Who makes a good 2 inch or so long pocket knife that will stay sharp. I would prefer one that is not stainless but I know that is not possible

if you look around you can still find old case knives that have that good grey steel

2" is pretty small for a pocket knife. Don't think I ever seen any that small.

This is what I was talking about. maybe it is to big. but these old case knives are well built with good tool steel.

When I posted 2 inches that was just a guess I measured the one I have and the blade is 2.5 inches long.

Thanks Danny I will see what I can find in the case knife

Case still makes several models with chrome vanadium steel. Look for CV in the model name or after it.

tool steel is what I like. this is what cv looks like after a year or two in your pocket. (yellow knife) if you can find one with what they use to call tool steel its lots better. this one was in my pocket at least 25 years. (bone handle knife)

that old grey colored tool steel holds an edge every bit as good that shiney (when new) cv stuff

that muskrat knife in the first pic I bought new just a few years ago at a quilt store I went to with my wife. old woman said she had it a long time. I'm not sure when they quit using tool steel but keep your eye out and you may find one.

I just bought 2 Old timer muskrat knives USA made.

Wise choice ...grasshopper. The OP should buy one too !

Great Eastern Cutlery should have one you like.

http://www.greateasterncutlery.com/

In pocket knives I have an Old Timer and a Buck. They both stay sharp reasonably well.

I'm with Danny on this one... I also prefer tool steel. But it's hard to find unless you know a pocket knife maker. SOG Knives are great and they honor their guarantees. Google them.

There's always Damascus steel, but get it wet and it rusts badly.

Gary, that's called patina!

I have 3 case knives. I had a blade problem with one Case replaced the blade no charge even though it was 6 years and sharpened many times.

For those of you who have not been to a good knife show , go if and when you have a chance. I like knife shows better than trapping conventions.

Opinel makes several sizes of carbon steel knives. Good knives cheap price.