[fleming13]

Originally Posted by teachrtec

Looks like two philopshies, Rambo and/or McGyer style knives.

Depends on what you want the tool for. I have a cheap multi tool I'll stash in the pack occasionally. I had an SOG, high dollar multi tool. Hardly ever used it and hated the plier handles, which was the main reason I bought it! Bought it when they were all the rage. It's in a drawer somewhere if I'm lucky, or I may have lost it, dunno. Also got tired of having to dig for the knife, and the weight of it. The folder is an everyday carry. Don't need much more on a regular basis. I have a small fixed blade, about 6" total, that I wear around my neck when I'm fishing. It has a plastic sheath that holds the knife without a snap, so it's fast. I can cut my line faster with it than fooling with nippers. I have a large fixed blade, about 11" total, for hunting, or camping trips. I just try to fit the tool to what I need it most for.

Another thought is legality. The smaller folders, less than 4.5", and you are fine carrying it. My small fixed blade would be questionable if I strapped it to my belt and walked around with it. So I keep it in my pack till I'm on the stream. The larger fixed blade would be hard to pull of carrying daily. Plus just a pain to deal with. But when I'm hunting/camping I have a legitimate reason for it. Some of the legality of carrying a knife is whether you can justify a legitimate use for it if it is larger than generally accepted. And the justification is on your shoulders. It's kind of crazy, and probalby depends on where you are and who you are talking too. Just something to think about.

[fishhead]

BUCK PROTEGE, locking folder, has rubber grips extemely light weight for a knife of this size. Good old CaseXX sod buster in my back pocket. Small no name locking folder w/clip in vest pocket. I also have one by Petzl that has high impact plastic grips with a circle at front bolster that's highly ridged, makes opening with a wet hand simple, also very light weight, clip blade is sharp, but only useful for light work.
fishhead

[ScoutHikerDad]

My go-to knife is a beautiful 30+ year old Case Shark Tooth folder w/brass frame and rosewood handle. It can take a surgical edge, but has cut me to the bone a couple of times (once when I was demonstrating "knife safety" to a girlfriend while carving a pumpkin!!!) THAT one required a trip to the ER to stop the bleeding...

I also carry a nice Gerber multi-tool that I use frequently. I love knives, and bought one of the Buckmaster "Rambo"-style knives back in the 80's when they were in fashion and I was trying to be macho. It has the hollow steel handle for all one's "survival" gear, but I can't imagine actually taking it backpacking. I love knives, and would own many more if I had the funds, just 'cause they're cool!

[cmiller21b]

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

I love knives, and would own many more if I had the funds, just 'cause they're cool!

Me too! I just bought a killer Browning stag handle sheath knife this weekend. It had a nice heft feel. Nice leather sheath, just a great knife. I've got a lot of knives, I love good ones and like you would have a lot more if I could justify them.