must open easily, sharpen nicely, and carry in pocket comfortably....

why can't I find the BEST?

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

I love my Buck Rush, bought new in Wal-Mart several years ago. It's light, very quick-opening, and carries very easily in the pocket. I carry if for one purpose only, have never had to use if for that one purpose, and therefore have never sharpened it. But it's very well made (in the USA) and I think it would probably sharpen up just fine.

Here's the link from Buck's catalog...and the photos don't do it justice.

BUCK

it's like looking for the best pistol or the best caliber... many differing views on the matter

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thanks very much, robert

I appreciate learning the experiences of others with hands-on use of various products. There are so many choices it's hard to narrow down the range without considering what other users have found.

Please post links or photos as I intend to supplement my pocket gear soon. I need to upgrade my old and clunky and too bulky models.

The sub-4" folders are as plentiful as choices in snubbies.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

It's not a folder, but my Chris Reeve Professional Soldier is ALWAYS in my pocket and holds an edge like nothing else. I've cut through everything from a tow strap to cardboard to flesh and bone, haven't sharpened it yet and it's still sharp enough to shave with. Best part is that Chris Reeve will sharpen it free of charge should it ever need to be sharpened.

Kershaw! Kind of pricey, buy well worth it!

My Benchmade 580 Barrage has become my favorite. It's kinda pricey ($100) but I love it. 580 Details | Benchmade

Kershaw was mentioned and I have numerous Kershaw knives, cheaper than the Benchmade but very good knives. Most of my Kershaws were in the $50 range.

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NRA Endowment Member

I also recommend you look at Benchmade. Very happy with my recent purchase: 551H2O Details | Benchmade

Another vote for either the Kershaw or a Benchmade. Compact, solid as a bank vault, steel as hard as it gets to hold an edge. Both make an assortment of assisted opening knives, both at the top of the heap as far as quality is concerned.
For the Kershaws, start with a look at the Ken Onion series of knives, the Leek in particular. I carry a serrated blade Leek most of the time.
For the Benchmade, it is impossible to tell you where to start, they make so many great pocket knives (including full auto opening). I have a couple and if my Leek isn't with me, one of my Benchmade knives is. I know a handful of LEOs, and these are the names they choose for their duty knives.
Both are USA made too.

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Geoff. Since 1960.

Carrying in the pocket cannot be used in conjunction with the word tactical. Tactical and practical are mutually exclusive terms and should never be used together in the same sentence or format.

In all seriousness, how big'a knife you want?

Now this is a knife:



In all seriousness, I suggest taking a look at the Benchmade Kulgera- I just picked one up last month and really like it.



I do wish it was a size or two smaller though. It is much bigger than the Case stockman I've carried for many years.

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Lost it all in a boat accident

Benchmade AFO II, Protech Brend 2 (smallest of the brend line), Boker, Kershaw. The kershaw leek is a fine daily use knife, small, razor sharp, light and opens as fast as any auto. If you break it, it's only $40 to replace.

Gunlovingirl swears by her Due Buoi and I have to admit, it is a very nice knife but perhaps not the most practical (for me anyway) for every day use. I bought one and it is one of my favorites.

The "best" depends on what you are going to do with the knife and how much you are willing to spend. If you mean "best" in a mass produced factory knife, that is one thing. If you include custom made knifes costing $300+++ that is something else. Also what features do you need the knife to include?

I have the Ken Onion Shallot (by Kershaw) and have been pretty happy with it. It holds / takes an edge pretty well and I prefer a "flipper" for opening over the thumb stud. The flat profile helped sell it as well. The wife is asking for the Leek for Christmas.

I bought a knife from these folks.
Very helpful, good prices and excellent service/shipping.

Your wallet is your limit

Automatic Knives, Butterfly & Spring Assisted Knives | BladeOps.com

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Still Running Against the Wind

If you're looking for a serious "tactical" folder, I would recommend one of the following brands:

Emerson
Zero Tolerance
Spyderco
Kershaw

Pretty much in that order too. None of them are cheap, but if you want a top quality knife, you're going to have to pay for it.

There are other brands that are suitable, but the prices get into the stratosphere pretty quick. A few months ago I had no idea, but you can pay as much for a top name custom knife as you will for a decent handgun.

The Chris Reeve Sebenza is essentially the same blade in a folder. Not cheap at $400 - $500ish, but light years ahead of anything else in production or bench made knives today.

Chris Reeve Knives - Optimum Quality, Optimum Performance

Go to the Sebenza main page for complete specs.

Bob

I carry a Spyderco "Jess Horn" model. It is lightweight, holds an edge extremely well (aus 8 steel), and didn't cost me an arm and leg. I am an avid Spyderco fan.

The "BEST" ?
Al Mar Sere Mini is nice as is the Spyderco Military or Paramilitary.
I've had a variety of Benchmades and Kershaws and they are almost as good
but not the best.
-Brian

Thanks for the tips. In review of these links, I have found several that are quite promising.

I find I'm after 1) folding; 2) assisted opening; 3) partial serrated edge; 4) plain handle without mammoths/scrimshaw/precious gems as part of the design; 5) "good quality" short of the $$$ range. This is to be a working tool. I favor the clip point style.

As example of a favored carry-tool for years & years, has been a Buck 444U model....no longer made. Just a tad small but plenty light and very rugged considering what it's been through.

I believe a dedicated blade in the pocket is like that other little pocket-piece one might carry ALL THE TIME rather than leave it on the shelf.

With all the thousands of choices, I value and appreciate input of those who have responded to this inquiry.

I tried to follow-up on the Zero Tolerance Hawk but it was not listed on the home web site and so far they have not returned my email.

Will continue the search after I recharge the old Pacemaker....Some of those such as Emerson etc truly ARE spendy. The "Jess Horn" might do...

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

Emerson CQC 7b/wave



It's what I carry.

Had one of these in my pocket for the last 7 ~ 8 years.

Snapping: I see these going for ~$130 & up on the net. Got any special place you'd recommend?

Also, just "how effortless" IS that opening sequence? I'm not after the old style 'switch blade' operation....but rather something far better, totally reliable and legal far & wide.

Just what IS "the WAVE" their promotional screen talks about. How easy/how sharp?

Given all choices, what other 2 or 3 compare favorably?

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

I love the Kershaw Ken Onion series. I'm particularly fond of the "Leek". Extremely easy one handed assisted opening. Sharp as a son of a gun. On a scale of light / medium / hard usage, I only go up to medium with it....

Right now my hard usage knife is made by Winchester.. I picked three of them up in a sale cart at Gander Mtn for $5 each.

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- The Federalist #46 -

I like the Cold Steel "Voyager" series, prefering the smallest model for EDC, and the next larger size for field carry, where it might be called on for heavier use. The scales are very thin so the knives are compact and slim, the serrations are vicious, edges are durable and touch up easily, and, they're relatively inexpensive. Also, they use a locking mechanism that I favor over "liner locks" and others that put one's fingers in harm's way to release...

I like the M16 series from Columbia River Knife and Tool. My M1613Z is a 3 1/2" partially serated blade. It is very easy to open and has a positive lock. Carries well in the pocket or clips onto web gear. I paid about $30.00 for it five years ago and have not had any problems with it besides getting it back after someone borrows it.

Gregg

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USMC 83-92, NG 97-08

I like the Spyderco folders. Easy-to-open and SHARP!

This version is called the Native (in the "plain," non-serrated blade version) , and they make serrated and semi-serrated versions of this knife too . . .



T.

Smith and Wesson S.W.A.T been in my pocket for 10 years and have used it for everything you can think of. Holds an edge too!

+1 for the Kershaws. I have owned several over the years and still have them all. I just buy a new every few years for a change of pace. I carry it while on duty and has cut thru whatever I need.

I wish I could do that, I can be pretty impulsive when it comes to knives and buy far more than I need...which is really not enough.

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NRA Endowment Member

My favorite




and friends

That's an impressive collection of Chris Reeve knives...any interest in adopting a 41 year old child?

Thanks... I came up with the Calvary graphic early 2001 and had an addiction to his stuff for a while

Silly me thought knives would be cheaper than guns to collect...

I would suggest a Benchmade Griptilian or Mini-Griptilian, depending on what size blade you want. They are great knives with many different blade profiles, partially serrated (my choice) or not. The bolt action lock is very secure, and it allows the blade to be closed without the potential finger interference that a liner lock has.

And it's fast. The thumb stud is well positioned with good leverage. Or you can just hold the bolt back and flick your wrist. I haven't seen any spring or other assist knives that are any faster. Plus, the pocket clip is opposite the hinge end. Because of the bolt's security, you don't have to worry about the blade opening before you get it out. And when it gets out, it's in the proper orientation to use. Some skull sweat was applied to this design.

Did I mention that I like this knife?

Buck

Often overlooked, but perfect for me.

The old arthritis in my right thumb joint makes it painful to open any folder with my thumb.

Same with the assisted opening knives-still gotta start it with my thumb.

Autos? Well, I just don't feel good about them in my pocket-did I mention I can be clumsy at times?

Then I found these. Benchmade Osborne 154CMs.

All you do to open (if you don't want to push it open conventionally with the thumb) is pull back on the Osborne Lock and flip it with the wrist as it comes free of the pocket.

I can open it faster than an assisted opening model and, though I have not tried it with ALL autos, I find it faster than any I have tried from the pocket since the Lock is bigger and easier to pull as one drags it from the pocket than pulling an auto free and pressing a small button.

Another big plus-Lifetime sharpening for $5.00 Shipping. The top one just got home today from a sharpening vacation in Oregon.

I've owned the top one for about 7 years and the bottom one for three.

Fast, sharp and perfect for me.

Bob

STOP IT!!!!

Just when I thought I got my knife addiction under control...........

The Wife and I have a small(3 dozen+) collection of under $300 Benchmade and other brand limited Numbered collection knives.

Now, Ijust HAVE to go to my favorite online dealer to see what he has that's new and rings my bell. Just in time for our Wedding Anniversary and Her Birthday. She likes Pretty and BBQ guns(I'm staying away from that one)

BTW, Hawaii has outlawed butterfly knives

The best folder I've ever had is a Microtech LCC. It's a Greg Lightfoot design. Your original post is asking for a great folder. I believe the LCC fits that bill. It comes in single or double action.



ETA-Those Sebenzas sure are pretty. Great knives from CR.

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Smith & Wesson beat four aces

I've gone through more knives than I care to admit. I'm not trained in knife fighting and I try to avoid knife fighting as much as humanly possible. Given that, my knives are selected based on their utility in everyday use, which for me can include a dirty, muddy, wet (sometimes submerged), oily, sandy environment, along with the typical soft tasks such as opening packages and the like.

Over time I have found the following attributes to be important to me:

- Handle material must have good gription. I have no use for smooth metal handles anymore as they can be a safety hazard. Try using a smooth metal handled knife to cut heater hose in an engine bay with coolant all over your hands. I like the frp handle material or an aluminum handle with grip tape.

- Blade material. I have no patience for any of the fancy pants blade material these days that can be persnickety to resharpen or prone to corrosion. I don't believe in blade materials that claim to, "hold an edge forever", at least if they are used for more than opening packages. I need a blade that is easy to re-sharpen, will take frequent re-sharpens easily, and is corrosion resistant. I favor cpms30v or VG10 blade material.

- Deployment. As I'm not a knife fighter I have no need for ultra fast blade deployment. I do however need to be able to deploy the knife fully with only one hand as I'm frequently in situations where my weak hand is holding the work and I need the knife in my strong hand to complete the task. Further, as I age, my hands and fingers lose a bit of dexterity making an easy open knife a priority. Add to this that I sometimes have gloves on when using the knife. I have done the whole 'flick the wrist to open' deal and quickly grew tired of it.

I cannot reliably 'catch' the thumb studs on most folders with my thumb. I prefer the carson flipper as found on some of the crkt knives as this allows me to use my index finger to pivot the blade partially out and then I can pick up the thumb stud to finish the motion. One such knife is the CRKT M18.
CRKT - Carson M18, Large, Black, Black

I also favor some of the Spyderco models that have the large hole opening and generous relief cut-out in the handle. One such favorite is the spyderco delica.
:: Spyderco Product Details ::

I would also like to try some of the Kershaw assisted opening models if they have some that are more robust than the little guy that I purchased at walmart awhile back (it was very small and had a very thin blade)

- Lock mechanism. I have used the traditional lock-back, the liner lock, and the axis lock. Of these I keep coming back to the lock-back design as it seems the most robust, easiest to clean, doesn't get gummed up easily, and is easiest to close the blade, even with gloved hands.

- Blade profile. I have settled on the spear point blade profile as the most useful. The knife needs to have a point tip to be truly useful to me, yet that same attribute is often a weak spot, especially for how I use the knifes. The most recent version of the previously mentioned Spyderco Delica has a pretty robust tip that have not broken, yet. As does the Spyderco Native.

- Ease of cleaning is important. I typically clean my knife in the solvent tank in the shop, and then blow it dry with compressed air. I then dribble some CLP on it and wipe it down, and use a pin-point oiler to lube the pivot points. The more 'open' the framework on the knife the easier it is to clean. The less complex the lock mechanism the easier it is to clean and the less knucks and crannies for debris to lodge. Towards that end, I favor knifes that have torx screw construction as I can split the knife for a good thorough cleaning 3-4 times per year.

- Clip type and location. I favor a knife that does not ride right at pocket top level or below pocket top level. I like a knife that rides a bit above that as it is easier for me to grasp the knife between thumb and forefinger for removal. I prefer a clip that has a round bottom, has been dehorned, and the bottom has an aggressive turn in towards the knife. This makes it a little less likely that I will scratch something from bumping into it, like say the side of my truck while retrieving tools from the bed, or the back of one of my wife's really nice wood dinning table chairs...

Finally, I will give honorable mention to the gen 1 Spyderco Native is it is the perfect size and blade profile for a knife. It is very flat so it carries and handles nicely. The blade, and the tip shape and robustness is my absolute favorite. It is however not as easy for me to open as the previously mentioned knifes and the clip on it sucks.
Spyderco Knives: Native Plain Edge Folding Knife C41PBK

That's about all I can think of off the top of my head.

I carry up to three knives, all the time. I'm never less than two. And I use them all day long in my profession (restaurant owner/chef/dishwasher) so I do have some fairly strong opinions on what works for me.

I beg to differ on the Kershaw knives, own a couple, both Ken Onion designs. Don't like either one, they are custom designs, but production made. Seem not much better than a Buck. Not impressed with their steel, construction, or the sharpenability.

I LOVE the Chris Reeve Sebenza's, but my knives see hard, daily use, and its like carrying an engraved, gold-inlaid Model 19 on duty as a LEO, I just refuse.

Of the three all-day everyday knives I carry, one is a Leatherman Micra. Used for anything from opening mail, to splinter-picking. Rery useful scissors are the most used tool. Whole thing is tiny, but exceedingly useful.

The second is the most-used knife I carry. It rotates between:
an OLD Case Barlow that is amazingly sharp and easy to touch up,
a Case Medium Stockman, three blades, great size, also great edges. It is my favorite, because it was a gift from my daughter,
or a Case Russlock, again easy to sharpen, good size. Yep, I like Case, but the older ones seem to have a better steel, at least for my uses.

The third knife is a "tactical" knife, whatever that means. Again, I alternate, 'cause I can. Usually, it is a CRKT M-16 with assisted opening. This knife is a perfect size for me, the assist is great because I'm frequently holding a box, steak, whatever, with one hand and need to get the knife open easily. This feature of course also is "tactically" important if you are grappling with someone I suppose.

Or, I carry a slightly larger Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Covert. This one iq 3 7/8" blade, non assisted opening, but easily opened with one hand. Mine has a partially serrated blade (I couldn't care lesq about that, wish it didn't have it).

Honestly, neither of these is as easily sharpened, or holds an edge as well as my Case, Boker, or custom knives. But, they seem to fit the niche you are looking for, and the CRKT in particular is about a $50 knife.

I also often carry one of several Spyderco knives in the "tactical" pocket position. Good knives, easy to work with, easy to open, easy to sharpen.

Long-winded answer, hope something of use is in it!

The Highlander

I usually have at least two sometimes three also.... I always have a small sebenza in a mission wallet along with a fisher space pen and either another sebeza a cammilus heat or dominator. Darrel Ralph the knifemaker who designed the dominator and the heat told me I had to get a HEAT.. it is a great cheap knife to beat on so I use i where I may loose my sebbie or keep it form beater duty if need be.

I have used my sebenzas hard for years and have not had issues. They can be "refurbed" rather reasonably by CRK if needed. My Calvary polished face has been re polished once in 8 years and it is worth carrying to me. I and some firends do everything from letters,fertilizer sack opening to deer duty with ours...

Your requirements scream Chris Reeve Sebenza. And, as I'm sure you understand, those requirements mean a level of quality you just can't get in a so so production knife. It's also going to cost some bucks. See if anybody near you has them and get one in your hand. You'll understand.

Remember, Christmas is just around the corner and it's not too early to start dropping hints.

Bob

spyderco military

TallPaul,
I know you are right, but I just cannot bring myself to do it! I may order a plain sebenza just for everyday use. I love knives, and I was amazed the first time I saw Chris' knives. Works of art, that are useful.

As a chef, I use kitchen, fixed-blades more than anything. I really like Bob Dozier's style, although I don't own one. I've considered ordering one for my use only in the kitchen. I don't allow anyone to use my personal knives, I buy them much cheaper cutlery because they frankly don't see the difference, and don't take care of them.

I have a Harold Corby fixed blade. It is a classic Loveless style that would be good use in a kitchen too. Hmm... Unfortunately, I was talking to Harold's son Phillip about making me a custom folder when Phillip had a sudden heart attack and passed away.

The Highlander

Highlander, Not only are Chris' knives nice but he and Anne are genuinely great folk.

I have literally beat my small plain sebby and exposed it to some nasty stuff over the years and its does good and has held up. My Calvary unique has been used a fair bit too and while the face is scratched some it still is a pleasure for me to use. One of these days I'll start using a Calvary with the damascus blade

Oh and BTW I understand COMPLETELY the statement about most not appreciating or being able to tell the difference between a decent knife and a great one... most will not pay for the few percentage points of gain in quality or usefulness... then again they like highpoint and taurus because they are too cheap to buy good stuff :P

I have a drawer full of Boker, Buck, Benchmade, CRKT. The perfect knife doesn't exist. It's like one person said, to get everything you want you need to carry two or three knives. Currently carry CRKT M21-14. It has everything you describe. I've found Benchmade holds a good edge. Buck sharpens good. I like my Boker Fairbarn Applegate.

The best folder I've ever owned was a Puma. Great knife, but it grew legs. I also have a CRKT M16, but I can't get it to hold a good edge. I now view folders as expendable tools and buy the cheapest things I can find that work - usually the $10.00 specials at Cabellas. Most of chores I need a knife for can be done with a Swiss Army knife, the big folder is for big cutting chores and of course, serves as a back-up to my back-up.

Best of luck,

Dave

I've had trouble getting my CRKT M16 to hold an edge as well. Never have gotten an edge on a Kershaw or Buck.

My OLD Case knives are great in that regard. Easy to sharpen, and seem to hold an edge well.

I've got a drawer full of Boker's, Puma's, Gerber, CRKT, etc. I just enjoy rotating and carrying one for a day or two, then another one.

The Highlander

Take some time out to watch some video reviews. Here is a link to a youtube.com reviewer of knives, guns, and other outdoor gear. This guy has decades of experience in the outdoors, is military and part-time LEO, so he knows tactical too. Good luck.

YouTube - nutnfancy's Channel

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Buy American!

Thanks for the link!!

and it continues to amaze the astonishing variety of choices available!

Thought I had my answer a couple of times....and something else comes along to dither over.

Being able to re-sharpen the blade is a major benefit. I've decided on my retired-guy budget the high $$$ highly desirable choices are out.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas