I’m a bit of a knife buff. I enjoy carrying knives every day and I find they are very useful tools. I have a small collection of knives ranging from $10 to above $200. All my knives are for every day use, so I don’t have giant scary knives or autos or anything like that. Just good usable tools.
I’d recommend the Ontario Rat II folding knife. This is a great little knife that is very useful when hiking, camping, or for off road trips. It is small and light weight with plastic handles, steel liners, a very solid liner lock, and a very usable 3 inch blade. The build quality is fantastic and it only costs around $30, so you won’t be totally upset if you lose it or break the tip off doing something dumb. Older models come with AUS 8 steel which is adequate. Newer models come with D2 tool steel which holds an edge much longer before needing a touch up. The size is perfect because it is fully usable but it doesn’t scare the general public when you take it out to cut something. It is comfortable to carry clipped to your front pocket because it is so slim and light. At work, where I’m technically not supposed to carry a knife, it rides nicely in my back pocket next to my wallet. I have much more expensive and well built knives, but the Rat II finds its way into my pocket more than most.
”If you’re a Man, and you have a pocket, you should be carrying a knife.”
