[300winmag]

I came across this Gerber LST II knife at Lowe's for $19.95. Made in the USA! (if Portland, OR still counts), and easy one-handed opening. No pocket clip, and the 2.5 inch blade is a bit on the small side, but I really like it as a pocket knife. It's a lockback, rather than a framelock, so it really needs two hands to close it. No problem, at one time lockbacks were almost the only type of locking system. Here are some pictures with the HHD knife, the "gold standard".

I've come to the conclusion that there is a range of knife functions. Under-three-inches is definitely a pocket knife. Vey handy to have, and light enough to be comfortable in a pocket without needing a pocket clip.

Then there is the "working knife", with a blade in the range of 3-4 inches. Its heavier construction allows for use more than cutting string, paper, light cloth, etc. It's heavy enough that a pocket clip is helpful, especially if you want to carry it clipped to your armor.

Then there's the "field knife", with a blade of 4-5 inches. Even more heavy duty, even a folding knife this size is big enough, it probably needs its own pouch for carrying. It's about as small a knife as is practical for self-defense.

Finally, there's the "survival" or "fighting" knife, with a blade of 5+ inches. It's either a fixed-blade, or one big honkin' folder. Often referred to in the military as a "Hollywood knife". The troops that really need one already have one, because it's as important as a good pair of boots, and no corners are cut.

In further news, Smoky Mountain informed me the last five CRKT knives never existed, and there are none left. So 141 was our final count. Steve gets 12 more knives for his buddies, and then there is only one knife left.

Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble. I hope thisinformation proves useful for you.

[HairOfTheDog]

Well, you like this one? Think it would be as helpful as the other one?

[Wneighbor]

I like that Gerber. Looks like to me it's either that or the Schrade. What think?

[osagebowman]

300winmag; interesting and good looking knife, looks like it would work, however lacks the panache of your gold standard. I've been gettin AGRussel catalogs for years, usually for recyling, nothing I really need, but I found one that missed the recycling. :-) Any thoughts on the SOG-outline? Small for sure, almost like a neck knife but could be clipped to vest or pack strap. It's not a folder, it's a sheath, priced retail at 21.95, probably can beat it at your places by a good deal.