I'd like to buy a pocket type knife that would be:

1) OK to carry around--Legal
2) can be used for everyday tasks such as slicing open packages, turning screws, prying things open filing down a bad fingernail
3) Stays closed well but is easy to open
4) Isn't too bulky
6) MUST be sturdy

Optional extras that would make it EXCELLENT

1) fire starting, does it have or could it easily be combined with a firestarter
2) Has a ring that could be used so it could be tethered.
3) plier to deal with fish hooks

Could you suggest other features?

I think I can probably offer a few suggestions for you, but need a bit more info first...Are you looking for solely a folding knife or a multi-tool like a SAK or leatherman? And how important are the features and options vs. the bulk and weight of the item?

To me, the best multi tool (as far as options, durability and cost) is the Leatherman Wave...It's got all the features that you're looking for, but can be a bit on the heavy side...

You'll find in my other posts that I'm not a fan of the Swiss Army Knives (SAK) because they don't offer a locking mechanism on their knife blades...it's crazy and I'm not sure why they don't...but we're trying to avoid emergencies here...not create one...

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If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

Weight is important. I'm looking for something that won't aggravate me to make it a part of my normal wardrobe. I'm carrying a Swiss Army Knife now and I HATE that I can't lock the blades, It's nice that it has a little set of pliers/wire cutter . . I seem to need them fairly often.

I dropped the SAK out of my pocket when pulling out some other stuff and it cracked its cover . . . so DH said that since I don't like it anyway, I should find something I really do like.

I'm very often out in the garden or the barn and need a quick phillips or flathead screwdriver,
the pliers/wirecutter come in really handy too.

But most of all, a good blade that will hold an edge, with a point that's not so paper thing that it breaks off easily when cutting leather. I'm often having to cut the end off of a piece of harness or punch a hole.

needle nosed pliers
wire cutter
phillips #2
Flat blade screwdriver that worked well for prying too
longer blade, preferably suitable for dressing an animal in a pinch
shorter blade that was thick and tough so I can whittle at thick leather or wood so I don't dull the other blade
File
spike (great for unknotting and poking holes in leather), if it has a hole for carrying a cord through, great
Little short hacksaw blade (great for sawing off screws that are too long, etc.)
can opener . . . I always forget the can opener,

Note: I tried carrying DH's Skeletool (Leatherman) but it kept catching on everything in my pocket. It was just aggravating. I did like the Carabiner clip, that was really nice, the blade was good too, I remember I was able to make a very clean incision on a horse's side to get him free from a nasty piece of wire, so it had its pluses. It just seemed to glom onto every little bit of lint in my pocket and catch on things.

I'm gonna stick with my initial recomendation of the Leatherman Wave...It's got all the features you need...You can get a nice leather or nylon pouch to carry it in using a beltloop so wearing it shouldn't be much of a problem.

Here's the specs on the Leatherman Wave:



Tools:

* 420HC Clip Point Knife
* 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife
* Needlenose Pliers
* Regular Pliers
* Wire Cutters
* Hard-wire Cutters
* Wire Stripper
* Large Screwdriver
* Large Bit Driver
* Small Bit Driver
* Scissors
* Wood/Metal File
* Diamond-coated File
* Saw
* Bottle Opener
* Can Opener
* 8 in | 19 cm Ruler
* INCLUDED BITS: Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit, Phillips #1-2 and 3/16" Bit

Features:

* Stainless Steel Handle
* Stainless Steel Body
* Outside-accessible Blades for One-handed Opening
* All Locking Blades and Tools
* Fixed Lanyard Ring
* Leather or Nylon Sheath
* 25-year Warranty

Measurements:

* 4 in | 10 cm (closed)
* 8.5 oz | 241 g

_________________
If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

I think I'll call around tomorrow a bit and see who has them in stock.

I'd like to actually hold one before I decide. It certainly looks like it has everything.
Thank you for your advice.

I'm quite intrigued by your avatar, is it a little kit in an Altoids box?

I second the suggestion for a Leatherman Wave. That multi-tool is built like a truck and very durable. It's worth every penny. FYI, I got mine at Target for $69.

I also recommend the Leatherman tool. Mine has a belt sheath that I carry it in. I have had mine since I was in the Army, and I got out in 92. I have only had to sharpen the blade once since I got it, and all of the other tools, including the saw are 100%.

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Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

NRA Certified Instructor for Basic Handgun and Personal protection in the Home.
V.F.W. Life Member
NRA Member
U.S. Army Veteran

Well, I ended up buying a Leatherman Wave and a fixed blade knife with a really tough blade and a sharpening hidden in the handle. It's a little heavy, but so far, so good.

I sure wish the blade were a little heavier, but we'll see. And guess where I got it?

At the pawn shop, it looks brand new, has a sheath, and I paid $14 for the two of them.

I also bought a cool Browning folding knife that has a choke tool (for shotguns) and a really NICE blade. I paid $16 for it.

Pawn shops are great for shopping for stuff like this, if you are careful.

Ok, I'm annoyed.

The handle on my Wave has sort of play in it when the blade is open or one of the other tools.

I think I'm starting to like the Browning Tool better, the knife is much beefier and its more solid. I'll try to get a picture of it tomorrow.

Chech out the leatherman Charge Ti it has a textured handle and is quite tight.
If you want a lockbalde SAK check out the Victorinox Hunter model
Lastly, a knife is NOT a ply bar

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Retired Navy SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Instructor
certified pistol, rifle, shotgun, home defense Instructor
NRA Life Member
Survival & Disaster Preparedness Instructor