop Buck Ranger (much better handle geometry than its big brother, the folding hunter IMO) with staghorn and brass "furniture" (handles) and fairly exotic steel in the blade and backspring... It was my 30th anniversary work gift to myself, NOT cheap by any means (beware the custom shop!!) but man, what a beast.

Otherwise, I usually also have my Leatherman MUT with me as well, just in case... it's a little big (tho not too much) for pockets, but it fits in its littie cubbyhole in my purse, or the side pocket of coveralls/overalls just fine.

I -USED- to have this amazing Puma with roughly the same shape and dimensions as a Buck Folding Hunter... I *really* liked that knife, but as it turns out so did pre-TSA (back when security was all contractors and you never knew they'd be nice and when they'd be raving azzoles) when I forgot it in my freaking carry on... I think they saw it and thought to themselves "SCORE"... "Ma'am. please step this way..."

BTW - ALL my knives, from the above to my little pocket razor holder (not expensive so not counted in the survey) to my kitchen babies (expensive but not carry knives) are functional and used. To me a knife that isn't used is just a bauble taking up real estate...

 

[RTM]

I have a Gerber mini skeleton that clips to a pocket on whatever I'm wearing as my "don't leave home wihtout it" knife...

is this the one you are raving about?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KSCEH4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JradM]

is this the one you are raving about?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KSCEH4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Gerber has nice-looking knives in their catalogue, but they insist on making almost everything with 7Cr17MoV blades. It's stainless, but doesn't have good edge retention or toughness.

I would buy a Sumo, for example, if it came in 9Cr18Mov. Even a cheap cross-bar lock knife with G10 scales can't convince me to own another 7Cr-series knife.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I bought myself one of these lil guys last year for my birthday.

Tops X cest delta folder.

I carry it when I’m feeling cheeky.

 

[Lassen Forge]

is this the one you are raving about?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KSCEH4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Pretty close. It has the same basic function, and once sharp, it works....

 

[aggie113]

Daily a Microtech UTX 70 to be work friendly. Out in the free world I daily a Microtech Combat Troodon or more recently a large Boker Dessert Warrior (yes, the one with sprinkles).

 

[RedneckWelder]

I carry a Milwaukee folding utility knife in my left side pants pocket and a fixed 4” blade custom knife made by a local blacksmith at my four o’clock. Its a no frills basic working blade, use it daily at work.

I have some Benchmades that I sometimes carry and also a Case trapper that is my dress knife.

As long as it’s a good sturdy sharp knife I like it, price is irrelevant to me.

 

[seber]

I carried Buck until Spyderco started their line. I bought the first model shortly after they started and before they had an actual establishment. I've been carrying their offerings ever since. If you can't find a model and steel type you like in their lineup, you just aren't looking. I've tried a few others over the years but once I got used to the round hole, the stud system just seems crude. There is one thing I don't like. I tried the linerless version a while back and found that it wore out before the blade showed much use. Liners are important if you use your knife a lot. For me that might be twenty or thirty times a day.

 

[f121]

is this the one you are raving about?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KSCEH4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I’m a big fan of the mini paraframe, it’s nice and tough, lightweight and sharpens up well. Plus it’s cheap enough I won’t cry when I loose it. I EDCd one for years until I decided I should buy something UK legal.

 

[Zeus36]

My EDC,

Modified Spyderco Manix XL with a reground blade spine and re-profiled edge angle:
View attachment 1855561






Handmade Signet Ring, Wise Men FANG, Ceramic ball conversion, custom lock springs, deep carry stainless clip, one hand open and close.