Knife suggestions
 

I Know this is a firearm thread, but I thought this would be the most appropriate thread for this question.

I need knife suggestions:

1. Pocket Knife

2. Defensive knife (Pocket Folder)

3. Fixed blade utility ( Hunting,and etc.)

To keep it simple, I want something equivalent to a Glock 21, reliable, user friendly, durable. Who gives a fu*k if it's pretty. I want it to work and work every time.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

IMO
stay away from anything folding

find a knife with a full length solid tang

Re: Knife suggestions
 

As far as folders I've carried a Gerber Fairbain Applegate for years... Workes great, never had issues...

Fixed, I've got a SOG, not sure of the model...

Re: Knife suggestions
 

KA-BAR ... been around since WWII, the original "Marine fighting knife." Same model is still around today.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KA-BAR

I wouldn't hesitate to use mine to dig in the dirt, saw, slice, stab, pry, chop, break up ice, or pound something with the handle. Full length, strong tang. You really feel like they can handle a lot of abuse. They come with a leather sheath.

I have a full size one as well as a small version, which is exactly the same as the full size, only... smaller. :D

https://www.kabar.com/product_detail...itary/Tactical

https://www.kabar.com/product_detail...itary/Tactical

https://www.kabar.com/images/1217_large.jpg

edit - Haha, just found this on YouTube by typing in ka-bar:




:D Too much fun.

This one gives a pretty good upclose view of a guy turning it over in his hands for a couple minutes:

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Ranger makes a HD carbon steel folder, that is stronger than H, and is easy to sharpen. OOPS, they were made in the USA and might not still be around. Anything hi-carbon that has Ontario on the blade is damned good too.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I've got one of these myself for fixed blade. Sog Seal Pup E. straight blade. Good size for most things. Not a chopping knife though.

http://sogknives.com/store/E37.html

next size up I think is ideal for a serious working knife, Seal E. Comes with extended tang, useful for window smashing and general hammering. I like their carbon type finished blades. Tini I think they call it. Didn't have one in a pup at the store but had the elite in it and it was nice finish wise.

looking for a folder myself so keen to hear peoples opinions on whats good.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I keep it cheap and simple. I EDC a Victorinox Super Tinker for utility and a Benchmade 551 for defense. Good solid knives that don't cost an arm and a leg.

My fixed blade is a Ka-Bar like Krugerrand. Again an inexpensive knife that's as solid as they come. There's better knives out there but Ka-Bar has been around since Christ was a Corporal and will serve you well without costing a fortune. Oh by the way, that's Ka-Bar, not K-Bar which is a knock-off.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I've gone through a few knives over the years. Most of them I end up tossing back in the gear box for one reason or another. A few have just been abused to death.

I like survival style camping, mountaineering, fishing, hunting, etc. You end up taking everything into consideration; weight, versatility, durability, etc. Here's what I've ended up with and like best.

I carry one of those multi-tool type knives and a serious knife. As far as the multi-tool type, which I'll use for most minor tasks, it's either a Victorinox classic with bells and whistles or a Gerber multi-tool if I expect heavier stuff. I like SOG and own a couple, but my choice for the larger knife is now almost invariably a Gerber Gator, serrated. Probably the best knife I've owned, FWIW. Really is a knife for life, as they say.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Best knives ever. Period.

http://boyeknives.com/

Had mine for two years, and not one bit of rust or corrossion. Stays sharp forever. Handles like a dream. Titanium clip and marlinspike (useful even if you're not a sailor )

Worth the money.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

As for a folder I keep are small cheaper folding Gerber in my pocket as an envelope opener or apple pealer. Not a great knife but for those type jobs it's perfect. I don't mind plastic handles or stainless blades for those type knives.

I will say for capping/butchering/fillet type knives, Forschner or F. Dick are inexpensive and high quality. I use the Forschners personally and they have a great reputation. Some people don't like stainless blades or fibrox handles but I love them for that type of work. Keep an eye out at the flea markets or garage sales for Old Hickory's on the cheap too. Good old carbon steel knives for butchering and they can be had really cheap at times.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

For a pocket knife you can't go wrong with Queen Cutlery. They use D2 tool steel which is very hard. You can get a wicked sharp edge on these knives and they stay shard for a LONG time. Canal Street also makes a nice knife but they use 440C which is much easier to sharpen. Check them out.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Dont catch a falling one :D

http://bigcharts.marketwatch.com/cha...980&mocktick=1

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Ken Onion Kershaw Chive (pocket letter opener)
http://www.knifesite.com/v/vspfiles/...K1600BB-2T.jpg

Sog Flash II (folder)
http://www.leisurepro.com/Image/Prod...l/SOGFIIFK.jpg

Cold Steel Recon Scout (for business)
http://www.valleymartialarts.com/images/cs39LRS.gif

Re: Knife suggestions
 

nice, I love it.

also, sog makes good on their warranties. I had the lock on one crap out about eight years after I bought it. I mailed it back. they had discontinued it and they sent me a new one that was probably twice as expensive as the old.

for fixed blade single edge style I like the tanto. I got a "second" from cold steel mighty cheap, and wow, its a sumbitch of a shank. Ideally though, the double edge dagger style is tactically superior to a single edge.

what I carry daily is a cheapo folder from walmart that is not too thick so it wont print through my suit jacket or pants pocket, and its one I can afford to lose or ditch if I have too.

I might add that I dig on carbon steel too. Rusts easy but it sharpens up like a mofo. the ka bar is carbon steel isn it? thats why it's parke'zd?

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Gerber - First choice - Have NEVER had one fail me in some of the wildest and wooliest places and situations on Earth. Forty years of backgrou

IMO everthing else is tied for last.

CC

Re: Knife suggestions
 

For a folding blade work knife I like Buck. Well made, modest price. Never failed in twenty plus years.

As far as fixed blade goes, I do like an own a Ka-Bar, but I would advise against carrying a fighting knife if you have not trained extensively with it. Without extensive training you have zero chance against a true knife-fighter.
Carry a firearm and remember: God made man, Sam Colt made them equal.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

You got it. :bear_thumb:


Never bring a knife to a gun fight.

If nothing else, remember Indiana Jones. :D

Re: Knife suggestions
 

For fixed blade get the Gerber LMF 2(roman numeral 2) fantastic survival knife and comes with an asek tool on sheath






4 3/4" black, partially serrated 12C27 stainless blade, 10 1/2" overall. Handle is brown TPV overmolded on nylon. Coyote brown textured Kraton handle. Comes complete with a molded plastic and nylon sheath. Holes through the blade and handle allow lashing to specific gear. Skull crusher handle end. Soft rubber over-molding on the main sheath to reduce noise. Butt cap is physically separated from the tang by handle substrate for shock absorption and electrical isolation. ASEK version includes an ASEK tool and space on the sheath system for it. Infantry version excludes the ASEK tool and has a lighter sheath. Choose model below:



Model
-- Select -- 1400 - ASEK 1463 - Infantry



List Price: $136.00
Our Price: $79.95



You can find them a little cheaper than this.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I think it really depends on the job you intend to use it for....
Utility, close quarters combat, professional work.....hacking a limb (tree)..
Check out Microtech.....Not cheap...but the best there is...
A Kabar Marine issue is just fine, too.

If you want the best, check out the link....Enjoy!
http://www.microtechknives.com/home.html

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I like the KA-BAR knife myself, I would call it the GLOCK 21 of fixed blade hunting/survival knives, there are certainly more fancy knives out there but a good KA-BAR is hard to beat. I have the same KA-BAR my pops carried in Korea while in the Marines. Marines carry them to this day. Cant go wrong with a KA-BAR in my opinion just as you cant go wrong with a GLOCK 21.

Here is an e bay listing for a good tough KA-BAR fighting knife with nice sheath and everything, good price IMO:

http://cgi.ebay.com/US-ARMY-KA-BAR-F...QQcmdZViewItem

For a POCKET FOLDING KNIFE I carry the same old BUCK locking knife that I have had for 23 years now and it is as good as new, you can get them on e bay for a good price and they are DAMNED GOOD pocket folding knives for work or play.

Here is an e bay listing for one, it is the best knife I have ever owned pound for pound and they last a lifetime, tough, durable and nice looking:

http://cgi.ebay.com/buck-112-folding...QQcmdZViewItem



There are MANY MANY very good suggestions on this thread, I prefer the old style knives, the tried and true but technology has come a long way and I certainly would not over look some of the other knives presented by folks on here, they are all very good from what I have seen and heard, for my two cents (which is now worth exactly nothing due to inflation) the two I mentioned work well for me and perform when I need them to, which is exactly what my GLOCK 21 does.

A friend of mine recently bought a knife made by GLOCK itself and I really liked what I saw. You can find them here, among other places:

http://www.impactguns.com/store/glockknives.html

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I bought a Smith & Wessun "Search and Rescue" bowie knife, and it's the sharpest blade I have ever owned.

It's is big, but it's what I wanted.
For those of you that are looking for a good place to purchase knives online, this guy is the best.
I payed $80 for mine at a surplus store, then I saw this guy was selling them for half that.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Your right!!.... he's got some great pricing, I haven't checked shipping yet.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Some very nice prices on that site for knifes. Just dropped a couple bills on some nice Ka-Bars and one of those Smith & Wessons.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Indeed. He basically sells at wholesale pricing, no matter on the size of the order. He also calculates you shipping based on the total order, so he can pack it as nicely and cheaply as possible.
Good guy to deal with. I have a friend that makes custom knives and collects other knives, and he buys from there all the time.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

you got ripped man. I been to the smoky mountain knife works near galveston and pigeon forge, and they got a ton of SW knives there and most of them $20-$30. Good Chinese steel!

I am just ribbing you. I got a couple folders and they are great.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

http://csstoreonline.stores.yahoo.ne...shswords1.html




The traditional weapon of the highland clansman, this sword has sown fear into the hearts of Englishmen for centuries. Its long, two-edged blade and distinctive basket hilt, when combined with targe and dirk has proven to be more than a match for enemy soldiers on battlefields the world over.

Now Cold Steel� has chosen to make our own replica of this famous weapon. Our double-edged blade is hand forged and beautifully polished with triple fullers. The stout basket hilt is made of blued steel with a wood grip covered in sam� (ray skin) and decoratively wrapped in wire. Each broadsword will pass the stringent British Proof test and comes with a wood and leather scabbard that’s complimented by blued steel chape and throat.

Specifications:
Weight: 47.8 oz
Blade Thick: 7/32"
Blade Length: 31 1/2"
Handle: 6 1/4"
Steel: 1055 Carbon
Overall: 37 3/4"


88SB

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I guy gave me a S&W Homeland Security lockback that I've been using for general utility around the farm for about 8 months now. I've been impressed with it. Of course, you can't pry sideways with a folder but the blade holds an edge well and the handle has made a good hammer a couple of times.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Oh frack Tom you must be one rich mofo to carry around a knife like that. Jeboo, look at that wood, I rarely see a damascus blade with a handle as nice as the steel.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

In Canada, you have to be careful what you carry in public. A knife considered a tool is one thing. If it's viewed as a weapon .... no.

So, my daily carry is Victorinox. Good old Swiss Army.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Yes years ago some Canuckistan chump at the border took exception at my arsenal of tools in my car... three or four knives, axe handle, handle from a big branch clipper, etc.... "do yous consider these weapons...?" he said as he pulled all this crap out of my ride and began yanking up carpets and all that jive. A real prig I must say.

Now I just carry a firearm and stay out of Canada. Cheers!

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Not meaing to thread jack but I looking around the site and found this.......


wow....

http://www.impactguns.com/store/SP-G17AACWEB.html

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Wow....if I could buy that with cash from someone I would.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I've owned the Glock 81 in OD green for more than twenty years. It holds the best edge of all my knives. I own Bucks, Case, some cheapie knives made in Pakistan (good for 'leaving' in your mark as it were).

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I know I got ripped, but like I said, I made the purchase at a surplus store, and then hear about defenseKnifeAndTool later.
The dude at the surplus store also charged me $100 for a box of 10 MREs
...which, as an after thought, I decided was not worth it to buy more.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I never did understand why auto knives are against the law in so many places. You can buy a semi-auto hand gun just about anywhere but an auto knife is illegal. Insanity.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

When it comes to hard working, daily carry, folding knives, I still mostly prefer Spyderco. It is important to realize Spyderco makes a whole range of different knives. They make some that sell for $35 while their really good ones are usually closer to $100. For just general pocket carry, the Caly III is one hell of a good knife. Plenty of online places to order one from.

I've used my Spyderco Military fully serrated knife "in the field" before when I hadn't realized until that moment I was going to need a big cutting tool. It's been called the "folding chainsaw" and that's a good description. But if I go out knowing I will be cutting and chopping, I look for one of my khukuris. I far prefer the HI brand to any of the tourist crap you will usually see for sale. You want a khukuri made in the traditional way with hammers and hot steel. And you want the person wielding the hammer to know what they are doing. HI sells a lot of fancy knives for collectors and I own some of them. But for just going out and chopping off some branches, I usually reach for a low priced Villager. I think I only paid $35 for it.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=739

Gregg

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Good advice on the serrated issue spyderco. I used to carry a cold steel ti-lite until I received the spyderco and I never looked back.

I also enjoy the gerber diesel I was issued over the sog I have and my old standard gerber.

I had originally brought along a ka-bar for missions but picked up the cold steel KOBUN tanto and carried it almost all year into situations with the local populace instead of my m-9 because the m-9 sucks ass. I never felt threatened to the point that I could not handle a situation on the street with my kobun alone. Plus I had one of my joes with the 240 following me wherever I went.

Kobun is a great edged weapon at an affordable price. I paid 35 dollars for mine and it has outperformed all of my friends' FANCY knives that cost ALOT of money. The SOG seal pup breaks easily, I've seen it. So does the SW boot knife.

Another thing about the tanto styles is that it's capabilities can be misleading. A "GOOD" tanto knife can pierce through a kevlar vest with a nice thrust. I have done it with my kobun but could not replicate it when testing other tanto knives.

The crkt folding tanto's of both large and small WILL NOT PIERCE KEVLAR. At least the vests I am referring to which I will not name. Standard police patrolling vests I cannot attest to. All I can say is that they cannot oierce something designed to stop 9mm and below.

The asian style folded steel tanto's and my kobun can.

Just something to think about in a fighting knife.

The buck knives are economical and pretty tuff. All purpose knives lfrom buck are damn fine for whatever you need done. Try not to let people wrap you up in the sex appeal of designer knives. It's a tool and nothing more. There are plenty of inexpensive knives that will do damn fine for the purposes you are referring to.

Blades need to cut, pierce and shave THINGS. They also need to hold a decent edge and feel comfortable in YOUR hand. I feel the KA-BAR in standard form is not for me but it is a great fighting knife none the less and is even balanced for throwing if you ever need to give up your knife.

There is a mini ka-bar that is cheap and durable but I am not sure how easily it breaks.

If you have any further questions feel free to PM me as I am am always willing to assisty in these areas for GIM folk.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Got my new K-BAR USMC knife in the mail today. I think everyone should have one of these, this thing is awesome! Got 'er on Ebay for 50 bucks. Got a black one with a rubberized handle, plus a hard plastic type sheath. There were others selling the same knife for 75 to 80 bucks, so I think I got a decent deal.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Sounds about right. 20 years, everything has gone up that much. When I was in the Air Force, I had several people wanting me to get them Jump boots, since they were so cheap at the clothing store. That was 25 years ago. They've got alot more neat stuff nowadays in the Military. All the new Cammo uniforms and such. We had plain old olive drab fatigues when I was in.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I wish we still had the OD's mor the woodland pattern. The uniforms we have now are retarded. Now we are switching yet again to the new woodland/desert mix uniform in 2011. This just screams corruption and stupidity. They just need to hand out more of our money to these clothing contractors.

I believe you got a really good deal on your new KA-bar. They used to go for 60 bucks everywhere I saw them back in 05-06. KA-bar usmc fighting knives are stand up blades.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Big-5 sells S&W lock blades knives that retail for close to $50, for sometimes under $10. I usually purchase 1/2 a dozen at a time and give them out as gifts over the year. Such a gift is allways well recieved. :wink:

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Big 5 is like one of my favorite stores! They have great deals on rifles when they are on sale. Not much selection, but good prices. I've bought those knives on sale. Got a couple nice hatchet sets for near nothing! I buy all of my shoes there as well, only stuff on sale!

Re: Knife suggestions
 

When I was in the Air Force, the only guys who had decent uniforms, were the combat controllers. They wore O.D. battle fatigues, which were bad-ass looking, and very comfortable. Being a Security Policeman, at least we got to blouse our pantlegs, and wore Berets, instead of the regular boring headgear. Uniforms should make an individual feel good, and proud to wear. Some of the Police Departments around the Country, who's uniforms look like Bell Hops, are ridiculous. I think you should have to earn the right to wear a beret. Didn't the Army start allowing ALL soldiers to wear one? I'm getting way off topic here, but yeah, I think everyone should have a KA-BAR. Good, useful utility type survival knife!

Re: Knife suggestions
 

My carry knife - SOG Twitch II. Just slide your finger over open assist lever on the back and it springs open very quickly. I like this MUCH better than the little nobs most knives have on the side (my hands are too bulky). It is lightweight and thin. I carry this knife with me at all times when I am traveling through states which do not recognize my concealed carry permit. It looks like a simple pocket knife, but it is readily available as a defensive weapon. I have removed the belt-clip and added adhessive velcro to the sides for traction (my one complaint). You can put it on a keyring and slip the key ring over your pinky finger to prevent dropping (and adding a few keys to the backside of your fist).

http://sogknives.com/store/TWI-8.html

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecent...sog8twitch.jpg

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Well the old uniforms were made for soldiers fighting wars over cocaine and herion drug smuggling routes, now that we control all that we need our guys dressed like the oil barons they are.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

The Florida Black Knife :D

http://www.oxforge.com/automati.htm

The automatic thats the grand daddy of modern day tactical automatics

http://www.oxforge.com/review.htm

Sadly, I only carry a copy of this fine knife. Mine's a Paragon

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...9/100_2478.jpg

Re: Knife suggestions
 

This does not exactly make much sense but if you are referring to soldiers now-a-days being uniformed to look like urban combat stormtroopers then I agree with you completely but the fact is the current camo for the army and air force is quite non tactical for the true enviroments of the world that troops are sent to.

So the current uniform is quite telling of our governments seeming intentions for our troops.

This is all of topic so I want to add that a good folding knife is essential for people living in anti firearm states like mine. In CA we have to carry a blade that folds and is I believe less than 4 inches. It is sad but necessary.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I think everyone should carry a folder as well, especially the Ladies. One thing I do not like is facing a knife! I don't care who is holding it, if I don't have a gun to counter it, I'm gone! Anyone who is holding a knife and looks like they can and will use it, is one hell of a intimidating force!

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I agree 100% with you. I can't tell you everytime I or someone I know has had an encounter with a knife.

My wife used a folder when a taxi driver and his friend tried to kidnap her and it worked well. Without a firearm things go wrong. So flee if you can. My old friend beat up a gangbanger once when he started a fight with him at a party but in the process the guy stabbed my friend with a six inch shiv three times in the mid section falling short of his heart by a fraction of an inch. Then the a-hole carjacked an arriving couples car along with the passenger in it.
Firearms are great but when you must use a folder as just your fists can sometimes win the battle but not the war if you get my drift.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

I highly recommend the Frosts Mora Knives made in Sweden.
For the money they are a steal. If you lose one - no big deal. A work horse knife.

I have a few of the army versions. One always goes in my butt pack or day pack when I spend any time in the bush.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

nice product, never heard of it! Just my kind of knife. cheap, carbon steel, nice handle with a cross guard.

You want to have a cross gaurd if you think you may have to gut somebody. I am told that when you really gut somebody their abdominal muscles will clench the knife and so a good cross guard can help you keep from sliding up on the blade and cutting your own fingers when gutting somebody. LOL

Re: Knife suggestions
 

The most IMPORTANT thing everyone needs to do is learn how to hold a knife correctly in a knife fight.

How do you hold yours?

I hold mine blade down under the wrist so I can slash and thrust with ease.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

As a folding knife I carry a A CRKT M1-03k. It was suggested to me by a friend of mine who is a blacksmith/bladesmith. He said for a production knife you can't get a much better folder.

The early version had a nice switch on the back to help you open the knife. I am not sure as the one pictured here has that. There were no springs so it is not considered to be assisted opening. A small flick of your finger to start the blade opening combined with a snapping writs motion is all it needs to quickly engage the knife.

http://www.twowolvesoutdoor.com/images/CR03K.jpg

"Columbia River Knives have been the equipment of choice for military and law enforcement operators worldwide. The special For Those Who Serve line of knives has been designed FOR USE by military, law enforcement, fire fighters and all emergency service professionals.

The CRKT Lightfoot BLADE is premium AUS 8 Stainless Steel with BLACK TITANIUM NITRIDE NON-REFLECTIVE COATING for superior corrosion resistance. Designer Greg Lightfoot describes the blade as, "It is a refined Tanto Shape with a custom-style hollow grind, slight belly and recurve, and a hint of a drop point. I call it a 'Millenium Tanto'. The false edge on the spine improves penetration while maintaining strength."

THE HANDLE of the Lightfoot M1 is contoured black ZYTEL scales textured with a special "operator's grip" hexagonal pattern and dual stainless steel liners. The FOUR-POSITION BLACK STAINLESS STEEL CLIP is heavy and wide to allow carry on straps, belting and gear as well as in the pocket and is removable/adjustable for tip-up, tip-down, left or right custom carry options.

The Lightfoot M1 features the Mako Flipper, which is a sleek bladeguard when open, along with the DUAL THUMB STUDS allow fast opening with either hand and the patented Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS) locking system makes the Lightfoot M1 a virtual fixed blade when open. At first glimpse, the M1 is a striking and unfamiliar shape. But, as Lightfoot says, �Grab it and it makes a fit. You instinctively know exactly where it is in your hand. And I believe that is a critical aspect in any successful knife design.�"

Two Wolves Outdoor

Re: Knife suggestions
 

if you are in a knife fight then you are in a situation you dont want to be in.

the most common knife assualts happen daily in jails. they happen lots of ways but stealth, surprise, and concealment are the names of the game. most of the knives are just shivs, lengths of metal sharpened to a point and used to inflict puncture wounds.

fencing is sport and most martial arts training for knife use has about as much relevance as that. what really protects you in jail is your gang who's got your back, your power, your brains and your balls, not your skills. skills are a last ditch line of defense. focusing overmuch on skills is a young man's mistake. jail in many such ways is also a microcosm of society.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Wow, it would seem you have a multitude of choices! Here are mine:

I have a Cold Steel San Mai Tanto combat knife (no longer in production);
a Cold Steel Recon Tanto combat knife; http://csstoreonline.stores.yahoo.net/13rtk.html

and a Cold Steel SRK survival knife; http://www.coldsteel.com/38ck.html

I also have 4 of the new US military aviation crew survival, escape, and evasion knife by Ontario; http://www.trueswords.com/ontario-su...ek-p-2649.html

as well as an older one with the leather sheath and leather washer handle made by Camillus; http://www.shoppingwarehouse.net/pro...earch%2BEngine

3 machetes made my Ontario, one of which is a bolo style.

Various dive knives, and various pocket knives. I have found the traditional "Buck" knife to be of little real value (JUST MY OPINION!!) The tip breaks easily and bulk vs. blade ratio is not so great.
I use a dedicated skinning knife for game, and the Recon SRK or a Bowie style sheath knife for everyday general purpose. I think an old style Marine Ka-Bar would be a useful utility knife as well. I have no experience with the new style knife carried by the Marines.

I have an assortment of small, flat daggers that I purchased from Cold Steel, including the Culloden.

I have found Case knives to hold an edge better than Buck or Old Time. Again, JUST MY OPINION.

For a regular daily walking around Palm Beach County, FL., pocket knife I carry a Spiderco Pro-Grip II, or a stainless steel camillus multi blade pocket knife with a can-opener.

Those are my basic MUST HAVE knives. The other 17 I have are my optional knives :D

I have survival knives stashed in several places, including my car trunk, along witha first aid kit and waterproof matches. I have knives also in my closets, and shed out back. There might be something buried somewhere also... *laugh* Knives that I pre-position are first covered in spray Co-Mo-Line, (available at NAPA auto parts online) then I vacu-pack them with my food saver.

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Very valid points (so to speak), IMHO...
-WM

Re: Knife suggestions
 

Ok, off the knives for one second to say something about uniforms *laugh* I was in the US Navy (silent service) back in the 80's. We wore the old white dixie cup hat and high waisted bell bottom dungarees with patch pockets... POSSIBLY the most USELESS uniform ever used in a modern navy was a daily work uniform. About 7 years ago the Navy FINALLY woke up and LISTENED to what the sailors were saying and changed to a Dickies style dark blue pant, normal padded work boots (instead of the open mouth chukka "boondocker" which was BRUTAL on your lower back) and baseball caps.

I have heard that the new digitized uniforms do something for defeating night vision... has anyone else heard that?

The grey/black/white urban uniforms scare me. They are made to blend with concrete... not sand. Not foliage.