All About Pocket Knives

Hello

I am looking to purchase a new pocket knife. This will be the first knife that I have actually put some thought into buying. Up till now I have just bought knives from the pound shop. The only quality knife I have owned was a Smith & Wesson SWAT. In fact, I had 2 of these. Unfortunately I had both of these stolen.

I am not going to ask what is the best knife for me, as that is something that only I can fully determine. However, I am very interested in experienced knife owners giving their personal views.

Firstly I will be using the knife for general purpose use. I work for a courier company so general daily use will consist of cutting strapping and shrink-wrap. My hobbies consist of fishing and target archery. Mostly for fishing I use a purpose built fillet knife and a pair of scissors. However, I often need a small pocket knife for fiddly bits away from the tackle box.

Budget - I haven't got a great deal to spend and I am looking to purchase in the £30 Sterling mark, but will consider more expensive knives if they fit the purpose.

I do want a locking blade, and consider a liner lock to be the best option. And one handed opening, whether ambidextrous or not, and assisted opening or not, would be preferred.

As to the blade, around 3 1/2" max will be fine. But I am unsure as to the style.

I like the look of tanto's but are they useable enough? I suppose the question here is a straight blade or a curved blade. Closely followed by plain edge, serrated edge or combo edge.

On that note I will ask are there any double edged folding locking pocket knives? I presume not due to the nature of the knife's action. So another question is are their any twin blade liner lock knives? Either with the blades at the same end or oposite ends.

SO based on that, could anybody suggest some possible candidates for my next ownership. I know nothing beats trying them out, but I do not have a big knife shop near buy, nor do I have much time, so I would really appreciate your advice.

Regards Carrot.

My personal opinion for a good all around pocket knife for every day use, I would suggest a Kershaw. They make many knives with the characteristics you are looking for. Their prices are reasonable and their quality far exceeds their price.

Just my $.02,
Dale

thank you... The Toucan looks interesing, if not a little gimmicky. I don't quite see how the scissors work tho.

On a side note, I have just stumble across 2 interesting knives from Buck... the Code 3 X lock and the ECCO. Both twin blade (1 plain spear + 1 serrated sheepsfoot). Are these good knives? I know buck is a good name, but are they more novelty than utility?

For what you have described work wise, I would look at the spyderco line of knives. Go to Spyderco.com for a full description of each knifes demensions

I use a Kershaw Ken Onion model with seratted edge for everyday work purposes. Opens faster than a switchblade with one hand, and is not bulky in the pocket. There are a few differnet models, I have one of the smaller ones, I think about 3 1/2 inches closed (guessing)
Cost me about $32.00.

First off- welcome to the forum. I would say that the previously mentioned Kershaws and Spydercos are both great choices, although Spydercos tend to be lockbacks not linerlocks. In your price range there are MANY great choices. I would recommend a Spyderco Delica as a good everyday knife. Its light, durable, has good ergonomics and the newer model is vg10 steel. I also have a couple of Kershaw knives and have been pleased with them. The company also has superb customer service.

The Bucks you mentioned are both nice knives and the double blades may offer extra utility, but they do not have pocket clips and may be a little bulky in the pocket. Keep us posted as you make your decision.

Nick

I'll take a look at those too.

But... I may not have to go much further - on the way home, I saw a Buck ECCO 2.25 in a junk shop window going for £5 thats about $9. If its still there on Saturday, I might purchase it. Am I fated to own such a knife? It seems a little wierd that I mention it, and one appears in a junk shop. As it is so cheap, and if it is still there, I will have it. If it isn't there [insert Deity here] is toying with me.

Yes, the Code 3 is a little bulky for a pocket knife but I may be tempted by it in the future.

Are there any other good dual blade lockknives out there. I can't seem to find any.

Buck ECCO 2.25 is going for about $10.00 to $14.00 PLUSE shipping.
Total $15.00 to $20.00.

If you dont get it tell me where it is ok.

That is one thing about hunting for knives. When you find one cheap not to show that you are drooling over it. But get it befor the next guy comes along.

Just my 2 cents worth. I hope you get it.

Here's a really nice little dual blade lockback. It's the Spyderco Micro Dyad limited edition which is coming out soon. I have the old FRN handled version which is not nearly as pretty.

Another dual blade that comes to mind is the Schrade Avatar.

Nick

justold52 wrote:Buck ECCO 2.25 is going for about $10.00 to $14.00 PLUSE shipping.
Total $15.00 to $20.00.

If you dont get it tell me where it is ok.

That is one thing about hunting for knives. When you find one cheap not to show that you are drooling over it. But get it befor the next guy comes along.

Just my 2 cents worth. I hope you get it.

Aye, but I'm in the UK, No where near Ilinois

Well, I got it

Nice and cheap so no grumbles there. But I will be keeping my eyes open for other knives now.

I have answered myself one question, well for the time being anyway, my tastes may change, but for now I definately prefer thumbstuds to holes .

I may get a Code 3 just for my tackle box. In the mean time I will keep my eyes open.

That Spyderco looks nice and so does the Schrade Avatar.
Many thanks for your help, and any more suggestions greatly appreciated.