There are two general replies to that. The first is that he's not me, he was probably way better at field dressing than I'll ever be, and he was probably fastidious about cleaning that knife, too. Alternatively, he kept it sharp but didn't bother to clean it because it was just going to get dirty again really soon. Somehow I doubt that, though. As to the cleaning, I'd rather clean a fixed blade when it comes to blood and guts and hair.

Actually, same reply. You can do it if you want to but I have the choice of so many knives I can't imagine selecting a lockback of any kind to do this type of chore. I don't gainsay what other folks do; that's their choice. Some people carry .22s for self defense, some carry .44s. It's a choice.

I have a host of folders that will do the job, too. Lockbacks, jackknives, etc. I carry an Old Timer around my house for chores. Just because I have them doesn't mean I will use them for field dressing. Being expert at the use of lockbacks to clean your game animals is a choice.

But I will admit I sometimes use my belt knife in restaurants. It's sharper than the knives they give me and it makes me laugh to watch people's reactions. It's totally unnecessary but I make the choice just for fun.

Lots of help so far, guys, and its appreciated.

So far I'm leaning towards Kershaw, Spyderco, and Gerber, but still open to others.

A couple questions...

For general EDC...flat edge or partial serrated? Thumb button or Spyderco style "hole", and why?

Thanks again.

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

It all depends on the blade length. The longer the blade length then the more I open to having part of the blade serrated. For a 3" blade or less then no serrations. For a blade 3" or more, then I don't mind them. It really comes down to personal preference. Some guys love them and some guys hate them. I will say the better the steel, the less likely you will need serrations.

I very rarely cut thick rope, but if I did I would use my Ontario Rat 1 (has a 3.5" blade) and use the serrations on it. For every day tasks, non serrated blades with good steel work just fine for me. My every day tasks would include cutting plastic zip ties and barn twine and opening cardboard boxes and sealed plastic containers that contain whatever you purchased.

As for your other question, in order of my preferences from most to "less most" preferred: Flipper (like kershaw) > spyderco hole > thumb stud. Again this is personal preference. I like assisted opening knives with flippers, but for non assisted opening knives I really like the spyderco hole. It all comes down to ease of opening for me, personally.

My favorite blase lock is far and away the Benchmade Axis lock. Assisted or not, it is the slickest, strongest opening/locking system I have tried. It is almost better if unassisted because you can close it with one hand. The assisted ones are a lot of fun, though. Sog has something similar; I think it is pretty successful on the Spec Elite in particular.

Of course, with Benchmade you are going to spend a lot more money. For less-expensive knives, say $20-60, I like the Kershaw assisted flippers best. You are going to pay the most for the USA made models like the Ken Onion knives, but you can find some nice Kershaw flippers for not much over $20.

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Not in jail.

I concur: the roar of a big lion is frightening and goes right to your soul. Their odor is also distinctive.

I recently read a full account by game ranger Harry Wolhuter, who was attacked in Aug., 1903. And I found a site that showed a replica of his knife by a South African custom maker, although not one I've heard of. He probably saw the knife in the park display.

I think the late Peter Capstick mentioned this case in his safari writing, and it was cited by a SA author in the big annual, "Knives."

Have you seen custom knives made there by Piet Grey and others?

A fine knife with hard steel that will take a razor edge is great in the kitchen and for field dressing game, but for around the farm I like a cheap knife with a softer steel blade. It takes time to hone and strop an edge on a high quality knife. Takes half a minute with a coarse stone to put a useable edge on a softer steel. Plenty good enough for most chores.

I like serrations only in a rescue knife format. I don't know if they still make it--mine was stolen years ago--but Spyderco made a rescue model with a blunt tip and serrations only on the tip end, a one-inch set of very aggressive teeth. It was perfect for cutting seat belts or clothing in an emergency, without risking hurting the victim.

Other than that very specialized use, I don't care for serrations.

I like the Spyderco hole for opening a knife with one hand; but I also have a SOG assisted opener that activates with a nudge on a thumb button, and like it. My preference for the Spyderco Endura involves a lot of factors such as weight and strength, but one is safety. It just isn't possible to accidentally activate the opening system or accidentally unlock the blade while using it. Either takes a positive decision.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Y'all are the best...thanks for all the info.

Its not firm, but I've narrowed it down to these three...finances keep me from adding a couple more y'all have mentioned that I like but simply cannot afford:
The Spyderco Endura 4 with the comboedge
The Kershaw 1670BW Blur
The Gerber Covert Knife with partially serrated edge

Thoughts? Plusses and minuses? More alternatives in this price range ($50-$100) or less?

Edit: The Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn is also on my list, though at the top end of what I can afford. Compared to the others, is it a good bit of a better choice?

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

This is an excellent option if you're on a limited knife budget:

Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

http://www.dillonprecision.com/uimag...aw_Nerve_m.jpg

20 bucks!

That was a flat blade Kershaw Nerve for $20.00. I almost ordered it but decided to look around first. I found a Kershaw Nerve with the combo edge, a 3420ST ...new, still in original packaging...on EBay for $17.95 with free shipping:
Kershaw Nerve Lock Blade G 10 Pocket Knife R J Martin Serrated KS 3420 St | eBay

That takes care of a knife for my 3 day bag......still trying to decide on one for EDC, either one I listed above or another that y'all might suggest.....?

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

Buh-bump...

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

Sir, for an excellent EDC it's hard to beat a Kershaw Blur.
Well made and very sharp.
For something less expensive look at the SOG Sogzilla. Not sure about your laws but blade is slightly under four inches, Spyderco type thumb hole opening. Extremely sharp. Make fun if you will but I test my blades on fresh white bread. Bread knifes are serrated for good reason. It takes a very sharp blade to cut through a loaf with hanging up. My SOG cuts through without hesitation, end to end, no serrations!

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Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

I have been carrying some type of pocket knife for 60 plus years. It doesn't seem right to leave the house without at least one. Today I carried three plus a Leatherman. A Boker, Victorinox and a Gerber. Some days it may be a Buck or a SOG or a Kenshaw. I like them all. How many remember playing mumblypeg when you were little? Always look for the knife with the good balance.

My preferences parallel Mule Packer's, but I don't feel like dealing with photobucket right now when I'm about to head out to look for a quail or two.

I've got a rotation of old slipjoints by Case, Camillus, Imperial (my great old Boy Scout knife), Remington, and newer slipjoints in old patterns by Great Eastern. Terrific knives, by the way.

I agree with Shouldazagged that a stockman is the most useful pattern for a working knife. The other day I let a fellow use my old (1974) Case 6392 Stockman to sharpen a pencil. I opened it before I handed it to him. When he was done he turned the thing over in his hand a few times trying to find the locking mechanism...he literally couldn't figure out how to close it.

This is my every day carry knife. I could carry any knife but this one it mine. It has two straight edges which I keep razor sharp. This is my work knife and carry knife.

I wish they would make a knife with the serrations toward to tip. That is where it needs to be.

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Have Gun Will Carry

Spyderco made a rescue knife with that arrangement--see above.

It does make sense.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I'm not a knife guy in that I don't own very many but I do appreciate, admire and enjoy a nice blade when I see one. A nice thing about knife shopping today is there are so many quality selections available. The bad thing is trying to decide what to buy.
I recently bought 2 BM mini grips (1 black & 1 pink for me and Mrs. jtt).
Having owned BM's before, I knew what to expect. I also know there are many quality knives for less money but I went with the mini's for some reason and so far am very satisfied with no remorse.

I have a bunch of knives and rotate them regularly, with four or five getting the most play. My son has a lot of knives, too, and he used to rotate them, until I gave him the Mini Grip. Soon, that was the only knife he carried. A couple of weeks ago, he lost it. He went back to rotating his others. Then last week, he found the Mini; it was under the bed. Now it is back in his pocket and he is whistling a happy tune.

OTOH, my son-in-law seems just as happy with the full-sized Grip I gave him.

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Not in jail.

I have a fair collection of folding knifes (will post Pic later) but the Benchmade 705 is my all time favorite. The one in my pocket was purchased in "98" seen daily use and is still going strong.
Benchmade 705 W/polished blade

Assorted folders

I got my Spyderco Lightweight Native 5 this weekend. This is a VERY light knife, but it is VERY durable. There is no wiggle in the lock. Once the blade is opened, there is no play. The shape and the size of the 3" S35VN blade is perfect for EDC. The blade was sharp but not razor sharp. I ran it through a carbonite sharpener 5-7x, then I ran it through a ceramic sharpener multiple times until the blade polished out evenly. Now it is razor sharp. I was able to shave the hair off of my arm and therefore I am very pleased. I cut some nylon belts, ropes, cardboard, and plastic bottles pretty easily once I got the cutting motion down. I really like this knife and will make it my EDC knife from now on.


(NOTE: Not my picture)

I have carried a knife of some form or other since I got my first jackknife at age 8. Everyday, everywhere until they banned them on airplanes. I rarely fly anymore, though, so that doesn't affect what I do very much.

When I was a kid, I only owned one or two knives at a time. I had a cheap Imperial jackknife, then an equally cheap stockman that I started whittling with, and carried that one for a long time. Then I got a Boker whittler, and had that as my daily companion for I don't know how long, but I eventually lost it. I've been through Case knives, Victorinox SAK, lock backs, liner locks, assisted openers, automatics (1), and have a drawer full now.

Seems to run in my genes, as some of them I inherited from my grandad, some were given to me by my dad, some I've bought, and some I've made.

What I carry daily now: I always have a little Victorinox Executive in my wallet (left front pocket), and my all-stainless Spyderco Delica (VG-10 steel) clipped to my right back pocket. I usually have a Victorinox Soldier or Tinker or Mechanic as well, with the Soldier getting most of the carry time in town, and the Mechanic when hiking because the little pliers are perfect for removing thorns from my dog's feet. If I'm hiking or hunting, I may swap my Spyderco Tenacious (really long steel designation I can't remember) for the Delica. I also have a number of Case pocket knives. My favorites are the Slim Trapper, the Pen knife, and Wharncliffe jack, and the Wharncliffe lockback. They all get pocket time, too. I have a Canoe knife like someone showed before, and I've carried it, but it's never really clicked with me. Nice knife, though.

I have others.

I like assisted openers for some things, and still have a Kershaw Onion in my hiking/emergency daypack. I have a Gerber multiplier in there, too.

As far as opening systems on an every day knife: I much prefer the Spyderco hole to a thumb stud, no matter the size of the blade. When you actually use the knife to cut or slice, the thumb stud can get in the way. When you go to sharpen the blade, the thumb stud can get in the way. The Spyder hole doesn't, and can't. I've had four Spydercos, still have two. The Rescue (AUS 8 steel) is in the armrest of my wife's car, and the Native (S30V steel) is in her bag.

I really don't like serrations on an everyday knife. They are a pain to sharpen, make ugly cuts, and are hard to use with any degree of precision or finesse. If you're just ripping through cardboard or rope, I suppose that doesn't matter, but I can use a Case Peanut to cut through an awful lot of cardboard, and the only thing I'd miss about a bigger knife is the leverage of the longer handle. I'd never miss the serrations or thick blade.

Locking system is a personal preference. I prefer a lockback to a liner or frame lock, but I like just about any lock that works well, especially if it is interesting.

I love my Delica. It's slim in the pocket, comfortable in the hand, I flat ground the blade to suit me better, and I carry it tip-up. Nice and compact, it's long enough to do just about anything everyday I might need, and not so long that it gets obnoxious to carry in light weight pants. The Victorinox Soldier is a real nice daily pocket knife. I just might have a large sheath knife hiding in my work backpack, too. The Case pen knife gets a lot of use, but I lost my last one and haven't replaced it yet. Nice and light and slim, large enough blades to do most things.

I just like knives!

I have a Kershaw Cryo clipped in my front pocket at all times. It's a great knife. 2 3/4" blade that is shaving sharp, and a very strong clip that can be mounted on all four ends of the handle. It feels great in the hand for a smaller knife, and cuts through cord like it's butter. And for around $35 or so new, you get a nice quality knife for not too much admission.




L8R,
Matt

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SD40-VE owner and proud of it!

I mentioned the above knife I found on eBay but didn't say mucj...I didn't want to look stupid as we all know about eBay and the cheapo faux items and shady sellers. Well...

I ordered that knife Friday afternoon. I wan't sure what I would actually get or when I would actually get it.

I just came back from the mailbox...with an authentic Kershaw Nerve with the combo blade. $17.95, shipping included. I just checked their page and they only have 6 left.
Here is the link again:
Kershaw Nerve Lock Blade G 10 Pocket Knife R J Martin Serrated KS 3420 St | eBay

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

That is the knife I just gave my stepdaughter for her birthday. At Christmas she claimed a case of knife envy, pointing out that I had given the sons and son-in-law knives, while the daughters got books. (Actually, I noticed it myself, about an hour earlier, just a bit too late to do anything about it.)

Fortunately, her birthday was last weekend and I gave her the Cryo. It was in a blister pack, so I didn't get to handle it myself until she had opened it, but I like it. More importantly, so does she.

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Not in jail.

I'm a ZT fan along with a few other brands. I require M390 for a serious knife. The steel is unmatched. Elmax, CPM, S30V, ZDP189, etc.....not a candle to Bohler M390. Here is one of my ZT 0562 CF flippers. It is my EDC and it's NIB twin is in the safe tucked away.

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Go big or stay home

I really like my Kershaw Blur assisted knife. The Sandvik steel takes a really sharp edge. I have a Doug Ritter mini-Griptilian which is a more pocketable size but still a great blade. I'm not so hot on my recently acquired Ketshaw Knockout. While it has the same blade steel as the Blur, it is less slim and doesn't feel as nice in the hand. I do like that it is a flipper as well as thumb stud opened. It just feels more clunky overall.

I had a chance to handle that knife last weekend, along with quite a few others. A high-end knife shop opened in the area a few months ago, and I finally got over there to see what they had. ZT, Microtech, Chris Reeve, and some pretty exotic Benchmades, just to name a few. I got to handle a lot of nice knives that I had heretofore only read about.

The ZT knives are pretty nice, but unfortunately above my pay grade. We all have our limits, and I am stretching mine when I spend a hundred bucks for a blue-box Benchmade. Still, it is fun to look. The internet has done wonders for commerce, but to be able to pick up a well made item and handle it is still hard to beat.

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Not in jail.

I've been looking for that perfect EDC knife. Not too big, not too small, easy opening and a strong blade.
I have a SOG FlashII which I really like, but its a bit long and sometimes digs into me when sitting.
I think I've found it in a Benchmade Mini-Barrage. It's about an inch shorter but still has about a 3" blade which is .10 thick. Being an assisted opener makes an easy one hand open.
Sorry, no pics yet, I just ordered it.

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“Look life in its iron face”

You are going to love it. It is everything you are looking for. My favorite EDC; I have two. I had a surplus Griptilian, and made a gift of it. My second Mini Barrage isn't going anywhere.

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Not in jail.

Left front jeans pocket, Northfield Calf Roper, right front pocket, Case Redbone medium serpentine stockman, also Benchmade Mini Griptillion. No pictures. I too feel naked without my knives.

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James
On the Llano Estacado

I love the Spyderco Native 5 great e.d.c.

NDZ engraved Kershaw Cryo.

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For cooler/cold weekend days this ittle Italian made beauty accompanies me, gifted to me by the widow of a good friend. It's got "Just another day in the woods" imprinted on the left side of the blade. No idea who the maker is.

The rest of the time I have either a Benchmade or CRKT in my pocket.

The tie breaker on knife size vs. Animal size is what are you using it for? Some body mentioned the Alaskan guide using a folder on everything.
That will work it you have a saw/ hatchet / ax to open the pelvis.
If you use your knife to cut through the pelvis, you need s big knife for a big animal.
Somebody mentioned Elmer's pattern knife was was given away in a magazine renewal ?? Offer, I think.
I think I had one. It's a short, wide, heavy bladed knife.
I think that I recall that Elmer discussed using his knife to break through an elk pelvis. So he wanted a heavy blade knife.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Here are a few of my folders. Nothing fancy but I like them all. In no specific order A few Bucks, Old Timers, SOG, Queensteel and Victorinox.
[IMG][/IMG]

I received my Benchmade Mini Barrage today and took some pics to compare with the Sog FlashII.
I'm really liking this new knife!
It's not much smaller, but enough to make a world of difference in my pocket.

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“Look life in its iron face”

One more open

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“Look life in its iron face”

I was in a local shop recently that carried Chris Reeve; I handled that one. There is some quality there. Still a little out of reach for me, but wow.

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Not in jail.

I've switched from a Victorinox Ranger to an Explorer because I find I don't need the saws but after Texas Star commented on the value of the Paramilitary 2 I carry, I started looking at other options.

I'm thinking Spyderco Delica 4 or Endura 4 with their VG 10 blades or something inbetween, not sure exactly what. Maybe something with an S35V blade. That's where you gents come in!

Alternately maybe the slightly cheaper CRKT M16-14SFG or M21-14SFG. I'd much rather carry a slightly more economical brade than ruin or lose a really good one.

The reason I'm looking at these brands is because they're available here although I will happily explore any and all recommendations. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.

I HATEW Tanto style blades...jes' sayin'...

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

Keep in mind that depending on where you are and your laws, you can find decent deals on used stuff from time to time on the forums as well.i just bought a Spyderco Manix 2 used...just like new. Great knife at a little discount for being used. I'm not a big fan of serrated blades or combo blades unless I'm cutting a lot of rope or strapping. Once it gets dull it can be a pain to sharpen. I'd suggest Spyderco and Benchmade knives..they run from affordable to highly expensive, but they're built like tanks.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

I have a pocket knife on me wherever it's legal. I use it as letter/package openers and occasionally to cut food.

When I carry a pocket knife it's usually one of these Delicas:



My goal is to eventually get one of each color.

On the rare occasion the 3" blade is not allowed but a smaller blade is I have this Spyderco Chicago:



I eventually plan to get a similar-sized lockback Spyderco so they'll all have the same operating mechanism.

I also usually have a multitool on me, a Leatherman Juice CS4, though I'm thinking of replacing it with a Style PS. I have a larger Leatherman Fuse that I keep in my backpack.

I can legally carry a 100mm long blade which is just short of 4 inches. I do work in hostile environments but don't carry a pistol because of the restrictive laws and because carrying a handgun in said environments make you a target. Tough choices...

If you can carry a fixed blade while camping or hiking, look at the Puma Hunter's Pal or the Fallkniven F-1. Fallkniven also makes the lockblade U-2, with a blade short enough to let it be carried in many Euro countries with tough knife laws.

My Spyderco Delica is by the computer today, and the blade measures 3 and an 8th inches. It's the smallest knife I'd want to use for defensive needs, but the U-2 will also do some nasty slicing if need be. It's extremely sharp. Be advised that if you have to use it on an animal, a man in Texas who used one (Delica or similar Spyderco) on a cougar wasn't able to stab deeply enough to achieve lethal wounds, but the cat attacking his young son did flee after sustaining some wounds. I'd try to cut the throat of any sizable opponent or go for the femoral artery in the leg. Some people don't think about how lethal that is.

On a croc, you'd probably have to stab it in the eye to achieve penetration and a serious wound. I know of a case where that happened, after a man there came to the rescue of another angler.

Of course, most Swiss Army knives will meet the size limit. And they will seem logical candidates if you tell a cop that the knife is for general utility use.

Can you carry a longer knife while hunting?

Do you encounter dogs or baboons? I knew a woman in Simonstown (Simons Town?) who had trouble with near urban baboons trying to get into her house. I know they attack people, and have really dangerous teeth. That's not especially far from Cape Town. Is there still a naval base there?

Isn't carjacking a big problem in most South African cities?

Oh: if the Benchmade Model 705 is available there and the blade is short enough, it'd be a prime choice. I have the same basic knife in the larger size, Model 710, with about a four-inch blade. I love it, and if I had the money just now would buy a 705 for days when I might need a smaller knife to meet local laws. I think the blade length is about three inches. See Post No. 69 here for a photo.

I have the M21-14SFG. I'm not wild about it, as it is not a very good camp knife, although I did open a coconut with it once. However, if you need a blade that looks intimidating and has some defensive capability, it might suit your purposes.

The blade has a double guard, one side of which works as a flipper. The other side can sometimes be persuaded to catch on your pocket and open the blade Emerson-style as it comes out.

For a pocket knife, it's big.

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Not in jail.

Thank you for your insights. I agree that they look intimidating and have some defensive capability hence my thinking. Not sure about the weight but I do carry a Spyderco Paramilitary II.

I'm thinking of having a knife or two brought over from the USA in friends baggage but I'm concerned about the risk of losing them in transit. Shipping them here invites too much customs attention, IF I get it!

Texas Star I would think hunters in particular would carry what they needed in the field. I'm not partial to carrying a fixed blade knife although I have considered one in the car. A friend of mine travels by train and carries a fixed blade while another has a huge bowie in his car boot (trunk).

The knives I'm considering getting are the CRKTs or Spyderco Delica / Endura with combo blades for defensive purposes. For utility purposes my SAK collection continues to grow. I've also picked up an old Leatherman PST II and Super Tool.

Simonstown is a pleasant destination along the False Bay coast and one I like visiting. There is an active naval base where SAs new Corvettes and Submarines operate from.

And yes, baboons are an issue, they're very clever and break into dirt bins and houses regularly and easily unless measures are taken to secure your assets. They are very dangerous canny animals not to be trifled with, particularly in close combat. That said, you cannot shoot them. Paint ball guns seem the best solution.

Hijacking of cars is an issue and I recently lost of friend in Johannesburg. He was kidnapped and beaten to death. He didn't give up his bank card or home details so protecting his family. Terrible. Here laws seem to protect the criminal, not the law abiding. There's even an issue if you shoot an intruder in your home.

Having said all of the above crime is not all pervasive and South Africa, and Cape Town in particular is a great place to live.

Cape Town Tourism, the official website for Cape Town, South Africa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Town

I have carried a pocket knife every day for over 40 years. I have carried the Case stockman in the picture since 1998. I retired it for the Boker.

There is something about the Boker that I really like. It fits my hand perfect. I could not put it down after I picked it up for the first time last year. It is in my pocket every day. It is easy to sharpen and it really holds an edge. It is a nice knife.

I carry nothing fancy, just something that works!

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Just looking back some older knife threads and came across this one. I eventually did acquire the Spyderco Delica 4, Endura 4 and CRKT M21-14SFG. I carry the Endura but would prefer the M21. Unfortunately it is just over 1mm too long. Still tempted to carry it though...

I have so many knives I don't even know where I keep all the boxes full of them. I grew up carrying Uncle Henry knives back when they were high quality. Then I went through my Buck phase. I keep my 110 by my favorite chair and it gets used for a whole lot of things. I have a 119 too that I keep in pristine shape because they were so revolutionary in the knife world. I still have unused Uncle Henry knives too.

But I have moved on to better knives now. I carry a Kershaw Blur which has Speedsafe which essentially opens the knife with just a slight flick of the thumb. It has never opened unintentionally either. But it's the steel used for the blade that sets this knife apart. It's S30V, which is about as hard as steel gets for the purposes of knife making. Some people use S40V knives but I can't imagine how they sharpen the things. It's a real chore to sharpen my S30V knife. But of course once you get it sharp it stays that way for months. It's as tough as they come. I've used that knife for so many things I can't imagine not having it with me at all times. I use it several times a day every day for everything from opening a can once in a great while to opening a letter. You just can't hurt the thing.


Kershaw makes the same knife with lesser steel. Some of the other steel types actually make good knives. They sharpen easier and they get very sharp. But I have a knife I can use for a hammer if I decide I want to. I sometimes cut up cans just to remind me how tough the thing really is.

I grew up on a farm and you were lost without a knife. I've been carrying a knife so long I couldn't begin to say how long it's been since I didn't have one in my pocket. Sometimes I have 2 or 3 knives on me but that's getting rare because the Kershaw is making the need for other knives less and less all the time. They have a great grip and they are way tougher than nails. I could cut a nail in two easy with my knife. I may have to sharped the knife if I did that but it will do that jobl.

And the fast open technology makes one hand opening quick and safe. I may be holding onto something with one hand and I need to open my knife with the other hand so i don't lose my grip. Not a problem.

There are more expensive knves that are easier to put a super sharp edge on. But I can't imagine any knife holding an edge longer. And it does get very sharp once you learn how to get it that way. It isn't easy to sharpen it well. At least not until you learn how. Then it's not so bad.

The knife doubles as a SD knife too. It opens so quickly and the 3.4" blade would make anyone think twice about attacking me. Just that click in their face would make them think about it. It really does open quickly but it does it without a spring so it's legal in most states.

It's by far the best knife I've ever carried. I love Buck knives, Case knives and especially Uncle Henry knives (my father always bought them for us at Christmas). It is exactly what I want in a knife. If i do happen to break it the warranty would cover it. Even if it didn't the price is such that I could afford another one without breaking a sweat. I've checked out lots of Benchmade and Spydeco knives etc.. They certainly are nice but I don't think they would be as tough as my Kershaw. The thing is nearly indestructible and I've put that to the test many times. I've been carrying it a lot of years now. By now I would have worn out 2 or 3 Buck knives just to be honest. And this one doesn't have one bit of wear on it. The only way I know it's old is the grip has dirt in the rough area. I have carried this knife at least 10 years and it will last another 10 easily. i wore out a lot of good knives in far less time. I have never owned a really expensive knife so I don't know how they would hold up by comparison but I can't imagine them lasting longer. It's not that I can't afford more expensive knives. I just can't think of why I need one.

I went to a lot of knife boards getting advice on the best knife to carry. Almost every time this knife came up as one of the best. I know why they said that now.