Basic Information about Knives

Boxster said:
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.
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I highly agree! I got my Delica 5 days ago (Monday), and I've been in love ever since. I was unsure about the hole as well, but now I'd rather have a hole than a thumbstud on any knife (well most). I got the plain edge right off the bat, though :D

ilovemyjc said:
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!)
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You won't regret either one, I assure you.

ilovemyjc said:
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?
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It's kind of hard for me to explain what the grind is... With a Flat Grind, it's like the blade is a triangle wedge shape. From the top of the blade to the edge, it is completely flat.

A Sabre Grind has a section from the top of the blade going down that is all the same width (the lines would seem to go "parallel"), and then it starts to angle into the edge. A Hollow Grind would be about the same, except instead of being flat where the angle goes into the edge, that angle would be slightly curved.

Basically, the grind affects the cutting ability of the knife.

It's all kind of hard to explain in words. If you download Spyderco's catalog, it's all explained in the back, and examples are given.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/download.php

ilovemyjc said:
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.
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Looking at the specs online, I thought the same thing. I thought I was going to go for an Endura. Then I saw them in real life and decided that the Delica actually had a better size than the Endura (I was looking for a not-huge knife).

This is my Delica; the picture seems to be actual size:

IMGP0277.jpg


ilovemyjc said:
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?
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Plain Edge: No serrations
Combo Edge: Serrated on the rear half of the edge
"Spyder Edge:" Fully serrated from the front of the edge to the back.
 
ilovemyjc said:
@ 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!
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Email him now and get on his mailing list if you want.

As fas as Spyderco goes, the Calypso Jnr is an excellent smaller knife, (superceded by the Caly3), and makes a good, all round pocket knife IMHO.
http://www.spyderco.com/search/index.php

I'm also a fan of the Native, a strong, do anything type of knife.
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=20

BTW, I dislike serrated knives, personal opinion only. I've yet to come across anything that a well sharpened plain edge won't do that a serrated can and a serrated is not, IMHO, a good all round cutting tool.

You do realise, don't you, that you've now started down the slippery slope of expensive knife buying? It won't be long before you'll be telling us you've bought your first Sebenza. :D

http://www.chrisreeve.com/sebenza.htm


BTW(2), if you're into bushwalking and want a really light knife with a very useful LOCKING blade, you might want to look at the Victorinox Alpineer. JDEE at Rustic Forge can get you one at a good price.
http://www.smartknives.com/Victorinox-Knives/Victorinox-Alpineer.htm

For the Oz forum, drop into www.laventrix.com
 
@THG: Thanks for the suggestions! I downloaded the Spyderco catalogue and had a read, and now I understand the differences between the grinds now!

But my question is now, which grind is better for what type of use/cutting?
I think I'll try to get my hands on an Endura and/or Delica and see for myself the size differences and what's suitable

@gajinoz: Yeah I saw the Caly3 too. ARGH there's SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM! And this is only Spyderco knives! haha... I saw the Native and that one looks pretty good too! :/ It does look quite sturdy with a price range like the Endura and Delica. For the Victorinox, umm I think I prefer the style of the Spyderco! :)

So why would someone choose the Native over the Endura and Delica? Is this all just preference of style and choice? Does the fact that the Native has a blade over half the top make it any more useful or dangerous?

Also... how do you quote someone? I see the quote button above me, but you guys quote with names and stuff. [EDIT: I think I got it actually! I'll try it out next post]
 
ilovemyjc said:
So why would someone choose the Native over the Endura and Delica? Is this all just preference of style and choice? Does the fact that the Native has a blade over half the top make it any more useful or dangerous?
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A lot of knife buying is, as you've suggested, personal preference. Some of it is experience, you use a few knives and eventually determine what's best for you. There is not "right" or "wrong" knife, (assuming that we're talking about good quality knives), just what works for you. As for the Native I just happen to like it's style. It's a good size and shape and, for me, works well as an EDC.

It's not sharpened on top, although it looks a bit that way in the picture. That's called a swedge, the blade is simply ground down a bit, maybe half way towards having an edge. Apart from looking good, IMO anyway, it also lightens the knife a little without detracting from blade strength. It's no more "dangerous" than any other knife.

While we're on the subject of good knives, have a look at the Benchmade mini grip. An excellent, value for money knife. This one is a regular in my EDC lineup.
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=555HG
 
Greetings:

I suggest checking out the Benchmade knives with the axis lock. I like the 556 model, plain edge, satin finish.

Also, this link has some good articles on knives for outdoor use.
 
I don't know how much $ you want to spend but for your basic hiking/camp/survival gear - I would get myself a Vic. S.A.K. (something w/locking blade & saw) & a Mora (carbon steel ) I love my Spyderco's , I just got this one (Fathers Day Gift)
sc10pgyw.jpg
[/IMG] But you said something about building shelter? I would really be looking into a good fixed blade (RAT Cutlery RC-3 or RC-4) along with the Spyderco & Vic SAK !
Here is my short hike Blades I like to carry on me !
FavoriteCarryItems.jpg
[/IMG]
ColdSteel ProLite Folder/OntarioRAT-3/Vic. S.A.K. Recruit :thumbup:
 
Hey guys!

Thanks everybody for the suggestions and answers! I've looked at all the suggestions, and even went to the stores today to try my hand at some of the knives. At the moment, I think I'm headed toward either a Spyderco DELICA or NATIVE, though more on the DELICA! It just seems NOBODY has said anything bad about the Delica, while A LOT of people say good stuff!

I do like the look of the Native, and it's sturdiness, but I guess for a first knife I should go with the safe option?

Also, as I checked the Native, Delica and Endura out at the stores, I actually did like the length of the Endura better than the shorter ones of the Native and Delica. But because I will probably get a longer fixed blade sometime later, and everybody who commented prefers the Delica, that's where my heart is leaning toward!

My only question is, if I was hacking at a branch with the Delica, would it be a bit too weak, or too much for the blade? I still don't know how much difference a 'flat grind' has over a 'sabre grind' for stuff like that.

It seems like most people using the Delica are using it for EDC (every day carry was it?). But I'll be mainly using it to go hiking/camping, whatever that may involve.

I'll probably buy a fixed blade next time, but for my first night out camping I'll only be taking the Delica, so if I had to cut a few branches off a tree or something more strenuous than making shavings or gutting a fish, would the Delica's blade stand strong? I don't want to wreck my first knife! :D

Thanks guys! :) You've all helped to make my indecisive brain a little bit more decisive
 
I'm not sure I'd be hacking away at tree branches with the Delica. Unless you're trying to pry things or the like you probably won't damage the blade but you might end up damaging the pivot point, depending on how aggressive you get. If chopping up tree branches is your thing then you really should be thinking larger, strong fixed blade or, better yet, a small axe.

If you're thinking fixed blade, an excellent, small but extremely tough knife would be something like a Busse Active Duty or similar. Have a look on the Rustic Forge website and look at the Bark River lineup. I have a Snowy River, very nice small fixed blade knife. It all comes down to how much money you want to spend.
 
The Delica, as said above, is probably not as suited for branch cutting, esp. if over 1 inch in diameter. You can baton them, but I don't think the lock will hold up - it may end up making it less tight or worse destroying the lock or handle. If you plan on lopping off some branches, go with a fixed blade or small bolo/golok.
 
Oh goodness my brain is going to explode! haha...

Well.. In terms of a folder, if I get one anytime soon, it seems like it'll be a Delica or a Native. I am actually liking the Native black blade look more and more! I will try to handle one again this week and see. I like the Military but it's so expensive!

I was wondering, which blade type/metal type between the Delica and Native is more sturdy? And what are the differences between the two?

Secondly, I am now seriously considering moving my first knife from a 'folder' to a 'fixed', simply because I won't really be using it for an EDC. I've spent the last while reading up on stuff, and it seems like people like Bark River. It seems like it isn't such a bad idea as I know Rustic Forge supplies them.

Is there any 'medium' sized Bark River (blade about 15cm: about 5.9 inches) which isn't too expensive that you'd recommend? My budget is between $100 - $150 AUS. I know that's not too much! But the Delica and Native are under $100 here and I'm a poor person! :)
 
ilovemyjc said:
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.
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Welcome ilovemyjc:)

My opinion on your #3 question is that they both have their uses(plain & serrated)as stated above.I usually carry a fully serrated(spydie native or harpy) & a plain edge,to have all my bases covered.I still have a couple combo edges that I like & work fine(BM635),but like previously stated,the serrations on a combo edge are usually on the bottom of the blade,where you do most of your cutting.Serrations are harder to sharpen too & tend to rip what you're cutting,more than a precision slice(sorry can't think of better words :o)IMO.A sawback fixed blade is a good alternative.

My personal advice...sit back & read as many posts on this forum as you can.Ask questions!There is a wealth of knowledge here,that couldn't possibly be consumed in one's lifetime.After you've learned about the different steel types,blade shapes & their uses,handle materials & ergonomics,edge geometry...etc,then go out & get your first knife;):thumbup:.
If I'd have taken my own advice,I wouldn't have a bunch a junk folders that I'm too embarrased to post here :o.

Stay away from shows like HSN,that offer 500 knives for $500:D.They got me years ago & every knife I got was pure garbage,worth maybe $0.40:o

Take your time & learn about "what you need,before you buy".

My suggestions on folder companies:Spyderco,Kershaw,Benchmade,Buck,AL MAR,Boker.All make excellent,affordable knives with great CS(some better than others)

Fixed blades are a whole 'nother story,maybe somebody else can answer better than me.

Take care :)
 
My budget is between $100 - $150 AUS. I know that's not too much! But the Delica and Native are under $100 here and I'm a poor person! :)[/QUOTE]

A good fixed blade to look at for your purpose would be RatCutlery RC-3 or RC-4. I would also check out RANGER KNIVES , justin has some Awsome fixed blades for around that price range ! :thumbup:
 
ilovemyjc said:
Oh goodness my brain is going to explode! haha...
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If you don't settle for one, you're going to run yourself in circles thinking about what to get. I was changing my mind every single day on what knife to get. I finally settled for the Delica and Ti-Lite for about 3 days, so I went ahead and made the order lol
 
ilovemyjc said:
Is there any 'medium' sized Bark River (blade about 15cm: about 5.9 inches) which isn't too expensive that you'd recommend? My budget is between $100 - $150 AUS. I know that's not too much! But the Delica and Native are under $100 here and I'm a poor person! :)
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If that's all you have your choices are going to be restricted a little for fixed blade knives.

Are you sure you want a 6" blade? That's a fairly hefty size if you want it for bushwalking. I think your best choices here might be the RAT RC-4 with a 4.5" blade. If you hurry you can get one from rustic Forge right now for $139

If you really want something bigger, try the RAT RC-6 with a 6.5" blade.

If you'd like to try something with a smaller blade, look at the Bark River Snowy River. Nice little knife.

BTW, JDEE from RF will resharpen them for you too if you're not to sure about that sort of thing. The Snowy River has a scandi grind on the edge and, if you're new to knives, might be a bit of a challenge to get right until you've had some practice at freehand sharpening.
 
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?
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If you are around people who are nervous about knives, and think a pocket knife is a weapon, they will be more frightened if you carry a black blade. It makes no sense, but emotions are like that. If you don't want people panicking when you open a bubble wrapped package, don’t carry a black bladed knife.
 
Hey guys!

Thanks all for your constant suggestions and ideas! As I am contemplating a FIXED blade instead of a FOLDER I looked into what you guys said and man the RAT RC-4 looks AWESOME!

It sounds like it's a great knife, and like you said gajinoz it's cheap at Rustic Forge at the moment. I really want to buy TWO knives now! One fixed and one folder! haha... noooooooo! :)

I had two questions about the RAT RC-4

1. Will the black blade 'scratch off' if you use it a lot, or when you sharpen it etc? What I mean is, is it a 'coating' or is it deeper than that?
2. Is the special price at Rustic Forge for a limited time? Or is that how it will normally be. Just contemplating if I can buy the RC-4 a little while later and if I should buy my folder first.

Thanks guys I'd probably have bought a $200 butter knife if it wasn't for you guys!
 
ilovemyjc said:
1. Will the black blade 'scratch off' if you use it a lot, or when you sharpen it etc? What I mean is, is it a 'coating' or is it deeper than that?
2. Is the special price at Rustic Forge for a limited time? Or is that how it will normally be. Just contemplating if I can buy the RC-4 a little while later and if I should buy my folder first.
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Send an email to JDEE at RF, he can answer those questions.
 
If you are looking at a fixed blade, check out Fallkniven's products. They also have a good folder collection too.
 
ilovemyjc said:
I still don't know how much difference a 'flat grind' has over a 'sabre grind' for stuff like that.
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It's my understanding that, all other things being equal, a flat grind will slice better while a sabre grind is stronger (more metal behind the edge). That appears to be the trade-off. If you are going to do a lot of hacking/chopping vs. just cutting, a sabre grind would be the stronger choice. However, I agree with other posters that you wouldn't want to do a lot of that with a pocketknife, regardless of blade geometry. With quality steel, and choosing the right knife for the job, you would get good service from either type of grind. Still, with some of the jobs a pocketknife could be called upon to do, you could get a decent amount of force/torque on the edge. It's a judgement call...for a pretty hard use, all-around pocket knife, a sabre grind would be a better overall choice for strength...maybe? Just learn how to keep it sharp, and it'll serve you very well.

Here are a couple of articles that I found that helped to illustrate the difference and the pros and cons.

http://www.answers.com/topic/grind

(Look in the second half of the page for knife specifics...they've got decent diagrams)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5629936

(a thread on the popularity of the convex grind...you should know about that type of grind, as well)

Good luck! And welcome to Bladeforums!
 
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