Heck - I have a 20 year-old $20 Schrade Uncle Henry that for functionality beats 90% of what's out there. They are making them again and I understand the quality is good.
Uncle Henry Stockman
Uncle Henry Stockman
In Praise of the Non-Tactical Pocketknife
- Thread starter Dave Markowitz
- Start date
- Status
saltydog452
Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2004
- Messages
- 1,707
I carry a SAK and have done so for a few years. Its the 'Electricians Knife', but I doubt that it was designed by an electrician. Mostly I like the awl and the short blade. The awl is sharpened and has dug out a bunch of splinters. The short blade is a handy size tool and is used most frequently. I've have actually stripped and cut wire with it..twice. Mostly though its just a pocket tool that has most of what I need.
Corona beer bottles do not have a 'twist-off' cap.
A Spiderco 'Co-Pilot' serves as a money clip.
A Kershaw lock back similar to a Buck 110 has been in a left hip pocket for a tad less than 20 years now. It has seen more use as a hammer for doing such as knocking on receiving doors of freight docks than anything else, but has been comforting at times.
salty.
Corona beer bottles do not have a 'twist-off' cap.
A Spiderco 'Co-Pilot' serves as a money clip.
A Kershaw lock back similar to a Buck 110 has been in a left hip pocket for a tad less than 20 years now. It has seen more use as a hammer for doing such as knocking on receiving doors of freight docks than anything else, but has been comforting at times.
salty.
I have one of these three in my pocket everyday. I guess the Chris Reeve is the most "tactical" but that would be a stretch. (that knife, btw, is one of the finest things I've ever bought. After a decade of daily use it's just as good as the day I bought it, maybe even better because I got to customize it a bit. And yeah, it was expensive but I've BEAT on that thing, the way it was meant to be.)
My opinion on the topic of non-tactical is as follows:
Swiss Army Knives = Bovine Excriment.
For the cost of a "good" Swiss Army style knife I can get a good plier type multi tool instead - Complete with locking tools, a better knife blade, and actual pliers. If Inspector Gadgeting is your game you may as well use a decent tool. I've broken so many Swiss Army knives (even "real" ones, Wenger and Victorinox) that I've discounted them by now. They were nice in the 50's when they were invented, but haven't kept up with the times.
(No, a Swiss Army with no knife blade and a USB flash drive bodged into the handle does not count.)
But again, that's just opinion.
If I want non-tactical otherwise I carry my Balisong. It's about as SWAT as a poke in the eye. Or my Buck, or a Schrade, or a Gerber, or a Kershaw...
Swiss Army Knives = Bovine Excriment.
For the cost of a "good" Swiss Army style knife I can get a good plier type multi tool instead - Complete with locking tools, a better knife blade, and actual pliers. If Inspector Gadgeting is your game you may as well use a decent tool. I've broken so many Swiss Army knives (even "real" ones, Wenger and Victorinox) that I've discounted them by now. They were nice in the 50's when they were invented, but haven't kept up with the times.
(No, a Swiss Army with no knife blade and a USB flash drive bodged into the handle does not count.)
But again, that's just opinion.
If I want non-tactical otherwise I carry my Balisong. It's about as SWAT as a poke in the eye. Or my Buck, or a Schrade, or a Gerber, or a Kershaw...
Skofnung
Member
I'm so glad you set me straight on that one.
You sound like a bitter buddy of mine that can't seem to make relationships work. Break many axe handles?
Alvin in AZ
Member
LOL Skof. Thought SAK's only had anything to do with bulls didn't know they had anything to do with cows and calves all this time. (not a SAK fan)
Stockman or even older design "cattle knife" fan. YMMV on that.
I believe my multi-tool's got Zero's whippped tho... it's a '75 F150 and has a cross-bed tool box with enough tools in it to work on my pickup and just about everything else (why store then in the shop? and my multi-tool also hauls my ugly butt around too. (and in over 31 years it's never broke down and left me stranded -ever!)
Alvin in AZ
ps- how does a guy quote stuff here? (new to website forums, Unix,Tin&Pico usin'newsgroup junky)
Skof. Thought SAK's only had anything to do with bulls didn't know they had anything to do with cows and calves all this time. (not a SAK fan)Stockman or even older design "cattle knife" fan.
YMMV on that. I believe my multi-tool's got Zero's whippped tho... it's a '75 F150 and has a cross-bed tool box with enough tools in it to work on my pickup and just about everything else (why store then in the shop?
and my multi-tool also hauls my ugly butt around too. (and in over 31 years it's never broke down and left me stranded -ever!)Alvin in AZ
ps- how does a guy quote stuff here? (new to website forums, Unix,Tin&Pico usin'newsgroup junky)
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sm
member
I was 20 years old and Dec 31st was a rough night.
I did not shave for a day, then when I did, I did not shave above my lip.
Come January it will be 31 years I have worn a mustache.
Old Timer with little scissors, Uncle Henry with little scissors and a variety of other nice quality pen knives with little scissors - including a SAK Classic has trimmed my mustache more than once.
I have nice scissors for this trimming...just a wild hair never ever shows up when home or have scissors in travel kit. It shows up while out and about.
Pain is the wife using your nice gents knife with scissors for a thread she has... and me trying to be resourceful using a pair of dull, scissors in the bar-keep's area before having to address an audience.
Ouch!!
I did not shave for a day, then when I did, I did not shave above my lip.
Come January it will be 31 years I have worn a mustache.
Old Timer with little scissors, Uncle Henry with little scissors and a variety of other nice quality pen knives with little scissors - including a SAK Classic has trimmed my mustache more than once.
I have nice scissors for this trimming...just a wild hair never ever shows up when home or have scissors in travel kit. It shows up while out and about.
Pain is the wife using your nice gents knife with scissors for a thread she has... and me trying to be resourceful using a pair of dull, scissors in the bar-keep's area before having to address an audience.
Ouch!!
I believe my multi-tool's got Zero's whippped tho... it's a '75 F150 and has a cross-bed tool box with enough tools in it to work on my pickup and just about everything else (why store then in the shop?
Yeah. I drive a Tactical Saturn. Hurrah.
I see I got a square hit on the beehive with my Swiss Army Knive bashing. I just plain old don't like the things. No lock, busted too many scales, bent too many skinnly little blades, and the things don't hold an edge for beans.
That's just me. If you like 'em or the nostalgia value or whatever that's fine, but I gave up and quit breaking pocket knives and multi tools when I bought my Gerber Legend.
wildburp
member
I don't have a favorite blade; I always carry several for different purposes, and maintain others in my trusty pickup truck. My kitchen is like that flying bamboo knife movie; everything cuts itself if I stay out of the way. An old fat SAK on my belt with the optional walk in closet never leaves the house without me. The screw drivers, cork screws, magnifying lens, plasma cutter, and solar powered thermal detonator despenser have seen some use, but the blades are virgins, wicked sharp and shiny. Actually cutting something usually gets a hefty folding pocket born lock back's attention. The Puma Bowie on my belt is excellent for garnering uncertain stares and cutting those infuriating plastic encased electronic products from China, while stimulating potential attackers to devise alternate plans.
Have knife, will cut. Remember Richard Boone? Be it a Bowie or Boy Scout model, having the appropriate simple machine on hand will make life's little cutting chores safe, fun, and relatively bloodless. Don't try cutting those stiff plastic packages with anything less then a Mark IV Plasma Beam Disruptor, or a good, industrial grade reciprocating jig saw. Or a decent Bowie knife.
wb
Have knife, will cut. Remember Richard Boone? Be it a Bowie or Boy Scout model, having the appropriate simple machine on hand will make life's little cutting chores safe, fun, and relatively bloodless. Don't try cutting those stiff plastic packages with anything less then a Mark IV Plasma Beam Disruptor, or a good, industrial grade reciprocating jig saw. Or a decent Bowie knife.
wb
Highland Ranger
Member
OK, this thread made me just go buy one of the new locking models on Amazon. The WorkChamp XT
Are you guys happy now?!
I guess I'll retire the champ to the case after 20 years of good use.
I am never without it . . . .
Are you guys happy now?!
I guess I'll retire the champ to the case after 20 years of good use.
I am never without it . . . .
Alvin in AZ
Member
According to Levine... (Levine's Guide) the premium stockman is from the 1890's the "cattle knife" is older and from the 1870's and the utility knife was 1901 and the boy scouts "adopted it" in 1911.
My favorite has been the Case 6392 premium stockman (4" square ends) and Case's chrome-vanadium hollow ground blades. Another favorite is the Case 6347 (3+7/8" round ends). The larger 6375 (4+1/4" square ends) by Case and others is too big in my pocket, I notice the sucker all day ...but most of my buddies perfer that size.
Here's my "every day carry" now...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/ggrampa.htm
You guys can have my share of the SAKs and other stainless steel knives too, ok?
Alvin in AZ
ps- still trying to find someone interested in repairing/modifying SAKs tho
pps- like a hard carbon steel blade in place of an un-used tool or something?
My favorite has been the Case 6392 premium stockman (4" square ends) and Case's chrome-vanadium hollow ground blades. Another favorite is the Case 6347 (3+7/8" round ends). The larger 6375 (4+1/4" square ends) by Case and others is too big in my pocket, I notice the sucker all day ...but most of my buddies perfer that size.
Here's my "every day carry" now...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/ggrampa.htm
You guys can have my share of the SAKs and other stainless steel knives too, ok?
Alvin in AZ
ps- still trying to find someone interested in repairing/modifying SAKs tho
pps- like a hard carbon steel blade in place of an un-used tool or something?
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When I read things like this, my first conclusion is that the author doesn't know the right way to use a knife. It isn't a prybar or a screwdriver and shouldn't be applied to those uses. If you are applying so much force that you have to worry about the blade closing on you, breaking, or even bending, the geometry is wrong. Judiciousness is a good quality to cultivate (even if I'm not sure it is really a word).
So sayeth someone who has never had to cut apart pallet packaging that involves random hidden copper or steel (!) staples, loads shifting on your knife (incredibly dangerous, usually involving some kucklehead a little farther up the line who stacked things funny), or having to drop your knife quick smart because you need both hands.
When I read your kind of comment I seem to picture somebody who uses their Benchmade Uberninja to open letters, clean fingernails, and impress people.
Besides, the knife isn't for opening paint cans - the screwdriver is.
When I read your kind of comment I seem to picture somebody who uses their Benchmade Uberninja to open letters, clean fingernails, and impress people.
Besides, the knife isn't for opening paint cans - the screwdriver is.
sm
member
Alvin in AZ,
Thank you for sharing in your link above. I appreciate the sentimental value, the story and - I really like the finished product!
I have perused your website - most informative - again my thanks!
I wish more knives had a longer "pull" on the nail mark. I like what we called Matchstick pull...strike a match there if need.
I also grew up with Case knives with Chrome Vanadium blades . I am a bit rusty on the numbers, but Sodbusters, SodBuster Jrs, Trapper, Slimline Trapper, Eisenhower, Peanut...Yellow handled of course for outdoor use.
--
Sodbusters and Trappers have taken care of many heavy duty chores, including the wire strapping tape, metal tape (HVAC) , removing heavy duty copper staples, getting the mud out of boots, opening cans, cutting radiator/ water heater hoses, garden hoses, Red inner tubes, tires for various uses, cleaned game, fish, tender for fire, making a lean to shelter...striking a flint for making a fire...
I defended myself using a Trapper...I was younger and that threat stopped immediately - two of them against me.
CV blades sharp as a razor and keeps an edge.
Thank you for sharing in your link above. I appreciate the sentimental value, the story and - I really like the finished product!
I have perused your website - most informative - again my thanks!
I wish more knives had a longer "pull" on the nail mark. I like what we called Matchstick pull...strike a match there if need.
I also grew up with Case knives with Chrome Vanadium blades . I am a bit rusty on the numbers, but Sodbusters, SodBuster Jrs, Trapper, Slimline Trapper, Eisenhower, Peanut...Yellow handled of course for outdoor use.
--
Sodbusters and Trappers have taken care of many heavy duty chores, including the wire strapping tape, metal tape (HVAC) , removing heavy duty copper staples, getting the mud out of boots, opening cans, cutting radiator/ water heater hoses, garden hoses, Red inner tubes, tires for various uses, cleaned game, fish, tender for fire, making a lean to shelter...striking a flint for making a fire...
I defended myself using a Trapper...I was younger and that threat stopped immediately - two of them against me.
CV blades sharp as a razor and keeps an edge.
Clipper
Member
I've carried a pocket knife since I was 6, and I've carried only a Case SS single blade jack (I think they changed the name since, and I have no idea what the name for it is today) since I was 10. That one slender blade has done just about everything a knife can do, and has held up beautifully. I too am no fan of the SAK, and would prefer to add a belt tool if I felt the need to disassemble a tank in the backwoods...
Joe Demko
Member
I own a couple multitools and am no great fan of them. For the same weight, I can carry a regular pair of pliers and a SAK. That gives me a really good, comfortable pair of pliers, a knife that functions well as a knife, and gadgets/tools that are no worse than the ones in my Leatherman, Paratool, or Swisstool.
Jeff Timm
Member
I carry a Victorinox Golfer and I have since 1983. I gave my old Uncle Jim my old SAK with two saws and some other stuff I carried while in the US Army.
I don't know what happened to that knife after he died.
Geoff
Who keeps a Leatherman and a SAK 41 Cyber in his work bag.
I don't know what happened to that knife after he died.
Geoff
Who keeps a Leatherman and a SAK 41 Cyber in his work bag.
Rupestris
Member
Same here. Gotta love 38 MPG! A couple of my old Imperial Frontier (US made, not Ireland) Stockman's have it. Yep, very nice.
As far as Tactical goes. I only have one folder that fits in that catagory. Its a Benchmade 556 and it does get its fair share of pocket time. Its light, quick and the pocket clip has its merits.
That said, I do tend to carry the classics more and more these days. Yesterdays EDC at the Family Christmas party was a 1986 Parker Edwards Mini Trapper. Knowing that the little ones would be getting gifts sealed in the typical theft-proof plastic clam packs, a knife was manditory.
My family has its share of sheeple so I left the big scary black knife at home. A nice white bone handle with polished nickle bolsters never gets a second look.
Same goes for the Case whittler, Schrade Old Timers, CV Medium Stockman by Case, Imperials, SAK's...
Funny part is, My grandfather was never without that old Case Whittler 6208. He passed away some time ago and left the little pocket smoothed classic to me. The Christmas party was full of his children and grandchildren yet none of them learned a thing from the old guy. So my PE got a good workout
.Chris
sm
member
SAKs are SAKs
Classic will trim my mustache, and I keep one in my travel kit. That one does not even have the toothpick or tweezers - that old and a gift.
I have one Spartan - a gift- I keep ( need to put back) in the truck.
Mom saw that one too many years ago, and she wanted it. I got her one for Mother's day one year. She was raised a country girl, and wanted one for her purse, to use at work, and out and about. My Case Camp knife "too nice, and if I lose it...".
In a tackle box is supposed to be a Pocket Pal - again a gift. Recently given to me was a Vic Solo. These are similar in size to a single blade Case slimline Trapper. I had one in a bag for emergency use, used that bag, and that knife was given to someone in need of a knife.
Granted they really liked the Sodbuster Jr I was using and the Yellow handled
Slimline Trapper a lady I was with was using.
Their "nice name brand expensive knife" failed.
I tried pocket clips. I did not grow up with pocket clips, some of my knives had lanyard holes, or shackles, and I used them as needed. Sometimes a leather "fob" as we called them to access faster.
I I had three Leeks Fail. I hate these little proprietary screws , and one Chive failed.
If I cannot trust it - I won't use it. So these given away and these folks sent them in to be fixed.
My other knives are in storage, not readily accessible. I was not carrying anything but a old Case knife with pen blade and scissors...I lost it. Makes me sick, real real strong sentimental value. So a SAK classic was given to me.
Then my lady friend fussed and insisted I use a old Gerber that was given to me, and I gave to her to keep in her vehicle, I hate half straight and serrated blades.
Neither of us like it, and she is going to fuss again that I am not carrying a knife, except the Classic...seems that Gerber "accidentally" fell back into her vehicle.
The Vic Solo...she gave me - stays where it is supposed to be.
Old Hickory Paring knife I put in a cardboard sheath to tote when I walk the property...keep in truck and sometimes out and about. Dang thing is scary sharp!
Alvin mentioned in another thread, actually linked to his home page, "silly can and bottle openers". Yeah, found I was not using them either. IF one knows how to use a bone stock 1911 or Spey blade - heck any blade, one does not need a bottle or can opener.
Knife law here says a blade under 3 1/2" is legal if in pocket...whatever...stupid restrictions...
<email notification> Whups! Seems lady friend found where I put back that Gerber. Not fussing - more of a "figures" tone I think. She was going to order me a Bob Dozier from A.G Russel. I actually like the "woods knife" in a sheath with carbon steel blades
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_...woodswalker_in_leather_hip_pocket_sheath.html
Neat idn't it ? I want one.
Looks like lady friend "says" I we are going to look at knives soon and what is in town. Feed/Seed/Tractor supply has a Case display and I was kinda drooling over the CV blades of the Yellow handled Sodbuster Jr, the Slimline Trapper, Trapper and...
"You are consistent, hard headed, a pain in the butt..." she says.
I think she is afraid she will buy something...I may have stuck some knives in her hand and she was going "ooh" and "ahh".
I have spent days , weeks in the outdoors , with simple knives I have mentioned above. Stopped an immediate threat more than once, and opened strapping taped boxes, pulled heavy staples, and you name it.
Oh I like the various bone, and woods, just some of these Delerin and Yellow Handled, Black handles (SodBusters) just hold up better in hard use.
How raised - what you do.
What do I know? I still believe in Bone Stock Govt Model of 1911 with 7 round mags, dimple follower and sealed basepads with NO bumper pad, and you have to take mag apart from the top.
K frames, Lever Actions and Bone stock shotguns...I keep one shotgun on premise - a single shot.
This stuff never failed before all this high tech - gee whiz stuff came out - don't reckon it will anytime in the future.
Still think if we could get Internet connection to a manual typewriter we would have less problems too...
Classic will trim my mustache, and I keep one in my travel kit. That one does not even have the toothpick or tweezers - that old and a gift.
I have one Spartan - a gift- I keep ( need to put back) in the truck.
Mom saw that one too many years ago, and she wanted it. I got her one for Mother's day one year. She was raised a country girl, and wanted one for her purse, to use at work, and out and about. My Case Camp knife "too nice, and if I lose it...".
In a tackle box is supposed to be a Pocket Pal - again a gift. Recently given to me was a Vic Solo. These are similar in size to a single blade Case slimline Trapper. I had one in a bag for emergency use, used that bag, and that knife was given to someone in need of a knife.
Granted they really liked the Sodbuster Jr I was using and the Yellow handled
Slimline Trapper a lady I was with was using.
Their "nice name brand expensive knife" failed.
I tried pocket clips. I did not grow up with pocket clips, some of my knives had lanyard holes, or shackles, and I used them as needed. Sometimes a leather "fob" as we called them to access faster.
I I had three Leeks Fail. I hate these little proprietary screws , and one Chive failed.
If I cannot trust it - I won't use it. So these given away and these folks sent them in to be fixed.
My other knives are in storage, not readily accessible. I was not carrying anything but a old Case knife with pen blade and scissors...I lost it. Makes me sick, real real strong sentimental value. So a SAK classic was given to me.
Then my lady friend fussed and insisted I use a old Gerber that was given to me, and I gave to her to keep in her vehicle, I hate half straight and serrated blades.
Neither of us like it, and she is going to fuss again that I am not carrying a knife, except the Classic...seems that Gerber "accidentally" fell back into her vehicle.
The Vic Solo...she gave me - stays where it is supposed to be.
Old Hickory Paring knife I put in a cardboard sheath to tote when I walk the property...keep in truck and sometimes out and about. Dang thing is scary sharp!
Alvin mentioned in another thread, actually linked to his home page, "silly can and bottle openers". Yeah, found I was not using them either. IF one knows how to use a bone stock 1911 or Spey blade - heck any blade, one does not need a bottle or can opener.
Knife law here says a blade under 3 1/2" is legal if in pocket...whatever...stupid restrictions...
<email notification> Whups! Seems lady friend found where I put back that Gerber. Not fussing - more of a "figures" tone I think. She was going to order me a Bob Dozier from A.G Russel. I actually like the "woods knife" in a sheath with carbon steel blades
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_...woodswalker_in_leather_hip_pocket_sheath.html
Neat idn't it ? I want one.
Looks like lady friend "says" I we are going to look at knives soon and what is in town. Feed/Seed/Tractor supply has a Case display and I was kinda drooling over the CV blades of the Yellow handled Sodbuster Jr, the Slimline Trapper, Trapper and...
"You are consistent, hard headed, a pain in the butt..." she says.
I think she is afraid she will buy something...I may have stuck some knives in her hand and she was going "ooh" and "ahh".
I have spent days , weeks in the outdoors , with simple knives I have mentioned above. Stopped an immediate threat more than once, and opened strapping taped boxes, pulled heavy staples, and you name it.
Oh I like the various bone, and woods, just some of these Delerin and Yellow Handled, Black handles (SodBusters) just hold up better in hard use.
How raised - what you do.
What do I know? I still believe in Bone Stock Govt Model of 1911 with 7 round mags, dimple follower and sealed basepads with NO bumper pad, and you have to take mag apart from the top.
K frames, Lever Actions and Bone stock shotguns...I keep one shotgun on premise - a single shot.
This stuff never failed before all this high tech - gee whiz stuff came out - don't reckon it will anytime in the future.
Still think if we could get Internet connection to a manual typewriter we would have less problems too...
I quit carrying a Swiss Army Knife 'Tinker' when I found the SOG Paratool. I took off the quick-open stud using a dremel and it makes a package that's only slightly wider and longer than a typical pocket knife but that's about the same thickness.
I've been carrying one in my jeans pocket every day for the last 13 years or so...
I must admit that I've never owned another knife that would take an edge like a Swiss Army Knife. But they wouldn't take much abuse without chipping. I still carry a SAK mini in my watch pocket--primarily for the scissors & tweezers, although having a VERY sharp little blade available is also handy.
I've been carrying one in my jeans pocket every day for the last 13 years or so...
I must admit that I've never owned another knife that would take an edge like a Swiss Army Knife. But they wouldn't take much abuse without chipping. I still carry a SAK mini in my watch pocket--primarily for the scissors & tweezers, although having a VERY sharp little blade available is also handy.
Um, no. I'm smart enough to recognize that as an inappropriate application for a POCKET KNIFE. From what you are describing, I wouldn't use any of my quality slipjoints for that type of work. Wrong tools for the job. A task like that calls for one of those cheapo razor utility knives that you can buy at any local hardware store: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_knife
If you have to be Mr. Tacticool, get one of the "superknife" jobbies from Dillon: http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=63&min=0&dyn=1&
<snork>
Guess I hit a little close to the mark, huh? Some of mine see that duty (letters and nails). The scissors on a SAK are great for that. Others are used to gut fish, cut bait, clean birds, spread peanut butter, serve cheese, or whatever. I just don't abuse them. I have other tools for that.
If you boys don't knock this pissing match off I'm not going to close this thread, but I certainly will start deleting bits and then whole posts and then members.
Loose the "in your face" attitudes, this is a friendly little forum and chest beating isn't allowed.
Loose the "in your face" attitudes, this is a friendly little forum and chest beating isn't allowed.
SAG0282
Member
Amen to the article.......I've almost exclusively ditched the folders for SAKs, either a Super Tinker, Mechanic, or Soldier.
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