My brother used to use a very cheapr lockback that was supposedly a gerber for a EDC. For $25 Canadian, it was in fact too good to be true. I was fine with the cheaper steel since it was a nice one handed folding lock back with a clip but then it broke one day under minimal stress and we realized why the price was so low. I checked out their site for that one, but I couldn't find it, guess they arent proud of it or it was a knock off. I operate on a budget, but it pays to spring for a decent knife, one of those things where quality really matters. If anyone is in the Hamilton Ont area, my bro picked it up at the Lime Ridge mall's house of knives if you want to check it out for yourself.

I don't know of other knives than the Swiss Army that have toothpicks. Good question on the patent.
I am a fan of Spyderco knives myself, they are a nice choice for lightweight, fairly inexpensive blades.

I EDC a Benchmade Model 556 Mini-Griptilian (in D2 from Cabelas) and I love it!!! I can't see how anyone could go wrong with a Mini-Grip...check it out and I'm sure you will agree...find a dealer with a strong return policy and if you don't like it just send it back for a refund!!!

I hate to sound negative but with all due respect, I think there are a lot of knives I would buy based on description alone before buying any of the above-mentioned knives even after having handled them. Granted I have not handled all of those knives which is why I say "I think". Benchmade and SOG come to mind but there are others as well. I bought Doug's Benchmade RSK based only on the reviews on this website and that particular knife has exceeded my (already high) expectations! It is my current EDC, acompanied often by a SOG PowerLock, a Leatherman Squirt P4 or a Leatherman Juice KF4.

brian not at all. Some times a bit of a push is exactly what is needed. I am now seriously considering buying online especialy since it will also end up cheaper.