Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Pocket knife recommendations

True, but as long as you know what you're getting they are good knives. I bought 3 of them from

https://www.smkw.com/

SMKW bought up a bunch of USA made blades and set them to China to have handles installed and sheaths. SMKW was selling them for the same price as the Chinese made knives. They came with a certificate with the story behind them. I paid less than $30 each for them.

This is the Chinese made version. The only difference is that my sheath does not include the sharpening stone and the blade is USA stamped.

https://www.smkw.com/schrade-henry-staglon-golden-spike

Since the blade is the most important part, I figured it was a good price for one of the originals. Especially since i see the same knife sell for $100 used. Well used in many cases. I could care less that the handle and sheath is made in China.

I have a couple of Case Trappers I carry often. Lately though, I have been regularly carrying my old Buck 112. Fits my Wrangler pocket nicely but a bit heavy.
A bit of a trade-off I'm willing to work with. Holds an edge much longer than the Case's do.
Jeff

I've used many different types of things over the years. I've .. at least for now .. stepped away from the stockman's type knife that you're asking about. I carry a smaller Gerber LST in my pocket for opening boxes, etc, and a Benchmade mini-Bugout clipped to the top of my pocket. The Gerber is for abuse, things that make a knife dull kinda quickly, and the Benchmade is .. preserved .. for when I need very sharp like cleaning trout.

At one time I carried an old swiss army knife ... it had surprisingly "nice" steel but if I cleaned a fish, then put it in my pocket, I'd get about a quart of water running down my leg. Single blade knives minimize that.

Buck trapper. Blade says 382 on it. That sucker gets sharp!

I've carried a Benchmade Mini Griptilion for a long time. lost a black one about 10 years ago, replaced it with a bright yellow one. Still have it and use it all the time.

I've got the mini and full sized Griptilions. I appreciate the Grip part of the equation when my hands are cold.

Case, Buck, Boker knives that I have owned have been great. Hard to beat an old American made Old Timer or Uncle Henry. I tend to like old Barlow style knives too.

I like the old case 1970-90s knives but not much love for newer ones

I agree with others above that GEC is the best current traditional slip joint. They're made in Pa and appreciate rapidly.

I will admit that other than GEC or the older Case knives, I have several Spyderco knives after turning my nose up to them for years. Good choices of steel and high quality work to satisfy most buyers’ needs
They get carried the most while the others sit in the display cabinet.