Kay... question from a knife noob. Need a keychain knife

Lots of choices there.

For a keychain, you want light weight. That means a single blade with zytel/frn handles. Light and strong, but easy to open in an emergency when panic may cause some bumbling around. Loss of fine motor functions.

Since 1980, one of the most popular, light, rugged, economicly priced knives on the market has been the Gerber LST. At 1.5 onces, and a 3 1/2 inch closed length, it will fit on a keychain. Very easy to open. The LST junior is a bit smaller, and theres a micro LST that is only about 2 inches long closed. They will cut a seatbelt easy. Contrary to what some knife companys will have you believe, any sharp knife will cut a nylon seat belt.

The Gerber LST's I have had experiance with have been very rugged little tools for thier size and weight. They go for all of 17.95 from Smoky Mountain Knife works, and are still made in Portland Oregon, U.S.A. Comes with lifetime warentee.

I'll second the Gerber LST.

Available w/partially serrated blade too.


If you want something that cost a bit more and is more of a one-hand opener, take a look at the Spyderco Ladybug.


Its available in plain or serrated edge. Black FRN, Bright Orange FRN, or Stainless steel (much heavier).

The third option is a Buck 425. US made. Lifetime guarantee. and only 2.75" closed with a 1.5" blade.

I'll third the LST. Great little knives, I've owned three of them, keep giving them away...

1KPerDay said:

Any recommended online knife shops?

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Cutlery Shoppe has a section that is specifically keychain knives. They have the Gerber LST, the Spyderco Ladybug, and what is possibly the most popular keychain knife in history, the Victorinox Classic.

I'd also recommend the Leatherman Squirt with scissors. Mt wife has one on her keychain and loves it.

do you need a knife solely for the purpose of cutting the seatbelt, or other things as well?

if just for a seatbelt, then here's a handy little device specifically for cutting seatbelts. more practical than a knife

http://www.resqme.com/


sometimes simpler is better.

Li'l Guppie. Why have just a knife?

John

I like the LST for a keychain knife, but there's better tools to cut a seatbelt. For like $35.

i guess you only answer people with a high post count

I doubt that your wife is going to carry most of the popular rescue tools. In my time with Fire/EMS, we usually found them in the trunk of the car!!

The little Spyderco will cut many things, besides a seat belt. The only cautionary advice is that knives with sharp points fare poorly around people in close-quarters.

The Ladybug is available in a number of colors by checking on EBay. Some are discontinued, but that affects the knife not a bit.

The Boker Keycom seems to be pretty popular as well.

Also, though I posed no question, I have a pretty high post count and thus expect a response of some sort. If no response is made, actions will be taken. You don't want actions to be taken, do you?

If it makes you feel better I already ordered two resqme things. THANK YOU!! for the info.

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We will require pics and a review please. Thanks .

Kershaw chive.

Boker Subclaw -- very handy little item. The AUS8 blade is thin and is an excellent slicer. Yet, I've put mine through some abusive paces and it didn't as much as roll the edge. Even my wife likes hers, and she's not into blades.

Boker Subclaw

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Great little knife, no doubt about it. It's to big for a keychain knife though, hence the reason for CLB designing the Keycom.