Favorite Pocket Knife
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: Zbone
06-Feb-25
I carry my pocketknife while bowhunting along with a hunting knife, and of course it's my EDC, I never leave home without it... Through the years one way or another have obtained literally dozens of knives to the point I kinda have a collection not meaning to do so...
Anyhow through the dozens of pocketknives I've carried, I picked up a Kershaw Chill last October, mainly because of the long blade (for a pocketknife) and the light weight (just under 2oz on my scales), and it is a flipper knife, first and only flipper knife I've owned, and for around $25, reasonably priced... Can't say enough about this knife, it's my all-time favorite pocketknife... It seems well made and will also spark a ferro rod with it's type of stainless-steel blade...
Here are the specs: "Kershaw Chill Linerlock Folding Pocket Knife Black G10 Handle" Measures 4" (10.16cm) closed with 3.25" (8.26cm) matte finish 8Cr13MoV stainless blade...
What's your favorite pocketknife?
From: Beendare
06-Feb-25
I'm currently EDC'ing a Benchmade mini Bugout in S30v.
I lost the Benchmade mini Grip on my Backpack elk hunt that I successfully held on to for a decade. Before that I have lost a couple knives to TSA.....which is the problem with always having a pocket knife on you.
I really should be EDC'ing a cheapie....but I like quality knife steel and I have an in with Benchmade. I literally use my knife 3x a day- 10x lately with the remodel of my house.
From: Zbone
06-Feb-25
I carry one on my person all the time, but no need to use like that, although when I worked OSP, carried a cable splicer's knife (similar to a hawk bill blade) and usually used it multiple times a day... Had it for years (although I have lost a few) but the last one is next to me right now in the coffee table drawer, and I still use it about daily... Am not sure the manufacture of this one, maybe a Klein Tools, I have/had a lot of Klein Tools for work... This splicer's knife is a sturdy thing...
From: Dale06
06-Feb-25
Gerber magnum folding hunter. I heavy knife made in the 80s. Mine is super sharp and holds an edge.
From: Glunker
06-Feb-25
I was recently given a benchmade in model "tagged out" that might be worth anyone's consideration. With a 3.5" blade I thought it was too big for EDC but the light weight and slim handle is proving that wrong. Comes in a choice of a couple of high end steels.
From: fdp
06-Feb-25
I've carried a Victorinox of one model or the other everyday for about 40 years.
From: Coondog
06-Feb-25
A Montana Knife Company Mini Speedgoat is in my pocket every single day. It weighs 1 ounce. You cannot beat it. You’ll never want a folding knife again.
From: gil_wy
06-Feb-25
BM Bugout or ZT 0350….
From: Zbone
07-Feb-25
Coondog - Your Mini Speedgoat kinda reminds me of the Esee IZULA... I have a Chinese knock-off , and luv it... The Chinese knock-off is made with D2 steel, and the real IZULA is 1095 steel, and from what I read many prefer the D2 over the 1095...
I recently cut up a hide on deer hindquarter and used 3 different knives to experiment which one I liked to carry in my pack and the Chinese knock-off will now be my pack knife...
From: Zbone
07-Feb-25
Took a picture of my cable splicer's knife atop of the Chill I spoke of above... The scissors are what we called cable splicer's shears, I used them more daily than the knife, great tool of my line of work at the time, great for cutting tie-wraps, or what most people call zip-ties... It's also next to me in the coffee table drawer...
From: ScoutII
07-Feb-25
Bench made Adamas for me
From: RonP
07-Feb-25
i like a multi tool and carry a leatherman. i find i need pliers and a screwdriver as much as i need a knife.
From: DanaC
07-Feb-25
Buck 301 Stockman I picked up cheap off e-bay. Three blades, usually at least two are sharp ;-)
From: butcherboy
07-Feb-25
I’ve carried some form or another of Kershaw for many years. I usually don’t carry a really expensive knife since I have lost my fair share.
From: Supernaut
07-Feb-25
An Old Timer has been in my pocket since I was a kid. Skinned a lot of coons and other critters "back in the day".
I have a lot of other knives but this is the one I grab off my dresser every morning and slide in my pocket.
From: gil_wy
07-Feb-25
BM Bugout or ZT 0350….
From: Trying hard
07-Feb-25
I have a couple Schrader pocket knives...610T stamped on one blade.
From: KY EyeBow
07-Feb-25
Benchmade S30V currently
From: Kurt
07-Feb-25
Leatherman Fuse in a nylon sheath on my belt. It's relatively small with locking tools.....a 3" blade that holds an edge, needle-nose pliers with wire cutters, scissors, can opener, and 3 screw drivers...two flat and a #2 Phillips. Had it over 20 years...was an employee gift for having an outstanding quarter at work. Blade is well worn, joint is getting a tad loose, need to send it in for a tune up sometime.
I prefer the quality multi-tool vs a pocket knife for all the extra capability. When I carried a pocket knife full time it was a Buck Muskrat with two blades, similar to Supernaut's Old Timer above. Still have it but never sees the pocket.
From: Basil
07-Feb-25
I carry a SOG money clip knife every day now. Low quality but dual purpose & not afraid to lose it. Carried this Buck muskrat knife for over 45 years. Can’t imagine how many critters that thing skinned or gutted. Main blade is sharpened away to almost nothing.
From: longsprings
07-Feb-25
Craftsman 100 yr anniversarey stockman
Whew has done literally dozens of whitetail , if a blade gets dull open another one.
From: Glunt@work
07-Feb-25
Fairly cheap Sodbuster. Not as convenient as a more modern thumb open locking knife but simple and classic. I use them every day outside and they disappear occasionally so the "cheap" part fits well.
From: samman
07-Feb-25
Been carrying a Leatherman I got from Ducks Unlimited for 24 years now. I often need the pliers, screw drivers, etc. as much as a blade.
From: BOWNUT
07-Feb-25
Kershaw Onion.
From: T-rex
07-Feb-25
I carry a Benchmade Bugout everyday, but I'm waiting for MKC to come out with their folder next year. I bought an MKC Blackfoot 2.0 and it's an amazing knife, I've dressed and partially processed 4 deer with it this year and it's still almost to sharp. Great products!
From: Bou'bound
07-Feb-25
I’m running a buck folding hunter. 110
From: Beendare
07-Feb-25
Damn, The Buck 110 is big and heavy for EDC.
I still have the one my dad gave me 40 or so years ago....but it hasn't seen action in 3 decades.
From: Bowfreak
07-Feb-25
Zbone,
My best friend's step dad retired from a local phone company. The has probably not been a day of his adult life where he wasn't carrying his “snips”. After watching him use them for years it was eye opening how utilitarian they are.
From: PECO2
07-Feb-25
Another fan of Victorinox here. Lost my favorite one on a fishing trip a few months ago. Ordered a replacement, just found the one I lost in my duffle bag this morning! I like the ones with the longer, lock blade.
From: Swampbuck
07-Feb-25
Leatherman Wave, it’s saved my ass more than a few times!!
From: SlipShot
07-Feb-25
SlipShot's Link
My EDC is a BenchMade 8551. Not cheap but by far my favorite knife.
From: luckychucky
07-Feb-25
I carry a Buck 503. It's like a mini 110, slim and weighs 2 oz.
From: Hunter's Granddad
07-Feb-25
I would like to carry a BenchMade, but I'm to careless with a knife. Right now I'm caring a Kershaw Analyst with a 3.25" Blade and assisted opening. This Kershaw allows me to move the clip to the other side. I carry it in my left pocket. I like the looks of the Kershaw Chill.
From: Zbone
08-Feb-25
Bowfreak - Yeah, I'm the same...8^)
From: Bowhunter55
08-Feb-25
The knife I always have on me is a Karambit made by Fox Knives of Italy. When I absolutely can't carry my concealed pistol I always have my blade with me. It's purely a defensive weapon. When hunting, I carry a Gerber folder that I bought in 1983.
From: Papadeerhtr
08-Feb-25
I carry a Case Trapper love this knife.
From: PA-R
08-Feb-25
Same as fdp.
From: cnelk
08-Feb-25
Kershaw Speedsafe - one of the fastest assisted opening knife I’ve ever had.
From: Ov450
08-Feb-25
I started carrying a pocket knife when my father in-law called me out on it years ago and ever since then I’ve been a Benchmade fan
From: 4t5
08-Feb-25
Kershaw LEEK
From: DanaC
08-Feb-25
Some of my folders. Bottom left is my Buck edc 301.
From: loprofile
08-Feb-25
I could have retired early on the knives I have lost. The good ones are for looks, I only carry cheap.
From: Copperman
08-Feb-25
Buck Vantage been carrying the same one for 16 years now
From: Altitude Sickness
09-Feb-25
I seem to be carrying my Queen these days. I need to rotate occasions so the others get some use
Also wear the bark river bird and trout horizontal carry
From: Ryan Rothhaar
09-Feb-25
I like “old timey” slip joints in 1095 with a good heat treat. My favorite pocket knife is a GEC #82 Dixie stockman in burlap micarta. Too bad the hipsters found out about GEC during covid, demand is so high it’s a mollyscramble if you want one when a new model drops nowadays.
I found a benchmade 940 Osborne in a parking lot in some kind of super steel. I sent it in to get tuned up and gave it to my neighbor. The blade on that thing would make a dandy prybar. Too tactical for me :)
R
From: orionsbrother
09-Feb-25
Benchmade 745 Lum Deja Voo
From: RJ Hunt
09-Feb-25
For years I carried a benchmade AFO and have since gone to carrying a fixed blade of my own design. I have a couple I like to carry and don’t have the same expectations for a daily carry as I would for a knife I carry that will be taking apart an elk in the field. My knife I carry most daily is a simple high carbon steel blade in 80crv2 in the 3.75” range
From: Painless
10-Feb-25
I carry a Benchmade Megumi.
From: Mint
10-Feb-25
I lost a couple of really nice Benchmades made with ATS34 that went for over a $100 so now i carry a little American made Gerber.
From: nchunter
10-Feb-25
My favorite for just every day carry is just the victorinox classic. If I have real work to do I bring my benchmade. I took the belt clip off of it for smoother pocket wear.
From: WYOelker
10-Feb-25
I can not imagine not carrying my leather man every single day. It has saved and fixed so many things. Small pouch on my belt and I always have it. 2 knives, one saw, file, scissors, screw driver, micro driver etc.
From: Keadog
11-Feb-25
I used to try to use them all, at least the folders.
I used to try to use them all, at least the folders.
Ah, knives. My main knife drawer. Not pictured is my 90+% EDC Case Marilla back flipper. S35VN, very easy to get extremely sharp with my Work Sharp at 17 degrees and holds the edge well. I used to try to rotate more but I sort of gave up the last few months.
From: bowhunter24
11-Feb-25
I've been packing my 50+ year old cub scout knife for the last 20+ years. It's not stainless so it will rust, the blades and tools will not lock, but it reminds me of the good old days!
From: SaddleReaper
11-Feb-25
My EDC is a Zero Tolerance 0450cf. Amazing knife. If you want bigger look up the 0452
From: Fuzz
12-Feb-25
Hey Bowhunter24... I carry my late brothers Boy Scout knife...every time I use it I think of him. Is this similar to yours? It's 50-ish years old.
From: Corax_latrans
12-Feb-25
“I've carried a Victorinox of one model or the other everyday for about 40 years.”
My Victorinox Spartan has marks on the scales from where I used it to push something around on a hot plate in Biology lab… about 45 years ago. I field-dressed my first bow-killed deer with that sucker, too, almost 30 years back….. And literally has my fingerprints on it from handling it with some kind of chemical on my fingers, so don’t anybody get any big ideas about stealing it…. TSA tried to take it, so I had to spring for the postage from DIA….
From: VAMtns
12-Feb-25
Boker Tree Brand Classic , Great knives fellas I like em all
From: Don T. Lewis
12-Feb-25
I like the older Jack knives.
From: Don T. Lewis
12-Feb-25
I like the older Jack knives.
From: Muddyboots
15-Feb-25
Old-timer 340T, has carbon steel. About 3 3/8" closed. Used to carry a very similar Buck knife that had SS blades. Feel the carbon steel works better for me.
From: Vaquero 45
16-Feb-25
............
From: Vaquero 45
16-Feb-25
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,top one I posted was a case xx wr 5 1/4 inch closed , here is a folding Off Grid enforcement XL
From: Vaquero 45
16-Feb-25
No longer made Gerber Stag ....
From: Vaquero 45
16-Feb-25
Another view of the Off Grid enforcer xl
From: Jbrink
16-Feb-25
How’s this for you black widow fans
From: Jbrink
16-Feb-25
I think I like that 1885 better than the knife
From: Jbrink
16-Feb-25
Vequero we have the same taste
From: WV Mountaineer
16-Feb-25
For a pocket knife, I’m currently carrying a d2 steel honey badger. A pretty good knife. Not great. But, good for a pocket knife. The steel is hard and holds a good edge. Borderline too hard for a pocket knife.
Hunting knife I carry fixed blades made by my brother.
From: Vaquero 45
16-Feb-25
Josh yes we do , Case folders n yes that's a model .1885 high wall 45-70 .
From: sleepyhunter
17-Feb-25
Microtech LUTD
From: Hank_S
19-Feb-25
Lots of cool pocket knives!
I've enjoyed the walk down memory lane...thanks!
From: Vaquero 45
19-Feb-25
Wish I still owned my Camilus blue cub scout folder with a bear cub emblem I had as a boy in the Cub Scouts, but my mom made it disappear one day too keep me I guess from getting in trouble with it . Some body here probably still has there's . Mine was purchased from Sears when in around 1968 they sold scouting supplies .
From: sleepyhunter
19-Feb-25
Microtech LUDT
From: bigswivle
19-Feb-25
Case sow belly. Been my go to for a while. Good marking blade for calves.
From: Zbone
20-Feb-25
bigswivle - "Good marking blade for calves"...
Are you talking about notching their ears?... Thanks...
From: 2Wild Bill
20-Feb-25
Last few years I've carried this Buck Slim because the size is right and the feel is right. I've reversed the clip to the opposite side and it keeps the blade from being on the side where my hand enters my pocket. I have a short fob which hangs ourside my pocket making for an easy removal. Amazing to me is my inability to make an edge with a coarse diamond stone, instead, I have to take it down to a medium stone to get an edge that grabs at my skin as I slide my thumb along the edge. I like the red color as it flags attention to itself. and the weight is, IMHO, perfect for the size. I like the one hand to open but wish it was a linerlock making one hand closure easier. A very sturdy knife.
From: rebelmdb
20-Feb-25
MKC Mini Speedgoat for me.
From: Vaquero 45
25-Feb-25
SOG KIKU XR satin
From: Don T. Lewis
26-Feb-25
Original Russell Barlow
From: Vaquero 45
15-Mar-25
Civivi Biophase edition in od green. Skeletonized blade n grip frame handle. Ultra lite weight, tough built , crazy sharp .
From: Vaquero 45
15-Mar-25
... Biophase " closed "
From: Zbone
15-Mar-25
What are those leather thingys?
From: Vaquero 45
15-Mar-25
What are those leather thingys? Good question ! those are called slobber straps , they go attached to " O " ring snaffle and "D" ring snaffle horse bits . The round hole with the cuts in them is were the 5/8 " mecate mane hair reins or braided paracord rope travel through . Its a fantastic horse rein system which also allows for on the a good length of rein on the left side of horse over be used as a get down lead , if needed .......
From: Saphead
15-Mar-25
Its strange that I have so many knives but after seeing all these I want more...
From: Ben
15-Mar-25
Vaquero, I agree I love Mecates. The get down rope is always there and my horse ground ties super so it makes it easy to jump off and drop the rope and do what I need. My favorite day after day knife is a folding box knife. Cut about anything including hay nets and baling twine with ease and if if gets dull while your out you just turn the blade end for end and have a fresh sharp blade.
