I have a Kershaw assisted - opening knife, designed by Ken Onion. I do NOT carry it in a pocket.
In fact, I keep it mainly in a bookcase near the door, in case I have to grab it in a hurry, or use it to open a package.
I do own several good "tactical" folders, but have become concerned how police might react to them, if I'm ever searched. The fact that Gerber marks "Combat Folder" on their Applegate-Fairbairn model doesn't inspire me to trust a cop's interpretation of its role. Some manufacturers are cutting their own throats by emphasizing dramatic, deadly-looking designs. They may sell well, but I wonder what elements of society are buying them, and maybe misusing them. I also think that most are ugly.
I write for cutlery magazines, and would not dare say this in one, lest advertisers object. I know a couple who own a knife shop in an upscale mall, and they tell me that younger buyers often prefer these knives.
Wanting a more respectable profile, I've taken to often wearing a German Army folder made by Victorinox. Some of this style were also made by other contractors. It has a spearblade, combo blade with saw, two screwdriver heads, bottle opener/can opener, a leather punch and a corkscrew.
It rides on my belt in a black Victorinox (Swiss Army Brands) pouch that most mistake for a cell phone.
I also have three older Puma brand knives with locking blades. These are very conservative by modern "tactical" standards, and are unlikely to upset most officials. If I ever have to use a knife defensively, I don't want some cop to look at it and say that it looks like I was carrying a "knife like that" because I was "looking for trouble." That may well impact how your court case is viewed.
The largest is a Puma version of the Buck No. 110. It's a nicer-made knife than the Buck, and has white Micarta scales. It also rides in a plain black belt pouch that doesn't scream "KNIFE!" to those who see it. That can avoid some timid old lady causing a crisis in a restaurant or the grocery checkout line.
I also own a small Fallkniven U-2 lockblade with very light synthetic scales and a powder metallurgy blade. The blade is just under three inches, I think. I'd have to measure it or check Fallkniven's site,
www.fallkniven.com This knife was designed to be legal in Denmark and the UK. It should be legal wherever any lockblade can be carried. It is very sharp and is well designed for general use. (Slight drop-point.) People who have bought this knife have even cleaned and skinned moose to prove that it could be done!
Fallkniven's overall design and quality are outstanding. The knives aren't cheap, but you usually get what you pay for. I really wish that more Americans were familiar with this excellent Swedish brand.
Finally, for a general -use pocket knife to be actually carried in the pocket, I simply do not know of any knife that is a better value than the Victorinox Spartan. The tools are ever-useful, and the blade is long enough for emergency defense, if need be. The value for money is exceptional.
I hope that helps.
T-Star
