Pocket knives

[mtnbkr]

Yes, this one has very minute element of blade play along both axes, but were talking fractions of arc. I've also yet to encounter an OTF which locks up as tightly as a side opener. A side opener basically becomes a standard lock blade. The movement is not something I've noticed while actually using it, but it could possibly trigger one's blade OCD.

Thanks. I'm OCD enough that it would drive me crazy. I'm glad I learned this without dumping real money into a quality knife. Thanks.


I'm reluctant to pocket carry anything that can potentially launch a blade OTF into my person. I might carry something like an OTF in a belt sheath.

The only switchblades I own spend their lives in the dark and uncarried. An old UDT and LUDT.

I regret not buying a UDT back when they were relatively inexpensive. I remember seeing them for less than $150 at some online retailers.

Chris

[blues]

I regret not buying a UDT back when they were relatively inexpensive. I remember seeing them for less than $150 at some online retailers.

Chris

Send me a PM, if you like, and make me an offer if it's something you want. I don't carry it and it's just sitting around. It's new / unused. And for clarity's sake, this is made by "Vero Beach", the forerunner of Microtech. No worries either way. I've had it this long.

(I've only owned a handful of Microtechs over the years, and sold most off. I still have the LUDT, 1998 version, and a prototype manual "Kestrel". I named the Kestrel for Marfione during a visit with him in the late 90's.)

52822

[Clusterfrack]

I'm reluctant to pocket carry anything that can potentially launch a blade OTF into my person. I might carry something like an OTF in a belt sheath.

The only switchblades I own spend their lives in the dark and uncarried. An old UDT and LUDT.

I think the OTF is safer than it seems. The launch spring isn't that powerful--not enough to do much more than prick you. In a pocket, I would want to make sure that the closed knife was long enough that if the blade came free, it wouldn't protrude by a lot. I've had a folder come open in a back pocket, and that's a scary situation (fortunately no injury).

I have no interest in side-openers or assisted openers. A good thumbstud or a Wave works well, without added complexity.

For me, the attraction of the OTF is a symmetric grip and a double edge.

[mtnbkr]

Send me a PM, if you like, and make me an offer if it's something you want. I don't carry it and it's just sitting around. It's new / unused. And for clarity's sake, this is made by "Vero Beach", the forerunner of Microtech. No worries either way. I've had it this long.


I appreciate it, but will pass. With the direction VA's politics are headed (more accurately...have headed) and with automatics still being contraband for most of us, this would just be a stay-at-home toy for me these days.

Just a couple years ago it looked like VA might remove the restrictions on automatics. :rolleyes:

Chris

[critter]

I think the OTF is safer than it seems. The launch spring isn't that powerful--not enough to do much more than prick you. In a pocket, I would want to make sure that the closed knife was long enough that if the blade came free, it wouldn't protrude by a lot. I've had a folder come open in a back pocket, and that's a scary situation (fortunately no injury).

I have no interest in side-openers or assisted openers. A good thumbstud or a Wave works well, without added complexity.

For me, the attraction of the OTF is a symmetric grip and a double edge.

The spring in the slide is a good kind of strong, and though it will probably become a little 'easier' with time, it's not going to easily slide forward. It would take a divine intervention to launch the blade. Or Murphy on a damaged Mechanism I suppose. It also must travel a just about full half inch before it launches the blade.

[Navin Johnson]

I have played with some $300 plus OTFs and they all have blade wiggle. Actually really doesn't bother me but to sum it does.

The reason OTFs cost so much is your prepaying for the warranty. They are fussy they do wear out and they are very debris sensitive.

If it were legal for me I would own one just cause they're so f****** cool.

[Clusterfrack]

Dammit. I spent at least an hour researching OTFs, reading reviews, and comparing models. The UTX-85 double-edge, half serrated is what is looking good to me:

52875

[rca90gsx]

Same idea as you, or the Dirac. Except no serrations for me ,i don't think


Dammit. I spent at least an hour researching OTFs, reading reviews, and comparing models. The UTX-85 double-edge, half serrated is what is looking good to me:

52875

[Clusterfrack]

Some things cut so much better with serrated blades... it would be nice to have both.

[rca90gsx]

Maybe I need to sharpen my pencil about serrations! I am kind of waying pro's and con's of the button on the Dirac being in the center of body vs on the side of the UTX 85.


Some things cut so much better with serrated blades... it would be nice to have both.

[Clusterfrack]

Maybe I need to sharpen my pencil about serrations! I am kind of waying pro's and con's of the button on the Dirac being in the center of body vs on the side of the UTX 85.

Yeah, I was thinking about that, and I think I like the button on the side. And the UTX has a 0.125" thick blade compared to the 0.090" Dirac.

[Totem Polar]

Clusterfrack, give the locals a nod and also look at a mini infidel (or infidel) while you’re at it.

https://www.benchmade.com/mini-infidel-family.html

[Clusterfrack]

Clusterfrack, give the locals a nod and also look at a mini infidel (or infidel) while you’re at it.

https://www.benchmade.com/mini-infidel-family.html

I did consider Benchmade autos, but the grip size was a little big, and they’re asking a lot for what you get. They don't offer a double edged blade with serrations on one side. Reviews were mixed as well.

Of the BM OTF line, the Autocrat looks the best to me. I like the G10 grip.
52958

[JodyH]

I'm reluctant to pocket carry anything that can potentially launch a blade OTF into my person.
Neither my Microtechs or my Hogue OTF will fire through the pocket material of my Duluth pants or shorts and the slide buttons take a solid deliberate push to launch.
I don't see any of them being more prone to opening inside a pocket than any waved folder or pretty much any other "tactical" folding knife, especially when carried tip up.
If a OTF launches in a pocket it's likely to only partially deploy with basically a free floating blade that would have a hard time pushing through pocket material and then skin.
A tip up folder that even partially opens in a pocket is a recipe for hand surgery (had it happen to me with a well used Griptilian, luckily I only needed a couple butterfly stitches).
The accidental OTF launch would also be much more likely to be noticed than the folder opening.

[blues]

Neither my Microtechs or my Hogue OTF will fire through the pocket material of my Duluth pants or shorts and the slide buttons take a solid deliberate push to launch.
I don't see any of them being more prone to opening inside a pocket than any waved folder or pretty much any other "tactical" folding knife, especially when carried tip up.
If a OTF launches in a pocket it's likely to only partially deploy with basically a free floating blade that would have a hard time pushing through pocket material and then skin.
A tip up folder that even partially opens in a pocket is a recipe for hand surgery (had it happen to me with a well used Griptilian, luckily I only needed a couple butterfly stitches).
The accidental OTF launch would also be much more likely to be noticed than the folder opening.

Having never owned an OTF, it's good to know that the mechanism is relatively safe.

Yeah, I've been bitten by knives that had a tip peeking out of the well...fortunately never more than just a small cut and minor bleeding.

That said, autos of any stripe don't really trip my trigger by and large.

[mtnbkr]

That said, autos of any stripe don't really trip my trigger by and large.

They're fun to play with while sitting on the couch watching TV, but real world utility for me isn't any better than a decent tac knife with thumbstud. Lately, with me not going out much, I'm mostly slipping my Canal Street Cannitler into my pocket anyway.

Chris

[blues]

They're fun to play with while sitting on the couch watching TV, but real world utility for me isn't any better than a decent tac knife with thumbstud. Lately, with me not going out much, I'm mostly slipping my Canal Street Cannitler into my pocket anyway.

Chris

I don't even do that. Try to keep the spring from wearing out needlessly. But I'm not a knife fidgeter. I used to play with my balisong before I sold it to someone who wanted it more than I did.

[Det1397]

I have an Emerson CQC7 but find it a bit large to always pocket carry... enter the CQC7 Mini- a little smaller make a big difference.

[Clusterfrack]

Det1397 - CQC7, great knives.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200430/00071b5e4660237e6ac1048a0329f820.jpg

[Clusterfrack]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200501/6d40f8fdb586557fb72c7c6d314efc6c.jpg

Microtech UTX-85 just arrived. I like it a lot. It’s very compact, and smaller than I expected. But perfect. I can’t imagine getting a 75, it would be way too small, and my hands aren’t huge.

Build quality, action, and lockup are superb. I like the blade design quite a bit as well. I could see making this knife an EDC.

I’m annoyed that I had to pay $30 for an aftermarket tool to switch the pocket clip for left side carry.

[Clusterfrack]

...I’m annoyed that I had to pay $30 for an aftermarket tool to switch the pocket clip for left side carry.

Followup to my post about the pocket clip on my new UTX-85: I should have carried it before ordering the tool. With the as-shipped clip position, I actually find it easier to deploy the knife from the left pocket than from the right. I won't be moving the pocket clip after all.

[JodyH]

A trick on closing the Microtech OTF slide... instead of using the pad of your thumb to slide the slide back, slightly rotate your hand and curl your thumb to "pull" it closed. More leverage that way makes closing it when your hands are cold or wet much easier.

That serrated/plain dual edge dagger blade is awesome... scary but awesome. I'd have to stock up on Band-Aids if I owned one of them. LOL
I've come close to buying a dual edge Combat Troodon a couple of times.

[Exiledviking]

Got a new one.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200509/490316a08b9507820d217f03743a4667.jpg

[pangloss]

For the past couple of weeks, I've really really been wanting a new pocket knife. Last night it finally dawned on me that this is probably a replacement behavior for shooting since I haven't been to the range in almost a month and a half. For the past 2+ years I've been carrying a mini griptilian. I like the knife, but I don't like it as much as the Spyderco Dragonfly (lost somewhere in eastern Kansas) I had before it or the Spyderco Manix 2 (given away to a guy that was almost killed by my gun safe) I had before that. The Manix 2 was a little too big, and the Dragonfly was a little too small. In any case, I just ordered a Para 3 that should be close to my ideal. Thanks for listening.

[Half Moon]

Anyone have experience with Schaller Knives? Not finding reviews online. Which probably figures since he's a part time one man shop. Stumbled across his website while searching for a sheath. Don't know why, but the Okapi model is speaking to me. Lot of money though for an unknown (to me) maker...

http://schallerknives.com/Okapi.html

[blues]

Anyone have experience with Schaller Knives? Not finding reviews online. Which probably figures since he's a part time one man shop. Stumbled across his website while searching for a sheath. Don't know why, but the Okapi model is speaking to me. Lot of money though for an unknown (to me) maker...

http://schallerknives.com/Okapi.html

Half Moon

Maybe there will be some useful info via this link (https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Abladeforums.com+schaller+knives&rlz=1CAYGYA_enUS892&oq=site%3Abladeforums.com++schaller+knives&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.8420j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)?

[rob_s]

Thought I’d try here since someone on the spyderco thread suggested the Pro-Tech The Don and I don’t want to keep hijacking that thread...
https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Protech-Don--347

The Don would be great but I’m guessing out of the price range and the folding.. wings? (It’s early forgive my memory) would impede my intended carry spot of IWB string side hip.

So what I’m looking for is a nice looking folder, slim, with some panache, to carry IWB behind strong side hip, that’s hopefully under the $250 mark. Needs to be thin, and pretty reliably stay closed (but not a secondary lock), due to carry location.

[JodyH]

Thought I’d try here since someone on the spyderco thread suggested the Pro-Tech The Don and I don’t want to keep hijacking that thread...
https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Protech-Don--347

The Don would be great but I’m guessing out of the price range and the folding.. wings? (It’s early forgive my memory) would impede my intended carry spot of IWB string side hip.

So what I’m looking for is a nice looking folder, slim, with some panache, to carry IWB behind strong side hip, that’s hopefully under the $250 mark. Needs to be thin, and pretty reliably stay closed (but not a secondary lock), due to carry location.

Buy a clip slip (basically a leather IWB holster for knives) and you can open up your options to knives without clips.
There are a lot of really nice "gentlemen's knives" that don't have pocket clips.
The clip slip gives you an option to carry them in multiple ways comfortably.
there's a guy in Europe that makes the best one by far, give me a day or so and I'll track down his info.

A "review" of the Pro-Tech "The Don" and a clip slip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmpglHrM8iM

[JodyH]

Here's the German clip slip guy:
https://www.theclipslip.com/

I see that R Grizzle also makes a good looking clip slip.
https://rgrizzleleather.com/knife-sheaths-and-other-gear.html

[rob_s]

Buy a clip slip (basically a leather IWB holster for knives) and you can open up your options to knives without clips.
There are a lot of really nice "gentlemen's knives" that don't have pocket clips.
The clip slip gives you an option to carry them in multiple ways comfortably.
there's a guy in Europe that makes the best one by far, give me a day or so and I'll track down his info.


Here's the German clip slip guy:
https://www.theclipslip.com/

I see that R Grizzle also makes a good looking clip slip.
https://rgrizzleleather.com/knife-sheaths-and-other-gear.html

not a bad option, but I'm already trying to keep the bulk down, and a holster for a folding knife is only going to make it thicker, unfortunately.

[Navin Johnson]

Thought I’d try here since someone on the spyderco thread suggested the Pro-Tech The Don and I don’t want to keep hijacking that thread...
https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Protech-Don--347

The Don would be great but I’m guessing out of the price range and the folding.. wings? (It’s early forgive my memory) would impede my intended carry spot of IWB string side hip.

So what I’m looking for is a nice looking folder, slim, with some panache, to carry IWB behind strong side hip, that’s hopefully under the $250 mark. Needs to be thin, and pretty reliably stay closed (but not a secondary lock), due to carry location.

If you have a coin pocket or sub pocket inside of a main pocket it is a great place to carry a folder.

anything smaller than a Delica compromises your ability to use it if it's used for anything other than opening envelopes.(if it may have a tactical use )

The stay close to bias of a lock back is much safer to carry inside the waistband then almost anything else except for a knife with a secondary lock.

Inside the waistband under a belt is not very fast to draw from.

A low-carry pocket clip will make the knife much more discreet.

For your budget you could have two delicas and two low carry Lynch pocket clips.

If you want something that is pimp get a small Sebenza. For double your budget it'll do almost as much as a $70 Delica.

For whatever reason people often suggest knives that they're looking at themselves that have no practical purpose for what they are going to be used for. I am looking at this from the utilitarian purpose of stay closed bias.... slim.... quality materials and great ergonomics.

A 3 inch bladed knife does not freak most people out.

[rob_s]

The Pro-Tech Brend 2 is an interesting option, with the deep-hang clip already installed and the auto being a fun addition IMO...
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Protech-Brend-Auto-2-Grey--3240

https://www.bladehq.com/optimized_images/imgs/knives/side-opening-automatics/protech-auto/protech-brend/protech-brend-2/Protech-Brend-2-Auto-Aluminum-Black-G-10-Black-1202-BHQ-3240-jr-416w.jpg


The Newport is another interesting option, and is one of the thinnest I've found at 0.38"
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Protech-Newport-Silver-Automatic--16751

https://www.bladehq.com/optimized_images/imgs/protech-3410-newport-416w.jpg

[23JAZ]

Followup to my post about the pocket clip on my new UTX-85: I should have carried it before ordering the tool. With the as-shipped clip position, I actually find it easier to deploy the knife from the left pocket than from the right. I won't be moving the pocket clip after all.

CF do you really need the tool to flip the pocket clip or can it be done without it? I am lefty and didn’t order the tool when I ordered the 85.

[23JAZ]

Found this. Looks like it will work.

https://youtu.be/0fS7UDrCnRw

[Clusterfrack]

CF do you really need the tool to flip the pocket clip or can it be done without it? I am lefty and didn’t order the tool when I ordered the 85.

You might be able to do it with vice grips and some rubber to protect the screw. Maybe.

Play with deployment first. I like the standard position for left pocket carry.

[omega9]

CF do you really need the tool to flip the pocket clip or can it be done without it? I am lefty and didn’t order the tool when I ordered the 85.

I’m a lefty as well. It’s easy to do without the tool if you have a drill. Just stick the glass breaker in the chuck then tighten it up so the glass breaker is in there nice and tight, then rotate the knife until the clip is loose. Do the opposite for installation.

[Clusterfrack]

I’m a lefty as well. It’s easy to do without the tool if you have a drill. Just stick the glass breaker in the chuck then tighten it up so the glass breaker is in there nice and tight, then rotate the knife until the clip is loose. Do the opposite for installation.

Outstanding. I wish I had thought of that.

[Crusader8207]

I’m a lefty as well. It’s easy to do without the tool if you have a drill. Just stick the glass breaker in the chuck then tighten it up so the glass breaker is in there nice and tight, then rotate the knife until the clip is loose. Do the opposite for installation.

I used this trick and it worked well.

[23JAZ]

I used this trick and it worked well.
It worked perfectly. I used a microfiber cloth over the glass breaker so as not to scratch it and had it done in 30 seconds. Thanks!

[Clusterfrack]

The Kizer Swaggs Swayback (https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KUV3566E3/kizer-cutlery-vanguard-swaggs-sway-back-flipper-knife-cpm-4v-stonewashed-wharncliffe-blade-black-linen-phenolic-handles-knifecenter-exclusive) has become my favorite “Safe for Work” knife. At $75, it’s a good deal as well. My only gripe with it is the button lock button is a little too easy to operate. In a reverse grip tip up, I was able to depress the button and unlock the knife if I had my finger in just the right/wrong place.

Solution: shorten the button by 1.1mm*. Knife now stays closed unless button is pushed by a fingertip.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230207/351971b9da93f8dc66b30f7355e5665a.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230207/a32eef0f4d13134b19f9182cbdf3d8d9.jpg

*This project took a little creative machining because I do not have a lathe. I chucked the button in a hand drill, clamped the drill, and used a file to remove material and bevel. Then polish with emery cloth.

[backtrail540]

On a trip to Blademan's today, I got to handle some great stuff. Mark had a thorough selection and many current offerings that made it a pleasureable trip as always. I ended up with a stretch 2xl but some of the other cool blades i saw or handled were

Benchmade Narrows - Going in I already thought it was the most overpriced and overhyped knife of the year. I still feel it is overpriced but not by as much now. It was easily the most smooth action of all the blades i handled today. The thinness wasn't an issue, as I thought it might be, but actually made it feel great in the hand. They are nuts at $500 but if they would have put them at $300 even i think i could convince myself they're worth it. The crossbar lock was great as well.

Benchmade Full Immunity - if this was a 3.25-3.5" fullsize blade they wouldn't be able to make enough of them. But in current form it is so small that i imagine it will turn off many buyers. Too small for my taste.

Spyderco subvert carbon fiber sprint - I always wanted to handle a Subvert because they are just cool pocket machete's but never had the chance. It was everything i wanted it to be. But the $400 dollar pricetag is too high. If i come across one on the swap one day in the sub $300 range then i would likely bite. Just a cool beast of a knife.

Shirogorov neon - very nice thin blade that was smooth opening and nicely sized. Like other Shiro's, I rode the lockbar initially, but once i quit stepping on my dick it was a nice blade.

Protech Rockeye - this was my second favorite protech auto. Solid ergos for an out the side and this one had a cool smoke grey blade finish that set it apart.

Protech Terzuola - I will own one eventually. Best protech auto, imo. He has had the tuxedo variant for awhile and i hope it sticks around so i can snag it.

ADV new Ronin - button lock wasn't great but ergos and aesthetics were improved over the previous Ronin, for me. The cf scales and bolsters really are an upgrade aesthetically.

He had a few nice custom (he always has a Rassenti or two for exampled).

The Curtiss knives feel great, though i feel they're a bit salty.

Plenty of Microtech's of all forms. I don't care for otf's but the stitch and brachial were cool. No MSI though.

Fun few hours handling cool blades and having good conversation with a true enthusiast.