
TonyDr
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Ideally owning a multitool with an one-hand opening blade is perfect so cops can't be mad at you, you can pretend it's for working, doing D.I.YOkay since everyone knows what kind of dark times we are living in right now. Carrying a Knife is essential. It is not just muh trying to be edgy faggot. It can make the difference between life or death. Knives are also extremely practical one of the best tools you can carry in your pocket
I’ll cover all knife types folders, fixed, switchblades, autos, OTFs, balisongs and break down laws, mechanisms, best picks, brands, price tiers, usage, and maintenance. This will basically be a full Knife 101.
Knife Types
1. Folding Knives
Blade folds into the handle.
Safer and compact for daily carry.
Sub-types:
Manual folders (need two hands or thumb stud to open)
View attachment 3683257
Assisted folders (spring helps once you start opening)
View attachment 3683258
Pros: Easy to carry, pocketable.
Cons: Not as tough as fixed blades.
2. Fixed Blade Knives(My favorite)
Blade is permanently exposed (with a sheath)
Stronger, no moving parts.
Sub-types:
Tactical Fixed Blade (self-defense, military)
View attachment 3683266
Bushcraft Fixed Blade (outdoor survival, wood processing)
View attachment 3683268
Hunting Knives (gutting/skinning game)
View attachment 3683269
Pros: Strong, reliable for hard tasks.
Cons: Bulkier, needs a sheath.
3. Switchblades / Automatic Knives
Push-button deployment.
Blade springs open automatically.
Sub-types:
Side-opening autos (opens like a regular folder but automatic)
View attachment 3683271
Out-the-front (OTF) autos (blade shoots straight out of handle)
View attachment 3683260
Famous examples:
Microtech Ultratech (OTF king)
Benchmade Infidel (premium OTF)
Protech Godfather (classic side opener)
Pros: Very fast deployment, cool factor.
Cons: Heavily restricted in many places (explain in detail in other section).
4. Balisong / Butterfly Knives
Blade is hidden between two handles that rotate around the blade pivot.
Famous examples:
BRS Replicant (butterfly competition gold standard)
View attachment 3683273
Benchmade 51 Morpho (lightweight EDC bali)
View attachment 3683275
Pros: Fun to flip, fast opening with practice.
Cons: Tricky to master, illegal some places.
5. Multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives
Small folding blades + tools like screwdrivers, scissors, etc.
Best brands:
Victorinox (Swiss Army OG)
View attachment 3683276
Leatherman (heavy-duty multitools)
View attachment 3683278
Pros: Utility king.
Cons: Blades are usually weaker and smaller.
Knife Opening Mechanisms(Summary)
Mechanism Action Thumb Stub Flick Open with Thumb Flipper Tab Push Tab,blade flips out Axis Lock Pull back bar Button Unlock Push button unlock Compression Lock Squeeze Spine Bar to Unlock OTF button Blade shoots out in front
Knife Steels and My opinion
S30V / S35VN: Top all-around steel. Great edge, stainless.
S90V / S110V: Ultra edge retention. Hard to sharpen.
D2: "Semi-stainless", tough, budget-friendly.
154CM: Stainless, solid performance.
M390 / 20CV / CTS-204P: Super steels best edge, best corrosion resistance.
1095 Carbon Steel: Super tough, easy to sharpen, but rusts fast without care.
MagnaCut-Extreme Corrosion resistance and very tough. Designed for use in and around water. Many U.S Marines preferred choice but expensive and hard to find
Damascus: Pattern-welded steel.Beautiful looks, decent toughness. Performance depends on base steels. Good as a show piece but Overall too expensive and better to stick to modern steels for practical use (S35VN, M390, MagnaCut, etc.)
Knife Laws (IMPORTANT)
Switchblade / Automatic Knife Laws
USA:
Federally legal to own, illegal to ship across states.
Some states (like Texas, Arizona) allow carry, others (California, New York) heavily restrict.
California law: Blade must be under 2" for carry.
Other Countries:
UK: Completely banned (both switchblades and balisongs) but people still carry and get away with especially switchblades are very popular in UK
Canada: Also banned.
Germany, France, Italy: Very restricted, local rules apply.
General Rule:
Know your local laws before buying or carrying an automatic knife.
Even folding knives over 3-4" can be restricted in cities.
Top Knife Brands (Ranked)
God Tier
Chris Reeve, Microtech, Shirogorov, Strider
High-End
Benchmade, Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Protech
Mid-Range
Civivi, Kizer, Bestech
Budget Kings
CRKT, Ontario Knife Company, Cold Steel (some models)
Best Picks by Price Range
Under $50:
Ontario RAT 1
Civivi Mini Praxis
Kershaw Cryo II
$50-$150:
Benchmade Mini Griptilian
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight
Civivi Elementum Button Lock
$150-$300:
Benchmade Bugout
Zero Tolerance 0350
Protech TR-3 Auto
$300+:
Microtech Ultratech OTF
Chris Reeve Sebenza 31
Shirogorov Neon
Care and Maintenance
Sharpen regularly: Use a whetstone or a guided system like Worksharp.
View attachment 3683285
Oil pivots: Especially for autos and balisongs. (Use KPL Knife Oil.)
View attachment 3683286
Keep carbon steels dry: Use a light coat of mineral oil to prevent rust.
Clean debris: Compressed air + alcohol wipes for OTFs and autos.
Some Tips for choosing a knife
Blade Length: 3-3.5” is the sweet spot for EDC.
Carry a beater knife: Don’t use your best knife for hard use. Keep a cheap folder for nasty tasks.
Don’t flick open autos/balisongs in public: People freak out, cops get called.
Build a sharpening habit: A dull $300 knife is worse than a sharp $20 knife.
Bonus Section: Coolest Knife Types
Gravity Knives: Blade falls out by gravity (Germany military issued these).
View attachment 3683290
Karambits: Curved blade, mostly tactical and martial arts.
View attachment 3683292
Tanto Blades: Strong tip for stabbing/piercing.
View attachment 3683293
Wharncliffe Blades: Straight cutting edge, amazing control.
View attachment 3683295
Conclusion
If you want everyday reliability:
Spyderco Para 3, Benchmade Bugout, or a Civivi Elementum.
If you want badass flex knives:
Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Protech Godfather.
If you want survival tank knives:
ESEE 5, Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK
If you want a complete set of knife loadouts that will serve you well here are my recommendations. I'll give three loadouts depending on your budget.
A) Practical Knife Loadout (Budget-$100-$180)
1. EDC Folder
Civivi Elementum (Button Lock)
Smooth, classy, legal in most places, easy to carry.
2. Outdoor Fixed Blade
ESEE 3 or ESEE 4
Absolute tanks. 1095 carbon steel. Easy to sharpen. Lifetime warranty even if you break it.
3. Fun Knife
Kershaw Launch 4 (tiny auto if legal)
Or a Boker Kalashnikov auto if you want cheaper fun.
4. Beater Knife
Ontario RAT 1
Legendary cheap folder. Beat the hell out of it.
B) Starting Collector Loadout (Budget-$250-$500)
1. EDC Folder
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight (S30V steel)
Ergonomic, slicey, premium but not too flashy.
2. Outdoor Fixed Blade
Fallkniven F1 (Swedish air force survival knife)
VG10 steel core, laminated, insanely tough and rust-proof.
3. Fun Knife
Protech TR-3 Auto
One of the fastest, cleanest automatics.
4. Beater Knife
CRKT M16-01KS
Tactical styled, cheap but reliable.
C) GigaChad Loadout. Best of the best knives and heirloom pieces (Budget-$600+)
1. EDC Folder
Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31
King of folding knives. Butter smooth, lifetime knife.
2. Outdoor Fixed Blade
Busse Combat Knife (any model)
Overbuilt survival monsters. INFI steel (almost mythic toughness).
3. Fun Knife
Microtech Ultratech OTF
Blade shoots straight out — flex level 999. Loud, dangerous, badass.
4. Beater Knife
Cold Steel SR1 Lite
Thick slab of steel for rough use.
Examples : Leather Surge, Victorinox Swisstool, Gerber Center-drive etc
Try to justify a military style knife carrying in Europe rn