Quality American Made Knife

[jignfule]

Not so much a fishing knife, but I'm interested in opinions about quality american knifes. Buck, Shrade, Case, Gerber, were once good quality knife but now a lot of their products are china made with few exceptions. Are there other countries producing a high quality knife????

[00 mod]

I have carried a Kershaw knife for the past 10 years. All of mine have made in USA on them, but I just checked their website and they said they are made in USA, Japan and China. I still like my Kershaw knives though.

Jeff

[DeadEyeDavey]

One of my best knives is a PAL RH-36 from the early forty's, but for a carry around pocket knife go with a Buck

[Hi Salenity]

I'd be LOST without my Spyderco!!! The blade on it says Seki-City Japan. (It's an Endura 4)

My older one (Renegade?) Was made in Golden Colorado. I like them both but if I had to choose I like the Japan made one more.

[Hi Salenity]

I have had a Buck and a Gerber that would not take an edge.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I carry and use SOG, CRKT and Micro Tech. My favorite is a SOG AEGIS II. I've been using it for two years now and like it very very much. The CRKT is the M16 in desert. It has held up almost as well as the SOG. Only problem is the unique serrations on the blade tend to get nicks in them if used to cut fishing line ALOT. That's the only disappointment I have with it. The Micro Tech I've only had for a year. It is strong as all get out, the blade is amazing, and it looks awesome. However the price is through the roof. It was a gift, which is the only reason I own it. I can't drop that much money on a pocket knife. All three are US made. Also Benchmade is US made. Yet I have never owned one. I hear very good things about them though. Böker are German made and are amazing knives. I'm not sure if they make folding knives, but their small and micro sheath knives are some of the beat I've owned.

[Bassn Blvd]

My favorite little pocket knife is Case. My favorite tactical knife is Kershaw.

[Stasher1]

Been carrying a Benchmade 910 Stryker since '03 or '04 with absolutely zero complaints. Sturdy, holds an edge forever, American made, G10 handles, titanium liners, etc. Just an all-around fantastic knife. They're not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

[BASSclary]

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE every day carry is my SOG Vulcan Tanto, semi-serrated. The arc-lock is top-notch, and the unique tanto is great for my purposes. I like the tanto edge, because I cut boxes all day at work, and its effortless to do that, but the lenght of the blade closer to the handle is curved, instead of traditionally straight on most tantos. So if you really need to slice something, it will, with ease. I also usually opt for serration, they help quite a bit for rope, and some tougher things.

I dont know if its made in america though, but its the best knive i've ever used. Im aslo a big SOG fan though, I have an Aegis II and a Flash II Tanto.

What I really enjoy about the Vulcan is it's not assisted opening, but you dont need it, thats how smooth it is. Just a flick of the thumb and your blade is locked and loaded.

I also really like Benchmade knives, my brother in law has a few, and I like them, but I think they just a little too high priced for me. Probably because alot are USA made

[clayton86]

I like my Kershaw's as well my everyday carry pocket knife is a Buck knife skinner I love that thing it holds an edge extremely well plus my son gave it to me for my birthday 2 years ago granted it was technically from my wife but it was "from" my son so its my favorite. I have a few Gerber's also the multi tools I have are razor sharp and hold an edge better then anything iv ever owned the pocket knife of there's I gotta sharpen almost weekly it seems.

I'v always liked Benchmade, Sog, Spyderco, CRKT they sell alot in the Px's on post but there expensive so I stick with what I have already before I drop another 80+ on a knife my Kershaw ran me 180 6 years ago so if that breaks I'll drop more coin for a expensive knife.

[royal0014]

I've posted this here recently:

http://www.bearandsoncutlery.com/

Quality, American Made. Traditional, tacticals, and multitools. Check them out before you send your money overseas!

[Hi Salenity]

Not so much a fishing knife, but I'm interested in opinions about quality american knifes. Buck, Shrade, Case, Gerber, were once good quality knife but now a lot of their products are china made with few exceptions. Are there other countries producing a high quality knife????

Are you looking for a fixed or a folder? If it's a folder with or without a pocket clip? if it is a clip will you carry it tip up or tip down?

I like a tip up knife. it's easier and faster for me to get out and open. I have a Boker automatic knife but about the time I got used to carrying it the nut on the blade "bolt" fell off.

[OHIO]

I carry a Case Trapperlock basically all of the time.

They're the best knives I've ever had.

I'm pretty sure they're still all made in America.

[HookSetDon]

Kershaw, Sog, Ontario. Depending on what you expect from it?

Hard to beat an ontario fixed blade as a survival knife. Ive used mine time and time ago while camping in Algonquin park for shelter building, fire building, general use.

[MCS]

Ka-Bar has some knifes still american made, they are all in the $200 range, most of them are made in tiawan. but I have seen the Becker in action on a knife forum and it is crazy. Dude cut through a lawn mower, cynder blocks and then re-sharpened the edge, couldn't break or bend it. U can't beat the bacon maker folding for 30-40 bucks. Benchmade or Bear and Son are the other ways to go too. all good products. Also Condor knifes, not american, think they are panama or central american country owned but good knives and machetes for the money. And I will throw in there Bulldog Brand if you want a collector light duty.

[jerzeeD]

I use Kershaw Blackouts. USA made and the spring loaded flip open is sweet. The price isnt too horrible at 70 bucks.

[JamesD]

Depending on your version of 'good' and mine...there may be some differences.

My go-to blade is a serrated 1095 CroVan KaBar fullsize knife. I carry a very vintage "All American" gas station knife from the late 60's that's outlived every other big-name brand knife I've ever owned or used. It's A A 41 stainless.... Don't even know if that's still relevant to anything modern either.

As far as AMERICAN made blades, of HIGH quality? ... I'd be looking at SOG, Ka Bar, and Cold Steel - You're going to spend some coin (not that I haven't seen some guys here drop $300+ on a st croix rod so that might not be a big deal) on that Cold Steel though.

But the Cold Steel blades are worth every penny spent.

As far as material? if you go with Stainless, Aus 8 is really good, there are a few variants that are just as good on the open market these days. Spyderco uses VG10 and some of the newer japanese super steels. As does Cold Steel. If you're really interested in blades, and the quality of steel, I could share a LOT of information with you, but I don't know if that would even be relevant to you as a typical consumer?

Anyway, yeah, I'd start looking at those companies and see what you find.

[Highhawk1948]

I have spent my whole life in the woods and waters and I use what I think are the best American Made Knives:

Fixed Blade - Randall Made Knives in Orlando Florida (they make a knife for all outdoor activities including Military)

Folding - I have and use Buck, Moore Maker, Case (As far as I know all are made in the US now.)

[West Coast Bass]

kershaw makes quality products. they will stand by them too, which is awesome. have had very good experiences with them.

[Triton21]

I prefer carbon steel knifes, I carry a Remington 9503 Trapper that has gutted and skinned more deer and filleted more fish(I C&R Bass). than most of you have seen. I have 2 more in reserve in case I lose this one. I have had the one I carry since 1985. They were msde in USA.

Kelley

[Addicted to Smallies]

Hard to beat the Emerson knives, but they ARE pricey. Expensive, but dollar for dollar probably the best knife in the world.

[Redlinerobert]

Sog Seal Pup has been great to me. Also I really like my Abel folding knife.

[.ghoti.]

American made knives are becoming harder to find, and pricier when you do. If you get one that says Seki City, you most likely got a very fine knife.

I have Benchmade, SOG, Spyderco, CRKT, Cold Steel, Kershaw, Boker and Buck knives; fixed and folders. My every day carry for years was a Kershaw. It disappeared about a month ago. I'm fairly sure it slipped out of my pocket while on my yak.

Looking for something a little smaller, and more discreet, than most of my folders, I ordered a Mcusta. Japanese made, damascus blade and grips, very sleek and smooth operating.

If you're truly concerned about where your new knife is made, check out the Knife Center, online. When you select a knife to look at or order, it will tell you where it's made.

[flyfisher]

I will add in my .02 and say if you go with benchmade or the cold steel and you will not be disappointed.

[QUIENYO]

I carry an an older generation Benchmade, just after the split from Emerson. I bought that knife in early 2000 and it is still flawless. Hard to beat either Benchmade or Emerson for good quality folding pocket carry knives.

If you have a few more dollars to spend, look at Strider knives. A small American made brand that has a loyal following in LE/SOG. I have one of his folding knives, they are built to last. Very nice line of fixed blades as well. If its in the budget, definitely check Strider Knives out.