Never happy with a knife

[DieselDave]

I have never been a knife guy, flashlights yes, knives no. I have owned a bunch but never carry one more than about 3 days before it goes in the drawer, traded, sold or given away. I still have my old Marine Corps K-Bar that's about the size of a sword and it stays in my top drawer. I admit to liking my K-Bar but I haven't strapped it on in about 15 years.

Before a few months ago I hadn't carried a knife in about 5 years. Right here at CPF I saw some of yall talking about knives and it got me interested again. I posted and got some recommendations and I liked the concept of the Axis lock. I bought a BM 770 with the carbon fiber handles. It was too pretty to carry even one day. I kept it a few weeks and sold it. Next I traded for an Emerson Raven, too big, carried one day and given to my wife, yes my wife actually liked it. Tonight I bought a Microtech mini UDT. It will be here in a few days and I hope I am on to something. If it is manageable on my key chain with a Berkely mini-clip it will be a keeper. I have my doubts at 3.3" closed. If this doesn't work I will try again in 5 years.

Here is my problem. I want a 3" closed knife that functions like a 5" closed knife. I really don't want to carry it on my key chain but if it's bigger than key chain size I won't carry it at all. Did I mention this knife needs to be a workhorse?

Here is my perfect knife. A tanto blade about 4"long, CM154 metal or a harder substance. G10 handles, Kershaw style index opener or an auto opener with an axis lock up. Like I said before the blade needs to be about 4" long and the handle needs to be 5" long when open. Once you close this miracle knife it needs to shrink. I am willing to wait up to 5 seconds for it to go from 5" closed to under 3" closed. Yes I want a shrinking knife. I don't know how it would be possible, that's not my problem, I just want it. Oh yea, it needs a tritium vial on both sides and cost under $150.

So there's what I need, I am looking for suggestions.

I need a 5" folding knife that shrinks to 3". It must be a fast opening knife with G10 handles or similar, C154 blade or harder, tritium inserts, self-sharpening would be nice but not required and it must be under $150. I will go up to $200 if someone will buy it from me in a week and pay $150 after I decide I don't like it. I have to face it, I am not a knife guy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Joel]

Dave:

I'm not a knife guy eighter but I think you were on the right track with Bench Made. I've tried a lot of knives for EDC and the BM 705 w/ Axis lock is about the best of the best. I pocket carry with the clip and I never even know it's there (like my Arc AAA). It's built like a tank and has survived two years of abuse - holds a nice edge too. Good luck with your search!

Joel

 

[Stingray]

This doesn't meet any of your criteria, but a spyderco police model is so thin its an easy EDC in the right front pocket. It's also a pretty strong knife with a good blade. If you carry a gun in the rfp though, the knife interferes with the draw, and there's no other good place for me to carry it. They need to invent a pair of jeans/pants with a knife pocket between the right front pocket and right front back pocket, and a flashlight pocket between the left front ptocket and the left rear pocket. Someone needs to design some tactically oriented pants that look pretty much like normal pants with a couple of extra pockets with easy, fast access.

 

[tsg68]

Dave,
Sounds like you need a Masters of Defense STT 685, small tactical tanto, a little over 3" closed around 6" open, tanto blade of 154cm steel, not G-10 but aluminum with grippy insert, proprietary plunge lock, sorry no tritium but add it if you want, and under a hundred bucks. I figure four outta six ain't too bad. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Later,
TSG /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Monsters_Inc]

I don't know if it's the same terminology in the US, but I came across a Gypsy knife while looking for my last folder. It has like a 5 inch handle, folded it's sorta triangular in shape, but with a back piece and the forward blade fold out to reveal the full size (7-8 inch) blade. It's a bit cumbersome to open and close, and there was only the 1 model on display at that time, but gypsy style knives could be what you're after.

 

[flownosaj]

I'd like to put in for an order of the "magic" knife as well.

I know your're looking at some high standards there, but I'll let you know what I have with me every single day and I'm totally (almost) content to have.

It's a Schrade *clip-lock* or something like that... It's a small thing that I tied onto my keychain when the quick release snapped. One handed opening, partially serrated, small but fits my needs, and sharp. Total cost of something like $12 at Wally world over 5 years ago and nearly as good as the day I purchased it.

Granted, my new Benchmade, MOD or CRKT beat it in almost every possible way, except I always have that Schrade if I have my keys. I can break it, loose it or give it away an it will only set me back a few bucks to get a new one.

Now I know this won't help you much, Dave, but maybe someone might get an idea or two...

-Jason /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Wolfen]

I got along for years with my mini Swiss Army knife on my key chain, then I joined CPF and started buying knives again.
Now, I remember why I gave up on carrying anything bigger than the Mini SAK /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Thought I do have a Camillus Dominator on order /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DieselDave]

Thanks for the input. I posted out of frustration because I would like to be a knife guy and can't seem to make it happen. The post was my way of surrendering. I waffled on a BM 705 and a Microtech mini SOCOM. I will probably end up with them but hope to be able to resist. I didn't mention in my first post that I EDC a SwissTool in a leather pouch. I need the tools more than the knife but would like a knife to carry when my barbell weighted SwissTool is not practical or just to carry another cool toy.

Thanks guys,
David

 

[UnknownVT]

[ QUOTE ]
DieselDave said:
Here is my problem. I want a 3" closed knife that functions like a 5" closed knife. I really don't want to carry it on my key chain but if it's bigger than key chain size I won't carry it at all. Did I mention this knife needs to be a workhorse?

Here is my perfect knife. A tanto blade about 4"long, CM154 metal or a harder substance. G10 handles, Kershaw style index opener or an auto opener with an axis lock up. Like I said before the blade needs to be about 4" long and the handle needs to be 5" long when open. Once you close this miracle knife it needs to shrink. I am willing to wait up to 5 seconds for it to go from 5" closed to under 3" closed. Yes I want a shrinking knife. I don't know how it would be possible, that's not my problem, I just want it. Oh yea, it needs a tritium vial on both sides and cost under $150.
<snip>
I need a 5" folding knife that shrinks to 3".

[/ QUOTE ]

Dave,

I'm not too sure if it is Physically possible to get a 4" solid blade to fold into a 3" closed body -
unless the blade itself folds, is articulated, or is collapsible -
using that word "collapsible" probably gives a hint to the problem with that sort of design.

To fit a blade into a 3" handle normally means the blade is shorter than the 3" handle due to any hinge/pivot point and the ability for the handle to cover the sharp tip of the blade.

So I think even at the current state-of-the-art of knife making - you still have the quandary of either a knife that is <3" closed but with a <2" blade - something like the Kershaw Chive - which has indexed Speed-Safe assisted opening, but it is really "tiny".
Black Chive

Blade - 1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm)
Closed - 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Weight - 1.9 oz.

Or a Knife with a 4" blade but probably closer to 5" closed - and as you well know there are plenty of those about - and they feel huge when carried even with a pocket clip.

A pocket clip is a solution for some - I find with a pocket clip I can and am willing to carry a 4" closed knife with a 3" blade like the Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK which has become my at home only EDC because of the indexed Speed-Safe assisted opening, frame-lock and being the right-size in my hand.

 

[DieselDave]

I bought a Chive as a gift a couple of months ago. I carried it for a couple of hours and it was as close to what I am looking for as I have out hands on. You guys are brutal. I was all ready to give up and here I go again. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon6.gif

 

[UnknownVT]

Dave,

Just a thought -

have you considered asking your "impossible question" over at:
BladeForums
where there are plenty of very enthusisastic Knife Knuts who might be able to help?

 

[K-T]

Maybe one of these wicked Ryan Custom knives could help you to get closer to your folding knive /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I cannot remember who took the pictures, sorry. The only thing I do know is that there are not a lot of these! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

 

[Bushman]

I love my Camillius EDC in 154CM You can also get them in Talonite. It has been a workhorse and the recurve on the blade is a beaut when it comes to cutting cardboard!!!

http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/camillus-edc.html

 

[K-T]

This might be useful reading when mentioning the Camillus EDC. It must indeed be a very nice knive. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bushman]

Thank you so much K-T! I was looking for that myself to post for DD but I couldn't find it! Now I have it bookmarked

 

[DieselDave]

Well, it seems the Camillus EDC is now on the list of must try's.

 

[leddite]

[ QUOTE ]
DieselDave said:
Well, it seems the Camillus EDC is now on the list of must try's.

[/ QUOTE ]

yum, those talonite knives rock.

you've probably done this already, but i'd hit a knife show in your area,
and fondle everything.

i've been finding a lot of the new stuff just plain annoying, it seems like
"they" have been forgtting how to make a knife that carries well. mostly.

i love microtech - their knives are work tough. SOMEthing in their line
from the amphibian to the [mini] socom or such, should work well for you. also
see the "masters of defense" line (also MT made). nearly a custom knife
on a production budget.
http://knifecenter.com/knifecenter/microtech/

if not that, check out chris reeve:
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/reeve/sebenza.html
there is probably no stronger tough work ready knife i can think of
other than microtech.

if you like workhorse fixed blades, eight dollar mountain foundry or
becker knife and tool (now by camillus) kicks ***. mucho ***. (he
said *** - huh huh heh heh)

 

[hokiefritz]

You can also get a Camillus EDC in D2 at AG Russell. I like mine and 'EDC' it too.

 

[DrAg0n]

Dam u guys are lucky...here in Singapore, i cant carry knives around like u guys can....let alone a gun....I want a beretta Inox... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The best i can do is hide a Leatherman Micro in my pants and a Leatherman Wave in my bag.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif

 

[UnknownVT]

[ QUOTE ]
DieselDave said:
Well, it seems the Camillus EDC is now on the list of must try's.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a nice knife - the Camillus CUDA EDC comes in 420 blade steel standard - but for only about $6 more it can be had with "premium" 154CM (ATS-34 from Japan is a copy of this original US steel).

However if you're now considering this knife you might want to look at the Kershaw/Ken Onion Vapor Frame-Lock with AUS-6 Japanese steel - for under $20 from your local Wal*Mart - at this price it's a bargain.

Kershaw Vapor -

See this overview Frame-Locks (ala Sebenza)

which also mentions the CUDA EDC.......