How To Choose The Best Farmer’s Knife


How to Choose the Best Farmer’s Knife

The first tool on the long path of human evolution was a knife. With its help, hunting, cutting and cooking, defense from wild animals and no more cultural tribesmen, the manufacture of various tools was carried out.

Surprisingly, this tool has not undergone constructive changes over a millennia-old history, remaining a blade with a wooden handle. Being an indispensable companion of man, he has acquired a halo of legends and magical properties.

The industrial revolution, which began in medieval Europe, gave new life to the knife. New technologies have allowed them to be produced in large quantities. The appearance of folding models also dates back to this time.

Farmers Need knives in everyday work and they should always carry one with them as well. In the previous article we talked about farming equipment that is essential for farmers.

Even though different farms need different equipment, one item is essential to them all – a farming knife.  A farmer should always carry one in the pocket when he is working in the field in case he will need it. That’s why it important for the farming knife to be small, compact and high quality.

Briefly about the anatomy of a knife

Folding tools have gained well-deserved popularity due to their compactness and versatility, which allows them to perform a number of household operations. In addition to traditional cutting, designers began to fill its functionality with additional chips – a saw, a corkscrew, can openers, screwdrivers, etc.

Blade

The main characteristic of a modern knife is the material from which the blade is made. Basically, these are high carbon alloy steels. The blades of them are resistant to corrosion, strong in bending and hold sharpening well.

The surface of the blades is subjected to various treatments in order to increase wear resistance and for decorative purposes. For example, anodizing makes the canvas matte, black, and the zirconium coating at times increases the wear resistance of the surface. The shape of the cutting blade largely determines the tasks that this tool can solve. For cutting products and soft materials, a relatively elongated narrow blade with a razor sharpening is suitable.

If you need to use it as an ice ax in the conditions of a trip, so as not to fall off a steep cliff, then you will help out a short one with a tip closer to the center line. When choosing a model, be sure to consider these factors.

Locking the blade

For safe possession of the folding blade, the main role is played by locking the cutting blade both in the open state and in the folded state. Accidental spontaneous movement of the blade can lead to serious injury. For this, locks of various designs are used.

There are several types of locks that differ structurally, but work on the same principle. The simplest are based on spring plates inserted between the handle dies. Upon opening, this plate enters a protrusion or groove on the blade and holds it securely. To fold, you need to click on the plate or button.

Handle

For effective operation of the blade, you need to hold it securely in your hand. Folding handles are two side dies called sliders. A lock is installed between them, they are connected, in most cases, by rivets. Dies are made of stainless metal (steel or aluminum). Covered with various materials that prevent slipping. It can be wood, rubber or plastic.

In cheap models, a micarta-layered composite of resins and fiberglass is used. The expensive ones have special compounds based on modern polymers.

A farming knife is something farmers should choose themselves. It should be flexible and comfortable, because they will have to use it pretty often. That’s why we recommend you to go to the store first and choose the model yourself, to touch it, feel it and try to use it in a way you intend you.

Nevertheless most of the farming folding knives are standard, that’s why we offer you top 5 low-cost folding knives for beginner farmers. You can use it in everyday life and because they are not expensive, you can choose which model you like the best and choose your life’s companion knife accordingly.

Kershaw Volt II Pocket Knife

  • Partially serrated EDC, safe folding pocket knife for everyday use—cut rope or cords, heavy cutting tasks, survival tool, self-defense or the perfect gift
  • Sharp and reliable 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, slight drop point blade with black oxide coating and diamond-textured, black, glass-filled nylon finger contoured handle
  • SpeedSafe Assisted Opening provides a quick and secure open with a pull of the flipper moving the blade out of handle
  • Black reversible pocketclip allows tip-up or tip-down carry
  • General all-purpose use for daily home needs, working, utility, hunting, fishing, farming, camping, hiking or collecting

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S

  • DIMENSIONS: 7.1 inch (18 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) and a weight of 3.5 ounces
  • DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black, aluminum handle
  • DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient pocket clip, finger flipper and ambidextrous thumb knobs making it ideal for everyday carry
  • SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the liner lock
  • BE PREPARED: Knife features jimping

RUIKE P108-SF

  • The knife is designed for everyday wear and as a farming equipment. The quality is not inferior to the best world standards.
  • It is delivered to the market in a gift box on which the number is marked. When buying, check with the number on the blade.
  •  It usually comes with five year warranty.
  • The blade is made of Swedish chrome-molybdenum steel “Sandvik”, hardened to a high degree of hardness.
  • Relatively narrow with a small width of the butt.
  •  The false blade plays the role of a stiffener.
  • Opening takes place by clicking on the fin, there are no pegs.
  • Ball bearings are mounted on the axis of the blade.
  • Metal handle – stainless steel, alloyed with chrome.
  •  The dice are polished using Stonewashed technology, so the handle is soft to the touch and does not glare in the sun.
  •  The classic Frame Lock, after opening, is reliably locked with a slider.
  • In the folded position, the ball on the lock liner firmly fixes the sharp blade, excluding unauthorized disclosure.

BUCK 286 Bantam BHW

  • Lightweight and compact for everyday use, the largest in the BUCK line, 225 mm long. This allows you to expand the functionality to the kitchen for cutting salad products.
  • Sharp blade made of high-carbon steel alloyed with chrome 420НS. Hardened to HRC = 58, corrosion resistant, wear resistant, easy to sharpen.
  • The Drop Point form provides the best performance.
  • The upper part is beveled to the top, which minimizes injuries.
  • The handle with the inscription BUCK is made of GRN composite material, has a rough surface, is equipped with a clip and a hole for the safety cord.
  • This knife is good for everyday use and can be a good help on the farm.

Boker Magnum Advance Desert Pro (BK01RY307)

  • The German brand “Boker” is well known for its melee weapons: from 19th-century sabers to modern army knives made of Damascus steel.
  • The presented folding model is designed for farmers, hiking and fishing.
  • The blade is made of high-carbon chrome steel 440C, the surface is anodized using EDP technology.
  • The canvas has a matte finish in black, eliminating glare in the sun, which is very important for hunting and fishing.
  • The Recurved blade is S-shaped with a dropping tip, suitable for cutting and coarse cutting. When opened, it is locked with a Liner Lock; opening is carried out with a peg under both hands.
  • GRN thermoplastic stainless steel handle, soft non-slip surface. Sold complete with case.

Conclusion

The variety of pocket farming knife models on store shelves makes it difficult to choose the right design. The average price is highly dependent on the manufacturer, material and design. A review of the best farming knife models should tell you how to choose the price and which company is best to buy.

The above descriptions of rating models allows you to determine what selection criteria exist, what to look for, so as not to make mistakes when choosing the blade you need.

Sam Barrett

My name is Sam. With previous experience working with animals through veterinary clinics (small and large practice) and working with large machinery, this blog is the perfect beginners guide to figuring out what the hell is farming. And if you are experienced, who knows, you might learn a thing or two from this city slicker!

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