FolkGuitar

Each has its own individual pluses. Unfortunately, no one is making the 'ultimate' multi-tool as yet.

http://overzeas.net/ Yes, an in fact, is a great source for knives and sharpening equipment. In fact, it's the ONLY source for 'WorkSharp' sharpening products if you live in Asia. I buy all my sharpening belts from them. 'WorkSharp' will not ship to individuals outside the USA, so our only choices are Overzeas, net, or a place in Australia to get them. The belt-sharpening system of the WorkSharp 'Ken Onion' edition is simply the fastest, most effective, and 'safest' (no overheating of the blade) machine sharpening for the price, and can sharpen up to 6,000 grit (although I generally stop around 2,000 grit at 17 degrees for my kitchen knives and 4,000 at 20 degrees for my EDC. I won't use anything other then belts or Japanese waterstones on my knives.

It does not have a locking function. It is modeled after the old 'CAT' knives so popular with sailors during W.W.II. (They even copied the name and made is sound Japanese.) I have several of the old ones in my collection. Sailors weren't allowed to carry anything in pant's pockets, so they carried in their socks. The CAT knives were very thin, flat folding knives, perfect for that style of carry. Cheap as chips so no problem if lost. They were just a blade pivoting on an axis with a folded metal handle around it, and a 'tail' to help open it. You can see the tail in the photo. Please share with us your reference that 'quite a few' use it as an EDC. I can't find any. In fact, I never heard of this brand before.

Thailand Outdoor Sports (the archery range) in the Star Dome complex carries a VERY complete line of Leatherman tools.

That's a very pretty knife, but I'd be afraid to use it as an EDC. The blade has no locking function, not even a slip-joint to prevent accidental closure. It just pivots on its axis. Notice how easily he closes it with just one finger's pressure? What is the blade material? It says it's 'Damascus Steel' but that just means is a fusion of two or three different steels? WHAT STEELS? You can forge-weld low quality steels as easily as good steels. The company calls the steel used in several of its other knives as 'Magic Steel.' That's enough to turn me off completely. They do, however, tell you what wood is used for the scales. That's probably important when trying to cut something... The sheath that comes with this knife looks as if it was made by a group of elementary school children doing a crafts project. The edges are left rough and unfinished, single-stitched by machine. It's just a flat pancake sheath. The leather isn't even molded to the shape of the knife! But this IS a pretty knife. For $80.

Case made some excellent 'trade' knives, and still does today. The big differences between that Laguiole and this Case are the steel used for the blade, the material used for the scales (handles) and the attention to detail in manufacturing. Also, the Laguiole has a locking blade while the Case is a slip-joint.

Laguiole knives truly are very high quality knives! Each is hand-made, start to finish. Even the Bee on the lever-lock is individually hand cut, as is the jimping on the spine of the blade. The knife blades are now made of high-quality, high-carbon Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. Laguiole is world famous for it line of fine table knives and bar accessories, not just its pocket knives. Between Laguiole at the very high end, and simple Opinel at bottom the low end, France has the pocket knife field well represented! (I consider Opinel the very best 'value' in the entire pocket knife line. Like the 'Mora' for fixed-blades, the Opinel give the most knife for the dollar spent. The Opinel blade steel takes an incredibly sharp and long-lasting edge, yet can be bought for Less than $10 for the smaller sizes. I carry an Opinel when traveling so if confiscated, I only lose a few bucks.)

1. Actually, I prefer a drop-point, but it sounds as if the OP needs a rather small-frame knife, and that's what came to mind. I like a Droppint for 'looks,' rather than purpose. Truth be told, my favorite is the slight recurve and belly of the Benchmade 710 Axis lock, but that's been out of production for years. I lost one here in Chiang Mai last year that I'd carried for the past 20 years. Fortunately, when I bought that one, I bought two! ???? 2. Today, it seems that most quality knives can be bought with almost any blade style and configuration. Personally, I have no 'need' for a serrated edge, and it only gets in my way of getting a hair-whittling edge on a blade. While obviously any shape will 'cut' anything, rope and cordage cut better with a serrated edge, push-cutting is best done with a Sheepsfoot or Wharncliff shape, but they have a relatively narrow-use range, while recurve blades give the longest edge vs blade length. Because this is this forum, let me edit to say that a serrated edge actually does give a longer edge surface to a blade, but does not give smooth cutting the way a non-serrated edge will do.

Invest in a 'Benchmade' brand with an Omega spring/Axis Lock. A medium-priced one will run about $200 U.S, and be worth every penny. You can remove the pocket clip if you don't want it, or switch it to the other side if you so choose. The axis lock mechanism is virtually bomb-proof so your fingers are safe. It holds an edge forever if you change the angle to 20 degrees, and keeps its value if you wish to sell it later. From your OP, it sounds as if the Mini-Griptilian would be a perfect fit for you!

I thought Tiger Balm would keep them away.

The OP's post asked for 'quality' knives. The Night Market sells knives but hard to call them 'quality.'

Still open, with a small selection of high quality folding and fixed-blade knives.

What he said. There is no question that riding two wheels is dangerous, but there is no way for your to stop her if it is her wish. All you can do is provide the very best instruction (and that needs to be not just 'how to steer the bike' but 'situational awareness' too.) And then. keep your fingers crossed.

While I'd hate to be forced by old age or fear to rely only on an automobile or taxi to get around town, being young I find no difficulty what so ever doing my chores using a motorbike. Hell, if one lives within the Superhighway, even a bicycle would do. 15-20 minutes from one edge of the city to its opposite side by bicycle, much faster with a small motorcycle.

Thanks, folks. These should do the trick. Mods, please close this thread.

There used to be a shop called 'The Bag Shop' that did this sort of work, but they are closed. Anyone know another shop here inside the SuperHighway that can repair heavy-duty zippers? Thanks.

I prefer WeCook.

Never trust a skinny chef... ????

My wife wants one of these plastic or ceramic coffee filter paper holders that fit over a mug or small pot, and I haven't been able to locate one so far. I've looked in Starbucks, Central, Tessco Lotus, Doi Chang. Everyone is selling the paper filters, but not the holders. (TIT) I'll probably look in Big C, HomePro, Central Festival, and Makro tomorrow. Have you seen one of these in the area?