Thread: Looking for some decent pocket knives

+1 for kershaw I have a ken onion vapor II good stiff blade holds and takes an edge well good all around knife for about 30$ I use it for everything daily. Old timer also make wonderful knives

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Kershaw and Gerber make some fine pocket knives, many of which are under $50.

+1 I recently bought a Kershaw Leek and love it. I mainly use it for opening boxes but the speed safe one hand opening is definitely handy.

I have a Smith & Wesson that I got in '02, I think. It went to Iraq w/ me where it served me well. I still carry it every day @ work, where it serves a multitude of purposes (I can't tell you the number of locks I've slipped with it). It's not a true pocket knife, but a folding knife w/ pocket clip and a thumb stud on the blade for one handed opening.

Check out Gerber knives...they are of great quality

Kershaw leek is really a perfect pocket knife....
As a french guy i recommend you a simple Opinel #08 carbon blade or (but i'm not Swiss guy) Victorinox Soldier Alox.

I've always liked buck and scherade pocket knives since I use their bigger cousins in the field. I figgured if they can make a hunting knife that stands up to pleanty of use and abuse their pocket knives should be pretty good also, and I haven't been let down yet. I dont own a gerber, but I've had experience with hunting partners gerbers and they would be a good choice too.

of course I can't add to this thread without telling this story. the first christmass that I had a job and had enough money to buy people some nice presents I decided to buy my dad a scherade old timer. he unwraped the package immediately opened it and promptly sliced his left thumb thinking it wouldn't come from the factory with an edge as sharp as the one it had....I had even told him how sharp it was as soon as he had it unwraped.

Smith and Wesson does not make their knives, something to keep in mind. I have a fairly good selection of folders, 18-20 and the brand I have grown to prefer is SOG, they have a huge selection and you can find them in all kinds of sizes and price ranges.

Originally Posted by Troggie

Ok.. so I am already looking for Christmas gifts for next year. The past 2 we have had a no buy clause for adults which seems to never truly happen since the parents still end up buying stuff for us. I am looking to pick up some decent folding pocket knives for my Father, Father in law, brother, and brother in law for next year. The only stipulation SWMBO has put on me is try to keep it under 50 bucks per knife. The only other consideration I have is in Michigan it is technically illegal to carry any type of A/O or other knife with any type of assist unless you are one armed.

I have read through the EDC thread and the knife collectors threads but just wondering what people would think of a decent pocket knife I can get or are there a few to choose from so I can better match the knife to the person?

Victorinox (Swiss Army) would be a possibility. The Farmer, Cadet, and Soldier are popular models and well within your range. Opinel (opiknife.com) has some very classy knives that are very reasonably priced and very good slicers(thin blades). They come in carbon and stainless versions, but those "in the know" usually prefer the carbon blades. They also come in some exotic handle materials; various premium hardwoods like cocobolo, cherry, walnut, etc. I would stay away from Case unless you hunt down a vintage knife from the '70s or earlier. Modern Case knives are no longer made very well. Go to collectorknives.net and you may also find something. Queen is a very good modern day traditional slipjoint. For a little more money ($60-70) Great Eastern Cutlery is making, by far, the finest traditional slipjoints currently. Lagioule is a french knife that would make a fine gift. You can get them at gpknives.com. Usually starting at around $55. Hope these suggestions help. Happy shopping. Any further questions? PM me anytime.

Thanks to Jimmy and the suggestions of a few others I bought a Case Back Pocket Ebony. It's not a bad little knife, and I'm very happy with it. Picture attached, and thanks guys, I wouldn't have considered a Case without your comments.

Ok.. as stated somewhere previously I did pick up a Byrd Cara Cara.. I love the knife but not the size ( too big for an EDC). My wife has now asked if I could find US made ones which I know Case, Buck, and Benchmade are still currently produced in the US. I have seen some Kershaws that are and some that are made in China so not sure if that is a newer development or if it is line specific. I did mention to her that going to the US made ones may mean pushing up the price limit which she was ok with to an extent. Are there any other manufacturers I am missing? I have only done a cursory search so I am sure I will find more. Thanks for all the responses I have found many knives I personally like and my AD is kicking but SWMBO has said no more purchases that I get to keep.. the rest have to go as presents first.