Basic Information about Knives

I

ilovemyjc

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May 22, 2008
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Hey everybody!

First post here! Well I've recently gotten into hiking and was looking into buying a knife... I did a bit of snooping around the Internet and I managed to find my way here!

In terms of knowledge about knives, I have none! :) So I know that asking "what kind of beginner knife do you recommend?" would come back with a thousand different suggestions that I won't be able to pick from...

So I was wondering if anybody has any good 'articles' or 'posts' or websites that go through the basics of knives, and what the different type are, and why some are useful etc. I looked around this forum but I couldn't find any 'FAQS' or 'BASIC' information. Any help would be great :)

Secondly, I'm from Australia Sydney, and I was wondering if there is anybody around here that knows of good stores to check out knives. I only see them at *King of Knives* but they only have a small section all the time, and I'm not too sure what the pricing is like. Thanks!
 
Welcome! :)

HERE is a good start (from Doug Ritter) for someone seeking some basic info on "survival" type knives.


PS Check out a Mora ;)
 
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Welcome to Bladeforums! The good 'articles' or 'posts' or websites that go through the basics of knives, and what the different type are, and why some are useful etc. is Bladeforums itself, specifically, the General Knife Discussion, where we are, and the manufacturers forums when you get to like a particular brand.

For some of the definitions, you can browse A.G.Russell's Knife Encyclopedia at http://www.agrussell.com/knife_information/knife_encyclopedia/index.html

You should also look through Joe Talmadge's Steel FAQ on our Maintenance forum at http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368828

For outdoor activities like hiking and the equipment you'll need, see the Wilderness & Survival Skills forum at http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=692

For local information, visit our Asian and Australian Knife Community at http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=716
 
Welcome to BF ilovemync!

do your reading/research and ask any questions, some really good people here with very good tips and advice ;)
good luck.
 
Like stated above, browse the forums, hang out, grab a cold fosters and enjoy your stay! Ask away and we'll answer! Welcome to the boards, hombre! :)

PS

For hiking and general outdoors stuff I myself prefer a fixed blade as my main knife with a smaller folder and/or multitool as backup. A good fixed blade is an awesome tool for every task possible on the road. Even when I travel light I always keep at least two knives with me. The important thing is to get the proper tools for the job. Stay away from "mall-ninja-tactical" crap knives and the likes. Get a well crafted knife and learn to care for it and it will last you a lifetime. Happy hiking!
 
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Well, a Fjallkniven F1 and a SAK Trailmaster or SAK Alox Farmer or Swisstool Spirit is good enough for anything.

Yes, there are serious alternatives in any way, you could choose a Red Class Benchmade 10501 or 10502 Rant knife or many others, but at least, this recommendation is a very good combo.
 
We could give some more specific advice if you were more specific about what you actually want to be able to cut with the knife. If you just want something to take along hiking in case a cutting need arises, it is hard to beat a Swiss Army knife. They are versatile, light, high quality and low-maintenance.

Whatever you decide, be sure to get something for sharpening and learn how to use it. A dull knife is not very useful no matter how much it cost.

You also might want to look into your local knife laws. Some places have pretty tight regulations on what you can carry in public and I think Oz is one of them.

Welcome to the forum and have fun!
 
Before you buy a knife, educate yourself as to the laws in Australia that regulate what is legal to carry. IIRC, knife laws in Australia are quite strict - similar to the UK. So, I just don't know how Crocodile Dundee got away with having such a big pig sticker? :) Perhaps that's the reason your local outdoor store carries such a puny supply/choice of knives. I just hope we don't lose our freedom to own a weapon here as so many elsewhere have lost their's. Most of my friends in the UK carry Mora's and similar knives.

I found this...

Knife Legislation

In Victoria all knives (inc., a kitchen table knife) are illegal unless you have a legal use for them (eg eating your dinner).

So we thought we would put a little synopsis together of what is legal and not legal, for the states below, for our readers information. We have not covered double edged knives, flick knives, throwing knives, throwing axes, machetes or swords just your good old fixed blade and folding knife.

Victoria

In this state a normal fixed blade or folding knife is referred to as a "regulated weapon" and "a person must not possess, carry or use a regulated weapon without lawful excuse" and "a person must not carry a regulated weapons unless it is carried in a safe and secure manner consistent with the lawful excuse for which it is possessed or is carried or is to be used". A lawful excuse includes:

* the pursuit of any lawful employment duty or activity; and
* participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment.

NSW

The Summary Offences Act 1998 makes it an offence for a person to have custody of a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse. The Act specifies a number of reasonable excuses for having custody of a knife. Under the Act it is a reasonable excuse for a person to have custody of a knife, if the custody is reasonably necessary in all circumstances including:

* lawful pursuit of the person's occupation
* preparation or consumption of food or drink
* participation in a lawful entertainment, recreation or sport
or during travel to or from or incidental to these activities.

Queensland

The Weapons Act 1990 says "a person must not physically possess a knife in a public place or a school, unless the person has a reasonable excuse". A reasonable excuse is includes:

* to perform a lawful activity, duty or employment; or
* to participate in a lawful entertainment, recreation or sport; or
* for use for a lawful purpose.

The Act goes on to give examples:

* a person may carry a knife on his or her belt for performing work in primary production;
* a fisher may carry a knife for use while fishing.
* a person may use a knife to prepare or cut food at a restaurant in a public place or when having a picnic in a park.
* a person may carry a pen knife or Swiss army knife for use for its normal utility purposes.

The above is listed for the information of our knife owners only and does not reflect the writer nor is it legal advice.

Import Permits

Following on from the State Laws it is important to note that the Federal Import Laws overshadow the state laws - so whilst it may be legal to possess a particular knife in your state you may not be able to import it, without the necessary permits. because of the relevant Federal Laws regarding the import of knives eg the following cannot be imported without the necessary permits.

* Daggers or similar devices (inc knives with a second edge or false edge capable of being sharpened);
* Flick Knives or similar knives (inc such knives as the Kershaw Chive series etc); and
* Throwing blades, throwing knives or throwing axes.

This can cause us some problems when we are importing knives on your behalf. It is okay if there is no question of the knives legality or illegality as we can apply for the a permit to import (but this does take time). But, there is a problem when the knife appears to be legal and is determined otherwise as we then have to go through the process of applying for an import permit whilst the knife sits in Customs and again this can take time.

Source: Jdee from Rustic Forge Knives

http://www.aushunt.com.au/main/mainarticle2.php?articleid=9a4716ac32
 
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Based on the knife law information above, it sounds like the options that are unlikely to get you into trouble are limited. Fortunately, in Queensland (is that where Sydney is?) you can specifically carry a Swiss Army knife and as stated above that is an excellent choice for hiking.

Get a genuine SAK (Victorinox or Wenger brand) and you will have a fine knife. The ones with only 2 layers of tools (such as the Tinker or Soldier models) are more comfortable to pocket carry. The larger ones can be easily carried in a belt pouch. Models with a saw (like the Farmer model) can be handy in the wildnerness for wood work.

There is a sub-forum here called "multitools and multi-purpose knives" that has a lot of discussion about swiss army knives.
 
First of all, I'd like to say THANKS to everybody for replying and being so helpful! I love this place already, it's so communal. Fantastic stuff :)

Well after reading up on different forums and threads, I've kind of narrowed my thoughts a *bit*...

1. Folder
I think I'd prefer a folder over a 'fixed' blade, simply because it seems like itll be easier to carry, and I like the small size. Maybe I'll invest in a fixed blade second, after buying the folder first.

2. It seems like SPYDERCO is being recommended everywhere and anywhere! I like the 'HOLE' design of the Spyderco. I was wondering if it was highly recommended, or if other designs are more useful? I saw the design where there's a little 'knob'. Is that method more easier do you guys think?

3. The Spyderco design, however, seems a bit ..um.. interesting! :) Some of them look very curved and not-straight. Is that just a design purpose, or is there something more than that? (I couldn't see on the web site).

4. So, if Spyderco, are there any particular ones that people would recommend that aren't too CURVY, but were pretty straight? I'll be using it for hiking and camping, but I've just gotten into it. I'd still like a sturdy and reliable one though.

Thanks guys! :)

Oh, and Sydney isn't in Queensland, it's in NSW. So I think I'll be okay to have a folder as long as I only use it when I'm camping and hiking, which is cool!

-Paul.
 
paul,
Welcome to BFC...this is a great place to learn.

As a Knife "noob" I would again strongly urge you to consider Spyderco knives.

Reasons are.

1. Multiple size blades ( folders ) for a variety of tasks
2. Very good quality
3. Good uses of steels

This company would give you the best choice for what you want for hiking and give you very good bang for your buck..

Good Luck..:thumbup:
 
Folders are very convenient compared to fixed blades. The fixed blades will stand up to extreme use and abuse better, but for most users and uses this is not a factor.

Spyderco is a great brand. You can't go wrong with an Endura or Delica model. They are not very curvy, either. Other good brands in that style and price range include Benchmade (particularly the Griptilian models) and Kershaw. The Spyderco models tend to have the most "unusual" appearance, but generally better ergonomics. If you don't mind the look of a particular model, they are hard to beat. You will always get quality and value with Spyderco.

The opening hole works great. A "knob" (thumb stud) also works well. The main difference is appearance. The hole might work a bit better, but opinions vary and the difference is probably negligable once you are used to either one.
 
Hey Guys!

Okay it seems like I might be going down the Spyderco track! I looked up the web site for the Delica and Endura models, and I had a few questions...

1. What is the difference between the two models?
I found that the Endura is a bit thinner and longer, but apart from that is there anything else? For the guys who have handled both, is there any reason why you would want one over the other apart from design?

2. I also saw there were some with a 'black blade', where the blade was painted black. That's just design right? Is it usually better to get one over the other for any reason?

3. Would people recommend Combo Edge over a Plain Edge or vice versa? I read up on this a bit, and the article said I should just get plain edge because it's more useful. Anybody differ with their suggestions?

4. Just double checking! But when you say 'Endura' and 'Delica' do you mean the 4th versions? e.g. Delica 4? Or are sometimes older models better? Thanks! :)

Sorry so many questions! I need to pry your wise brains for juicy knowledge.
 
ilovemyjc said:
1. What is the difference between the two models?
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Size. I think that's about it. I like both, but I chose the Delica because I prefer the smaller size for EDC. It's not too big and not too small. Really, though, you can't go with either one. I got mine just this Monday, and I'm so in love :D

ilovemyjc said:
2. I also saw there were some with a 'black blade', where the blade was painted black. That's just design right? Is it usually better to get one over the other for any reason?
Click to expand...

I can't comment; I haven't seen the black bladed versions.

ilovemyjc said:
3. Would people recommend Combo Edge over a Plain Edge or vice versa? I read up on this a bit, and the article said I should just get plain edge because it's more useful. Anybody differ with their suggestions?
Click to expand...

It depends what you're cutting. If you're cutting rope or cutting through wood, serrated might do better for you (although I think the cut will be less clean).

ilovemyjc said:
4. Just double checking! But when you say 'Endura' and 'Delica' do you mean the 4th versions? e.g. Delica 4? Or are sometimes older models better? Thanks! :)
Click to expand...

Isn't that all they sell right now? I'd assume we just mean the newest version (at this point, 4) when they say the model name.
 
ilovemyjc said:
Hey Guys!

1. What is the difference between the two models?
I found that the Endura is a bit thinner and longer, but apart from that is there anything else? For the guys who have handled both, is there any reason why you would want one over the other apart from design?
Click to expand...


I found the Endura handle too long for my hand. If possible, try to handle the knife first, to see if you like it.
 
First, stay away from "King of Knives". "King of High Prices" would be a better name. They're OK to go in there and look at something you might be interested in, (occasionally they'll have a limited selection of Spyderco and Benchmade), but don't buy anything there unless you have too much money and you're keen to get rid of it.

There is an excellent knife dealer in Oz, (based in Victoria), who also inhabits this forum occasionally. He can get you pretty much anything you want at very good prices and he's a top bloke to deal with, honest, quick and no bulls***. He also knows a lot about knives and can advise you on what might be best for your purposes.

There is also a an excellent Oz based knife forum, small and friendly, where you can talk to other guys in Oz, both users and knife makers, and get some great local info.

If you want something that the guys here in Oz can't supply, there are some top notch places in the US where you can buy online stuff. Have a look here for instance: www.newgraham.com

Let me know if you want more info about the Oz stuff.
 
As a starter, (although I have taken a different route), I suggest you begin with Victorinox. If I understand correctly, knives (especially those popular on Bladeforums) are expensive elsewhere (I mean not in USA). For example, down in my country, the price is 2-3 times of retail internet price in US.

However, strangely, only Victorinox is available almost worldwide at about same price, and I'm surprise that I can get them slightly cheaper (not counting shipping across countries of course) than in US.

Besides, they teach you that quality doesn't have to be expensive, and you get more than just a cutting device (knife blade) but other tools too ..

Oh ya, WELCOME!

If you are in camping / hiking, the SOSAK community will share many it's secrets there .. you can check it out www.sosakonline.com
 
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Spyderco ether Endura or Delica would be a good choice. I just love my Delica, and ever since I got it it’s been my EDC (every day carry).
Before I got it I was unsure about the HOLE design, but I think it’s brilliant. The knife always opens smoothly with or without gloves.
I got the Delica with a combo edge. I usually prefer a combo knife, but with the Delica the plain edge part is a bit small. So if I was to buy it again I would probably go for the plain edged.
 
If you want a Spyderco for camping I'd suggest something in a flat grind over sabre ground. If you happen to do any wood carving / whittling it will work much better.

I'd consider the following models, selecting the size that fits your needs / laws the best: Military, Paramilitary, Calypso 3. If you want something cheaper, try the Tenacious. There are many other excellent Spydercos but these designs to me feel quite refined and robust for their weight.

I strongly second the suggestions to get acquainted with sharpening knives ASAP and to carry a Swiss Army Knife in the outdoors. The Farmer is my personal favorite.
 
Hey all! Thanks again for your prompt and helpful suggestions.

Firstly, I do have a small Swiss Army Knife which my brother got me. It's one of the smaller ones, which has the usual things in it. Is that what you were talking about Vivi?

It seems like the vote is for Delica over Endura! Which was my initial thoughts, because the Endura did seem a bit slim looking. (actually! Check later down on this post!)

@ Gajinoz: Were you speaking about the Rustic Forge web site? I got that off somebody the other day, and I think I'll email him when I decide what I want! Thanks heaps. What was the web site of the Australian knife forum? Thanks!

Also, what did you mean by 'flat grind over sabre ground' Vivi? From the pictures I saw from looking up the knives you suggested it seems like the blade is only 'sharp' at the edge, rather than for a greater width. Is that right?

I think I'll be using the knife for a variety of things, including cutting small branches, gutting fish, meat etc. So I might be hacking at some wood sometimes to make shelter/fire/spear. Is that suitable for a 'flat grind' or would the Delica and Endura still be suitable?

--
After looking through the pictures and checking the lengths with a ruler, this is my thoughts!

The DELICA's blade length seems a bit SHORT. Maybe because I'm not holding it, but I actually like the length of the Endura. Maybe it's because I'm *new* and I haven't handled them for an extensive amount of time.

Also, out of the ones you suggested Vivi, the Spyderco Military Black Blade (C36GBK) is my favourite! I wish I knew how to post pictures. Except it's 219 US! The Tenacious is quite a good length too, and I also like it's sturdy look. The PRICE is only $50 US which is a bonus! But they only have the Spyderedge version.

This leads me to ANOTHER question! Is the difference between a Spyderco COMBINATION EDGE and SPYDEREDGE that the Combination has LESS of a Spyderedge while the Spyderedge nearly takes up the whole blade?

Thanks for reading guys!
 
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