One of these days I'll have earned enough vacation days to actually take a vacation. My wife has expressed a desire to visit Scotland.

I've read somewhere that some overseas countries have enacted rather restrictive knife laws, so my usual choice of carry knives would not be wise.

With that in view, I'm looking into the smallest pocketknives available, with plain blades that don't lock. One or two of these at the bottom of my daybag should not present a problem.

I know about SAKs, of course, and will probably take my Classic and MiniChamp, but I was wondering if there were any other brands of pocket knives I should consider.

spyderco makes a special non-locking folding knife...

Craig--

The Spyderco model is the “Pride”, described as created for just such a situation as you mention. Here’s a link to its page on their site:

http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_product_i...C2NA5WN9EKT4CAD

Boker & Case both have Folding Hunter (larger 2-blade) & Sodbuster (small or large, single-blade) patterns.

Several companies also offer Copperhead & Trapper patterns . Both are mid-sized 2-blade designs. I’ve carried a “German Eye” brand stag Copperhead off & on for years, but finally gave it up because it didn’t lock open. It never caused any comments, whether used to clip an errant string in church, or to cut a steak in a restaurant. Blades are sub-3-inch length.

And then, there are the numerous "old-fashioned" slip joint patterns: Stockman, congress, sow-belly, etc.

You might look at the ubiquitous Opinel, too, though it has a ring lock. If that’s an acceptable alternative, Cold Steel’s “TwistMaster” is an updated, hell-for-strong version—though I think it’s been discontinued.

Consider, too, rather than trying to take it with you, purchase it locally. Presumably, if it's legal to sell, it's legal to posess. You'll have the additional benefit of a useful souvenir, as well.

If questioned, you're a knife collector, right? & just wanted that useful souvenir...

Good luck.

David

How would I find out if I could purchase, say, the Case Peanut (darn cute) near wherever we were going to stay in Scotland?

I forgot I knew that.

Craig--

Well, if 'twere me, I'd ask the Scottish innkeeper: "Is there a shop that sells knives nearby? I'm a collector, you see..." Admittedly, that requires you to be at your destination before you can get an answer...

On a more serious note, I don't know. Case's dealer locator is only for the USA, though their web site mentions a German line of products.

Seems this is the reverse of Scott (Casual Hero)'s question in the thread: Mickey Mouse Survival Supplies. Perhaps one of the members from the British Isles can provide a better answer.

The search would be part of the adventure for me; YMMV.

David

I'm a big fan of Shrade old-timer line of folders. Thin, sharp, easily sharpened, pretty and useful as a pocket knife. I wouldn't want to have to use one for CQC though.

I must confess ignorance here. What is "CQC?"

I have one or two Schrade Old-Timers, myself. They are in a drawer...somewhere.

I certainly wouldn't mind buying one or two pocketknives unique to their locality. Genuine Scottish products otherwise difficult to find. That would be cool.

CQC=Close Quarters Combat

Yes, that would be cool. I'd hazard a guess, though that in Scotland, you'll more likely find a Skean Dbhu (or Sgian Dubh); it means "black knife", and is the small (3 or 4" single-edge blade) sheath knife traditionally carried by Scots in their stocking top.

You might find a high quality one with a bit of luck. My in-laws have a cheaper tourist model that's attractive and at least functional.

Scotland is as yet a dream for me; maybe someday, Lord willing.

David

FWIW I spent a week in Scotland last September on my honeymoon and carried a Spyderco Navigator the whole time. I never thought twice about the laws which is kind of stupid come to think of it. While I was there, I did buy two opinels at a scottish hunting store. I can't recall what other knives he had in his case though.

Speaking of Spyderco, they do make necklace/tie tac sized knives. Supposedly fully fuctional miniatures, though I suppose probably a bit too small to really useful.

-Chris

not sure what the exact rules are in scotland, sometimes their laws are different to the english ones, but in england, you can carry a non-locking folding knife with a blade up to 3". however, when i'm out and about i carry a lock knife, because if you're out in the country then you have a reason for carrying a larger/locking knife. just remember to to take it to the nearest big city, telling a copper "sorry i forgot" won't cut much ice with them. try having a look at heinnie hayes , they have a section called "sheffield knives" got some sheepsfoot style etc. one of those might be worth a dig. hope that this helps
have a nice time when you do go
steve

Small knives I don't mind. I have carried some mighty small ones in my time. What I don't want is a knife where "small" means "sneaky" or "tactical." For some reason, the word tactical has come to mean "can kill many people easily" in the minds of PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER..

Cool. A hunting store, eh? Food for thought. Even my wife thought buying a blade or two over there was a good idea. Or maybe she's just happy I'm thinking about vacation!

I'm afraid I wouldn't be much good at that. I'm very absent-minded and kind of clumsy, to tell the truth.

I'll bet if I said I'm a collector, which is true, and was willing to part with cold cash for a good knife, which is also true, that someone would be kind enough to point me in the right direction.