Every year, I write up a gift guide that discusses the small items that have made a big difference in my shop. These are items that are ideal for gifts – it’s difficult to ask your toddlers for an Altendorf table saw for Christmas. I hope that these items are useful to you. If you have any complaints about this gift guide, please submit it here.
The first item is a shop knife. I thought I’d rewrite and improve my original thoughts on this knife, but I cannot.
I lost my shop knife while we were unpacking at Handworks this spring, and I have been on a quest since then to find its replacement. (The company that made my now-lost knife no longer exists.)
I am dang picky about knives. I’ve carried one every day since elementary school. So it is no small thing when I say this: I am glad I lost my favorite knife at Handworks because now I have a Kershaw Link drop-point knife in gray aluminum “blackwash,” whatever that is.
Here’s what I need in a knife:
- One-handed operation – I need to be able to quickly close and open the knife with zero fuss.
- The blade has to lock in the open position for safety.
- It has to be lightweight and compact.
- It has to have a belt clip.
- All the components need to be incredibly rugged. I hate flimsy knives.
- Oh, I also dislike flashy materials or things that look like a Klingon’s wet dream.
That is a tall order, and I rejected a lot of knives until I found the Kershaw Link. What makes the knife even more extraordinary is it is made in the U.S. and can be found for about $40 retail. (I bought mine on sale for $31.)
The blade is stainless steel, but it takes a good edge and is plenty durable when cutting wood, wire and whatever shop material is asking for a stabbing or a slashing. Totally recommended.
— Christopher Schwarz
- To read entries from past guides, click here.
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
My SCUBA dive knife is a Kershaw. It’s dreamy.
I also have a Kershaw Wade Officer pocket knife that my dad found for sale on the counter top at a feed store out in the country. There were three of them, still in the box, along with a dozen Old Timer pocket knives. He asked how much for the knives. The guy said the Old Timers were $20 each and… He thought the others weren’t that good and said he’d sell them for $10 each.
Dad bought all three Kershaw knives and gave one to me for Christmas. They don’t sell it anymore, but it was a $70 knife. The serrated edge is wicked sharp.
Geez, now I want me one of those beautiful Altendorf glue-up/assembly tables for Christmas.
Chris, How do you hone the blade?
I was so disappointed! After going through the purchase and starting the checkout process I was informed that they couldn’t send it to me. I’m guessing it has something to do with New York State regulation. Anyone know a work around?
A great recommendation Mr. Schwarz! Got one of the Kershaw’s as gift about five years ago, and I haven’t lost it yet.
My problem now is that I didn’t even know that the Altendorf table saw existed…. Now I want one.
Thanks a lot,
Mark
Lately, I’ve carried a Case Stockman. It isn’t locking, but it has a nice high carbon steel blade that can be sharpened incredibly sharp and it is small. For my regular office/teaching days, it is perfect. My other regular is a Benchcrafted Mini-griptilian. It really costs too much but it close to perfect.
Kershaw 1560 Whirlwind for six years plus, along with a Victorinox Swiss tool (original version).
This model has a blade made of Sandvik 14C28N steel. I’ve had a knife in my pocket since 4th grade and this is by far my favorite. Tough as a hardened nail, stays sharp through ridiculous abuse. If I ever lose it I’ll buy another at full list and be happy to get it.
I found the CRKT K300KXP Hootenanny also meets these requirements. I liked it so well, I bought my son one also.
My only stainless knife has a glass break which is a must if I leave the house.
The Kershaw 1620NB Scallion Folding Knife is also an excellent choice. Please describe how you close your knife one-handed. I can’t push the accidental closure stop to the side while folding the blade into the body.