Working knife

**KLRanger** · 06-04-2011, 17:10

Hi all.

I am looking for a good tough knife to compliment my leatherman.
I work in the bush so it must be a good utility knife and a relatively compact folder to go in my pocket. I thought to get a leatherman knife but thats going to take time to order. I was in a knife shop today and the guy suggested a lot of the CRKTs but all the strong ones he had were, although well priced, a bit large for my needs(I do however want to start a collection now *drool*).

So, what I need is a knife that I can cut pipes and strip wires etc. with, cut open dead things when needed (a blunt leatherman makes the job unpleasant) nd is tough enough to do the job!
Any input on Kershaws? he had one of these http://www.kershawknives.com/product...&brand=kershaw which was a bonus with the screwdrivers but I have no ideas on longevity and ability. Any suggestions guys? I will need to purchase asap

---------- Post added at 17:10 ---------- Previous post was at 16:11 ----------

Okay... so. I don't know why I didn't do it before but I answered my question by browsing the web. That there is a highly rated tool and I think it will work well in conjunction with my leatherman. Its also only about R500.
Keep suggestions and opinions coming though... like I said, I want to start a collection :)

---------- Post added at 17:10 ---------- Previous post was at 17:10 ----------

Okay... so. I don't know why I didn't do it before but I answered my question by browsing the web. That there is a highly rated tool and I think it will work well in conjunction with my leatherman. Its also only about R500.
Keep suggestions and opinions coming though... like I said, I want to start a collection :)

**Enzo** · 06-04-2011, 23:06

spyderco manix that is all ;)

**wthang** · 07-04-2011, 04:44

Dude what are you going to do with the knife? You should put some thought into the blade style, grind and edge.
CRKT make great knifes at the price. Also note you can order different sizes for a lot of the models. You might have seen something you like so speak to the shop and ask them to order a smaller model.

**KLRanger** · 07-04-2011, 06:08

Hi wthang. I liked the idea of the tanto blade on the crkt, making it very strong but the one he had was just too large. He had the smaller M16, but that went slightly out of budget/purpose. I think I'm going to start off with the Kershaw as I said and next time I find myself in JHB perhaps I'll head over to Sandton, I believe there's a really nice knife shop there.

**palemale** · 07-04-2011, 10:49

Go onto the sharpedge website... they have plenty of choice.

I know this is probably going to be derided but I have a 15 year old Swiss Army knife (okay Victorinox but this is the way I was raised in the 80's okay) with several bells and whistles including a saw for pipes, tweezers, a pen, toothpick, tin opener, plain bldes screw drivers and I have used that for everything including fixing starter motor on 1990 CitiGolf, taking apart and putting together lounge suite to fit through door, replacing pool filter motor, installing aerolite, cutting finger nails, fixing Kreepy Krauly (my pool and I have an ongoing escalating war... it's possessed I tell you!), pulling thorns from three year old's feet, etc etc etc...

But get what works for you... there is plenty of choice at sharp edge and they deliver real quickly... I can vouch for this...

**ikor** · 10-04-2011, 08:17

I'm with palemale. I would take a very hard look at some of the basic military issue type Victrornox / Wenger Swiss Army knives for such a folding work knife. Several have locking blades and the steel is good. Not real expensive or sexy but if they get lost they are easily replaced and you can save wear and tear on any more tactical folder you may also have along.

**marthinus** · 10-04-2011, 23:43

I think there are a few things to consider as others have mentioned. Edge, grind, purpose, etc.

You mention you want a tough knife. Well, a fixed blade is the way to go really (though you want something slim in the pocket). You do get good quality knives for R500, but take into consideration that a good quality slipjoint can cost more then that. Take an example of German Eye Brand knife I own, bought for five chillings YEARS ago by my grandfather. These cost R500 today.

A good quality pocket knife costs more then that due to fit and finish, blade material, handle material, attention to lock engagement (this is where I personally feel CRKT falls short).

My advice is to go with a good old swiss army knife (locking blade models for your price). They have few misses in their quality control. Other then that save your money and spend a bit extra and buy a Spyderco knife (look at your PM I sent you a link to a place other then our dealers you might be interested in) or a Benchmade.

I have done a lot of work in the bush and I personally feel that a Tanto blade limits ones opportunities. I carry a Swiss army knife and a good quality locking knife, Benchmade Griptilian, Spyderco, Chris Reeve (ok the latter is way out there). Had a CRKT M16 and the lock did not hold up to the pipes and strain I put on it. That is my experience.

O, something just came to mind. Look into the black Gulch

They can still be found for around R300. Backlock is strong, can be opened with one hand with some practice, I bought one years ago for my father and the thing is still like a fualt. Very underrated and I recommend a Kershaw above CRKT. You might want to have a custom maker just put a pocket clip onto the knife.