By Dave Thomas
Every person should have a knife. Every person should have several knives. Folders or fixed blades; they should each have a purpose and we should utilize them for that purpose. Tools used the wrong way rarely work as expected.
We all remember our first. Usually around 8 years old, we’re out helping dad in the shop or the yard and something needs cutting. During past similar scenarios you’d asked dad for his knife and he’d hesitantly obliged, along with instructions of caution and respect for the blade. This time however, you detect a slight grin as he digs in his pocket, produces a lockback folder and says: “It’s about time you had your own.” Brass bolsters, wood scales and a clip point. Mine’s still in a box somewhere in the closet, some 25 or so years later.
That starts a fascination with the sharp stabby things for most guys. Modern man’s options are endless. There’s 1095 carbon, D2, CPM V3, don’t even get me started on construction options, hardness, blade profiles, ball bearing vs. teflon, and the always popular manual versus automatic. (Pro Tip; If you have an automatic, make sure it has a safety. The scar is still there on my thigh. Thanks Boker.)
I’m a fan of the situation deciding the knife of the day. Battle belt and a range trip? Fixed blade, 5 to 7 inches, tanto tip: SpinDrift. Daily carry? Folder, D2 tool steel, no serrations, no more than 4.5 inches folded, preferably: Privateer. Heading out to fill the freezer? A nice little fixed blade with a skinner profile that settles in about 3.5 to 4.5 inches is perfect. My hunting knife is a custom from a local here in the San Antonio area I met a while back. I’ve beat the ever loving shit out of my daily carry (Skallywag Privateer) and it keeps coming back for more. I’ve taken it wade fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, jumped out of planes intentionally, probably cut every cardboard box known to man, and even a few cigars in a pinch.
Naturally I was happy to hear Skallywag released a little brother to my Privateer in the form of the Mini-Jack. A 2.5 inch blade, 420 stainless construction, and about 75-percent the size of the Privateer. So now I have a smaller, lighter(ish) version to rotate into my daily carry routine. A $35 regular retail price sure didn’t hurt that decision either.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not telling you what to buy. I’m no damn influencer. I’m telling you what I bought that meets the expectations I have. There are some great companies in the industry today that are responsible for some excellent tools. Kershaw, Boker, Benchmade, Buck, SOG, Cold Steel, CRKT, the list goes on and on. Figure out what you need the knife to do, and start diving down that rabbit hole.
Short and sweet: the knife you choose each morning should be a reflection of your intentions for the day. Consider this your wake-up call to survey your inventory and fill in the gaps.
*Editor’s Note: We like all knives, but we especially like those knife companies who support us. With that in mind, and with hunting seasons open, check out SOG’s new Pillar U.S.A.-made fixed blade. It’s as tough as they come.
