Help Me Pick a New Pocket Knife

May 06, 2019, 10:32 PM

Revolution37

All,

Looking for a second knife to carry at work (po-lice). I currently carry a SOG Trident Elite. I could always get another one of those for familiarity sake, but that's boring and I'm curious to see what others recommend.

Some preferences...

Has to be assisted opening or auto knife
I really like the locking mechanism on the Trident, and really don't like liner locks, but that is not a deal breaker.
I want to keep it under $100.
I prefer a non-serrated blade but I'm not that picky.
I prefer a larger handle; a Kershaw Leek would be too small of a knife, for example.

I know I could do some Googling but I want to hear from the SF Braintrust on this one. Give me your best. This should be a knife capable of being used as a defensive weapon, but should not be out of place as a tool for cutting non-living things on occasion.

May 06, 2019, 10:38 PM

Aeteocles

What's the main purpose?

Last ditch stabby stabby tool, or day to day opening mail and packages...

May 06, 2019, 10:40 PM

Revolution37

quote:
Originally posted by Aeteocles:
What's the main purpose?

Last ditch stabby stabby tool, or day to day opening mail and packages...

This should be a knife capable of being used as a defensive weapon, but should not be out of place as a tool for cutting non-living things on occasion. Edited the OP to reflect that, too.

May 06, 2019, 10:53 PM

YooperSigs

Boker Kalashnikov Auto. Works great. Priced so if you lose it or break it, you wont want to kill yourself. I have two.
Caution: No manual safety. So if you are sloppy about how carry it, it can open in your pocket.

May 06, 2019, 11:15 PM

Johnny 3eagles

+1 on the Boker Kalishakov. I carry one all the. They are available in black and FDE. The one I carry has the 1/2 serrated blade but available in non-serrated. Under $100.

May 06, 2019, 11:36 PM

CA DuckHunter

Benchmade Barrage. About $30 over your price target, and Benchmade is under fire for some poor gun related decisions; but a solid choice. I have the mini-barrage, and like it a lot. Several blade & color choices - and the axis locking mechanism is solid.

May 07, 2019, 12:01 AM

4ftty4

The Emerson/Kershaw collaboration knives are great. I’ve found the wave to be faster than any auto or assisted knives I’ve had. They make an XL version that is close to a 4” blade and has a decent handle. I got one on sale a few months back for about $20.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--...QC-4KXL-Knife--27387

May 07, 2019, 12:03 AM

hunter62

I have a Kershaw Blur that my wife got me maybe 10 years ago. One of my favorite knives for sure. It has a nice grip to it, almost like skateboard tape sections. Open assist and light weight. It has been used and abused and still gets crazy sharp.

Mine is a red version which I don’t see any more, it they have several options.

https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives?search=Blur

May 07, 2019, 12:13 AM

iron chef

You might consider cross-posting your question in 'The Essential Edge'.

Off the top of my head, some models I suggest are:

Gerber 06 FAST - runs ~$65. I've only seen it in half-straight/half-serrated combo edge. You would probably prefer the 06 AUTO, but it costs over twice as much.

Kershaw Launch - an auto w/ some versions running right around $100. Check out the Launch 2 model 7200. Made in USA and of high end CPM154 blade steel.

Kershaw Blur 1670 - well under $100, popular assisted opener. Many versions. Uses liner lock though.

May 07, 2019, 12:15 AM

Aeteocles

Given your constraints, I would get the Kershaw Launch 1.

Auto, USA Made, CPM-154 Steel.

If it didn't need to be assisted, I would actually prefer a Flipper only knife. The flipper on most knives becomes an integral finger guard to protect your hand from sliding forward onto the blade.

May 07, 2019, 12:28 AM

stylophiles

I’m kind of old fashioned , plus our state has some messed up laws regarding auto knifes... so I am sticking with a plain ol Gerber Applegate Fairbairn Folder.

Looks “sensitive and de-escalationary” enough, but I still feel good enough about having to pull it out if things go “bad”

Bill R

May 07, 2019, 06:23 AM

Scurvy

I would look I to the Kershaw Launch series of knives.

All automatics, all made in the USA all right around $100. Several different variations. High quality blade steel (cpm154) and not liner lock.

Check them out and pick the size and shape you like best. They have a stiletto looking one (launch 7) coming out at Blade Show in the beginning of June too.

May 07, 2019, 07:48 AM

M-11

If you want the same, but different look at the SOG Flash II.

May 07, 2019, 08:55 AM

45 Cal

I have had good service with kershaw and sog,prefer pocket clip ones

May 07, 2019, 08:59 AM

rangemaster

This:

quote:
Originally posted by hunter62:
I have a Kershaw Blur that my wife got me maybe 10 years ago. One of my favorite knives for sure. It has a nice grip to it, almost like skateboard tape sections. Open assist and light weight. It has been used and abused and still gets crazy sharp.

Mine is a red version which I don’t see any more, it they have several options.

https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives?search=Blur

I've been carrying a BLUR as my primary duty knife long enough that the exposed edge of the hilt has worn to bare aluminum. These are very, very robust knives. Reversible pocket clip and mine has a small glass breaker on the bottom.

May 07, 2019, 01:52 PM

cmparrish

Sypderco Endura comes close to your specs.

Chris

May 07, 2019, 03:50 PM

EssKayR22

Kershaw Blur (liner lock), Benchmade Barrage, Benchmade Volli...I have an older SOG Aegis that I'm fond of, but I haven't found to be as sturdy as some of the other bigger name brands. Still love it though, and it was back when the blade steel was AUS 8, instead of the newer, cheaper steel. Benchmade Auto Triage is probably out of the price range, but an interesting choice for first repsonders.

May 07, 2019, 05:37 PM

Graniteguy

Forget about the best knife for self defense. Pick the best utility knife that is durable and easily deployable.

May 07, 2019, 08:55 PM

Beancooker

quote:
Originally posted by Revolution37:
All,

Looking for a second knife to carry at work (po-lice). I currently carry a SOG Trident Elite. I could always get another one of those for familiarity sake, but that's boring and I'm curious to see what others recommend.

Some preferences...

Has to be assisted opening or auto knife

I really like the locking mechanism on the Trident, and really don't like liner locks, but that is not a deal breaker.

I want to keep it under $100.

I prefer a non-serrated blade but I'm not that picky.

I prefer a larger handle; a Kershaw Leek would be too small of a knife, for example.

I know I could do some Googling but I want to hear from the SF Braintrust on this one. Give me your best. This should be a knife capable of being used as a defensive weapon, but should not be out of place as a tool for cutting non-living things on occasion.

I didn’t read all the replies, but if you want another SOG, let me know. I have a 25% off coupon code I’ll send you. I’d be happy to help out a fellow forum brother.