Barn knife

[Inzelique]

I have a request from a family member for a barn knife. Folding, inexpensive, and will be used in an actual barn.  Now I realize that it will be used for cutting open hay bales and the like, but I have never done extensive "barn chores".  i was leaning toward one of Kershaw's less expensive models, possibly with speed safe because it will likely be used with gloves.  maybe one with a combo edge too.  any one with more barn experience have a better suggestion?  $30 is probably the most I can spend.

[Sean]

One of the sheepsfoot Byrd cara, cara knives with serrations?  This would keep animals
from getting stabbed, work it's way through burlap and twine with ease and when done
you can hang it on a nail or dowel through the byrd's eye in the blade. 

[Mr. Whippy]

We've had a horse farm for 20 years.  If you're looking for a barn TOOL, I would recommend Charge ALX (look on EDCsource for a good deal).  The guthook is great for bales.  Serrated blade for cardboard.  Pliers for all sorts of stuff.

If you're going for just a knife, I'd look seriously at a CRKT folding Razel.  Stout blade, the flat end works well for scraping (like scraping out feed buckets).  Easy to use OHO.

[Inzelique]

Thanks for the recomendatios.  The Byrd does sound pretty good.  I never thought of using the hole to hang it, thatsbrilliant!

[Dtrain]

One Handed Trekker

Dtrain

[Sean]

I've got one of the Cara Rescue knives and they are great on fibrous materials, and those
serrations in my opinion are some of the best in the business, not so pointy so they snag
like some of their more expensive brothers.

[Flying Dutchman]

Myself, when I was ranching, liked a cheap(er) knife that held an edge but wasnt afraid to abuse. I used a Schrade and literally beat the crap out of it, still doing fine...could use a sharpening tho. Serrated is a must for me, combo or the entire blade. Hay twine is a rough bugger on blades, but I dont do my own sharpening and the shop that does my sharpening can do a serrated blade with no problem for $3.

I always had a Leatherman Wave on me also for alot of stuff, including some cutting. But for the stuff that I knew would be rough on the blade I had that Schrade clipped in my coveralls for the hay twine. Lightweight and I think $12 at Big 5 at the time.

[Inzelique]

Thanks!  That was what I was hoping for, someone who has needed one before

[Flying Dutchman]

I have had the Buck Vantage 345BKS and 340BKS for a little over a week now....each are very nice and inexpensive folders. The steel seems that it would hold up well, however, these are not semi serrated. Not a must, just a preference of mine. With a forever warranty from buck, might be worth looking into.

[Inzelique]

thank you all for the suggestions.  gave me some ideas for myself too.  Picked up a Leatherman Crater c33x today at home Depot for $20.  Partially serated blade, decent steel, the carabiner for hanging it.  should be perfect

[Flying Dutchman]

thank you all for the suggestions.  gave me some ideas for myself too.  Picked up a Leatherman Crater c33x today at home Depot for $20.  Partially serated blade, decent steel, the carabiner for hanging it.  should be perfect

Can't beat that price! Great little knife, didn't think you would find it under $30.

[Inzelique]

The store I work at had plenty.  Also Style s2 for $20.  and of course the Wingman for $25.  Actually nice to see some decent quality multi tools at the big orange box.