I am looking for a good quality folding knife that isn't as expensive as a sebenza but is still good enough quality to be put in a survival vest. And if any one has some good ideas of what to put in a survival vest that would be great.

Frank

I picked up this German issue utility knife at Majors surplus . So far it's a great performer. Especially the saw with it's double row of staggered teeth.

What do you want the knife to do? An inexpensive classic Buck lockback will handle a surprising amount of abuse and is easily improved by a little work on the blade profile (and they are heavy and they will "jump lock" regularly when pounding on it to split wood - which is managable - I still have all my fingers at last count... 1, 2,3, ... 8..). A SAK locking knife with a saw etc will do other things well (I have never split any serious billets with one and would rather not) Axis locks are highly regarded - knife forum guys have a lot of discussion on them.

Doug mades some suggestions here but I don't own many of those so cannot comment on them.

Frank : You can visit www.bladeforums.com or www.knifeforums.com and read on this topic until the cows come home. You may end up more confused, however. In the long run you won't make a mistake should you follow the advice of Tom Ayers, CK, or Doug. They are da men !!!

I would recommend the Emerson Commander, Buck Crosslock, and any Benchmade folder, especially the 730 or 710. Try to stay away from some of the CRKT blades...the liner lock digs into your index finger while shaving wood and doing other chores. I unfortunately found this out while making fire sticks, my hand hurt for a week. I would recommend going to a store and finding something you're comfortable with. Then come back home and shop for it online. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A steel I have found to be very good is ATS-34 (154cm). It keeps a great edge, it's easy to sharpen, and it holds it's own against corrosion.

I personally carry on a random basis: an Emerson Commander, Masters of Defense Dieter CQD Mark I, CRKT M16-14M, or a Buck Alpha Hunter...depending on the situation. Not to mention the ever present Leatherman Wave.

John McIntire

To narrow it down I need a single blade locking knife that is of good quality, I don't want a multi tool like a SAK or Leatherman. I would buy a sebenza but my wallet wouldn't be to happy. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> but maybe next year I will considered one.

Frank

By keeping it in your survival vest, I am assuming it won't be your everyday carry. If your looking for a moderately priced, good quality knife you can stash away and not worry about...I'd get the Buck Hunter, the Buck CrossLock, or maybe a Buck Alpha Hunter in ATS-34.

If you want to go really cheap, Brigade Quartermasters has Smith & Wesson Cuttin' Horse knives available for around $10 each. Get two and stash 'em in there. You could use one for a spear, and one for food prep, etc.

Hope that helps! I know choosing a knife can be a PITA, that's probably why I have tons of knives around and a low bank account balance. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

John McIntire

I would second the Buck CrossLock. I don't think much about it's pocket clip but a nice lanyard hole would be perfect for the vest anyway. CrossLocks are solid, easy to use and most important durable. I had one for about 8 years and my dad borrowed it for a quick job and never gave it back. Another knife I would recomend is Gerber Gator. It is also a great knife with blade little wider than Crosslock's but handles are made out of rubber like material. It gives you nice grip and it's easy on your hand when blade is used a lot.

Matt

Buck Cross lock is a great value in a locking knife and after getting over the looks, practical. We've had two in daily use in the family for some time and they are holding up rather well. The NIB edge was mediocre but it only takes a few licks on a diamond whetstone to put a hair-popping edge on them. They're not a Sbenza, but they cost about 1/10 what a Sbenza does... so I think you've made a great suggestion.

If you are thinking you could afford a Sebenza some time I would wait for that and get an inexpensive folder like the Buck or S&W suggested above.

I have a Microtech LLC that cost about $170 that I believe compares nearly to a Sebenza for blade utility. It's lock is no where near the Sebenza. But for half the cost you have a very well made knife.

I carry a small Sebenza everyday in my vest pocket and would never be without it.

I carry a Benchmade Mini T-SEK everyday, it would be a good vest knife. In my bag I carry a CRKT M16-13SF. Since I don't use it but for emergencies, I like the half serrated tanto blade with the LAWS lock. I feel the tanto is the strongest blade for anything you may encounter besides cutting. Plus the added security of the hilt. (IMO)

In addition to what you stated about the CRKT M16, I really like the "Carson Flipper" feature. It makes opening the knife a breeze. The LAWKS feature should be implemented on more knives in my opinion, it literally turns your folder into a fixed blade.

When called up for SWAT duty, I keep the CRKT M16 in my tactical vest, and the Masters of Defense CQD Mark I on my pistol belt. My all-around favorite is the Emerson Commander, which, along with the Leatherman, is my everyday carry.

John McIntire

You might consider what many call the "poor man's Sebenza", a Benchmade Pinnacle (model 750, I think). It's a titanium slab handle frame lock, like the Sebenza, with a slightly recurved blade, available in both 1/2 serrated & plain edge, and black (Black-Ti? teflon-type) or silver finish. I think it's still available from Benchmade.

Any reputable manufacturer might have something that fits your needs, but you might consider Spyderco, Masters Of Defense, and Emerson (in no particular order). I'm particularly fond of Emerson's Raven, with the "A" blade (modified drop point), in black w/half-serrations. For my hands, it has the best handle & grip I've ever found on a folder.

You might wish to consider a smallish straight knife, rather than a folder. Something on the order of a REKAT Pikuni (or Simonich's custom version at much higher price), or maybe a smaller Anza (made from old files, & tough as nails).

Good luck, & happy searching. Let us know what you choose, if you would, please.

David