bootsandadog

bootsandadog t1_jdtwlvk wrote

That's such a specific need that it's hard to recommend something. I doubt many people have used a $150 dollar knife in that way.

I can try to give my two cents though.

First thing is steel choice. You want something that will retain and edge but isnt so hard that it's difficult to sharpen because you will be sharpening it a lot.

Here's a good article on it. It looks like S30V is a good common steel for this purpose.

https://knifeinformer.com/discovering-the-best-knife-steel/

Next is grind profile. I would either go with a hollow grind or a scandi grind.

Hollow grind will slice better. Scandi grind will be tougher. Depends on if you're just cutting rubber or if you're occasionally having to cut harder things.

Either way, those two grinds are relatively easy to sharpen.

Then fixed blade or folding is just dependent on how you like to carry on the job site. Fixed blade with a good sheath will deploy faster then a folding knife but will definitely get you some looks.

Then I personally would got for a tanto style knife. Having two distinct cutting surfaces can give you a lot of flexibility as you work. Maybe you keep the tip sharp and reserved for really tough jobs. Or even sharpen the surfaces with different bevels. Or change the tip so it can actually get under the rubber sheathing.

2