Mesquite Lockback vs Graycloud Outfitter Knife
By Filson - Better Outdoor Clothes & Gear | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare the everyday Mesquite Lockback Knife with the limited Graycloud Outfitter Knife. Find which fits your carry style and budget.
Quick Answer
Choose the Mesquite Lockback Knife for everyday carry and practical value; choose the Graycloud Outfitter Knife if you want a premium, limited-edition collectible built for hard use.
Blade Steel and Edge Retention
The blade steel largely determines how often you need to sharpen and how well the edge holds up. The Mesquite uses 440M steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy that balances edge retention with easy sharpening. That means you can maintain a working edge with a few passes on a stone, even after heavy use.
The Graycloud Outfitter steps up to CPM 154 stainless steel from Crucible Industries. This premium steel is known for excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, but it can be more demanding to sharpen when it finally dulls. If you prioritize long-lasting sharpness over quick touch-ups, the Outfitter's steel is the stronger choice.
Locking Mechanism and Safety
A folding knife is only as safe as its lock. The Mesquite uses a proven lockback design that prevents the blade from closing unintentionally during use. It's a simple, reliable mechanism that has been trusted for decades.
The Graycloud Outfitter is a full-tang fixed blade, so there is no lock to fail. The blade and handle are one continuous piece of steel, which adds strength and eliminates the risk of accidental folding. For heavy-duty tasks like prying or batoning, a fixed blade is inherently more secure.
Price and Availability
The Mesquite Lockback is priced at $59.40, making it an accessible entry into a quality American-made knife. It's a practical tool you can carry daily without worrying about wear and tear.
The Graycloud Outfitter is a different proposition: only thirty exist, and it carries a price of $948.27. This is a collectible piece as much as a tool, and its scarcity drives both the cost and the appeal. If you're looking for a workhorse knife, the Outfitter is overkill; if you want a limited-edition showpiece, the Mesquite won't satisfy that itch.
Trade-offs at a Glance
- Everyday carry vs. collector's piece: If you want a knife to carry daily without worry, the Mesquite's lower price and replaceable nature make it the practical pick. If you want a unique, limited-edition knife that holds value, the Graycloud is the one. Consider whether you'll actually use the knife or display it.
- Lockback vs. fixed blade: The Mesquite's lockback prevents accidental closing during normal use, but a fixed blade like the Graycloud eliminates that risk entirely. For heavy prying or hard use, the fixed blade is safer and stronger. Match the lock type to the tasks you'll perform.
- Blade steel: easy sharpening vs. premium edge: The Mesquite's 440M steel is easier to sharpen at home. The Graycloud's CPM 154 holds an edge longer but requires more effort and skill to resharpen. Choose based on how you maintain your tools. If you're not comfortable sharpening premium steel, the Mesquite is more forgiving.
Product Facts
- Mesquite Lockback Knife - Brown: The Mesquite Lockback Knife features a hollow-ground clip-point blade made from corrosion-resistant 440M steel, tempered for edge retention with easy sharpening. You get a blade that resists rust and holds an edge, yet you can sharpen it yourself without special tools.
Mesquite Lockback Knife - Brown - Graycloud Outfitter Knife - Purpleheart Wood: The Graycloud Outfitter Knife has a 4-inch full-tang blade crafted from CPM 154 stainless steel from Crucible Industries, known for edge retention, corrosion resistance, and fine grain structure. This premium steel delivers long-lasting sharpness and durability for demanding outdoor work, but it's harder to sharpen when it eventually dulls.
Graycloud Outfitter Knife - Purpleheart Wood
Which Knife Fits You?
Best for
- Everyday pocket carry and light-to-moderate outdoor tasks
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable American-made knife
Not for
- Collectors seeking a limited-edition piece
- Users who need a fixed blade for heavy-duty work
