Hawkbill/Sheepsfoot Electrician's Knife

1

13ones

Joined
Nov 20, 2011
Messages
36
Hi everyone. After struggling with cheap razor blades needing replacing, snapping, etc. I've decided that a hawkbill/sheepsfoot combo would suit my everyday hard use tasks more efficiently.

I've thought about buying a Klein fixed hook blade, but the blade metal seems cheap and I'd much rather have a folding knife anyway. Klein's modified hawkbill/sheepsfoot folding knife would be ideal except I'd like to be able to open it with one hand. I've been trying to find either type of knife on several knife company's websites, but these are not very popular.

Spyderco's plain edge hawkbill knife is discontinued and I do not want the serrated blade of their other models. Victorinox's electrician plus multi-tool knife is also discontinued. It came with a spear point blade, sheepsfoot blade, wood saw, awl/reamer, and a bottlecap opener with a flat blade screwdriver on the end of it. I would like a knife with at least a hawkbill, sheepsfoot, regular blade, and a flat blade screwdriver. That may be asking for specifically too much, so I'd be satisfied with either a hawkbill, sheepsfoot, or a modified version into one blade (a flat blade screwdriver would be a welcome bonus).

I was also looking at cold steel's mini tuff lite knife. It seems very comparable to replaceable razor blade knives. Has anyone tried this knife? If it's decent I'd probably use it instead of razor blades.


Thanks.
 
Klein's modified hawkbill/sheepsfoot folding knife would be ideal except I'd like to be able to open it with one hand. I've been trying to find either type of knife on several knife company's websites, but these are not very popular.
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You will have more luck finding Kleins at a tool store than a knife shop.

If you Google the phrase "Klein knives", you will find several tool store sites that carry a full selection.

I've always found any Klein tool to be completely functional and well built.
 
Sorry for the mixture of thoughts there. What I meant was that hawkbill and sheepsfoot blades are not popular choices so it's harder to find a selection of them.
 
The AG Russell is a nice looking knife and pretty much exactly what I'm looking for. I'd still like the one hand open and screws to take it apart. The benchmade triage isn't ideal for slicing into cable. I'm looking for a knife with a hook shape to it.
 
Spyderco still has a plain edge hawkbill folder available in the Tasman Salt. Given what you've posted it would seem to fit your needs. You could also look at the Byrd Crossbill, which is a hawkbill blade available in plain edge from Spyderco's Chinese line.
 
Also the Spyderco Harpy ( while a bit on the spendy side) is a great little hawkbill with excellent materials and construction.
 
Klein does make a newer hawkbill folder with a thumb stud. It has a black/grey rubber handle and comes very sharp. I have several.
 
Im a phone technician, and i use my spyderco hawkbill salt almost every day for different tasks, from cutting open 25 pair cables, to sheet rock and inside wire. I think a serrated edge would better suit me, but this one has worked well. You cant go wrong with it, h1 steel is very tough too, i have pried with it to see if it will break, and it has stood up well. Good utility knife in my opinion. Especially for electrical.
 
Thanks for pointing out that Klein does make pocket knives with thumb studs. I was only able to find the versions without. Anyway, here is a link to the two knives I'm trying to decide on:


http://www.service.kleintools.com/T...t Lockback Knives KNIVES-POCKET KN-LTWGTLCKBK

They are the 44004 and 44005 models.


I will be primarily using this knife in a hard 'paring' motion, however would like to have control with pull cuts with the tip and possibly light prying also. A hawkbill (or sheepfoot as Klein calls it) would be best for the first style of cut whereas a coping blade would probably better suit the second. The 44004 model seems like it would be able to do both, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice anything.

Does anyone know if 'AUS8 stainless hardened to 58-59 Rc' holds its edge well and is easy to sharpen? Hopefully it isn't prone to rusting either. I'm not sure how 'grippy' and comfortable the handle will be.


Update: I've just placed an order for the Klein 44005 model. A wholesaler where I live wanted around $75 for it so I once again resorted to using Amazon. It came to $29.99 before taxes/shipping and handling and only $39.98 afterwards. That's about what the actual retail value is so I'm happy. I'll post my thoughts on this knife when it arrives between December 5th to 13th.

More input is appreciated.
 
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13ones said:
Does anyone know if 'AUS8 stainless hardened to 58-59 Rc' holds its edge well and is easy to sharpen? Hopefully it isn't prone to rusting either.
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(I forgot that Klein sells some one-handers. I do have one of their thin lockbacks and it locks up like a bank vault. I don't know what alloy they used for the blade on that one.)

I like AUS8. I consider it to be close to 1095 carbon steel in edge retention and ability to take a fine edge. It isn't as tough as 1095, but it is quite stainless.
 
Is the handle 'grippy' and comfortable to hold? Also, how smooth is the opening action of a Klein lockback knife?
 
It's December 6th today and my Klein hawbill/sheepsfoot folding knife has arrived. I'll post my thoughts of it when I get a chance to use it for awhile. I was expecting the Spyderco endura 4 wave when I opened the packaging as I had ordered it a few days prior to this one.
 
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