Knife for use in water dept?

[Plumbr]

I am hoping that you can help me make a decision on what I should buy.

I work for the water dept. of a local town. I wonder how well Spyderco's stand up to being in mud and water an awful lot? My current knife (a no name brand) stinks and I have to clean it out all the time. It will be used for a lot of hard work. It will be a severe use knife.

I may have gloves on sometimes while working which is why I'm considering using a Spyderco (the opening hole).

Thanks much!

[The Deacon]

Any of the three "Salt" models should serve you well, comes down to what size and blade shape you prefer. All three have H1 steel blades which are as close to rustproof as you can get and the other steel parts are highly corrosion resistant as well. All three offfer you a choice of black or highly visible yellow FRN handles and plain edge or fully serrated blades. All have large 14mm opening hole and traction grooves on the thumb ramp. Salt 1 is Delica size, but with a slightly rounded tip. Pacific is Endura size, again with a slightly rounded tip. Atlantic is identical to the 93mm Rescue, aside from steel. Street prices for all run under $50. Any folding knife used in mud will require frequent cleaning.

[Mr Blonde]

And get the Salt of your choice with full serrations, and try to add a Sharpmaker to that order, so your work knife stays sharp.

Wouter

[Zerileous]

If you take care of it, S30v steel will also work. I mention this because the Military has an open construction that may make it easier to remove mud and debris from the knife.
Just another idea.

[Senate]

tough decision,

the Salt family appears to be the right choice but they're not heavy duty knives... so as Zerileous mentionned it The Military or Para-Military with their open construction seems a good option too.
note that I've been using my Para for more than 1 year now, barely took care of it (just put it under water to clean it, no drying) and it doesn't show any sign of rust or stain yet.

[spydutch]

What about the Manix/CE as working knife? This knife feels indestructable with a perfect fit to your hands(the best in my opinion)

[greencobra]

Plumbr, what "hard work" would you be doing with your knife? You have good suggestions here, all of them, but if you give a little more details, the selection could be narrowed down more.

[rickh]

I used my Salt 1 serrated in the yard yesterday. It cut small branches and weeds, opened bags of mulch and it was generally used pretty hard. By the end of the day the knife was covered in mud and sweat. A quick wash and a pass on the sharpmaker brought it back. I really like this knife for use in a variety of conditions and the larger opening hole worked great while wearing gloves. I plan on getting the larger Pacific Salt SE in the near future. Great knife. And do get a Sharpmaker.

[Plumbr]

Interesting. Thanks much for the answers. I will be sometimes cutting hose/plastic pipe with it in a pinch. Also will be using it to dig at things in small areas. I know it's not the proper tool but sometimes in a jam that's what you have to do. I've had many knives get dropped in the mud on jobs and get them out and they are so covered that you have to put them in the city water pipe to clean them out and then use them. I think the Manix will be too large. I could consider a paramilitary if needed. It's nice looking too. I'll have to think on it.