I'm looking for a new pocket knife. I've been carrying a Gerber for 5 years, but I'm ready for something better that will HOLD AN EDGE. This Gerber does not hold a very good edge. I'm looking for a 3" to 4" folding, one-handed operation, lock-blade, smooth edge knife with a pocket clip. Preferably a wood handle. Any suggestions? Do any of you custom guys build pocket knives?

Also, do I need to be looking for a carbon steel knife instead of just stainless? I appreciate any info you guys can give me.

I bought the Case XX trapper. Awesome smooth knife

Hi ES, There is a builder or two on here that make folders. I have been thinking about trying to make one to sell on here.
Yes, a higher carbon blade will stay sharp longer. I can always tell how good the steel is, by how hard it is to sharpen. Are you looking for a single blade folder, or a multi-blade rancher type? PM sent

Benchmade Mini Griptilian is your answer.. not a wood handle tho..

I am looking for a single blade......

I also forgot to mention it has to be a lock-blade.

Not to hi jack the post, but I would be interested in on too. I didnt know the knife makers on here made folders.

Everything you need sans wood handle...the Kershaw 1550.

Moore Maker is the only way to go look them up

IMO One of the best production knives made.

big tony is the way to go

moore maker or eye brand. once you try one of these you will never want another nife. espeacially eye brand.

Big Tony makes a heck of a small skinner. If he does not make a folder, Moore Maker is a good knife.

Hen&Rooster...trust me.

SOG are great knives

Seems like a good knife.....but what about its "edge holding ability"? It's just a stainless blade right?

On a scale of 1 - 10, I think Kershaw would rate an 8.

That's being conservative.

And, they have wood handles. Or they used to have some with wood.
Just can't beat wood for a good grip.

I'd stick with the carbon steel myself. If your gonna go with a production knife and not a custom, some of the one's mentioned above are good choices. I have benchmade, cold steel, kershaw, eye brand, and boker as well as a few cheap'os to carry to work and around the house. Here is a website that has good prices and carries most of the good brands and some cheap one's as well. Again, carbon is the way to go for the edge and resharpening. Stainless is just too soft IMO.

http://www.knivesplus.com/

What about this one??

http://www.kershaw-knives.net/Kershaw-Groove-1730.htm

moore maker has the best one hand operated I've ever owned,steel is a little soft but overall great knife

Here is mine http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=383&brand=kershaw

I tried the SOG's which are excellent knives (except assisted opening) and real expensive. I tried the assisted sogs and hated them , they dont always open. Some thing like that needs to fully open 100% of the time. When the stuff hits the fan you wont have time to be fumbling with opening your knife.I took them back and got the one I posted. It opens with a push from your index finger and if it does not fully open for some reason just flick your wrist and its open. Not like the sog which would have to be reclosed and reopened. I like this one since I carry it daly and it not as heavy as others and thin so you forget you even have it. It also has a clip that is reversible.

CRKT

I last sharpened mine 4 weeks ago...I can still pop hairs off of my arm with it. All those embarrassing bare spots. IMO Stainless steel is underrated. It'll hold an edge just fine. I think I paid a little over $39 for my 1550 on ebay. Heck of a deal. All of the other mentioned are good as well. I just have always liked Kershaw's and the way they open. They are truly one handed.

I have purchased 3 Kershaw's and they are well worth it.