advice and suggestions

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AlphaBrass01

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Jul 18, 2003
Messages
101
Hey there -

As someone new to this area and looking to make a purchase, which of these brands would you suggest? This is assuming the blade is of comparable price between the makers - I'm just trying to get some general advice as to the quality of these knives.

Browning
Colt
Junglee
Kershaw
Smith n Wesson
Timberline

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
All things being equal, I'd take the Kershaw first. Kershaw makes some very nice blades, some with the speed assist opening. The boa is a nice blade, I have a scallion thats ok, too.
As far as the others, I have no idea. :o
 
From that list I'd get a Kershaw. If you're willing to spend around $50-60 then, I'd highly recommend a Spyderco Delica or a Benchmade mini-Griptillain
 
What type of knife are you looking for,
and what is your price range?
What are you going to use it for,
and please list other specifics you like your knife to have.
this will help us to help you much better.
 
What Walking Man said. Each of the brands you listed has different models appropriate for entirely different uses. That said, I would consider Kershaw and Timberline to top that list for quality, with Kershaw first. Try doing a search on Smith and Wesson and I think you'll see why I don't recommend them. Junglee's fixed blades aren't bad from what I have heard, but from the other brands you listed I'm guessing you're interested in folders, and I've heard nothing good about Junglee's. I believe Browning actually has a good product, but keep in mind that Browning has nothing to do with the actual manufacture of those knives, they contract them out. Having handled them I would say they aren't bad for the price, but you can do better. Same goes for Colt, only I know that they are made by United Cutlery which I personally consider to be inferior, YMMV.

Also, at that price point there are a lot of good choices. Spyderco is good, although I have noted some vertical play in their lockbacks. This isn't unsafe, just annoying to me, and I believe it only affects a small number of their knives. Benchmade has the Griptilian, CRKT has a huge number of models, and I know there are a few others I can't think of right now. Stick around here for about a month and you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know and more; welcome and have fun :) .
 
I just got my Kershaw Avalanche (Ken Onion design) for $65. Super! On my opinion - non compromized optimal practical knife: best mechanics - "Safe speed", one of the best steel - CPM S60V, one of the best coating - TiNi, one of the best handle material - G10 fiberglass armored epoxy resin, nice anatomic thick handle, screw.
Thanks, Vassili.
 
Originally posted by AlphaBrass01
Hey there -

As someone new to this area and looking to make a purchase, which of these brands would you suggest? This is assuming the blade is of comparable price between the makers - I'm just trying to get some general advice as to the quality of these knives.

Browning
Colt
Junglee
Kershaw
Smith n Wesson
Timberline

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Seriously, I'd forget your list and get a Spyderco Delica (3 inch blade) and a Spyderco Endura (4 inch blade). Those are the only 2 pocket knives that you'll need for awhile.:).
 
I would go with either the Kershaws (they have some neat stuff) or Timberline with the Kershaw first. I just picked up a Timberline Vallotton and a Envoy, both good knives. I really like the Envoy. Good knife for the money.
 
Originally posted by glockman99
Seriously, I'd forget your list and get a Spyderco Delica (3 inch blade) and a Spyderco Endura (4 inch blade). Those are the only 2 pocket knives that you'll need for awhile.:).
Click to expand...

I agree with the G'man. You can't beat a Spydie such as the Endura or Delica when you're in that price range. They can be found on eBay for fairly good prices. As for your list, Kershaw, Junglee and Timberline are good knifes. Don't be fooled by the brand names of the others, they are not really made by those companies but by "sub-contractors". Their quality is questionable at best.
 
And I will third Glockman99. Forget that list. There are better quality brands for a slight bit of more money. You can get a Spyderco Delica W/ VG-10 for $44 on this website. (Click store, all the way up top.) In fact, many Spyderco's can be had for cheap.

Benchmade Griptillian is another great choice. It's only downfall is that it is thicker than the Delica in the pocket, and has an inferior blade steel compared to the Delica. (Actually 440C heat treated correctly isn't that bad at all, but it can't come close to holding an edge like VG-10.)
-Kevin
 
I've found a lot of the good and the bad in that price range by trial and error. If you're looking for something you can take to the office or to school (college, not HS) then a SAK is hard to beat for the price. Maybe a one-handed Trailmaster. A Leatherman Wave would also be a good choice. If you're working the stockroom or loading dock you'd be hard pressed to find better knives than a Spyderco Endura or Benchmade Griptilian. They're a little more money but they will last for years with minimal care and attention. Kershaw makes a good knife. And for the money, so does CRKT. But don't overlook Camillus and Buck. Both good, old companies that turn out a lot tradtional knives as well as some modern working knives. You might also look at Gerber. For the same price of the United Cutlery stuff you will get a much better knife. Hope it helps.

Frank
 
If possible, avoid Smith and Wesson, Colt, and Browning. They are all subcontracted to other manufacturers, (Taylor, United), whose products are sold way more than they're worth. The quality is OK, but a lot of their designs are knock offs and are overpriced. Something from Spyderco, Kershaw, Cammilus, Buck and CRKT are all great knives for the money.
 
I agree with SilverFoxKnows. And you may order Buck 110 with ATS-34, BG-42 or stainless Damacus directly from Buck (I just did) - call them and ask Sara.
Thanks, Vassili.
 
thanks to everybody for the advice - i've gone with what a lot of you seem to think, and purchased a lightweight spyderco endura, fully serrated blade - it feels good and not flimsy without being heavy and has a nice wide blade - thanks
 
Originally posted by AlphaBrass01
thanks to everybody for the advice - i've gone with what a lot of you seem to think, and purchased a lightweight spyderco endura, fully serrated blade - it feels good and not flimsy without being heavy and has a nice wide blade - thanks
Click to expand...
EXCELLENT choice!.:).
 
Uh oh; you bought a Spyderco, the spiral has begun . . . I got a Spyderco Delica about five years ago and now I think my current count is hovering somewhere around 50, with a few more sold and traded along the way. Actually, AlphaBrass01, that's a nice choice, enjoy it and welcome to our addiction.
 
Great choice! The Endura is an amazing knife. I EDC a Delica which is basically a smaller Endura, and I love it. It's no looker thats for sure, but I love mine because the design is so amazingly simple and functional. Next you will want one with PE (plain edge). :)
-Kevin
 
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