I completely understand. And I personaly wouldn't do it often with the exception harvesting Saguaro cactus fruit or the like. My original point was the merits of a good fixed blade.

Even worse!

If my dear, beloved blade, runs off in my lovely, yummy deer, I can still get it back. Yeah, I'll have to track it, but I can do that most of the time. I'd rather wack things that are that prickly with a long stick. I'm not hugging a cactus to get my only knife back. :P

Wow, I really didn't think this thread would go this long. In most cases you could beat saguaro cactus fruit until you have jelly but only when they feel they're ready do they just knock off. It's alot easier to just cut them off, when you need them. The US is a geographically diverse country,

I went to survival school in Washington State (in January/Feb) and it was a tough read for a kid from AZ. One thing I've learned is utility in one area is different from another.My PSK includes vinyl rain gear and a 12' X12' tarp for protection from unexpected weather. Hard <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />ly useful in Washington. I have full Gore-tex hanging in the closet. Don't use them much.

I concur with the great place comment, just dropped by and been here a few hours! This is my first post!

I have quite a number of knives, what it comes down to is the intent of use and personal preference. Also, make sure you check your local laws and that carrying a knife does not constitute possesion of an "offensive weapon". If you are in Florida have a look at this http://www.freedom4bunkley.net/.

When you look at folders, you want something with a good lock (there are many to choose from - liner locks, lockbacks, axis locks, framelocks etc.., a good steel (m2/d2 tool steel is sensational but very expensive, stick to something you can maintain a good edge on and sharpen without too much difficulty, something like ATS-55 (used on spyderco's) or a 440 steel), next is blade shape (clip point, tanto, drop point, bowie) which again comes down to use and personal preference, then you have the plain vs. serrated choice.

I would recommend to always get a plain edge. If you want a serrated edge you can always roughly sharpen (using a low grit stone) a portion of the blade to give it a type of serrated edge. Advantages - easy to sharpen, better to control (serrations tend to "bite"), can also rough grind a portion of the blade, if you get good at sharpening you can shave with it! If you want to cut through seatbelts, buy a Benchmade rescue hook - also doubles as a bottle opener and emergency oxygen valve opener.

When it comes down to it, with the manufacturers you are looking at, you will get a quality knife. Maybe have a look at CRKT, Benchmade and Kershaw as well.

I agree with the comments on the Delica - I keep one in the car, it's a great knife and good value for money - easy to open with one hand. That, accompanied with a surefire will keep you in a good position.

But as people have mentioned, go feel some, find out what you like, but you are better saving up and getting something decent that will last and not let you down when you need it, rather than getting a cheap knife that has an average locking mechanism that might let you down when you need it most.

So all that said .. what should you look at?

I would suggest having a look at the following:

Cold Steel Recon - decent size blade, good overall knife
Spyderco Delica - nice every day carry
SOG Trident - very practical knife
Benchmade Griptilian - very practical - looks nice
CRKT M16 - smoothest action on any folder i own
Ka-Bar Mule - great value for money

I own all of these and have found them to be pretty reasonable and most likely in your price range.

Hope this helps. Sorry I have rambled but happy to discuss further if it is of interest.

I hate to dig up old threads but there were so many replies that I figured I owed you all an update. I did what everyone said and checked out a local knife store and finally decided on a Spyderco Salt I with a straight edge. After waiting about a week for the order to be delivered (I got it from the net for about $30 off the store price) it's finally here and I couldn't be happier (nice and sharp out of the box and surprisingly solid feeling for such a small knife). Thanks again to everyone that took the time to offer their advice.