Recommendation? Best Knife for beginners?

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Pryomanic knife Guy

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I'm kinda new to the world of knives I currently have a spring loaded knife and a not spring loaded knife both of them are by Ozark Trail and I want to expand my collection so what knife would you recommend?
 
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It’s often a good idea to ask yourself what you plan to do with the knife/where you’re going to store/take it, etc.

If you’re just looking for a general utility pocket knife it’s hard to go wrong. Just find something that appeals, then do some searching here and/or YouTube to see what other folks think and what the knife is like in hand. Good luck!
 
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Drop bear said:
I have a civivi elementum that I really like. It is cheap,ish well made, incredibly popular and there are a bunch of style options and after market mods.

So you can get a balanced knife that works well in a design that appeals for a price that won't make you cry.
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest the same line of knives.... many variations with prices starting at $40 and they are fantastic knives.

civivi.jpg
 
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Looks like Civivi's already been mentioned, so I'd recommend you checkout Kizer. People are recommending Civivi because they make some incredible knives for the money. Very high value knives. Kizer is the same way. I've owned quite a few Kizers now and haven't had a bad experience. Plus, you can get everything from a $30-40 dollar folder with g10 or micarta scales, to a titanium framelock for around $175 (unless you get it on sale, and there are tons of sales on Kizers, many times bringing the titanium framelocks down to $100).

Honestly, if I had to, I would be very well off and prepared for most things with just a Kizer Begleiter 2 [$69, I got mine on sale for $27] (if you get this one, get the linen micarta handle scales, they feel amazing) and a Mora [$12].

Welcome to the knife world!
 
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You already have spring assisted and a not spring assisted, but with a locking blade knives. To diversify, Svord Peasant will nicely complement your collection for a friction folder, Douk Douk for a slipjoint, and an Old Hickory for a fixed blade (get one with a sheath).
Many here have Spyderco knives, and are hapy with them, but I can not recommend them because they are so ugly to me and I've never had any. However, others are happy with them, and the company makes locking and slipjoint folders, and fixed blades as well. People say they cut well.
 
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There is so much variety out there. Could you be more specific about what interests you? How much are you willing to spend? Locking or not, one handed opening or not, types of handle materials, size, what you normally use it for, how comfortable you are sharpening high carbide alloys, etc? Perhaps then you would get some good suggestions tailored more to your interests and needs.

That being said, the majority of knives on the market have an issue with blade geometry that makes them less than stellar cutters. I highly recommend that, whatever else you get, that you pick up an Opinel, either #6 or #8, stainless or carbon steel. They are plain knives and don't cost much at all. But they cut well above their pay grade because of the geometry. Thin edge and thin blade stock make a huge difference in how well a knife cuts. I kept one in my lunch bag for over 20 years as a dedicated fruit knife (I generally have at least two or three different pieces of fruit with lunch, and that knife has cut a lot of fruit).
 
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Hi & welcome to the forums. I suggest totake account of your preferences and needs.
A general advice usually is to go for quality over quantity (AKA less is more, AKA pay once, cry once). But until you know what your needs and preferences are, maybe it's better to explore the cheaper offerings?
Personally I try to avoid blades that are much thicker than 3mm, folders with ball bearings and compression locks. But there can always be some exceptions and compromises. Even when I bought knives with a precisely defined checklist, I still ended up selling quite a few in the process of finding the right ones.

FWIW, my favorites are: from Spyderco, the Military, Native Chief, Native, Chaparral and the Stretch 2XL (G10/CruWear).
From CRK, the Inkosi Insingo, Sebenza 21 and small Sebenza 21.
From Victorinox, the Explorer, Cadet, Pioneer X, Spirit, Alox Minichamp.
From Bark River, the UL Bushcrafter, Tundra, Gunny Hunter, Bravo 1 LT.
Machetes from Condor: the Bushcraft parang, the Mini Duku and the Makara.
I also have Opinel, Hultafors knives as beaters or semi disposables.
I would like to get an iMamba next.
 
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A good start is keeping up with the General Knife Discussion threads here while also reviewing retail sites for pricing/availability. Also be sure to check out the Knife Exchange for pre-owned knives, it's a great resource.
I usually use the search function here to review threads on knives I'm interested in. This gives me a more realistic take on knives than Youtube ever will.
Good luck!

PS. I might also suggest setting a monthly budget, things can escalate quickly!
 
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