I'm no knife 'collector'...

[Victor3]

...but boy have I 'accumulated' a pile of them. Funny thing is, most every new one I get really isn't all that much more useful than ones I've had for 30+ years. 
 
 I read (with great interest) 1000's of posts on the knife forums about how this or that new lock design, handle material, miracle steel, blade shape, etc. is so wonderful. I obviously agree; I'm compelled to spend my money on some of these knives.
 
 Good thing for my wallet there isn't a stapler or can opener forum. 

[Empty Quiver]

I don't have "lots" of knives but it seems all the different locking mechanisms are a cure for a problem I have never found.  My old Buck 110 has never collapsed on me, nor has my Boy Scout knife, for that matter. I do tend to use tools in the matter in which they were intended though. I now have been carrying an Al Mar with a liner lock for about eight months and it works as well as all the other designs.


Kraton rubber on the scales of a pocket knife was stupid, hard to get out of the pocket and would not stay glued down either. Other than that they all seem to work well enough, like paint color on the car, get the ones you like. As far as steel goes I'm back and forth on toughness versus ease of sharpening. Tough steel seems to chip too easily, and I don't like carrying a steel or stone around all the time either. So when I'm away for a while it is toughness, around the house and near a stone the softer knives see duty.


The search for perfection is the reward, not the finding of it. I've used that old Boy Scout knife to gut rabbits and deer and to scrape gaskets from water pumps, and cut rope. I suppose I could have gotten by without another knife, but what fun would that have been?

[gcrank1]

Vic, sounds like we might be twins from different parents! It is fun, though, and recently I have put them all handy and been putting them to use. I sold only a few at the gunshow a few weeks ago, so no big changes for me.
EQ, if you are out and about and need an edge tune up, if you are near any car that you can 'roll' the side window down half way you have a fine knife sharpener on that glass bevel.

[Empty Quiver]

EQ, if you are out and about and need an edge tune up, if you are near any car that you can 'roll' the side window down half way you have a fine knife sharpener on that glass bevel.

I have used an antler tine to straighten an edge, but the window glass sounds really good. I have a pair of crock sticks I really like and the window idea sounds much the same.

[Concho Mike]

I just buy what I like and its mostly slipjoints. Unlike most knife guys I prefer new stainless steel knives and most end up being Buck and an occasional Case.
Never done the window thing but i've been told its kinda rough on the glass. I have used the bottom of a coffee cup, my wifes disposable fingernail files, and lastly a nail buffing block she has (ok, had). The last one really polishes up bolsters. 

[gcrank1]

Ive done the car window TOP edge tune-up quite a bit, no way is it 'rough on the glass'. Maybe somebody thought you would rub the knife edge on the polished window! DUH

[Victor3]

Vic, sounds like we might be twins from different parents! It is fun, though...

 Definitely fun, and not too spendy to get some really nice knives. Lot cheaper than guns anyway.
 
 Ordered me one of these last night since I have a use for a small saw along with a knife fairly regularly...
 
http://www.botachtactical.com/sogtl02.html
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/681406-SOG-Team-Leader-Survivor

[gcrank1]

Im usually not much for those 'new' styles, but I could see that one in a kit. Heck of a nice discount from MSRP too!
Just when I was sure I was done, or would stick with stag handled 'whatever' I stumble on a couple of packaged 'Sheffield' branded knives at Menards, a 3" x 7 3/4" folder called the 'BlackWater', looks like maybe a titanium coated blade and nicely ergo rubber scales (the slightly grippy ones that still slide in/out of a pocket decently) and  c/w belt clip for $2.50 and a two pack of smaller pocket folders, 4 1/4" & 6" OAL, SS blades (with a nice profile) and ergo imitation carbon fiber scales for $4.95ish/set!
Way too cheap to pass up as utility 'no big deal if I lose one' kinda buy, I thought, but they are pretty well made, sharp, handle nicely and were a steal. IMHO these are so much better than many of the cheap pocket knives we used to see in about every hardware and grocery store of my mis-spent youth.
Now Im more inclined to give the 'new' stuff a second look (guess you can teach an old dog new tricks  ).

[Victor3]

 I hear ya; I have to restrain myself now because I've put a knife in every drawer, glove box, etc where I thought one "might come in handy." They often do, but not so much when there's four or five in each drawer to choose from. 
 
 A while back my 12 year old Son and I were at a sporting goods store to buy him some swim goggles. We passed the knife counter and one caught his eye. "Dad, can I get a knife?" (he's got like five of them already). He wanted this $15 serrated, tanto folder and I told him, "You don't need that." He said, "Please? I'll pay you back."
 
 We asked to see it and I couldn't believe the quality of the thing for the price. Guy behind the counter pulled out one with no box and said we could have it for $9. Sold...
 
http://www.lapolicegear.com/kawaiitafokn.html

[Hit or Miss]

When it comes to knives and flashlights a man can never have too many!  One of these days I'll have a nice custom knife but until then I'll keep buying blades and putting handles on them.

[cwlongshot]

Vic, sounds like we might be twins from different parents! It is fun, though, and recently I have put them all handy and been putting them to use. I sold only a few at the gunshow a few weeks ago, so no big changes for me.
EQ, if you are out and about and need an edge tune up, if you are near any car that you can 'roll' the side window down half way you have a fine knife sharpener on that glass bevel.

My brothers from other mothers!!

Vic same story here, you literally could put my name on your post and it would fit 100%!!

I cannot say why... I just like 'em!!
I have about six "searches" saved in eBay. Four of them are "vintage Kabar" "vintage Camillus" "vintage case" and "stag handled knife". one other is H&R and the last NEF....

CW

[Victor3]

 I think it may be something programmed into the male brain, CW. 
 
 Here's that SOG knife I got a while back. Not bad for $50 shipped. Very well made (in the US) and the saw cuts great, unlike most blades with saw teeth on the spine. The teeth on this one are designed similar to the ones on my Victorinox's saw, which also cuts good but is kinda small and flimsy.
 

 

 

 
 Only thing I didn't like about it were the sharp corners on the tang all the way around the scales. I radiused them and it feels good in the hand now.
 

[charles p]

I've got a couple of old Barlow popcket knives in the workshop.  I think they were electrician's knives.  Blades are carbon steel and shaving sharp.  I'm 65 and I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't older than me.
My granddad whittled a lot.  He always carried an English made knife.  Think it was a two word name.