Best Folding/lockable knives ?

[Richard]

Can anyone recommend the best type of pocket-sized lockable folding knife suitable for bushcraft when your fixed-blade isn't to hand? I'm looking for the safest, sturdiest locking mechanism, on a quality folding blade. (One that won't fold onto your hand or be too weak at the hinge).

Thanks

 

[TheViking]

I can definately recommend a SAK. I have an Outrider and it's superb. Just the right size, not too big, but still a lot of features. And you won't just get a knife, but also saw, scissors etc, etc. :biggthump

 

[Tony]

Something like this?

http://www.equipped.com/rsk_mk1.htm

 

[tenbears10]

I think the problem is that if you use it for the same stuff as a fixed blade then no locking mechanism is good enough. However folding knives are great for other tasks and I think most of us will have at least one swiss army knife. I am a fan of Leathermans as well but only if you buy them from the States or ebay as £100 is way too much.

Bill

 

[tomtom]

is a SAK lockable??

i am also a big fan of the leatherman, you kind find good deals on the net and get them sent from the US for very little!!

spydrackos are popular, with the knife guys at least.. i have no experience though!

 

[TheViking]

is a SAK lockable??

Yes, some of 'em is. The ones which is 11 cm. long.

 

[Realgar]

Personaly I wouldn't do without my Opinel - it's about the simplest and toughest locking mechanism I've used and it's tight enough that's there's no free play int he bade once it's locked. On the downside get it damp and won't open it until the wood dries out again.

Realgar

 

[Fatbloke]

I've been using a Normark Super Swede for years for loads of jobs. Recommended by an instructor on a course many years ago. You can still get them for around £30 I think.

 

[JakeR]

Leatherman make a good knife, there blades are strong and due to there design wont fold into the hand, you also get a top-class multi-tool with it.

 

[JonathanD]

Chris Reeve Sebenza. Now that's a knife :biggthump

 

[Stew]

Richard,

Do you have a price range? That might help guide the suggestions a bit more!

 

[C_Claycomb]

Having had a look at the Doug Ritter knife I have to say it is better in nearly every way for bushcraft than the Sebenza is. I have a Sebenza and though it is a nice knife it is not one I would now recommend for bushcraft activities. It does not carve well enough, it is not comfortable enough in the hand when cutting feather sticks, it is cold in the hand, and the lock is not easily releasable.

I still like it as a knife, and it is build like a tank. It just isn't a great choice for bushcraft.

 

[boaty]

Something like this?

http://www.equipped.com/rsk_mk1.htm

When's the BCUK folder due Tone?

And is it true that it'll be called the Albion? :roll:

 

[Lurch]

SAK? :?: 'orrible.

Like the look of the Doug Ritter though :biggthump

 

[bushwacker bob]

SAK? :?: 'orrible.

Yep.
(I still use it daily tho')

 

[Lurch]

I know, I know. I am a heathen and must be burned at the stake.

The scene at the support group:

<stands up> My name is Lurch and I hate SAKs
<sits down, stares at floor>

 

[quarterstaff]

I would think that a folding knife would mainly be used for food prep and smaller cutting task not so much carving and the like,so any of the knives mentioned would be fine.
If you are think of a folding knife to act as a back up if you fixed blade is lost or at the bottom of you sack then maybe you should look at the Almar sere 2000(rememdering no folder is as strong as a fixed).Also if you want it to spark a fire steel a rounded spine is a nono(sebenza).
Personally i would carry a fixed,locking folder and a leatherman(must have file and saw),but thats just me .
cheers

 

[JakeR]

Lurch, I wouldnt say i disagree! Although "hate" is too much of a strong word, i certainly think they are over-hyped.

 

[DUCky]

I think I mentioned before that I am one of those guys with way too many knives. I've got about forty folders to choose from. If you are really going to whittle and pry, I think you would want a lockback folder, like for instance my Spyderco Police model or even my Buck 110 has. The latter can be had quite cheaply and would make a decent knife for bushcraft (easy to sharpen too). The Sere2000 was mentioned here as well as the Sebenza. I have both and love them to bits but if you are worried about the knife folding whilst using it no liner lock or frame lock knife will be absolutely safe. If you don't like the lockback folders check out Benchmade's axis folders. I have a BM 805 which is rock solid.

Alternatively go for a small fixed blade, e.g. AG Russell's woodwalker or BRK&T Micro. They are the same size as the bigger folders and you could safely beat the hell out of them....

Just my 2 cents....

Lennart

 

[dtalbot]

Personaly I wouldn't do without my Opinel - it's about the simplest and toughest locking mechanism I've used and it's tight enough that's there's no free play int he bade once it's locked. On the downside get it damp and won't open it until the wood dries out again.

Realgar

Yep,
I'd go with that, it's my EDC (yes I know, I've got several reasonable excuses up my sleeve, all tried on a friendly magistrate who works for me!). I love em to bits, but it ain't that upsetting when I loose one as they only cost about a fiver, bargain of the millenium! And a few minutes on a sharpmaker gives them a wicked edge! Does everything a knife should from bits of carving through buttering toast to butchering bunnies.
Got an assortment of SAKs that don't get used much + a couple of leathemans which do get used but are kept safe either at home or in my pack. The opi lives in my pocket 24x7 unless I'm on a plane.
Cheers
David