Can you guys that know suggest a decent, inexpensive knife for carrying - I think pocket carry would be best for me as opposed to belt/sheath style

Thx in advance as always

Thoughts?

Any quality brand. I wouldn't pay over $100. Most likely, around $50.

I carry a Gerber with a partially serrated edge (for cutting rope/twine). Get a lock-back of some kind, so it doesn't close on your fingers. An opening stud is nice for one handed opening.

Bucks are notorious for holding an edge but take forever to sharpen. Stainless or carbon steel is up to you. I've never had a problem with rust.

Four things that are always in my pockets before I walk out the door, wallet ,, handkerchief,, pocket knife, & car keys. Just feel naked if I don't have them.

I use to carry a small Gerber pocket knife, thought I lost it. And started carrying a mid size that I had as a spare. And have been carrying that for size for years.

Currently my favorite is a Kershaw OSO sweet. About a 3" heavy blade. Great work / every day knife. And they are in the $20 range. I have a couple Benchmade, great knife, but more expensive than I want for a everyday carry work knife.

Oh and in some states, like Ohio, If you carry a work knife it is OK.. But if you carry the same knife for self defense ,, it's considered a concealed weapon.. Some laws are stranger than fiction,,

I suggest the Tinker Victorinox Swiss Army knife I have this specific model of Swiss Army Knife and it has served me very well.

I carry a Camillus Streamline penknife made in 1934.

It's always done everything I need done.

I carry two, a small Victronox with blade file and scissors, and a Kershaw Leek. The Kershaw is flat black, just under 3" blade, and a side lock, it has "assisted opening" and can be opened and closed with one hand which I find very handy in many uses. Good steel, holds a edge very well.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I've carried a pocket knife since I was about 8 years old. I feel plumb nekkid without it.
For general purpose use, I find a good knife with about a 2 to 3" heavy blade serves me well. I also like a locking blade and one handed opening.
I've been carrying a 2 1/2" S&W SWAT knife for many years now and find it does everything I need a pocket knife to do.

BTW: I've never cared for serrated blades. Much preferring a simple plain edge. But that's just a matter of personal taste.

I usually carry one of two no name small lock back knives I've had for decades,don't particularly hold an edge,but are easy to sharpen

I have quite a few knives, but the one I like best is my Kershaw Junkyard Dog II. If you go over to the Gun Leather & Carry Gear and scroll down to
Delfatti IWB I have posted a picture of it. I like it because it is ambi-dexterous. I like to wear it clipped to my left front pocket. My thinking is if someone is trying to wrestle my gun out of my right hand I can pull a little help with my left hand. I've had it for several years so I don't know what they go for now, but back then it was around 50. Good luck.

Whenever I carry anything but a Swiss Army Knife, I always need some tool that I'd have had if I'd carried one.

Victorinox is the only remaining true Swiss brand, and for a basic pocket knife, I'd choose the Spartan model. If you'd rather have a Phillips head screwdriver in lieu of the corkscrew, get the Tinker.

I carry a SwissChamp in its fine leather SOS Kit in my briefcase.

I do add a belt knife for heavier needs, usually a Benchmade Model 710 when in public. At home, it's usually a Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Combat Folder. These are worn on the belt in black Cordura pouches. The medium-sized A-F Covert model will also fit in many pockets, and has a clip, if you want that.

You are correct that the basic knife should go in your pocket.

If you want a lockback for the pocket, I suggest the Benchmade Model 705 or the very light, extremely sharp Fallkniven U-2.

Other than the Victorinoxes, none is cheap, but they excel. I'd sure get a basic Swiss Army model first. If you want a slightly heavier knife with Alox scales, try the former military model. I forget the current name, no longer the Soldier, as it was replaced by a more modern design about 2008. You can add a saw blade by getting the Farmer, but it adds bulk and weight. The Alox handles do not include the tweezers and toothpick of the plastic-handled models.

I once tried many models to see which was the thickest that was still suitable for pocket use. That was the Camper. It's the Spartan plus a saw. Yes, the saw does work! But I usually carry the Spartan. If you don't drink wine, the corkscrew is still useful for such things as untying knots. The smaller screwdriver blade on the can opener will usually turn Phillips screws.

Thx all - lots of stuff to think about - I have a knife somewhere in my house I used to carry - a folding knife not sure what the name was but I've had it for over 30+ years.

Wish I could find that darn thing - I hate buying something I know I have somewhere and sure enough as soon as I buy another... I'll find it!

Update...............................

Woot Found my knife - went looking in the wife's closet, you know that bottomless pit they keep all their clothes and shoes they'll never wear! There it was in her back pack. The nerve of some people LOL

Still going to look at some of these suggestions though - much appreciated

Well, you should have several knives, dang it! I try to buy a spare of favorite models, in case of loss or the factory discontinuing them.

If you don't even know which knife you have, you need to bond better with your knives.

I too feel completely naked without a knife clipped on my pocket. I almost always chose my CRKT Hissatsu Folder. I like all the CRKT knives though and would recommend them

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Wilderness First Responder

I have a bunch, often carry different ones of different brands.
I bought this Benchmade for my Christmas present to myself.
Carrying it right now.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

For at least the last 40 years, I have always carried two knives on me, all the time. I have carried many, many, many different styles and brands over the years. For the last 3 years or so, I have been carrying the two shown below. The Gerber in my pocket and the Buck on my belt. I consider these two among the better knives I have ever carried. The Buck 279 stays as sharp as a razor and is built like a tank. The Gerber 4041213D Gear Grylls model is a bit smaller than the Buck, but is also razor sharp and very strong. It's the perfect pocket knife. The rule below is a 6" ruler.

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Take a look at the Kershaw line of knives , I realy like the models with their Speed-Safe feature. The one in my pocket right now is the Ken Onion designed model 1660 Leek , I have 6 or 7 different models, all with Speed-Safe at home. I like the easy , one hand , opening and closing of these.
Great deals can be found online.

Gary

The Kershaw Leek is a knife you are going to see mentioned here a lot. It is made in the USA, an assisted flipper that is very thin in the pocket. If you shop around, you can find it for not much over $40. It is popular for good reason. Kershaw has quite a variety of assisted and unassisted pocket knives, many for less than $20, if you don't need it to be made in the USA.

For a bit more money, Benchmade is hard to beat. I personally like the Mini Griptilian, and the assisted Mini Barrage. (My junkie stepson liked the Barrage, too, but mostly because he could hock it for enough to get his fix. He is no longer welcome here.)

These days, however, I have been carrying more traditional knives from Case, Buck, and especially Rough Rider. These last offer quality on a par with Case and Buck at a fourth to a third the price. Many will have flaws that do not affect usability, but I have been finding a lot more lately that are nearly flawless. They typically come with shaving-sharp blades right out of the box; a lot of knife for $10-15.

Pair a two- or three-blade pattern with an Alox Swiss Army Knife and you have a lot of useful blades and other tools in a compact package, for not much dough.

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Not in jail.

spyderco delica or salt 1.

There are so many I don't know where to start. You're getting good comments above. But check your local laws to see what's legal and what is not and never presume you can take it with you to carry in other jurisdictions.

I have always carried a pocket knife. Now that my suit days are behind me I carry a Spyderco Endura on my belt. I use it for utility, but it serves for defense as well. Keeps an edge, easy thumb open lock back.

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"from my cold dead hands" C.H.

For everyday carry I always pack my Sog Trident Tanto. Spring assist and comes with a clip for pocket carry. You can find em often at Walmart for around $50. Also just picked up a Buck folding Alpha. Very rugged and mine has the 420 HC steel blade.

Always carry a Sog Flash ll.
They will resharpen it to factory edge for free.

Gerber, SOG, Esee for a fixed blade etc

All depends on your wallet and appeal.

First off, I'd echo what ISCS Yoda said, make sure to check your local laws first and don't assume that something you can carry locally can be carried in other locations.

Having said that, I'm a big fan of the Spyderco Delica 4. It's slim and lightweight and locks up solidly. The 3" blade is a good utilitarian size. It's also a legal size to carry in many, if not most, places (again, check your local laws). I use it for tasks like opening letters and packages, cutting tape, slicing apples, etc. It holds an edge well but is also easy to re-sharpen when necessary. It's easy to open and close with one hand. They're pretty versatile and can be carried in the pocket or with the clip in either left or right hand, tip up or tip down, carry, whichever you prefer. They can usually be found brand new on eBay in the $50-$60 range; that's where I got mine.

I usually have one of these on me, except where prohibited by law:



They come in different color handles and my plan is to eventually get at least one knife in each handle color.

They can also be disassembled for cleaning, but re-assembly can be...challenging.

I don,t always wear pants, but when I do, I have a buck 110 knife on my belt. Specifically one of these three.


The only thing I'd consider carrying other than my bucks are leatherman waves. I also usually have a little swiss army knife in my watch pocket.

I have carried a pocket knife for well over 60 years and mostly have done so with the Swiss Army variations. I have the discontinued Wengers as well as Victorinox which are still currently made and they are all good. Many stores still have an inventory of Wengers which like for like are a bit more compact than the Victorinox. Go take a look at them at a Dick's or Gander Mountain or similar type store and see what size fits your needs best and proceed from there. As to the cork screw feature-- I like it and carry a small instrument screw driver in it which are one of the many accessories one can get for any Swiss Army knife. They are most handy to fix loose glasses or any other tiny screws that come loose.

Spyderco Delica 4 is my edc on the ranch, and it's been great. Lightweight, easy to sharpen, and great ergos. Get them on Amazon for less than 60

I recommend any one of the knives below:

1) Spyderco Delica4 - $65.97


2) Ontario Rat 2 - $26.95


3) Buck 302 Solitaire - $28.95


4) Buck Bantam BLW - $17.95

Start out with a cheap folder from Walmart or another retail store then, work your way up to something decent. Get used to carrying, deploying, and using for small projects. Before going out spending a lot of money.

Enjoyed all the pics of some fine pocket knives guys. pretty sad state of affairs when you have to be concerned about ridiculous laws concerning carrying a pocket knife in some localities. These days it makes sense to have at least a knife for defense and there are certainly plenty of good choices and makers. Like a tanto style blade.

Finally found the name of my knife - it's Pakistan Stainless (4" blade, 5" closed). I've had it well over 30 years and carried for a very long time.



Just now starting to carry again, but I think it's a bit over size so going to look at some this weekend - some really nice suggestions, I looked up quite a few on amazon!

I favor a Buck 345. Under $40 and made in US.

I never buy inexpensive knives unless I intend them to be used/abused/lost - as in used to cut bait on a dock, or for rough work where I don't want to ruin a good knife. Good knives aren't that expensive. I like the Swiss Army Knives as the best all around knife. Unfortunately, the arthritis in my hands leads to lots of problems in deploying the blades/tools on a pocket knife.

CRKT makes excellent knives, and their customer service is outstanding. My favorite blade design is the half serrated blades. If I can find one that is a semiautomatic opening, what used to be known as a "switchblade", so much the better for me.

The Buck Ranger 110 is an excellent, classic knife. Not very elegant, but it gets the job done.

Best of luck,

Dave

Case Sodbuster. Priced right, simple, quality knife

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Riding, Shooting, and Truth

The Buck 110 is an iconic knife and they have gotten very affordable, but too heavy and thick for most people.

The Case sodbusters look very traditional. One Christmas at my inlaws for a potluck they bought such cheap plastic cutlery that no one could cut their ham. (30+ people) I got my Buck out and my favorite brother in law got his Case sodbuster out - we were the only people who could cut our ham. Bro in law has a dog named "Case" as well. I guess I need one named Buck.

Spyderco Delica 1, 3 inch blade, has been mentioned previously. I like them. I have owned several and given a few away. They are well made for the price. They are one hand operable, fast and hold a good edge. With the clip they ride well IWB or on the pocket. I am not aware of any state that this particular knife would not be legal to carry. I am sure if that is not the case this group will let us know. Good luck.

Buck 112 in a sheath and a Case peanut in the watch pocket.For a little more money a Mini Griptilian clipped in the LFP.I have to agree that a Case sodbuster jr is a great low budget pocket knife, get it in a CV steel hair poping sharp.

Griptillian and a Case peanut.

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Define "inexpensive." My inexpensive and your inexpensive may be different. As a general rule, you get what you pay for. For me, $90-160 is the range I stay in. Some folks don't even blink at dropping $250-400 on a knife they carry every day and use for everything under the sun.

For a good EDC knife that will do a large myriad of things, I like the Benchmade 950 Rift. They can be found on the knife forums for about $100-120 used. Very good 154CM steel blade, full stainless steel liners, and near-indestructible G10 scales, with an ambidextrous Axis lock. For brand new, the HK14715 (made by Benchmade) gets you a knife that is almost identical in specs except uses D2 steel (more wear resistant, but a lot harder to sharpen) for $100. These knives are built to withstand a lot more than a $30 knife made in China can handle.

An example of the kind of knife I carry every day:

Second the motion. I've been carrying a Tinker since 1965. It's cut anything I want to, and I use the tools more than the blades. However when in Alaska in the late 1960s, I loaned it to a friend who cleaned a caribou with it, so it's got plenty of blade. The one pictured, with the chip glued back into the scale, I carried from 1968 to 2002. Took it out of service as the point of the main blade was a little above the frame, and the red plastic had worn away from the Swiss shield which was sharp, and unpleasant to handle.

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I don't carry these but I have two of them; one for the car and the other for the truck. The car has electric windows and I can see a situation where I might have to get out when the door was jammed and there was no power. That little pointy thing at the back of the frame is for breaking windows. The serrations will cut the seat belt quickly if it, too, is jammed. I feel a little safer carying one in each vehicle. They're S&W and about $25.

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I should add that I sometimes carry a Spyderco Delica (3" blade) or an Endura (4") in a coat pocket or have them by the computer. I have the half serrated blades, which open packages well.

A guy used what looked on the TV news to be a Delica to stab a cougar attacking his six-year-old son in Big Bend Natl. Park. He drove the animal off, but the blade was too short for a successful stab to a vital area.

I think I'd have tried to cut the cat 's throat.

I used to carry a penknife, but it was frequently too small for jobs in the field.

I switched to EDC'ing a Lionsteel SR-1. Sleipner steel blade, one-piece titanium handle. Awesome knife!

https://www.lionsteel.it/n/en/product/1655/sr1_titanio

Another thing to consider is better steel doesn't always mean better knife. If you sharpen your knives with rods, and know how to do so effectively, then by all means buy a very high grade steel.

If you don't sharpen knives with rods or have no desire to, then consider purchasing a slightly less graded steel that is easier to sharpen using one of those knife sharpeners where you just run your blade through it a few times (see below for a pic of the basic sharpener I use).

One of the reasons I carry the knives I do is because the steels are pretty strong, hold a good edge, but are easy to sharpen. The VG10 in my Delica 4 gets razor sharp, but it's not hard to maintain. The same goes with the my Buck's 420HC and Ontario AUS-8. They're not high end steels, but they do the job effectively.

I rather have a sharpened VG10, 420HC, or AUS-8 over a dull 154CM knife blade.

Same in Michigan, a knife carried as a tool is OK, with intent to harm, felony. Now if you use a Swiss Army knife to defend yourself it's up to the prosecutor to determine your fate.

We have this strange hodgepodge of laws, lawyer explained a lot of this comes from the frontier/logging days when the intent was to make the fights fair.

Like a lot of others here, I carried a SAK Tinker in my pocket for 35+ years. Great, practical knife.
Link to Tinker

I recently switched to a SAK Evolution 10. Newer model, almost the same as a Tinker. Has a locking main blade and molded grip. I like it a lot.
Link to Evolution 10

pcgunner,
Let me warn you, pocket knives are like eating potato chips.....one just isn't going to cut it (excuse the pun). They are a bit habit forming. The good thing is they don't cost as much as guns, the bad thing is there are just so many useful cutting tools.
I have everything from mini - Leatherman tools to Swiss Army knives to , conventional case , Kershaw nearly auto-openers, Military knives and even Randall Made custom crafted knives .......it never stops , once you get bitten by the bug !
But I've always had a fascination with knives, even when just a boy.
Gary

Been hooked on knives myself especially lately. Nice to have one for every purpose and there are plenty to choose from. Would like to add a couple more to my meager collection and have my eye on the Tops-Buck CSAR-T Tactical/Rescue folder. One model comes with a seat belt cutter and glass breaker for tempered glass. Looks rugged and claims the steel is 154 CM on the blade. Has a semi-tanto style blade which is 3 1/2 inches. Seen em on Amazon for around $83. Any thoughts on this beast?

The little keychain Victornox with the scissors is indispensable, and I always have it. Only grab real knives when I anticipate a need, with many around the house/car. Buck and a couple other varieties of the Victornox... The Camper is probably my favorite...just because I've had it 30 years.

I do have a little Vic. Classic in the breast pocket of about all of my coats. Several handle colors.

My daughter as a Vic. Ambassador or Executive in her purse. Uses the scissors most.

I've thought lately that the Vic. pliers are not as useful as they need to be. I have them on a couple of knives, but they aren't big enough for much value. I couldn't even open the tight lid on a small bottle of eye drops with those pliers. I think they're the only tool on SAK's that I find lacking.

I have a BuckTool in its Cordura pouch in the car for when I use pliers. Small long nose pliers in the kitchen.

Don't carry anything in your knife pocket but your handkerchief, and don't put a little Classic on your key ring. Doing either will scratch up your knife something awful. Keys, coins, and knives do not mix well.