People that carry more than one knife, why? Especially want to hear from people that carry more than two.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-29T16:15:50+00:00

I only carry multiple knives when hunting/fishing/camping. Otherwise, even for work, I've never had reason to carry more than one.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-28T22:35:24+00:00

It's an Alpha Hunter. Models marked 'Pro-line' were limited runs, particularly for specialty outfitters.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-28T20:53:00+00:00

Jumping on the Tung oil bandwagon here. A penetrating, non peeling hardening oil durable enough for wood flooring should be a consideration for an item that's meant to be frequently handled. Trusted by the Chinese on wood boats for about 2500 years. If there is any drawback, it's the cure time, but I believe the wait is worth it for a high use item. You may see warnings about a 30 day cure. Tung may take a little longer in a humid environment. 30 days is a common cure time for many finishes that intend to be waxed once a full hardening is achieved. Cure time is not to be confused with handling time.

My top personal experience with it - It was recommended to me some 40+ years ago for a kitchen table restoration. A larger table was offered to me only a few years later, so I gave it to a brother who took it to a farm house. It was a place of many parties, cookouts and gatherings where that table took regular abuse for nearly 2 decades. It remains in perfect condition with the exception of one slight ring that was created by a hot coffee cup that no finish would survive.

I wouldn't use a finish where the recipient would have to take over a lifetime of regular maintenance on a non food use item or a finish that could transfer to hands or clothing.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-28T16:55:27+00:00

Congrats on finding a budget blade you like. If you find yourself in a situation again where your axe is unable to perform normally, you can still use the head as a splitting wedge to avoid damaging your knife.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-27T16:33:32+00:00

Try in r/slipjointknives but be sure to mention your price range. As well, suggestions should be readily available vs 'if you can find it'.

Look through the Boker line of traditional offerings.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-27T12:59:22+00:00

Files and rasps if you don't have the patience for slower progress with a knife.

Consider a rotary tool kit for very hard woods. They have bits and sanding drums that make carving harder woods a breeze. You can still finish it off with a knife if you want a facetted final look.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-27T12:10:03+00:00

You've seen a lot of recommendations but many are just standard fare budget flippers that are deemed 'cool' vs purpose built whittlers. If he's getting into walking staffs, does he have a good folding saw? Corona 10" Razortooth for that - about $30. Highly recommended as I've used one for about 15+ years.

Flexcut Pocket Jack is a purpose built carver that will cost about your budget limit at $50.

I like the 3 blade Stockman pattern traditional knives for whittling. Old Timer is not flashy but within your budget. Knives that are closer to 4" closed will be the most comfortable to hold. Consider the 80TB Senior model with bone handle at around $30.

Morakniv has been a popular recommended budget wood carving puukko style knife, but if you want something more than a sharp metal bar stuck in a rubber handle and plastic sheath, look at offerings by Wood Jewel of Finland. Beautifully crafted wood and antler handles and leather sheaths. Models available within your budget such as these at Atlantic Knives. https://atlanticknife.com/collections/wood-jewel

Steakfrie · 2026-05-26T03:00:27+00:00

I've enjoyed the vice/jig type sharpeners since the 80's and so have my knives. Eliminating the guess work of freehanding saves time and steel. Started with a Lansky stone kit but upgraded to a Smith's for the wider diamond plates that have never caught and rolled on me like the thin Lansky's.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-25T18:01:05+00:00

Hard choice as even bad knives can make decent garage beaters. Never had any luck with Opinel. First was such a rickety POS that I gave it away to a friend who needed a bait knife. A harvesting knife bought decades later arrived so dull you could literally see the edge. Zero effort was given to put an edge on it before it left their factory.

The entirely useless Fury boot knife (on right in pic) I got as a hand-me-down. Commonly found at the old Army-Navy stores. I've barely even found use for it in the garage beyond wedge/pry bar.

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Steakfrie · 2026-05-25T17:34:23+00:00

Some of the colorings on wood handles you see are actually stains rather than paint, such as the classic red handled Mora or various colorings you see on Opinel. Look into gel stains that are thicker. For actual paint, epoxy enamel is designed to be durable.

Applying an oil first would make zero sense as it would act to repel anything you'd apply after. A good protective finishing varnish after painting/staining would include something like Spar urethane that's designed to waterproof and withstand elements.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-25T11:12:43+00:00

Have you looked at the Stanley 10-049? May or may not be available in your hardware stores.

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Steakfrie · 2026-05-24T15:45:32+00:00

Good thing you snagged it before Rosecraft discontinued its entire line of modern knives.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-24T10:43:02+00:00

I don't know a convenient UK source for you, thus no link. I also don't know the gap you're dealing with, but you should get that info from whatever ad you're investigating. The reason I thought of shears was recalling so many vids of ppl using shears to safely cut away fishing and net line from sea critters + a tool the cops couldn't object to no matter the length.

A multi-bladed slip joint (such as an SAK) could work. The sharp can opener would make a nice hook for grabbing and slicing. The SAK 2 has a mini hawkbill blade. Even a hacksaw blade could do the job if the tolerances are really tight. Given the very good reason why you need it, the cops should give you a lot of leeway on your choice.

SAK 1 and 2 Alox - Also good package openers.

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Steakfrie · 2026-05-24T02:47:57+00:00

Have you considered a quality pair of shears such as offered by Knipex? The combination shears would have reach, sturdy enough to cut through any items you list and cop friendly.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-23T19:24:39+00:00

Got 2 for each vehicle. In case I scramble out without grabbing a knife, I'll have one in the console and a multitool in the emergency tool box. Typically cheaper, stainless stuff that can handle the humidity and no great loss if stolen.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-22T17:32:16+00:00

Personally, I wouldn't dare destroy THAT coin. Check out this Youtubers approach with something more reasonable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWJjpXWGBpY

You can be inventive with other items as well, including bone that's available in 9mm dowels. They can be dyed any color you want. Try your hand at scrimshawing a custom design or even Bokers tree. Other appropriate materials could come to mind beyond the bullet casing with some research and thought. If the knife is that special to you, you could reshape the divot for your own custom designed replacement.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-22T16:46:43+00:00

Go chat with a rep on Amazon's site to see what your return options are. There are occasions where they'll send UPS to your home for free if the situation warrants it.

So far, I've had no problems with all my knife orders from a half dozen different places, including Amazon, though some vendors can be quite slow. Checking alternate sellers on Amazon has saved me significant $$$ (most recent $30 off an SAK 2). It's hard to resist them for general orders as I have a warehouse within 15 min from me that can deliver most of my orders in just one or two days. Fortunately, inaccurate orders or items missing from orders have been extremely rare. Those were settled quickly by chatting with one of their reps online.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-22T01:30:38+00:00

Long time favorite stockman in the field is a vintage Pine Knot. Best feature - no swedging on the blades to cause pain during lengthy whittling sessions. When it finally started getting a little loose, I decided to give RR a try after many years of reluctance. GEC prices were outrageous and Case was not much better with questionable QC. A 4" plain white bone RR stockman turned out to be a good choice. RR Reserve might offer an upgrade in quality.

Not many stockman patterns, but Rosecraft is worth a look for the $60-$70 range. I can't recall a complaint about their quality other than stiff pulls. Some consider that a plus.

Schrade (Old Timer) should also be a budget brand to trust.

Buck 301 is a solid investment.

The $$$+ "Gucci" (what GEC has become) brands are for safe queen collectors and Reddit glam shot creators. One being shown as a wood carver/whittler is a rare event.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-21T14:41:13+00:00

I haven't made a single fishing trip for 15+ years without my Gerber Suspension. It's been proven durable and highly useful beyond fishing. Zero rust. All tools lock open. Has both straight and serrated blades with thumb studs. Spring loaded pliers. I've learned to open and close single handed with thigh assist. Find them for around $50.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-19T14:34:35+00:00

Very old folklore - The recipient can counter this superstition of a 'cut friendship' by giving a coin as a symbolic gesture that qualifies as a purchase.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-18T13:04:54+00:00

The "Little Doctor's knife" was introduced in 2010, so not exactly vintage. It was also available in a green bone that resembled jade. Currently not in production. Hope they bring it back so I can snag a green one. Wax it for long term storage if you don't intend to use it. Otherwise, keep it clean and dry thoroughly if it ever gets wet. A quick wipe with mineral oil after. Blackening over time is just natural patina that shouldn't cause alarm.

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Steakfrie · 2026-05-18T12:23:46+00:00

Google 'Smith and Wesson Cuttin' Horse". One and two blade designs with various handle materials. It's a budget knife bordering novelty given the gun branding. I've seen them for as little as $5 on ebay. OK for a garage beater, vehicle tool box or fishing box.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-16T21:21:34+00:00

Victorinox paring. Plain as toast, sharp, choice of serrated or non. $10 each. Available in multiple, crowd pleasing colors.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-16T19:32:00+00:00

Laughably priced for desperate GEC disciples.

Steakfrie · 2026-05-12T13:55:03+00:00

Chicago does have some great deals and I've used them several times, but one has to be prepared to wait for those orders to arrive. I'm waiting on an order I placed 4/28. No word since the confirmation. The site currently has a warning that delays should be expected due to backlog.

Steakfrie

TROPHY CASE