Some (New) Old Knives

[Freudian Frog]

I just got in a couple more traditional knives and wanted to ask of all of your opinions about these while giving some very shallow first impressions.

All of them come sharp.

First up, the Mercator K55K Black Cat.
The handle is a simple single sheet punch with a bail on the end, very traditional design and has a strange lock called a rocker that kind of splits the backspring into two parts, creating a middle button that has to be depressed to release the blade. I've been having trouble doing so, the rocker lock does not want to yield to my thumb (very painful, but I suppose that also means it's very secure, anyone else have this issue?). It's a big knife with very simple construction which should be pretty reliable, and sports a very slim profile which I like like like. I've also heard good things about the steel they use.

Edit:
Edit2: Sort of just noticed, the blade doesn't seem to rest in the middle of the handle, but hugs one side. I think there might be a notch there specifically for that purpose but I might be crazy.

Second was a No. 8 Opinel.
Overall it's a good light cutter, I've used it a little bit and it serves very well for the price. Wood handles are very light and nice but I'm not sure about how it'll hold up against the elements. The twistlock is used to lock it open but there seems to be a cutout to lock the knife while closed also (which I was not aware of!), but I wouldn't worry about it coming out anyhow as it's very snug in the handle, almost to the point where it's hard to pull out.

And finally, a Kissing Crane Black Angus Sodbuster (this one was made in Italy, production has since moved to China).
Well... what can I say? It's a sodbuster. Great little work knife, pretty classic construction, big plastic handle. I think I'm going to be carrying this one a lot, and maybe get a couple more.

Also, awhile back I aquired some Douk Douks.
I know some people like them, but I really don't... they're missing a nail nick so they're kind of hard to deploy, but otherwise make nice slicers. I find the overall fit and finish annoying, but again, I like slim profiles so these end up in my pockets from time to time. I've heard that soldiers would pinch the handles closed near the blade so as to convert the Douk Douk into a fixed blade, but I'm not going to risk it... (would love for someone to chime in on this). Bails are also nice.

I've also expiremented with some other tradtional pocket knife designs such as congresses, muskrats, copperheads, and trappers. The excess of blade styles don't really apply to me as I don't do any whittling or carving, so I find a SAK or single blade with a thicker handle for grip (such as a sodbuster) serve me more effectively.

Will add pictures later... maybe. Someone bug me if you want me to.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Pictures

I find myself leaning more toward traditional knife styles too these days

I like Opinels, but I'm always a little bit weary of snapping the tip of them (in normal use, not prying!) as there not a very stout blade As for the wood handles, I think there usually beech or walnut, and both will swell in water, but should dry ok without warping as long as you dry them naturally

[Benner]

I think Douk-Douks are pants.  I only keep mine to remind myself not to impulse buy. 

IMO for the money you can get another folder which is better is basically every single way.

[Anthony]

I never really took to my Opinel...It's a stainless version that won't take a (very) sharp edge...it's sharp, but not as sharp as I'd like. 

Out of my Douk and my Mercator, I like the Douk best and use it for cutting food while I'm not in the house.  Nice long blade with a good belly, and sharp!  The Mercator with it's straight blade and lock makes for a better work knife.

The Douk and Mercator with the carbon steel blades I can get nice and shaving sharp.  I do however think they are kind of expensive for what they are, but then again they are imported from Europe and aren't mass produced on the scale of some other better one handed/locking folders.  Not maky knives these days have bails though, and these do!

[Freudian Frog]

I never really took to my Opinel...It's a stainless version that won't take a (very) sharp edge...it's sharp, but not as sharp as I'd like. 

Out of my Douk and my Mercator, I like the Douk best and use it for cutting food while I'm not in the house.  Nice long blade with a good belly, and sharp!  The Mercator with it's straight blade and lock makes for a better work knife.

The Douk and Mercator with the carbon steel blades I can get nice and shaving sharp.  I do however think they are kind of expensive for what they are, but then again they are imported from Europe and aren't mass produced on the scale of some other better one handed/locking folders.  Not maky knives these days have bails though, and these do!

Bails for the win!

I actually really like my Mercator as a work knife. I got it for around $15 and it gives you a very slim profile and a bail. All those $20 tactical knives I find kind of bulky and intrusive. =S

[jzmtl]

I like Opinels. I have a carbon #8 that I keep in my pen cup for general purpose from cutting tape to fruit. Sharpened at 30° it's friggin sharp! I can actually shave with it.