[Papa Zero Three]

Originally Posted by Les George

A little follow question(s)... Anyone ever try to sharpen one of the all steel ones, like the Benchmade? How'd that work out for you?

overall what's workin out better, replaceable blades or non replaceable?

Thanks again, all!.

The Benchmade hook knives I have are all still sharp after being used pretty hard,they hold an edge quite well. However, I did take a diamond stick sharpener to one that seemed less than factory sharp and a few strokes later it was once again scary sharp.

The replacement blade option is not a bad idea if there is an easy way to get replacements and the user takes the time to disassemble and install a new blade. Personally, I think the ability to field sharpen with a diamond stick is the best bet.

Years ago there used to be an issue folding "rescue knife" that had a blaze orange handle and was a classic switch blade with the button on the side. It also had a hook knife on the opposite end that you had to pull out manually, that had a head and opening very similar to what you see on the benchmade line of hook knives. The riggers loved that knife due to the ease that the hook end could cut through materials quickly when taking apart a heavy drop or other air delivery item on the DZ and the fact they also had a knife in one package.

I don't know what your client is asking for but perhaps another option instead of having a dedicated hook knife, is to incorporate the hook knife into one of your existing folders. You could run it on the opposite end of the knife blade and use a thumb stud to open the hook knife, much like a knife blade , so one hand use is possible. Just thinking out loud and sharing my ideas. Hope that helps.