Opinel, Mora, Trueways, Spyderco

[stevemarvell]

I thought I might pop a quick post on about knives I've had and used for both recreation and for work, as a survival instructor.

Opinel No 8 (8.5cm - 3.4in - Carbon Locking)

Such a handy knife for foraging, but I could realistically get away with a shorter blade. Takes and keeps an edge well using wet & dry on a bit of old kip mat. If I wanted an EDC, a shorter, non-locking version would be the one for me. Locking collar can also be easily fixed of you wanted to stop your own locking.


Mora Carbon (and various like it)

My first fixed blade. Simple design, cheap, easy to use, easy to sharpen, robust and keeps edge well. OK, so it's not the best looker and the plastic sheath pops off your belt when you crouch down, but it's a real work horse of a knife and I've had no qualms about using it for splitting and other touch jobs. I put a secondary bevel on mine and that suits me fine. Hightlyrecommended as a starting point for anyone.


Trueways Survival Tool

Given to me as an employee, it's a beast. Not as heavy as you might think, but the weight is in the right place for chopping and splitting. You can also change the grip for delicate work, such as feather sticks. It keeps its edge for AGES, no matter how much you abuse it. I've side by side tested with the Chris Caine tool and though not as a good a looker, it's a better tool in all respects, including price. On the other side, I find that I just don't use it. I'm not the type to take down trees, do a lot of splitting and am not travelling through jungle. I often don't pack it at all.


Spyderco Manix 2

Recommended on this forum as a robust folder, I use this knife for work all the time. It's a good size, you can twist it, you can beat it and it just doesn't stop. The edge keeps well. The only problem I have with it is that the scales are a little thin and so which I come to really grip it, I get pinches. I know I'm looking for a fixed blade replacement, which is a bit of a specialist use, but I think by having my mate bulk out the scales, this is basically it for me. I note they have produced a larger version, but I just don't need it.

[rb8989]

+1 for the Mora. My first 'real' knife was a mora and i still shave with it on occasion to prove its keenness to my friends, Murray Carter style.