A cool, classic knife

[Mycroft]

When I was in the U.K. I picked up and Opinel Knife (No. 6), they are very simple and great for everything. Here is a good artilce on them: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinel I highly recomend one, and they are well worth the ten bucks for a piece of history, a classic, and utility.

[Flitcraft]

I've always admired them- but does the blade lock in place or not? I've never ben able to figure it out from the advertising.

[BellyTank]

I'm an Opinel fan- posted about them here before-
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=2840&highlight=opinel
-message #15 onwards.

And YES- the blade locks open. There is a 'ramp' on the collar which tightens up against the blade when you twist it. Maybe it's difficult to understand but it's there. They're a good knife for using rather than staring at- sharpen it up and use it up- they're so cheap and cool.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=OP12

B
T

[gdkenoyer]

...does the blade lock in place or not?
touch the link Mycroft provides, about halfway down the page it shows the "locking ring" in use:

"The locking ring is twisted to secure the blade in position"

[IndianaGuybrush]

Opinels are great. The best thing about then is though they're cheap they use a decent grade steel for the blade and you can get the RAZOR sharp. A friend of mine proved this to me by sharpening my opinel for me and then shaving with it! They're nice and lightweight if you're thinking of taking them on hiking trips as well. All around a great camp knife.

[Mycroft]

Opinels are great. The best thing about then is though they're cheap they use a decent grade steel for the blade and you can get the RAZOR sharp. A friend of mine proved this to me by sharpening my opinel for me and then shaving with it! They're nice and lightweight if you're thinking of taking them on hiking trips as well. All around a great camp knife.

I was acually considering the shaving part a few days ago and this summer since I grew a beard and I could not shave it easly, it took 3 or 4 blades eventially.

[feltfan]

What do you guys recommend in a pocket (or "jack") knife?
I'm looking at "assisted openers" which is, I suppose, as fast
a draw as you can get when switchblades are not legal.

What I want in the knife is:

- safe to put in my pocket
- looks good (I don't like these plastic or cut-away light weight jobs)
- quality blade
- locking blade
- fast to draw
- not terribly expensive

I don't need bells and whistles- I have Swiss Army knives.
Just a single, not particularly long, quality blade.

[Mycroft]

The knife we are discussing seems good for you, but it doesn't have assited opening. I will keep looking.

[The Wolf]

I'm looking for one like Feltfan described also. Maybe with a screwdriver or tool besides the blade but period looking. You know, as long as guys looking around. Oh, but mine doesn't have to be an assissited opener. I'm used to being slow these days.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

[Mycroft]

I'm looking for one like Feltfan described also. Maybe with a screwdriver or tool besides the blade but period looking. You know, as long as guys looking around. Oh, but mine doesn't have to be an assissited opener. I'm used to being slow these days.

Sincerely,
The Wolf


Look for some from WWII army, navy, or OSS, but I look for you as well.

[feltfan]

If I weren't interested in the assisted open and lock blade,
I'd probably be looking for a vintage jackknife. I have a couple
of nice ones, but I'd hate to lose them. On one of the sites
listed above I found these, which I like:

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/queen/

I also like the size and look of these:

http://www.knivesplus.com/katz-kz-mccw.html

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KZBUSS

The Bears seem like a bargain:

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BC299R

None are assist, of course.
If anyone has personal experience with the Katz or Queen
knives, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

[Mycroft]

If I weren't interested in the assisted open and lock blade,
I'd probably be looking for a vintage jackknife. I have a couple
of nice ones, but I'd hate to lose them. On one of the sites
listed above I found these, which I like:

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/queen/

I also like the size and look of these:

http://www.knivesplus.com/katz-kz-mccw.html

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KZBUSS

The Bears seem like a bargain:

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BC299R

None are assist, of course.
If anyone has personal experience with the Katz or Queen
knives, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

You know you could get one of those Bandit things that is a thumb stud basiclly for eaiser opening.

[feltfan]

You know you could get one of those Bandit things that is a thumb stud basiclly for eaiser opening.

Bandit thing? Thumb stud?
Sounds like the making of a bad porn film.

You have a web site with pictures of that knife?
Does it look okay?

Any experience- do they really open with one hand?

Thanks.

[The Wolf]

I get the Smoky Mountain Knife Works catalog from time to time. It has the Bandit- One Hand Opener for $4.99. Their phone number is 1-800-251-9306.

Thanks for the links. Those a nice pocket knives. I have collected some. I like about a three inch knife, just a couple blades with a nice handle. Jigged bone handles or "ivory" are nice. The bigger knives and multi-blades play havoc with my pockets.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

[IndianaGuybrush]

Awesome, assisted opening, sharp blade, smooth action : CRKT (http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Columbia%20River%20Knives&srch=eqCATE%20CODEdatarq%3DCRT%26eqKEYWORDdatarq%3 Dkasper%26eqWWWCAT_3datarq%3Dzytel)
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/crk/images/CR678inch4.jpg

[Absinthe_1900]

If one is patient, you can find anything from antique to modern knives here:

http://bladeauction.com/phpauction/

[Alan Eardley]

I agree with everything said about Opinels (cheap, sharp etc.) but anyone considering one should be aware that the blade is not particularly robust. I wouldn't use one as a woodsman's knife, even though the bigger ones look the part. In my experience the blade won't stand up to prying, splitting or chopping wood (wear eye protection if you want to try this out). Great for carving or whittling, though.

Alan

[BellyTank]

Unpacking the last few moving boxes...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/zaphobeeblebrox/Opinel.jpg

A useful, simple, sophisticated and inexpensive knife-

This is the 9cm, 3 1/2" blade model- useful for the pocket and the lanyard looped around the belt keeper means I don't lose it...
I removed the 'Opinel' from the handle.

B
T

[Mycroft]

Nice, how did you put the layard on?

[BellyTank]

Well Mycroft- just as it looks my good Man- easy as pie and twice as fast.
I drilled a hole in the handle, strung a piece of leather thong through- took the two ends and tied a knot- shame I didn't make a neater job of the hole...
If you put the thong through your belt keeper and pass the knife through the loop, it makes a dandy lanyard- long enough to get it hanging in yer pocket is good. Nice to not lose things...

I can't get over how cheap these little beauties are- maybe I'll buy one with a larger blade soon-
B
T

[Mycroft]

Well Mycroft- just as it looks my good Man- easy as pie and twice as fast.
I drilled a hole in the handle, strung a piece of leather thong through- took the two ends and tied a knot- shame I didn't make a neater job of the hole...
If you put the thong through your belt keeper and pass the knife through the loop, it makes a dandy lanyard- long enough to get it hanging in yer pocket is good. Nice to not lose things...

I can't get over how cheap these little beauties are- maybe I'll buy one with a larger blade soon-
B
T

Thanks, I figured as much, but how did you figure out where it would not interfere with the blade and just go through the wood. By the way, it still looks great.

[BellyTank]

No figuring- just check it. It's close but just misses the folded blade.
Open the blade of course bfore drilling.. :p

B
T

[JDCrockett]

Hey Feltfan have you seen the Ken Onion "Chive"? Seems to fit some of your
criteria, my son has one and it's a cool little knife. It has a saftey lock to keep it from opening in your pocket but that sort of defeats the speed factor of the torsion assisted opening. If I remember it also comes with a belt clip,
which can be removed. We bought his at Dick's Sporting Goods about 2 years ago, and it was available to try out in the display case. I've been considering
the "Leek" model myself,a little larger knife.
Here's links to both from the same site that had your Queen knives,

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Kershaw%20Chive&srch=waDESCRIPTIONdatarq%3DKershaw%20Chiv

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Kershaw%20Leek&srch=waDESCRIPTIONdatarq%3DKershaw%20Leek

Ken Onion makes some other assisted openers also marketed by Kershaw.

[Blackjack]

When I think of a vintage pocketknife I think of a canoe style with a bone or jigged handle like dear ol Gramps carried. http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CA5255
( Oh, how I wish I had some of his stuff today. Suits, razors, carpenters jeans ) but for historical significance and everyday carry I'd agree with the Opinel. I have a #8 in my pocket a LOT and I'm sure it's very close to the one that folks like Charlotte Grey used to cut the throat of many a Nazi not that very long ago.

[varga49]

With the exception of the two small knives I carry for close up magic, I want a knife that will be reliable in a "worst case scenario". Without getting in to a debate with regards to what a "worst case scenario" means to the reader, I want the smallest knife with the strongest blade and most bullet-proof construction possible. If that's what anyone else wants check out this website
http://www.ltspecpro.com/

[Lion]

I never could get into tactical knives. I've tried a few over the years, but they just don't do it for me. They don't speak to me; no soul. The handles on a lot of them tend to be uncomfortable for me with prolonged use as well. I like to whittle and the ergonomic handles aren't very ergonomic in a lot of the grips I use. Slip-joints and vintage style lockbacks are still my favorites. Opinels are great too. I have a spear point #8 that I love.

Multitools are handy as well. And even though most aren't very vintage looking, the idea is very vintage. Multitools were quite popular pre WWII. Despite what the Leatherman marketing team will tell you, Tim Leatherman did NOT invent the idea. I've seen pictures of a couple scissors bassed multitools from the 30s that looked a lot like a Micra; only MUCh prettier.

Leo

[varga49]

I never could get into tactical knives. I've tried a few over the years, but they just don't do it for me. They don't speak to me; no soul. The handles on a lot of them tend to be uncomfortable for me with prolonged use as well. I like to whittle and the ergonomic handles aren't very ergonomic in a lot of the grips I use. Slip-joints and vintage style lockbacks are still my favorites. Opinels are great too. I have a spear point #8 that I love. Leo
I happen to own a lot of knives and I find that it depends on the job or anticipation of the job, which knife I carry. I had a knife custom made for me in 1978 by David Boye. It's a small fixed blade drop point made from a recycled saw mill blade. I've done about everythig with that knife from dressing out wild game to slicing vegetables. It even stayed with me during a high speed motorcycle wreck. It's also pretty handy for popping a bottle top off of a long neck. Lately I've been using my old military issue TL-29 (cammilus cutlery) folding blade. I was lucky enough to find one with a wooden handle. When I was in the Navy all you got issued from the tool crib was the plastic handle variety. Like my Boye fixed blade this old wooden handled TL-29 has plenty of soul.

[shamus]

A nice little handy, do everything knife that's comfortable is an A.G. Russell Sting. Barley know it's there.

As to the doomsday knife, I like the Black Jack 2000 ( or something with 2000 in it) A gerber mark 1 or 2, and gerber also made a nice applegate folder a few years back.

I like folders, but only if lockbacks. I've had a few fold back on me while in use.

[Blackgrass]

I used to work in an old sporting good store...It was mainly a hook and bullet shop and we carried knives from most of the big name makers in business. I really love knives and have collected them since a young kid. I have a nice Randall #5 that I ordered when I was 13 and received when I was 16. It was a three year wait back then for a custom Randall. I have had folding knives by Benchmade, Kershaw, CRKT, Buck, Case, Gerber, Boker, Schrade, Uncle Henry, Cold Steel, SOG and the list goes on. Lately I have been going back to the classic slip joint knives like my grandfather would carry. In fact, I have one of my grandfathers old Case knives that the main blade has been sharpened so many times it is almost like a toothpick.
I bought a Case knife on ebay last week that I think looks pretty cool. Here is a pic: http://www.casexx.com/5140res.jpg
It has a classic look to it and I really like the swing guard, which Case decided to reintroduce after about twenty years of discontinuing the pattern.

[feltfan]

Hey Feltfan have you seen the Ken Onion "Chive"? Seems to fit some of your
criteria.

Thanks for the thought. It's just too modern looking.
So far I haven't found one with modern function and
vintage look... But this thread has been an education.

[Absinthe_1900]

I bought a Case knife on ebay last week that I think looks pretty cool. Here is a pic: http://www.casexx.com/5140res.jpg
It has a classic look to it and I really like the swing guard, which Case decided to reintroduce after about twenty years of discontinuing the pattern.

I have an original Case 6111 swing-guard that I use as an EDC, I bought it quite a few years ago, and I believe mine was made in the 1970's.
Also, I have a celluloid handle Case bowtie that I alternate occasionally, I wish that one had a lockback though.

I used to collect some of the old 50's Italian picklock stilletto's before the prices went crazy.

[Blackgrass]

I have an original Case 6111 swing-guard that I use as an EDC, I bought it quite a few years ago, and I believe mine was made in the 1970's.
Also, I have a celluloid handle Case bowtie that I alternate occasionally, I wish that one had a lockback though.

I used to collect some of the old 50's Italian picklock stilletto's before the prices went crazy.

The one I ordered is the smaller version of that knife. Do you find the larger knife carries well? It is made out of the stainless steel?
Thanks,
Ben

[Absinthe_1900]

I've carried mine for a longtime with no problem, it's not very bulky.
Mine is made from the older non-stainless steel, and it holds a really sharp edge, all in all it's my favorite Case knife pattern.

I obtained it from a knife shop that was closing several years ago, it was part of a backwall display of every (then) current Case knife, it took a lot of talking to get the guy to break up the display.

[Prof. Ed]

What do you guys recommend in a pocket (or "jack") knife?
I'm looking at "assisted openers" which is, I suppose, as fast
a draw as you can get when switchblades are not legal.

What I want in the knife is:

- safe to put in my pocket
- looks good (I don't like these plastic or cut-away light weight jobs)
- quality blade
- locking blade
- fast to draw
- not terribly expensive

I don't need bells and whistles- I have Swiss Army knives.
Just a single, not particularly long, quality blade.

The best assisted openers, I believe, are the "Onion" series by Kershaw.

They come in all sizes, depending on what you need.

I have three sizes, myself.

Best regards,

Prof. Ed

[AlanC]

For some cool vintage looking knives, including Opinel, take a look here:

http://www.ragweedforge.com/

I've not ordered from him yet, but I intend to soon. He's got some cool stuff. I particularly want an Okapi in addition to an Opinel.

[BellyTank]

Here's another 'Forge'-
Some kool exotic WW1 and 2 Commando knives and older styles-

http://homepage.mac.com/dbrock76/Menu8.html

Make sure and look at them all!

B
T

[Lion]

For some cool vintage looking knives, including Opinel, take a look here:

http://www.ragweedforge.com/

I've not ordered from him yet, but I intend to soon. He's got some cool stuff. I particularly want an Okapi in addition to an Opinel.

Ragnar (owner of ragweed forge) is a great guy. I've ordered from him a number of times and never had any problems. He's also been mentioned numerous times on diferent knife boards and I've never seen anyone who's had a problem with him. You can find some of the knives on his site cheaper (not by much though), but you wont find better service anywhere.

Leo

[Magus]

Thanks for the thought. It's just too modern looking.
So far I haven't found one with modern function and
vintage look... But this thread has been an education.

Hi all....IF you are looking for a knife that is truly "Golden Era" (they are still made the same way they were in 1927), reliable, replaceable , sharp (you can shave with it), is not a locking blade but has a very stiff mainspring, and has a great lineage (some areas of the world use its name for the word ?¢‚Ǩ?ìknife?¢‚Ǩ? in their language) then go NO FURTHER than the Douk Douk.

I discovered them 8 years ago on a trip to France. I planned on buying a knife as a memento and went to a cutlery shop in Paris. I saw a few in the window and ended up buying one. The gentleman told me ?¢‚Ǩ?ìThere is no other knife like it?¢‚Ǩ?. Not really knowing what I was getting, but liking the fact that I only paid $6 for it I bought one. When I came home I looked it up on the net and found that I had stepped into a bit of history. It has taken a beating over the years but still sharpens to a dangerous level and works every time?¢‚Ǩ¬¶all the time.

On the net you will pay a premium ($25 or so) and I have yet to find one in a shop in the states but, if you are in France, walk into any sporting goods shop, ask for a Douk Douk and the salesman will most likely pull out a box with a pile of them in it and tell you to take your pick. We were there last year and I bought a half dozen as gifts, my mother was with us and liked it so much that she bought a mini to carry in her purse.

Now please don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t think that I am discounting the other brands out there as I own my share of them ranging from the $6 Douk to an $800 custom made Corsican Vendetta Knife. By the way those Vendetta?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s have a great shape and feel in the hand as well?¢‚Ǩ¬¶so if you want to spend a bit more?¢‚Ǩ¬¶

But after reading through the thread and seeing your comments?¢‚Ǩ¬¶I just have to suggest the Douk Douk.

You can see a bit of history on one here:

http://www.covecutlery.com/item.cfm?ItemsID=323

[John in Covina]

Bandit thing? Thumb stud? Any experience- do they really open with one hand? Thanks.
I have used the Bandit thing on a Buck folder, and it worked well. These days many knives are coming with thumb studs for ease of opening. I personally prefer Cold Steel but many Benchmade folders are nice. The list is long, there are many good knives these days. I like the US calvary catalog, and another I can't think of right now. BUT Cold Steel give a lot of value for the $.

In non folders I have a thing for EK knives.

[Pilgrim]

For a daily pocketknife, I can't do any better than this small, thin Victorinox classic:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0000AQO6N/ref=dp_image_0/002-7482034-1928815?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=3375251&s=sporting-goods

[Mycroft]

For a daily pocketknife, I can't do any better than this small, thin Victorinox classic:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0000AQO6N/ref=dp_image_0/002-7482034-1928815?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=3375251&s=sporting-goods

I just got one of those as a gift in British Racing Green, it is sweet and super dependale. I think they call it hunter green.

[John in Covina]

Swiss Army knives are simply some of the neatest things a man can have. I always have a use for these, especially when camping.

[geo]

The "Laguiole" by "Forge de Laguiole". There are many "Laguiole" knives, but the "Forge de Laguiole" is the best.

http://www.couteaux-center.com/boutique/liste_produits.cfm?type=34&code_lg=lg_fr&num=16

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f2/jwbloe/laguiole.jpg

[Pilgrim]

Any knife that's big enough to really do any work with is too large for my pocket, which is why I carry the Victorinox classic on a daily basis. I've always felt that a gent's pocket knife should be small enough not to cause clothing to bulge.

When I want to carry something that's handy and work-worthy, I usually carry a stainless steel Leatherman tool in a belt pouch. When I was a video producer running around all day, that was a pretty standard item on every shoot. The Leatherman tools are classics in their own right.

I also have a Smith & Wesson knife that has a metal pocket clip and two fold/lock blades (one smooth, one serrated) that I occasionally carry when doing yard work, etc. I got it as part of a flashlight/knife set. The flashlight is similar to a mini-Mag light, and the knife is a good quality piece. If anyone likes the look of this set, it's S&W item SW422CBO and sells for about $25-$30.


http://www.baproducts.com/sw-kit2.jpg

[dr greg]

OK experts this is my father's old knife, he told me it was cavalry issue and the spike was for hoof maintenance, whereas an antique dealer told me it was naval issue and the thing was a miniature marlin spike, since it has a can opener it doesn't make sense to me to be naval issue because they eat in a mess below decks and not out of tins...so who knows?
http://gimeimages.com/uploads/171033jaknife1.BMP
http://gimeimages.com/uploads/62840jaknife.BMP

[John in Covina]

This is very similar to some naval knives I have seen. The spike is used for rope repair, knot making, and rope joining or weaving where they weave the strands back into the rope to creat a loop end. As to the can opener, there was a time in whch all emergency rations even in the Navy, were canned, so a can opener was essentail if you should wind up having to abandon ship. Tough break to have canned food and water and no can opener.

I think the Sportsman's Guide gets these, Sovietsky might have had them ,and Brigade Quartermaster might. It's an older surplus item, so surplus guys may still have some. Also There is some place that has a lot of Antique and vintage Nepalese Kurkuri knives and they may have had these too. Can't think of name right now.

Sincerely,

[BellyTank]

Fairly common- British Army, Belgian Army,.... etc.

Clasp-knife/Jack Knife, Para Knife, ..etc...

I have several- it's typically a British Army knife- worn on a lanyard from the belt.
Check for a maker's mark and a 'broad arrow'- British War Dept's. mark.

B
T

[Mycroft]

This is very similar to some naval knives I have seen. The spike is used for rope repair, knot making, and rope joining or weaving where they weave the strands back into the rope to creat a loop end. As to the can opener, there was a time in whch all emergency rations even in the Navy, were canned, so a can opener was essentail if you should wind up having to abandon ship. Tough break to have canned food and water and no can opener.

I think the Sportsman's Guide gets these, Sovietsky might have had them ,and Brigade Quartermaster might. It's an older surplus item, so surplus guys may still have some. Also There is some place that has a lot of Antique and vintage Nepalese Kurkuri knives and they may have had these too. Can't think of name right now.

Sincerely,

Those are great, they are so useful becuase of the spike and large blade.

[Riley Dee]

I carry this pocket knife with me. I really like the assisted open feature.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/windmillhdc/ks1560.jpg

A good all around pocket knife.

[nobodyspecial]

I just stumbled upon these, http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39293150&memberId=12500226 and have to say this has some appeal to me. I like the lock blade and the one handed opening on the main blade. From past experience I never wish to buy another Swiss Army knife without a corkscrew.

[kenji]

I just received a Benchmade Griptilian in the mail. I'm quite impressed with it. It has a nice heft and opens very smoothly. It's also ambidextrous, which is important to a lefty like me. It will replace the lost Spyderco Endura that was my EDC.

I have a couple of Opinels. I agree that they are great utility knives, but they just don't appeal to my esthetics.

I have a collection of vintage knives. Most of them are in new unsharpened condition, so I don't actually use them. I like the old Bucks, like the trusty 110 and the various fixed blades. I suspect by their ubiquity at Walmart that the newer Bucks are slipping in quality and have turned plasticky and ugly. I have a few Case folders, which are beautiful knives and good collectables. I also have the mandatory USMC Kabar, which is completely useless for any purpose I might have, but is very cool and fun to chop things up with.

For actual use, the Scandinavian fixed blades are (like many Scandinavian designs) beautiful and ergonomic. Does anyone know what the better brands are and if it's possible to get a lefty sheath? For hunting, I carry a custom made drop point in a Scandinavian-style sheath, which I adore. I would like to get a very small (like 4-5 cm) Scandinavian fixed blade to carry when it wouldn't be appropriate to carry my hunting knife.

[SamMarlowPI]

here ya' go!

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd39/LaOnicap1972/Halo.jpg

lol lol just kidding...

[Luddite]

For actual use, the Scandinavian fixed blades are (like many Scandinavian designs) beautiful and ergonomic. Does anyone know what the better brands are and if it's possible to get a lefty sheath? For hunting, I carry a custom made drop point in a Scandinavian-style sheath, which I adore. I would like to get a very small (like 4-5 cm) Scandinavian fixed blade to carry when it wouldn't be appropriate to carry my hunting knife.


I can recommend a Lapp Puukko for simplicity, elegance and ease of use. I have owned and used a Marttiini Lapp (http://www.marttiini.fi/puukot/shop/english/cont.asp?languageID=2&deptid=13) for the past thirty years and can recommend them for quality, although the knife is a little loose in the sheath now.

I see from their website that the design of the knife has changed very slightly over the years, and more importantly, the sheath has been improved!

[carebear]

The Scandanavian Pukko type knives are good for the field, though they lack a guard. Good classic design, just don't try stabbing anyone with one.

I carry an older model Benchmade AFCK (liner lock) with a 3" blade day-to-day. Safe and fast and works with my defensive knife fighting training. Though, like everyone else's "tactical" knives in the really real world, it so far has only been used for opening packages and cutting food and such.

I don't use it to whittle though, I have utility-type knives for that.

Most major knife makers offer true one-hand opening knives like the AFCK in wood, wood laminate and various types of polymer scales (grip panels). Just hit google to get a list of major pocket knife manufacturers and look at the product lists to find the variant you want. If it says "easy one-hand opening" for a major manufacturer's product, it is, there's no question of their veracity in today's market.

Personally, in my years of carrying knives for utility and defensive purposes, I've not found "assisted-opening" knives of any stripe to be appreciably faster than a quality thumb-stub or thumb-hole type, they're just more expensive. Just practice with the damn thing, like any tool/weapon.

For "vintage", or when I'm wearing a fixed-blade, I have a horn-scaled, old, lock-back 2" Case I throw in the pocket to peel apples, whittle and cut string and such. In the old days (and today, no matter the technology), if you want an actual "field knife" suitable for all-around wilderness use, you need to look at a fixed blade.

I'll never claim to be a Dan'l Boone, but the men who trained me in woodcraft, beginning with my father and grandfather, emphasized the need for a good knife. With a good knife and some training and common sense, you can survive in almost any conditions. And by "good knife" they were refering not to any modern uber-tactical pigsticker, but rather a decent carbon steel blade that will hold an edge and be reasonably easy to resharpen, of just enough length and heft to stand a little prying and chopping.

The same kind of knife that was used on the frontier 2 centuries ago.

Even if you aren't in the woods, to my mind a good pocket or pen knife should be as much a part of every man's daily dress as his wallet or watch.

[KY Gentleman]

The Opinel knives look very similar to Mora knives from Scandinavia. I own a couple of these knives and they're very tough and hold an edge well.
I've also been collecting Boker knives lately and I've been very pleased with them also.

[Lancealot]

What do you guys recommend in a pocket (or "jack") knife?
I'm looking at "assisted openers" which is, I suppose, as fast
a draw as you can get when switchblades are not legal.

What I want in the knife is:

- safe to put in my pocket
- looks good (I don't like these plastic or cut-away light weight jobs)
- quality blade
- locking blade
- fast to draw
- not terribly expensive

I don't need bells and whistles- I have Swiss Army knives.
Just a single, not particularly long, quality blade.

I like the Cold Steel Voyager knives.

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?follow-pro=1&vwcatalog=csstoreonline&catalog=csstoreonline&query=voyager

They are expense on the webpage but if you hunt around some on Ebay you can pick one up for around 40 bucks. I've got the Medium tanto point plain blade I carry it for work it's a great knife keeps a good edge and is easy to open with one hand.

[KY Gentleman]

If you check out the Boker knife website the Magnum division has several stilletos and assisted opening pocket knives. They are reasonably priced, too.

[mtechthang]

I just received a Benchmade Griptilian in the mail. I'm quite impressed with it. It has a nice heft and opens very smoothly. It's also ambidextrous, which is important to a lefty like me. It will replace the lost Spyderco Endura that was my EDC.

Good knives, Benchmades. They'll sharpen for life :eusa_clap (if you don't get adventuresome and disassemble it). :eusa_doh: Cabella's has a special one in D2 steel- same price I think. (Do we have any sponsors who sell knives?) :eek: Any of the Benchmade axis series will open quite quickly and I don' think they are illegal except in the most restrictive places (some state's laws are very restrictive on the definition of weapon, btw). Actually the whole knife thing can be rather addictive- kind of like . . . . fedoras!!! [huh]

[JohnnyGringo]

Be certain to check out A.G. Russell's website online, they carry all types of knives-even some custom made-and cover a wide range of prices. I've always had success with them when I've been seeking something different or unusual in a quality knife, and they have great catalogs as well. Overall a good company to deal with, IMO.

www.agrussell.com

[J. M. Stovall]

I use the trusty Kamp-King, in my pocket every day. Got my first when I was a Cub Scout in the 60's. I still have that one but I'm always picking up pristine examples when I can find one. The old ones are good, sturdy knives...they started making really crappy versions of the same knife in the 70's I think. I'm no expert, I just love these knives. Any they look very vintage to me.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/stovepipe62/KampKing.jpg

[Lion]

I use the trusty Kamp-King, in my pocket every day. Got my first when I was a Cub Scout in the 60's. I still have that one but I'm always picking up pristine examples when I can find one. The old ones are good, sturdy knives...they started making really crappy versions of the same knife in the 70's I think. I'm no expert, I just love these knives. Any they look very vintage to me.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/stovepipe62/KampKing.jpg

Nice knife. I love the camp/scout type knife. The four blade versions, like your Kamp-King, are my favorite, though I do have a six blade Super Kamp-King that I'm fond of. In addition to the spear, awl, can opener and bottle opener/screwdriver blades it has a pen and beverage opener blades. I use the beverage opener blade for opening big cans of V8.

Leo

[CaddyKid21]

I have a swiss army knife from around the 40's, and a United States Navy Camillus Mark I from WWII. Both were my mothers uncles.
Ill post some pictures at some point.

My mom wanted to get rid most of his junk, but I saved the knives. Glad I did, they come in handy. I heard he had loads of guns too....

[Taggert]

I have a folding pocket knife i got recently from someone's house (junk clearing)
Its a Sheffield England Rodgers heres a close up of the stamp:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f237/Thetagger/shef1.jpg

I also have a German made Letter opener/shiv...lol:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f237/Thetagger/germlo.jpg

And here they are together, srry the camera went blurry:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f237/Thetagger/PICT0662.jpg

[Custom79]

I'm also a fan of the Kershaw Ken Onion Whirlwind. Take it with me whenever I travel.

Had it for years, sharp as he__ and well made.

Regards.

C79

[KY Gentleman]

The Buck #119 is a classic although not a folding pocket knife.
Bucks' #112 "Ranger" is a nice folding hunter. I read pgoat's post about a Case "Sodbuster", I have an one too and its been on many hikes/camping trips and is a great utility knife as well.

[Memnon]

interesting knife

[JEEP]

For a cool and classic knife one does not need to look any further than the french Lagiole knives:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/Laguiole01.jpg


These knives, originally shepherd's knives dating from around 1829, are manufactured in a few factories - common for all of them is a high level of artistic beauty, hand assembly and high material quality.


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/Laguiole03.jpg

A pic of the knives' beautifully decorated backs. The small insect is a "horse fly" - it is to remind the owner of the hardship endured by the shepherds in the field. The small cross on the handle of the larger one is a common feature, it is to remind the shepherd, who was unable to attend sunday mass, to pray.


This is what I carry on an everyday basis, in my pockets and in my briefcase:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/Knive01.jpg


/Jakob

[Speedster]

Beautiful knives Jakob. I like the Lagiole knives very much and have one on my must-have-someday list. So far i have only reached to the classic Opinel knife.

That's quite an arsenal you carry around there. Watch out for the "visitation zones" ;)

[Atterbury Dodd]

This is exciting finding this knife thread on the Lounge! I'm surprised I didn't find out about it sooner.

Just curious, are there any other FL-ers that collect vintage pocket knives?
I collect vintage pocket knives from my oldest (1820's-40's), to my newest (1940's).

Sadly, most (I don't say all) of the great classic pocket knife styles and makers, are now extinct.

Here's another guy that still makes some very traditional ones:

http://dahoude.tripod.com/pocketknives.htm

[Taggert]

Dagger i have had for a while not vintage but not made anymore that i know of, very cool to me:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f237/Thetagger/dagger1.jpg

[KY Gentleman]

Does anyone here recall the "TL-29"? It was (and still is ) a great folding pocket knife.

[KY Gentleman]

Here is my Buck #317 "Trail Master". It's been discontinued for a long time and I've had it since I was a kid.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t90/mindyinky/Robs%20Stuff/IMG_5098.jpg

[MPicciotto]

Does anyone here recall the "TL-29"? It was (and still is ) a great folding pocket knife.


One of my favourites!! The lineman's knife. I have two or three. Even when I find knock-off versions at yardsales if they are cheap I'll buy them just to keep in the glove box or kitchen junk drawer.

Matt

[Ethan Bentley]

After much searching for a knife small enough to fit in my waistcoat pocket and legal by UK knife laws I opted for an Opinel from a Tobacconists in Paris - a two inch blade, small but useful on occasion.

[DeaconKC]

A very wise choice, Mr. Bentley!

[Wil Tam]

Blades ehh? I started collecting blades since I was 10, my dad owned a martial art supply shop on Canal Street in Chinatown NY

Here are a few of my favorites:

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0168.jpghttp://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0167.jpghttp://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0187.jpg
A custom handmade fixed blade with a full tang the scales are kevlar, Applegate Fairborn CQ folding dagger, both edges are razor sharp & a Emerson Gerber auto
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0183.jpghttp://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0178.jpghttp://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0190.jpg
The Tanto Brothers: Big Bro & Mini Me plus a couple of Italian Stilletos that were converted into auto, which I got in Paris, where I was stranded because of the Chunnel fire so had to stay an extra week before heading back to London, that was in 1996.

These two are rare and unusual:

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0196.jpghttp://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0195.jpg
http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0192.jpghttp://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo286/alienzerox/my%20knives/IMG_0194.jpg
The first 1st is a front ejecting gravity & the 2nd is a paratrooper .. both are German made ... I'm not sure where my Dad picked these up from ... all I remember was there were only a few of them and sold out pretty quickly!

----------------
Now playing: Radiohead - Knives Out (http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/radiohead/track/knives+out)
via FoxyTunes (http://www.foxytunes.com/signatunes/)

[CopperNY]

my 'traditional' lineup. obviously i like the Scandinavians....

the small pattern welded caper was made by my father. handle is ebony and (legal pre-ban) ivory, as well as the fob.

the 'English' jack knife is by Schatt & Morgan. unbelievable quality for price.

my current want list is:

-11" stag traditional Italian switchblade w/ bayonet-style point
-Case damascus peanut


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/56/111392840_5dd0077032.jpg

my everyday knife. Dalton Ambi coil fired switchblade:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2303/2204763367_8f14d17a1d.jpg

[bburtner@moran]

Some of the knives the folks posted are great pieces of cutlery,but "Classic" no so much,a Reminton bullet thats a classic,3 blade Case whittler thats classic............

[JEEP]

Just had to show of my new medieval inspired knife from Claus Bernhardt (http://www.cbknive.dk/). Sorry about the poor quality pics. the light is really bad today:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/CB_Middelalder_01.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/CB_Middelalder_02.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/CB_Middelalder_03.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/CB_Middelalder_04.jpg


The blade, which is 7,9 cm. long, is made in a simple Scandinavian twisted two-layer damask
The handle, which is 11,5 cm. long, is bog-oak with fossil mammoth ivory
The scabbard, which is left untanned, is made simple and discreet for use on re-enactment fairs


Regards.

Jakob

[CopperNY]

JEEP:

definitely a classic. simple, beautiful, traditional.

http://www.kellamknives.com/images/nordic/clts1962.jpg

http://www.tattoo.dk/danske/tatohistorie/europa/Frederik_IX.jpg
King Frederick IX

puukkos will always have a special attraction for me.

[Atterbury Dodd]

Here's a truly classic knife made in Germany:
http://www.worldknives.com/products/hartkopf-ebony-two-blade-pen-knife-nr-324508-2042.html
It's a dream except that they should have made it 1/4 to 1/2 and inch longer. Still, I may get one of these.

[carouselvic]

Puma 6377 Handmade W. Germany
WWII Dad's Waterman

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5663/knives001.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=knives001.jpg)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/307/knives002.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=knives002.jpg)

[JEEP]

The Puma is imho one of the best knives ever made. I sure wish I had bought one before the prices went skyward.


Regards.

Jakob

[carouselvic]

I bought mine new in 1975 for something in the range of $20-25.

[yobbos1]

Anyone looking for a classic style knife on the cheap, very well made, check out Rough Rider. These are Asian made but are reissued American designs that are not seen much anymore. I have bought about six different models to try out the patterns and when I decided which one I liked best, purchased a more expensive Case or custom model. Rough Riders can be had for $20 or less each and are very good knives in their own right.

[Atterbury Dodd]

I have bought about six different models to try out the patterns and when I decided which one I liked best, purchased a more expensive Case or custom model.

Why not just buy the Case in the first place? (It's a real knife). Asian= nice way of saying made in CHINA.

[yobbos1]

If I want to try a Sunfish pattern (which I have never owned) or a Razor trapper (which I have never owned) I try out a cheaper version to see how I like it. If I like the pattern I then purchase a $200 to $400 version by a custom maker or an older collectable Case. I also do manual labour and don't want to destroy a valuable knife on the jobsite. Don't give me attitude about buying American. I own 30 or so Case knives and I'm not American.

[Atterbury Dodd]

Ah, I didn't realize you must be Canadian. Attitude aside, who does custom work of the more traditional style? I have been looking for someone that makes some of the extinct styles such as the barehead jack with spear and pen blades.

[yobbos1]

Ken Coats and Ken Erikson are two makers who do excellent work. I have seen the type you describe from each of them. Neither one is from China.

[Atterbury Dodd]

I have heard of Ken Ericson and been to his site. Very fine work but I guess he isn't taking orders for a bit because he's filled up with orders. I may try him later. I'll have to check out Ken Coats too--haven't heard of him before.

[JEEP]

I got another custom knife today, a bowie/fighter with whalebone coffin shaped handle and tooled leather sheath:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/JJS_Bowie_01.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/JJS_Bowie_03.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/JJS_Bowie_02.jpg


The blade is 22 cm long and the overall lenght of the knife is 35 cm. It's a rather hefty one.

The knife is made by my good friend Jens Jørgen Schiermer (http://www.jjsknives.com/).


Regards.

Jakob

[JEEP]

Just a little playing with the camera:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/JJS_Bowie_04.jpg


Regards.

Jakob

[carebear]

That's a beautiful knife Jeep.

Did he do the sheathe as well?

[Naphtali]

When I was in the U.K. I picked up and Opinel Knife (No. 6), they are very simple and great for everything. Here is a good artilce on them: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinel I highly recomend one, and they are well worth the ten bucks for a piece of history, a classic, and utility.Here is, in my opinion, the Opinel design done to near perfection in the most useful blade shape and configuration.

1. Glass-filled grip.

2. 3.25-inch clip point with a continuous curve blade for unusually large cutting surface for its length.

3. Flat grind blade .125 inches thick.

4. Steel is called Carbon V®, in reality a variation of AISI 0170-6 steel @ HRC 58-59.
***
Of course, something this sturdy and useful has been out of production for years.

http://s1d2.turboimagehost.com/t/1603735_Twistmaster-2.jpg (http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/1603735/Twistmaster-2.jpg.html) http://s1d2.turboimagehost.com/t/1603736_Twistmaster-3.jpg (http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/1603736/Twistmaster-3.jpg.html) http://s1d2.turboimagehost.com/t/1603734_Twistmaster.jpg (http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/1603734/Twistmaster.jpg.html)

[Chasseur]

Did someone mention Opinel?!!!

I love those knives!

Here are my two.
Top: larger hunting belt knife.

Middle: presentation with mirror finish and horn handel.

Bottom: Laguiole, with corkscrew, everyday pocket knife.

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL301/2025534/16886523/361123556.jpg

[JEEP]

That's a beautiful knife Jeep.

Did he do the sheathe as well?

He did. It is always nice when a cutler is skilled in leatherworking aswell.

My pics. really doesn't do the knife justice, I will try to take some better ones later today.


Regards.

Jakob

[JEEP]

As promised; a better pic:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Knive/JJS_Bowie_05.jpg


Regards.

Jakob

[Mr. Godfrey]

http://www.interknife.co.uk/shopping/comdag.jpg

My take on a classic knife, albeit it's a dagger.

[John in Covina]

The S-F knife is pretty neat. I like one that's similar, I think it's called a V42 where it has a thumb 'grip' up by the cross bar piece. I also like some of the Ek knives.

[The Wolf]

here are some of the pocket knives I use and a custom knife.
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/762/pocketknives001.th.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pocketknives001.jpg)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3065/pocketknives002.th.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pocketknives002.jpg)
This is a custom knife made for me with a logo I designed.

I bought two repro Lone Ranger knives.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7793/pocketknives006.th.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pocketknives006.jpg)
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/2669/pocketknives005.th.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pocketknives005.jpg)
The top is the Camco 60th anniversary edition. the bottom is the one that Novelty Knife Co. of China makes.
The Camco I carried for years. The Novelty one I've only carried for a couple of months and already the design is almost all rubbed off.:(

Sincerely,
The Wolf