Mac me a knife.

June 8, 2008 10:27 PM

Looking for traditional folding knife recommendations...

I currently own a Beretta Bob Loveless knife but would like a similar wood handled, folding knife.

The main uses for this knife would be for camping / outdoor activities e.g. wood whittling, fish gutting, twine cutting kind of things. At the moment this is at the top of my shopping list

First hand experience of this or other knives meeting this criteria would be most valued, as would a UK stockist. Sub £200 / $400 if possible.

Many thanks!

posted by brautigan to sports, hobbies, & recreation (16 comments total)

If you like Loveless, why not go for his City Knife? I think it would work outside, too. My own preference would be the Sebenza, though. I think it's the strongest, simplest folder around. Still under $400, although if you really want wood handles it would be a bit over your stated limit.
posted by spasm at 11:36 PM on June 8

That City Knife is stunning. The modified Wharncliffe shape is lovely.

Perhaps this might be up your alley as well: Spyderco Kopa
It's listed as discontinued, but they still seem to be fairly readily available online. The leaf-shaped flat ground blade is fantastic. I had a micarta handled Calypso Jr with an almost identical blade shape. Easily the sharpest knife I've owned.

I've got a dozen or so high-end fixed and folding knives, but y'know, the one that's most often on m belt is a stainless steel Opinel #8. They are an elegant, simple design and out-cut knives costing 10 times as much. Just a thought.
posted by tim_in_oz at 1:27 AM on June 9

I have an Opinel, and it's a great wee knife. If I lose it, I will get another.

I found my one on the seashore. It had a carbon steel blade that was rusted to hell, but once I cleaned the rust off it took a wicked sharp edge that you could shave with. They make stainless ones too, but I kind of like the carbon steel. Even though it's very light, you can just drag it across a tomato and it will cut it in two.

My advice is that you do NOT use a folding knife for anything related to fish. It is very hard to clean fish slime/scales/guts out of the slot in the handle, and most pocket knives are too small for any but the smallest fish. If you want to clean fish, get the right tool for the job, which is a filleting knife (long, slender, slightly flexible blade) with a sheath.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 2:39 AM on June 9

(I have read that the UK has much more restrictive rules on knives and carrying knives than we do in the US, so read with the caveat that I'm not sure if what I'm suggesting is legal there.)

Honestly, my suggestion is to carry and use a knife like the Opinel or a Spyderco, Kershaw, Gerber, or one of those Scandanavian companies that make really nice and quite cheap knives (Fallkniven, etc). The point is to get something that is cheap enough that you can and will use it as a real tool, rather than an expensive piece that is meant more for looking at than using. If you drop it or break it, it's not a big deal because it is a cheap tool, not an art object. I would no more carry around and use every day a $400 knife than I would buy and use a $400 hammer (but while also acknowledging that those $400 knifes are beautiful in a way that the cheap and functional ones are not). Carbon steel will tend to rust if kept in a sweaty pocket; I'd stick with stainless steel unless it will be kept in your pack or coat pocket.

When I used to fish a lot, I carried a folding knife very similar to this one -- a basic folding knife with two blades, and that works perfectly for cleaning fish as long as you keep it really sharp. And yes, a fish knife will end up smelling permanently of fish; you may want to keep your fish knife separate from your everyday knife, lest your pockets begin to smell of fish. In the US, basic folding knives like that are available everywhere -- outdoor stores, hardware stores, Walmart, etc; they are ubiquitous and as long as you buy one with decent steel they will serve their purpose remarkably well.
posted by Forktine at 6:32 AM on June 9

I don't have a specific recommendation, but A.G. Russell has a great selection of top quality knives. They ship international as well.

The knife I carry is a Kershaw Vapor.

Although I do lust after this beautiful Mcusta. Also this Japanese hunting knife.

I tend to go with practical knives with a clip for back pocket.
posted by Argyle at 6:44 AM on June 9 [1 favorite]

The A.G. Russell site Argyle pointed you to has a good selection of Canal Street Cutlery knives; they are very nice, traditional knives and you can also get them straight from the factory with international shipping. I have the Doctor's Knife and it is very well-made.
posted by TedW at 7:20 AM on June 9

I followed a link on this page and saw this knife in a banner...with no link or identifying information. Anyone know where I could by this? It's gorgeous.
posted by SlyBevel at 7:30 AM on June 9

...And sorry for the derail.

I will say; it looks like you're really looking more for functional art to carry around than a utility blade, and I respect that. Which is why I'm not recommending the Skeletool I carry to you. It's good for my needs, but it's probably not...unique enough for you.
posted by SlyBevel at 7:32 AM on June 9

....could BUY this....

Of course.
posted by SlyBevel at 7:32 AM on June 9

SlyBevel, it's designed by Paul W. Poehlmann.
posted by stavrogin at 8:35 AM on June 9

Thanks stavrogin!

Still couldn't find that particular knife, but at least now I know.
posted by SlyBevel at 9:42 AM on June 9

http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=KER1660G10

My personal favorite is this Kershaw Leek. The S30V steel is amazingly durable and holds an edge forever. The assisted opening feature is really handy if you have one hand occupied and you need to get your knife open. It also has a safety lock to keep it very securely closed. I've carried one daily for several years and it's one of my all time favorites.
posted by Patapsco Mike at 10:25 AM on June 9

Spyderco. Own one, and the rest are history. Seriously.
posted by ewkpates at 11:29 AM on June 9

Absolutely agree with ewkpates. Spyderco offer excellent value for money and it's the only brand I really look at now. If you need a slipjoint, look at the UK Penknife if it's still being made. It's great for the UK. I should know, I was part of the design team. :P
If it is *just* for camping/outdoor activities, then one of the many locking blades will do you well. If you want ultimate corrosion resistance, go for one in H-1 steel. Nice stuff to sharpen too, especially the serrated models.

If you don't fancy a Spydie, check out some of the makers on the British Blades forum. You'll definitely get something really good for your money there, and be able to discuss your requirements with the maker.

For UK stockists, Heinnie are very fast, if a little pricey. If you are prepared to wait a bit, take a look at New Graham Knives in the US. Great customer service, great prices (especially with the exchange rate as it is). Choose USPS Global Priority as it usually works out about 5 or 10 quid and the only hold up is getting through customs, if it does get held up. I've had stuff delivered as quick as 4 days before, though one package did take 6 weeks, but that's another story...
posted by 999 at 12:07 PM on June 9

Dittoing Opinel, if you want a functional knife. If you want pretty, then maybe Opinels are not to your taste, but I love mine. Beautifully simple, light and totally sharp.
posted by anadem at 12:44 PM on June 9

Thanks all for the advice. Think I'll be picking up an Opinel (so cheap!) and also managed to source a Spyderco Kopa in another wood finish from a UK seller. Cheers again.
posted by brautigan at 9:42 AM on June 11