Folding Knives
As requested this is my take on folding knives.
First let me say that I am not completely unfamiliar with folders. In fact I carry 2 each and every day of my life. As a Law Enforcement Officer, they
not only come in handy, they are essential for my day to day survival.
Here are some of the ones I own. They are numbered and I will address each one in numerical order.
One thing you will note right off. There are no Chinese knives. While I own a few and have found the quality to be fair, I will not trust my life to
“fair”.... Yet the ultimate decision is of course, yours. The knives made in China are substantially less expensive for those on a budget.
1.Schrade “Old Timer”
Schrade sold out a few years ago and I have no idea who makes them or where they are made now. I can tell you that at one time, they ranked right at
the top as far as quality, durability and reliability goes. They have always been a favorite of mine. Sadly no longer.
This particular knife I have used for years on camping trips and my yearly excursion into the wilderness. The large blade gives me a wonderful cutting
edge and the handle is well made and rubber coated for a good grip.
2.Buck “Spring Loaded”
This is a new purchase and I have yet to really try it out.
I plan on making this my day to day clip knife. I carry a clip knife in a side pocket on duty.
“NOTE: Spring loaded knives are illegal in some locations to carry except for Law Enforcement”
3.Browning “Clip Knife”
This is the knife the Buck is replacing. It is NOT spring loaded.
This knife is made in Italy and was a present from a good friend. The blade shape is excellent and the handle very comfortable. I have carried it for
years. The metal is especially good and I can put an edge on it that shaves. It also holds the edge very well in use.
4.Swiss Victorinox Multi-Tool
I also carry this on my web-belt. I do not always wear my web gear, but it is in the car with me at all times. It holds many tools and is of great
quality. Like all Victorinox, it is made in Switzerland. While it is a little pricey, the quality is, in my opinion, unmatched.
5.Buck “Multi-Blade” Folder
I just included this as a whim and an example. First off I never carry a NON-Locking blade knife, second this Buck is made in China. Yeah, I was
surprised as well, but apparently approximate half of all Buck knives are now made in China. Advice? Pay the extra money, be careful and get the
quality knives made in the U.S.
6.Gerber Folder “Lock Back”
Now this is the real deal as far as pocket knives go. It's a quality Gerber Knife, made in the U.S., high quality, small and easy to carry, great
metal in the blade, holds a great edge and fairly easy to sharpen. One of my favorites and it is certainly an attractive knife. I keep it as a back up
to the Buck...
7.Buck Lock Back
I carry this knife everyday. It is very small and light, fits in my pocket nicely. It is an American made knife, good metal and a nice wooden
handle.
8.Kershaw “Explorer”
My wife bought this knife for me a few years ago and it is a constant companion on my adventure trips. It clips nicely to my survival vest making it
readily available. It is also nice to hold keys and other assorted items. It comes with a can opener, regular screwdriver and phillips head. While I
have never really used the screwdrivers, the can opener is wonderful.
9.Puma “Huntec”
I've owned this knife for many years and used to carry it exclusively, using it many times throughout the day. Way before the Browning... It is a
handmade knife, made in Germany and is of the finest quality. Alas, after all the years, it is starting to work loose around the handle and I had to
discontinue carrying it. They are very expensive, but well worth the money.
Next:
This is just a knife set I wanted to share with you. It is a Winchester set and appears very nice. It is made in China however and I will not carry
them; but I bought them, several in fact, to give as Christmas presents.
There you have it folks, I own several more knives, but this is a good sampling of what you can expect when looking for a good survival folder.
I think the folders are just as important as the fixed blades mainly due to their ease of carry. However, do not skimp on quality.
Look for a good thick blade, a positive locking mechanism, comfortable handle and of course, quality metal in the blade. Just remember that a folder
has limitations. You can not pry with them, the blades WILL separate from the handle with enough pressure; even the best folders as shown above.
I would never recommend a NON-Locking Blade Knife for the very simple reason that the blade with close on your finger when you least expect it. Yep,
happened to me more than once until I learned my lesson.
Please post any question you may have and I will try and answer them.
Thank you
Semper
[edit on 10/11/2009 by semperfortis]
I recently lost my trusty Benchmade, which was my constant companion. I have a small folding Gerber at
the moment, but the quality is nowhere near what the Benchmade was. Don't get me wrong, I have owned a few quality Gerber knives in the past. 
