Schrade XTAC SQ586

I really like this segment of knives; low price, but still great design, mechanism and material. I call this segment Low Price High Quality (LPHQ). The Schrade Extreme Tactical, XTAC SQ586, falls into this segment, and does it well. This liner lock is robust yet slim. The low weight and the tip down carry pocket clip makes the XTAC nice to carry. I like the shape of the blade and the handle's gripability. The two sided thumb studs could have been given a smoother edges though; on this knife the studs scratches my thumbs. The studs are placed very close to the handle when folded. These two things can be an issue when in cold climate with stiff fingers.
The XTAC's Chinese blade is delivered with a razor sharp edge that holds up fine.

Length: 194 mm / 111 mm
Blade: 82 mm long, 24 mm wide, 2 mm thick drop point blade
Handle: 111 mm long and 12 mm thick, black plastic and blue aluminum with pocket clip
Weight: 82 g

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Crocodile Hunter

This is a low price Taiwan produced bowie knife from the 80´s influenced by Linder's model that goes by the same name. A nice design detail on this knife is the blade's extreme clip point and the big blood slot. The big blade have a long tang and a convex edge. This bowie comes with a pretty dull edge and you quickly realize why the fragile sheath is equipped with a whetstone. I like the robust handle with well fitted finger grooves and a big brass guard.

Length: 338 mm
Blade: 208 mm long, 42 mm wide, 5 mm thick, stainless steel, long tang, clip point, convex edge
Handle: 130 mm long, finger grooved rosewood with a double brass guard
Knife weight: 413 g
Sheath: 71 g thin leather sheath with whetstone

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EKA Swede 38

The EKA Swede 38 is a classic folder designed by the Swedish Prince Sigvard Bernadotte in 1968. The clean Acrylate handle gives the knife a futuristic look from the 60's. This thin and durable blade have served many Swedish homes throughout the years. The brass screws makes the folder easy dissembled for cleaning. I got this knife from a thoughtful relative during the 80's and I still often use it as a very nice no fuss EDC.

Specs Blade material: Stailess steel Sandvik 12C27 58 Rockwell C
Blade length: 80 mm
Blade thickness: 2,8 mm
Knife length: 114 mm / 184 mm
Handle thickness: 14,7 mm
Knife weight: 74 g
Price: 300 SEK (Sweden 2013)

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Spyderco C34 Jess Horn II

This is a high quality gentlemans folder, numbered edition, this is number 336. The micarta handle and the slim blade gives a high-tech yet elegant look. The Jess Horn C34 was produced during years 1995-1998. This is the regular version, a baby version (AGSP-2B) was also produced. I have removed the tip up carry pocket clip as I wanted a light and slim EDC. The AUS-8 steel gives the blade an extremly sharp edge. I think this is a excellent co-production between Spyderco and the legendary knife maker Jess Horn.

Length: 182 mm / 104 mm
Blade: 80 mm long, 22 mm wide and 2 mm thick AUS-8 steel blade with thumb hole
Handle: 9 mm thick black micarta and steel with hole for lanyard
Weight: 53 g (without pocket clip)

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Anonymous Buck 110 Copy

Whenever I stumble upon a non-branded knife that offers OK quality without emptying my valet I send my thoughts to the unknown designer/craftsman. This knife is a good example of that. I can't remember where it was but I bought this folder in a little shop passing through some town during my military training. I needed a folder, the little store only offered one model and I liked the classic western clip point style. It's obvious that this knife tries to imitate the classic Buck 110 Folding Hunter. Although the knife doesn't reach the same high level of quality as the Buck, it turned out to be a faithful friend helping me throughout my training. The robust specs and rough mechanism of the folder isn't fancy but it works. The blade often needs sharpening, but that's OK by me.

Specs
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 96 mm
Blade thickness: 3,2 mm
Knife length: 128 mm / 225 mm
Handle thickness: 15,2 mm
Knife weight: 223 g
Total weight: 276 g (with holster)
Price: 110 SEK (Sweden 1995)

In Swedish

Chinese Folder

This non-expensive non-branded Chinese manufactured folder has a long and slim design inspired by the classic Buck 110 Folding Hunter. I think this is a nice knife for carrying when out fishing. I then use a lanyard to secure the knife from falling into the water. The lock back mechanism locks fairly tight considering the low price tag. I like the old school western clip point style design with wood and brass details, especially the grove for the front finger. Although the thin wooden scales are sensitive and risk cracking if not thurowly oiled after cleaning.

Specs
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: 108 mm
Blade thickness: 2,3 mm
Knife length: 134 mm / 242 mm
Handle thickness: 9,3 mm
Knife weight: 121 g
Price: 100 SEK (Sweden 2013)

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Traditional EKA Folding knife

It was a dream come true when I as a little boy got this used little folder from my Grandpa. I carried it with me everywhere, made numerous bark boats, pealed oranges and hurried cutting everything needed cutting. This folder is produced by a predecessor to what we today call EKA; the Swedish knife manufacturer in Eskilstuna. This classic Swedish knife from the beginning of the 1900's features two spear point blades and a corkscrew. I still use this nostalgic beauty from time to time.

Length: 88 mm (closed)
Blade lengths: 59 mm, 45 mm
Blade thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 40 g

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Leatherman Surge

The Surge is one of Leatherman's full size heavy duty models featuring two knife blades; one clip point plain edge and one serrated sheep foot blade. They can be opened with a one hand maneuver and locks with a liner function. I like the robust quality of the Surge. Some years ago I moved into a new empty flat; had no kithen stuff, tools or gear what so ever. So I went and got me this Leatherman Surge and with it I fixed everything from my bike, the table and the food on it. This 100% stainless steel tool contains over twenty different functions and comes with a nice nylon sheath. If you prefer a leather sheath; this is optional, and there is also a black oxide version of the Surge available.

Plain edge blade: 79 mm long, 2 mm thick stainless steel 420 HC Clip point blade
Serrated blade: 80 mm long, 2 mm thick stainless steel 420 HC sheep foot blade
Closed tool: 115 x 43 x 21 mm
Open pliers: 177 mm long
Weight: 334 g (tool), 373 g (tool and sheath)

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