Behind the times and need updated

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Wasz

Joined
Oct 2, 2002
Messages
353
I haven't been around here much for a while. I find myself looking for some new steel and have come to the realization that I managed to get behind the curve on what is going on in the world of blades.

I'm looking for a 5 in or so fixed blade for outdoors use purposes. So far I've looked at Scrap Yard stuff. What all is out there for less than $150? I don't know anymore.

I also need a new folder for EDC also less than $150 3.5 inch blade would be ideal. Whats good, whats dropped in quality, I feel like I'm learning it all over again.

Thanks in advance.
 
Wasz said:
I haven't been around here much for a while. I find myself looking for some new steel and have come to the realization that I managed to get behind the curve on what is going on in the world of blades.

I'm looking for a 5 in or so fixed blade for outdoors use purposes. So far I've looked at Scrap Yard stuff. What all is out there for less than $150? I don't know anymore.

I also need a new folder for EDC also less than $150 3.5 inch blade would be ideal. Whats good, whats dropped in quality, I feel like I'm learning it all over again.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Welcome back:).

I don't shop too much for fixed blades, but Fallkniven seems to fit the bill there.

For the folders, you have plenty of choices:
Spyderco
Benchmade
Kershaw
Zero Tolerance (same company that owns Kershaw)
Mcusta
Emerson
Bladetech

Plenty more. For the folders, you might want to give more specifics on what you prefer:
Lock type, blade shape, blade grind, what characteristics you prefer in a steel, handle material, carryability, uses, etc.
 
I drool over the fixed blades in the makers forum most everyday. If I had 150 dollars for a knife thats where Id spend it.
 
B4 you drop the $$$$ on the Scrap Yard knives check out the Buck NightHawk Line. Alot of knife for the money! As for the folder, well you will have to do some research and maybe check some back issues of the several knife magizines out there. There are just too many to some up in a short time.... I hear Mantis talked about alot ~NOT~ hehehe!!!!:D
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Thanks for the replies. Folders non coated blade, not tanto, plain edge design. I used to have a benchmade that rode pretty low in the pocket I liked that, but its not a need. I never owned an AXIS lock, but I remember people thought highly of them. I don't have anything against liners though.
I'm all kinds of game for specific suggestions. It feels good to be looking for some serious steel again. Also where do people like to shop online? My local blade shop closed a few years ago :(
 
Wasz said:
Also where do people like to shop online?
Click to expand...

The one that is mentioned quite often is New Graham Knives (NGK). Take a look at "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly!", though the name is mentioned all across the board.
 
Fixed blades:
BRKT bravo-1
R.A.T. RC-4
fallkniven S-1

Folders:
spyderco military, endura, caly 3
TOPS folders
kershaw
 
Wasz said:
Also where do people like to shop online?
Click to expand...

One of my favorite places:

www.cuttingedgeworks.com

Jon's one of the coolest knife store owners I know. He's also a member here in BF (jonnymac44).

I'm sure you'll get more than enough suggestions on knives so I'll just get out of the way of the incoming suggestions.
 
For the fixed blades, check out Bark River -- the two usual steels are A2 and 12c27 Sandvick stainless. Probably just a personal preference, but I prefer the A2. They have few models out in 52100, a couple in 1095 and who knows what else. The Bravo 1 is getting a lot of the hype these days, but the Northstar remains my favorite, and the Fox River is almost the same as the Bravo (it was the model the Bravo 1 was based on) but is usually significantly cheaper.

As for a folder, I'm generally a Benchmade fan. Lots of models to choose from.
 
"The Bravo 1 was based on the Gameskeeper, not the Fox River"

Sorry, my bad. You are most correct. Although I have a couple, the Fox River is not my favorite Barkie, but am fond of my Gameskeeper. I wish they'd bring back the Forager, though -- I like it a little better.
 
Wasz said:
I haven't been around here much for a while. I find myself looking for some new steel and have come to the realization that I managed to get behind the curve on what is going on in the world of blades.

I'm looking for a 5 in or so fixed blade for outdoors use purposes. So far I've looked at Scrap Yard stuff. What all is out there for less than $150? I don't know anymore.

I also need a new folder for EDC also less than $150 3.5 inch blade would be ideal. Whats good, whats dropped in quality, I feel like I'm learning it all over again.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Knifeworks just got Shallot for about $75 with ZDP189 edge.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Folder? Kershaw Shallot with the ZDP-189 edge as mentioned above, or the Shallot in CPM-S110V is being released this week. Both are frame locks. For something heavier, ZT0200. 154CM with a Tungsten DLC coating. A tank of a knife.

Fixed blade? Rat Cutlery RC-4.
 
I'll just put in a plug here for Justin of www.rangerknives.com. He has amazing customer service and great products. An RD6 or RD7 might work for you.

Otherwise, Bark River has awesome products.
 
fixed blade: Fallkniven F1 is a proven, sturdy and popular design from an excellent company.
folders: man, there's so much to choose from, all depending on the style you like. One recommendation that simply everyone seems to like: Spyderco Caly 3. Really high quality yet light and compact. It exists in a very good VG 10 blade version, and for quite a bit more in a ZDP blade version which has a longer lasting edge, but ore difficult to sharpen.
 
for the folder id suggest either a kershaw JYD or benchmade griptillian(in many shapes sizes and colors) for the fixed id also go with a benchmade activator, also in a variety of sizes and colors (i have the 211)

cheers!

the colonel
 
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