Bear & Son Cutlery has expanded its utility folder lineup with the release of the 4 5/8” Large Farmhand Series. Built in Jacksonville, Alabama, this pocketknife is engineered to address the demand for a slim, lightweight, full-sized utility tool tailored for agricultural, jobsite, and everyday carry applications.
By pairing a 3 5/8-inch high carbon stainless steel blade with an anodized aluminum handle scale setup, Bear & Son delivers an accessible workhorse knife that keeps weight strictly under two ounces without compromising structural lockup or reach.
The Bear & Son 138L Large Farmhand provides full-sized utility cutting performance in an ultralight 1.9-ounce lockback platform.
- Blade Steel & Length: 3 5/8″ High Carbon Stainless Steel Drop Point
- Handle Material & Options: Anodized Aluminum in Black (138L), Blue (138LBL), or Red (138LRD)
- Dimensions & Weight: 4 5/8″ Closed, 8 1/4″ Overall Length, 1.9 oz Total Weight
- Locking & Carry System: Lockback Mechanism with Integrated Tip-Up Pocket Clip
- Construction & Origin: Screw-Based Assembly, Manufactured in Jacksonville, Alabama, USA (MSRP: $42.99)
Design & Ergonomics
The physical construction of the Large Farmhand focuses on low-profile pocket integration and straightforward field maintenance:
- Ultralight Aluminum Architecture: Utilizing lightweight aluminum handle scales allows the 8 1/4-inch open knife to weigh just 1.9 ounces, preventing pocket sag during long work shifts. The smooth aluminum surface wipes clean easily when exposed to field dust, mud, or agricultural chemicals.
- Maintainable Screw-Based Assembly: Moving away from traditional pinned rivet construction, the Farmhand uses screw-based assembly, enabling end-users to clean, adjust pivot tension, or service the tool over long service lifespans.
- Traditional Deployment with Secure Lockup: The high carbon stainless steel blade deploys via a classic nail nick and locks via a traditional lockback mechanism, ensuring rigid lockup during heavy pushing or pulling tasks like cutting rope, feed sacks, or cordage.
Target End-User
- Agricultural & Field Workers: Designed specifically for farmers, ranchers, and outdoor laborers requiring a durable, rust-resistant utility blade that handles harsh environments and cleans quickly.
- Weight-Conscious Everyday Carry (EDC): Tailored for tradesmen and utility users seeking an American-made, full-length folding knife that carries comfortably via a deep-carry pocket clip.
Competitive Landscape
- Traditional Pinned Work Knives: Classic slipjoint or pinned utility folders are difficult to disassemble and clean once grit enters the pivot. The Farmhand’s screw construction allows direct pivot maintenance.
- Heavyweight Tactical Folders: Many modern folders with comparable 3.6-inch blade reach exceed 4 to 5 ounces in weight. The Large Farmhand offers equivalent reach at a fraction of the weight (1.9 oz).
Bottom Line Assessment
The Bear & Son 4 5/8” Large Farmhand Series delivers a straightforward, budget-conscious working knife backed by full in-house American manufacturing. By balancing a high-carbon stainless blade with a sub-2-ounce aluminum chassis, Bear & Son provides a practical utility tool built for daily field duty.