Been 3+ years since I bought my last knife, what should I get?

T. Erdelyi

T. Erdelyi

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Feb 3, 2001
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Ok, so I’ve been outta the knife game for a few years now. Let me rephrase that, I’ve been outta the knife buying game lately.

With a knice size collection I always have plenty to choose from. My collection ranges from 150+ year old factory folders to relatively modern factory, (CRK, ZT, Bench Made) and modern customs, ( JD Ellis, Nathan Carothers and a handful of others) so I don’t really need a new knife.

That being said, I haven’t read much about the latest and greatest steels and knives on the market.

So in the $100-$250 range what are my options and why should I go for your choices.
 
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The last two knives I purchased were a Buck 105 Pro and a Viper Key...and I can't think of a single reason you should go for either of them (maybe I'll come to with one when the Viper gets here - if so, I'll make another post).

I bought the Buck because I needed a reason to have a 105 sheath made (I dislike retention straps; so I won't carry with the stock sheath).
I'm not really certain why I felt compelled to purchase the Viper, as I haven't really been a fan of the other "modern traditionals" that I've tried.

Since you specifically mentioned new steels, Magnacut is the flavor of the day. I've actually never tried it...despite having purchased 2 fixed blades and a folder for that specific purpose. (I haven't addressed the lack of carry attachment for the fixed blade, and I tend not to use a pocketed fixed blade because of the extra steps. The folder, fancy steel notwithstanding, just doesn't move me to displace what I'm already carrying.)
 
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T. Erdelyi said:
Ok, so I’ve been outta the knife game for a few years now. Let me rephrase that, I’ve been outta the knife buying game lately.

With a knice size collection I always have plenty to choose from. My collection ranges from 150+ year old factory folders to relatively modern factory, (CRK, ZT, Bench Made) and modern customs, ( JD Ellis, Nathan Carothers and a handful of others) so I don’t really need a new knife.

That being said, I haven’t read much about the latest and greatest steels and knives on the market.

So in the $100-$250 range what are my options and why should I go for your choices.
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Are you really sure you wanna "fall off the wagon" ? :oops:
 
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The most discussed changes in the past few years are probably the rise of high quality Chinese knives, the axis lock patent expiring and proliferating across manufacturers, and Magnacut steel.

In your price range I'd take a look at something like a Maxace Black Mirror or a Twosun TS139; these are more recent entries to the market that offer a lot of value for the price (probably because these two brands haven't established themselves for long enough to hike the prices up). I'd comfortably put a lot of their offerings up against knives that cost twice as much; you're getting things like supersteels (S90V or M390), titanium framelock with insert, milled clip, carbon fiber inlays, and smooth bearing action. The machining details and fit and finish feel much better than the price would suggest, too.
 
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How about an EDC fixed blade? There have been a bunch of interesting releases lately.

The Vosteed Mink falls below your price range but is a great budget choice in textured Micarta and Nitro-V.

For a USA production knife in your range, I really like the Tactile Dreadeye (pictured below). The slight forward curvature leans into cuts just right with the modified tanto shape. The rounded but textured handle provides traction while remaining comfortable in hand. It also runs MagnaCut (one of the most interesting modern knife steels) at high hardness.

BTW, it's also worth keeping an eye on the Exchange here, specifically the fixed blade section of the Knifemaker's market. We've got some talented people making great knives at competitive prices.

tkc_product_dreadeye05_1100x.jpg
 
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hhmoore said:
Since you specifically mentioned new steels, Magnacut is the flavor of the day. I've actually never tried it.
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I would agree with this - if it's steels you're interested in, Magnacut is the big new thing. CPM-Cruwear/4V levels of toughness/wear resistance/ease of sharpening but also very stainless.

Alternatively, if you're into high wear resistance tool steels, Spyderco has been doing a lot with K390, Maxamet, and 15V the past few years, which aren't "new" like Magnacut but are relatively new to the production knife world without needing to find a custom maker specializing in them.
 
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Skywalker31 said:
I would agree with this - if it's steels you're interested in, Magnacut is the big new thing. CPM-Cruwear/4V levels of toughness/wear resistance/ease of sharpening but also very stainless.

Alternatively, if you're into high wear resistance tool steels, Spyderco has been doing a lot with K390, Maxamet, and 15V the past few years, which aren't "new" like Magnacut but are relatively new to the production knife world without needing to find a custom maker specializing in them.
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K390 and Maxamet, Magnacut ? They’re comparable to what steels from the last 2 decades?
I’ve had BG42, David Boye’s dendritic steels including H1 that Spyderco used in their rust proof blades.

I’m looking for edge retention over ease of sharpening.
 
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T. Erdelyi said:
K390 and Maxamet, Magnacut ? They’re comparable to what steels from the last 2 decades?
I’ve had BG42, David Boye’s dendritic steels including H1 that Spyderco used in their rust proof blades.

I’m looking for edge retention over ease of sharpening.
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If I was you and finally got to the point of not buying another unneeded knife, I'd rejoice and continue not buying. Otherwise, wait for the release of the upcoming regular production 15V knives from Spyderco. If you have waited 3+ years, you can wait a few more months.
 
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T. Erdelyi said:
K390 and Maxamet, Magnacut ? They’re comparable to what steels from the last 2 decades?
I’ve had BG42, David Boye’s dendritic steels including H1 that Spyderco used in their rust proof blades.

I’m looking for edge retention over ease of sharpening.
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Erm, I was going to suggest an ESEE 5, seeing as I have been reviewing one and liking it.
Here is the review:


But if you're looking for big edge retention, probably not.
It is regular 1095 steel.

I was moved to get one in Venom Green as well though, and it does look neat. :)

However, if you're looking for something that can cut miles of cardboard between sharpenings, then sadly no.

If you want to pry apart the planet though, then sure! :D

And welcome back to the obsession. :cool:
 
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Let us know how you like the sticker shock...... The prices have gone UP considerable over the last few years. Kinda Sucks.
I'd not be quick to sell anything you have until you know what its actually worth in today's market!

Buying?

I agree to hold off, $150 isn't going to put a smile on your face.... :/
Unfortunately.
 
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