Looking for a New Knife

[Indygrap]

I lost my pocket knife, a gifted Gerber, & I’m looking to upgrade a little. The Gerber was fairly cheap & didn’t hold an edge, but it was trim & was fine for most things. I’m debating on whether I want a single blade that clips in my pocket or one with a few more blades that I can use for reaming & what not. Any suggestions for either that are in the $50 or less range? That hold an edge for more than 3 uses?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I like my Puma, but really it just depends on personal choice and what you plan to use it for.
My puma keeps an edge, fits great in my pocket, and works great from everything I need a knife for, from slicing an apple to opening cardboard boxes. It would also work for self-defense in a pinch. Mine has the perfect resistance to the hinge that I can sling it open with one hand.
No idea what they go for today, but I've had mine for almost 40 years.

 

[Snook]

Two words (or maybe three if you're saying it out loud): Leatherman Wave+

I love mine and carry it with a pocket clip most days. The only problem is that it's a little thicker than a standard pocket knife, which can be inconvenient at times.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Two words (or maybe three if you're saying it out loud): Leatherman Wave+

I love mine and carry it with a pocket clip most days. The only problem is that it's a little thicker than a standard pocket knife, which can be inconvenient at times.

When you just need to use the knife part, doesn't the handle hurt your hands when you grip it really tight? I have one, but I found the handles really uncomfortable to use most of the features.

 

[Snook]

When you just need to use the knife part, doesn't the handle hurt your hands when you grip it really tight? I have one, but I found the handles really uncomfortable to use most of the features.

Not really, I find the bigger handle more comfortable than a regular sized knife. The scissors, however, are a bitch to get out.

 

[bassbug]

Unfortunately, a decent multi blade pocket knife these days is not within the $50 range. The good news is that if you spend a little more you'll have something that will last decades if properly maintained. Case, Victorinox and Buck are just three to consider. Look at trapper or stockman styles for multi blade, they've been popular for many decades for a reason.

 

[Indygrap]

Unfortunately, a decent multi blade pocket knife these days is not within the $50 range. The good news is that if you spend a little more you'll have something that will last decades if properly maintained. Case, Victorinox and Buck are just three to consider. Look at trapper or stockman styles for multi blade, they've been popular for many decades for a reason.

I’ve had Case knives in the past & really like them. I was browsing their site today actually. I’ll take a look at the other 2. Thanks!

 

[Ryan]

I’ve been carrying one of these SOG Twitch II kinives for years. One handed opening, has a clip (removable), fits nicely in the pocket. I abuse mine on a regular basis and it keeps serving me well.

 

[filmguerilla]

I think a straight forward Opinel is hard to beat. Sharp as a razor and super reliable. Also a good price. I either carry one of these or a straight razor style Gerber most days.

 

[Bassman65]

I always have a Mercator K55K with me. Thin, sharp, and unchanged since 1867. German perfection in my eyes.

 

[Elric]

I have the same knife Cosmic does, for a similar length of time ironically (made in West Germany at that point). Wonderful knife! It is a bit heavy and no clip for pocket carry, so I have been sporting an Ontario Rat II. No comparison to the Puma but a fine EDC blade for $41.

Amazon.com

 

[Infantry23]

Unfortunately, a decent multi blade pocket knife these days is not within the $50 range. The good news is that if you spend a little more you'll have something that will last decades if properly maintained. Case, Victorinox and Buck are just three to consider. Look at trapper or stockman styles for multi blade, they've been popular for many decades for a reason.

I have several multi-blade Victorinox that were purchased for under $50. But, I just looked those models up and they're ALL OVER $50. I guess prices have gone up on them too in just the past two or three years.

 

[philobeddoe]

I have carried a Case peanut in my pocket for the last 30+ years. I have several different ones with various scales, but if I leave the house there is always one in my pocket. They are small enough that you don’t notice them and the blade is large enough to do most anything you need a knife to do, shy of dressing a deer.

 

[Sig]

Check out Civivi Knives.
They are an extremely popular budget brand that a lot of knife afficionados love.
I recently got their Elementum 2.
It has a push button lock, ceramic bering movement and it's made from Nitro V steel.
These things are usually only available in $200 plus knives like Benchmade. I paid $60 for my Elementum.
I like my couple Civivi MORE than the couple Benchmade I have. I dare to use them.
Again, avid knife collectors love Civivi knives for the price.
Every year Civivi gets more awards in the knife world.
The original Elementum with D2 steel was "EDC of the year" in 2021 and 2022. The new Elementum 2 is superior in every way.
And yes, they are made in China. But, it is a Chinese company, not an American company having their knives made cheaply in China.
The are extremely good knives made with extremely good components.
Don't take my word, check out reviews from owners....very impressive....for the price.

 

[Egg Shen]

Check out Civivi Knives.
They are an extremely popular budget brand that a lot of knife afficionados love.
I recently got their Elementum 2.
It has a push button lock, ceramic bering movement and it's made from Nitro V steel.
These things are usually only available in $200 plus knives like Benchmade. I paid $60 for my Elementum.
I like my couple Civivi MORE than the couple Benchmade I have. I dare to use them.
Again, avid knife collectors love Civivi knives for the price.
Every year Civivi gets more awards in the knife world.
The original Elementum with D2 steel was "EDC of the year" in 2021 and 2022. The new Elementum 2 is superior in every way.
And yes, they are made in China. But, it is a Chinese company, not an American company having their knives made cheaply in China.
The are extremely good knives made with extremely good components.
Don't take my word, check out reviews from owners....very impressive....for the price.

I was going to say Civivi. Low cost, good materials, they feel good in my hand - most cheap knives don’t, they have a little heft and a lil snap when you throw the blade out. Good choice of grip colors and blade shapes in the casual knife user size range.

 

[TN Jed]

I love my CRKT Squid as my pocket knife. It's around $40.

 

[solideogloria86]

Check out Civivi Knives.
They are an extremely popular budget brand that a lot of knife afficionados love.
I recently got their Elementum 2.
It has a push button lock, ceramic bering movement and it's made from Nitro V steel.
These things are usually only available in $200 plus knives like Benchmade. I paid $60 for my Elementum.
I like my couple Civivi MORE than the couple Benchmade I have. I dare to use them.
Again, avid knife collectors love Civivi knives for the price.
Every year Civivi gets more awards in the knife world.
The original Elementum with D2 steel was "EDC of the year" in 2021 and 2022. The new Elementum 2 is superior in every way.
And yes, they are made in China. But, it is a Chinese company, not an American company having their knives made cheaply in China.
The are extremely good knives made with extremely good components.
Don't take my word, check out reviews from owners....very impressive....for the price.

+1 for Civivi. Solid knives.
The original Elementum is still one of the best looking and feeling knives I've had in hand. The fact that they're only $60 is unbelievable for what you get.

 

[Chasing Embers]

A Case Stockman has been my only knife since the 90s.

 

[Sig]

+1 for Civivi. Solid knives.
The original Elementum is still one of the best looking and feeling knives I've had in hand. The fact that they're only $60 is unbelievable for what you get.
View attachment 347583

Yep, I have an original Elementum, but this new one, Elementum 2 is better.....in my opinion.
Push button lock and better steel.
Due to the button lock it is 2mm thicker than the original, which is a good thing in my opinion. I absolutely see how it was "EDC of the year" for 2 years. I'll bet the Elementum 2 will win this year. I've not heard a single bad review. This knife is as good quality as my Benchmade Griptillion except for the steel. But, this Nitro V steel is extremely good. I see absolutely no reason to choose any other brand except bragging rights.....in my opinion.
I have a few other Civivi that are also great, and all were under $120.

 

[Sig]

A Case Stockman has been my only knife since the 90s.

View attachment 347586

Ive had a Buck Stockman in my pocket for many years too. It is my whittling and pipe knife.
A couple years ago I thought I lost my USA made Stockman, so I bought a new one.....made in China....or Taiwan... Then I luckily found the old one.
Anyways, the difference is huge. The old one is better in every way.
I also have a bunch of Case knives.
I live pretty close to the factory. I stop occasionally to have a knife sharpened for free. I usually sharpen my own knives, but Case does put a nice new edge on them. They do it by hand, and even strop it.