Pocket Knife Recommendations

[Grandpa's Spells]

I've been a pretty big advocate of going cheap on carry knives with decent steel and putting a good edge on them. I've forgotten to check a knife in an airport a couple times, and while some airports will let you ship the knife back to yourself, it's not standard and not cheap. Easier to have something you can just give/throw away or lose without minding. Losing a Gerber would suck.

Sweethome is the home product version of the Wirecutter, and they did a survey of knife experts/forums/etc. and came up with some solid-looking recommendations, cheap enough to keep multiples in desk drawers or at work:

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-pocket-knife/

[JimZipCode]

Never thought I needed a carry knife before, but those look cool. Want.

[JimZipCode]

Sweethome is the home product version of the Wirecutter, and they did a survey of knife experts/forums/etc. and came up with some solid-looking recommendations

Whoa, they did Toaster Ovens. I just bought one a couple days ago, Amazon delivered yesterday.

At first I thought I was going to have a facepalm moment. But I think they missed a trick, not reviewing what I got: a mini version of their runner-up, at about the same size and for about the same price as their winner.

[Grandpa's Spells]

Their reviews by and large are super solid.

[tonkadtx]

My daily. 29 bucks from Amazon. Bulletproof, holds a great edge, less than 4 inches, single edged, no auto, gravity, or handle drop (all requirements for NY).

https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Tanto ... l+pro-lite

I gave up on expensive knives a long time ago.

[Sangoma]

My daily. 29 bucks from Amazon. Bulletproof, holds a great edge, less than 4 inches, single edged, no auto, gravity, or handle drop (all requirements for NY).

https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Tanto ... l+pro-lite

I gave up on expensive knives a long time ago.

I agree. There are plenty of good knives that are quite cheap. Conversely, plenty of expensive ones that are crap.

[DrDonkeyLove]

I keep forgetting The Sweethome and Amazon Warehouse Deals to my own detriment.

Everyday carry in jeans or cargo pants is the Leatherman Skeletool. Does enough stuff and like the combo straight/serrated edge, the tools, and the ability to attach via pocket clip or carabiner clip. Feature most used has been the bottle opener. Blade opens easily w/one hand and locks which is essential for me. Looks like they're about $60 on line but I paid around $30 at Home Depot last Christmas.


#2 knife when the Skeletool is too much is the Blade-Tech Mouse. Small (3" closed), sturdy, easy to open, and locks back. <$40. Have given one up to TSA because I forgot it was in that small pocket in a pair of packed jeans.

[Bedlam 0-0-0]

A friend gave me a griptilian. It is a quality knife that will last a long time under a lot of abuse. It is a bit larger (bigger profile grip) than the other knives I usually carry.
I like small, easy to conceal and carry knives. I have carried one of these two for the past couple years and for $25-30, I don't mind if I lose them. The "urban survival" model is a bit hard to open but otherwise decent. I really like the feel of the Subcom and it has held up to abuse.




I like the look of the Drifter and may pick one up. Thanks for posting the review.

[Thud]

Other than opening a hard to tear plastic snack wrapper now and again, what do you guys use a knife for on such a regular basis that you need to carry daily?

[DrDonkeyLove]

Other than opening a hard to tear plastic snack wrapper now and again, what do you guys use a knife for on such a regular basis that you need to carry daily?

I use mine to open the hard plastic packaging on on all the other knives I buy.

[nafod]

Other than opening a hard to tear plastic snack wrapper now and again, what do you guys use a knife for on such a regular basis that you need to carry daily?

I've got almost as many multi tools as reading glasses, and like reading glasses they are spread around the typical places I inhabit. The eternal ideal birthday and Christmas gift. Knife, screwdriver, pliers, file all got busy use.

[Grandpa's Spells]

Other than opening a hard to tear plastic snack wrapper now and again, what do you guys use a knife for on such a regular basis that you need to carry daily?

We get a lot more amazon shipments at home/work than we used to, particularly subscription stuff for the lil man. Opening/breaking down things is handy. however, it's a hassle keeping one in your pocket if they're even a little bulky or heavy. Their cheap pick you can keep three of in various places.

[Thud]

Sure, I keep some nifty box cutters I get in 3-packs from home depot in the car, kitchen, garage, office, etc. Totally get that. But between the car fob, keys, phone, wallet, and my positively massive micro-penis, who wants another bulge in their pants?

[Grandpa's Spells]

Sure, I keep some nifty box cutters I get in 3-packs from home depot in the car, kitchen, garage, office, etc. Totally get that. But between the car fob, keys, phone, wallet, and my positively massive micro-penis, who wants another bulge in their pants?

reddit.com/r/edc for the rabbit hole.

[Shapecharge]

Along with a pocket knife I carry a small socket set, both metric and standard, and a full set of allen wrenches and a set of torx bits too along with some various length screw drivers both flat head a phillips. This is why I wear cargo shorts wherever I go...they carry my stuff while I work on making new friends.

[nafod]

[Herv100]

Along with a pocket knife I carry a small socket set, both metric and standard, and a full set of allen wrenches and a set of torx bits too along with some various length screw drivers both flat head a phillips. This is why I wear cargo shorts wherever I go...they carry my stuff while I work on making new friends.

I do the same plus a sawzall on sling across my back

[Shapecharge]

Good idea Perv Ima gonna look into that along with that sweet knife the gay aviator posted then I should be set.

[tonkadtx]

Other than opening a hard to tear plastic snack wrapper now and again, what do you guys use a knife for on such a regular basis that you need to carry daily?

This week alone - twine, surgical tubing (practice/demo), and a bunch of boxes.

Also, I don't go anywhere unarmed. I'm not saying that like, "ho, I'm a tough guy!". I just don't, based on personal life experience. In all honesty, I would rather carry a gun (obviously), or an asp baton (more immediate stopping power than a knife), but in NY both are absolutely verboten. Good luck getting a carry permit unless you are politically juiced.

[Turdacious]

Byrd Cara Cara 2-- good quality and a low enough price it won't break your heart if you lose one.

[JimZipCode]

or an asp baton (more immediate stopping power than a knife)

Huh, now there's an idea. Wonder if they're legal in MD.

[Grandpa's Spells]

I ended up getting both their regular and budget pick. both are way nicer than I expected.

[JimZipCode]

Pop Mechanics also did a feature, in August. Sweethome's winning brand made their list with a couple products, but I think not the exact model:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/to ... ket-knives

They also did multitools. Donk's Skeletool gets a mention:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/to ... multitools

[Turdacious]

or an asp baton (more immediate stopping power than a knife)

Huh, now there's an idea. Wonder if they're legal in MD.

Here's the answer in flowchart form.
Is it useful for self defense?
No-- Legal in DC and MD
Yes- Either not legal or requires a five year permitting process in DC and MD

[dead man walking]

Pop Mechanics also did a feature, in August. Sweethome's winning brand made their list with a couple products, but I think not the exact model:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/to ... ket-knives

They also did multitools. Donk's Skeletool gets a mention:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/to ... multitools

that's advertising copy. all the major brands are mentioned, and advertisers buy space.

for every real magazine article, there are about half a dozen ad promos masquerading as info. it's your basic devil's bargain.