You're right, I started this thread as a bit of fun,there's no such thing as 5 must haves for everybody. After years of collecting and following Blade Forums Ive listed 5 of the most highly rated I wouild recommend for a new collector/user(depending on funds) Most of my choices are high quality and arn't cheap. I'm surprised no one has chipped in with Mora's, Douk Douk's, Condor's etc or highend Hinderers, Winklers. The traditionlists wouldn't be without a Case and Buck, the hard users an Esse and the Malll Ninjas a Mantis.
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5 Must Haves
- Thread starter Thrustus
- Start date
You're right, I started this thread as a bit of fun,there's no such thing as 5 must haves for everybody. After years of collecting and following Blade Forums Ive listed 5 of the most highly rated I wouild recommend for a new collector/user(depending on funds) Most of my choices are high quality and arn't cheap. I'm surprised no one has chipped in with Mora's, Douk Douk's, Condor's etc or highend Hinderers, Winklers. The traditionlists wouldn't be without a Case and Buck, the hard users an Esse and the Malll Ninjas a Mantis.
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2012
- Messages
- 1,347
1. A multi-use knife or multi tool (my preference: Victorinox SAK)
2. A full-size locking folder (my preference: Cold Steel Voyager)
3. A small/medium fixed-blade (my preference: Becker BK15)
4. A combat/utility fixed-blade (my preference: Becker BK7)
5. A big chopper (my preference: Ontario SP50)
This is a good exercise in that it forces me to think through what's important to me in terms of function. I'm into the outdoors, and I believe my list reflects that. Ideally, I would probably add another category or two.
2. A full-size locking folder (my preference: Cold Steel Voyager)
3. A small/medium fixed-blade (my preference: Becker BK15)
4. A combat/utility fixed-blade (my preference: Becker BK7)
5. A big chopper (my preference: Ontario SP50)
This is a good exercise in that it forces me to think through what's important to me in terms of function. I'm into the outdoors, and I believe my list reflects that. Ideally, I would probably add another category or two.
Razorsharp-Travis
BANNED
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2011
- Messages
- 612
1. Strider SnG
2. CRK Large sebenza21
3.Spyderco Tuff
.Spyderco Southard flipper
5. Microtech DOC
6. if I may" Paramilitary 2
2. CRK Large sebenza21
3.Spyderco Tuff
.Spyderco Southard flipper
5. Microtech DOC
6. if I may" Paramilitary 2
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2004
- Messages
- 854
No particular order
Spyderco Southard, use for general duty
Strider SMF PD-1, hard use knife
Spyderco Para 2 Sprint CTS-204p, work knife
Kershaw TilT, self defense
ZT 0777, just for fun
Spyderco Southard, use for general duty
Strider SMF PD-1, hard use knife
Spyderco Para 2 Sprint CTS-204p, work knife
Kershaw TilT, self defense
ZT 0777, just for fun
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2004
- Messages
- 854
I would consider a CRK if they offered a steel upgrade. I only buy knives with "super", exotic or tool steel.
The ones in my small collection that have a purpose or get carried and used regularly are:
1. Small fixed blade - Busse LMS.
2. Large fixed blade - Busse TGLB.
3. Multitool - Leatherman Squirt S4 since its always handy.
4. Folder - ZT 0560 or Endura Wave, it's a tossup.
5. Chopper - Ontario 18" machete.
1. Small fixed blade - Busse LMS.
2. Large fixed blade - Busse TGLB.
3. Multitool - Leatherman Squirt S4 since its always handy.
4. Folder - ZT 0560 or Endura Wave, it's a tossup.
5. Chopper - Ontario 18" machete.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2001
- Messages
- 32,359
Not in any particular order...
Sebenza, everyone should own at least 1 to appreciate the evolution of a knife from a great design/concept to a perfectly executed reality. Every change made to the original design just made it better.
Case Swayback Jack with CV blades , (insert your favorite scales here), this is a perfect example of the Bose/Case collaborative magic. For a small non locking folder this is a classic design, I can't think of anything I'd change about it
An Opinel #8, this again is a perfect example of form, fit and function rolled into an affordable everyday working man's knife. The unique lock is rock solid and pretty much full proof, the thin blade is a great slicer and the handle fits your hand like a glove.
Sebenza, everyone should own at least 1 to appreciate the evolution of a knife from a great design/concept to a perfectly executed reality. Every change made to the original design just made it better.
Case Swayback Jack with CV blades , (insert your favorite scales here), this is a perfect example of the Bose/Case collaborative magic. For a small non locking folder this is a classic design, I can't think of anything I'd change about it
An Opinel #8, this again is a perfect example of form, fit and function rolled into an affordable everyday working man's knife. The unique lock is rock solid and pretty much full proof, the thin blade is a great slicer and the handle fits your hand like a glove.
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2001
- Messages
- 32,359
Wouldn't let me put this in one post, 
Esse Izula, a very tough, versatile, back pocket or necker fixed blade, I've used mine for everything from splittin' wood to meal prep, perfect size for a small fixed blade, unbeatable warranty and one tough blade.
Finally if you can find one, an EK model 5 Combat Bowie, I've had one for 20 years or so and it is the perfect camp knife, big enough for serious SD, perfectly capable of any camp chores from hacking up firewood to gutting a bear. The blade is a little front heavy but only slightly which makes it extremely capable for doing snap cuts, I use it for clearing/cleaning up in weeds/woods on my property. If I'm outside for any amount of time on the property this puppy is strapped my leg.
If I had to change my list at all the only change I'd make would be to substitute a multi-tool, (either a Leatherman or an SAK) for the Opinel.
Esse Izula, a very tough, versatile, back pocket or necker fixed blade, I've used mine for everything from splittin' wood to meal prep, perfect size for a small fixed blade, unbeatable warranty and one tough blade.
Finally if you can find one, an EK model 5 Combat Bowie, I've had one for 20 years or so and it is the perfect camp knife, big enough for serious SD, perfectly capable of any camp chores from hacking up firewood to gutting a bear. The blade is a little front heavy but only slightly which makes it extremely capable for doing snap cuts, I use it for clearing/cleaning up in weeds/woods on my property. If I'm outside for any amount of time on the property this puppy is strapped my leg.
If I had to change my list at all the only change I'd make would be to substitute a multi-tool, (either a Leatherman or an SAK) for the Opinel.
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2009
- Messages
- 11,689
You and I agree with a lot of this stuff, but I've had multiple Sebenzas, Umnumzaans, and Spydercos. My Spydies are all NIB, and I love 'em but don't carry them. I have two Sebbies and one Zaan, and I carry the Zaan every day. The Sebbies just sit there. So my idea is:
1) one Seb (it'll last you and your kids forever)
2) one Zaan (it'll last you and your kids forever)
3) one PM2 in M390
4) one SurviveKnives 4.1 in S90V or CPM 3v
5) one Kershaw JYD 2.2 for rough cutting outside when I don't want to get the others dirty...
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2013
- Messages
- 24
In no special order
1) Tony Bose
2) Phill Wilson
3) Scott Slobodian
4) RJ Martin
5) Daniel Winkler
1) Tony Bose
2) Phill Wilson
3) Scott Slobodian
4) RJ Martin
5) Daniel Winkler