Biggest surprise knives, both good and bad.

JaxBlueMan

JaxBlueMan

Joined
Mar 2, 2013
Messages
448
Hello all,

This is my first post. I've been a member for a while now, but I've been lurking in the background, reading and trying to learn from all of you masters.

I've also been on a recent buying and selling spree, having purchased and sold a bunch of new knives lately. (many of them off of this exchange forum) All of this buying, selling, and handling of new knives got me thinking....

So, here's the question...

What fixed blade knives have been the biggest pleasant surprise for you, (exceeded your expectations, gave you the biggest bang for your buck) and which have been the biggest letdown? I know the letdown part might be hard to answer, because if you're like me, you're a knife freak, and will pretty much pop a woodie over a butter knife, much less over all of the great knives from ESEE, Becker, Busse, Gerber, etc

I'm talking new purchase here, not a great second hand steal of a deal that you may have made.

Just to get things started, here's my list.

Best bang for the buck
1. Mora Companion HD. Can't beat $15.00 for this razor sharp, must have camp tool.
2. Schrade SCHF9- I was going to say BK2 here, but the SCHF9 only costs around $40.00, and holds its own against knives that cost 2-3 times as much.
3. Condor Hudson Bay- Great beast of a knife for around $35.00. Definitely a pound for pound value Champion.
Honorable Mention- Cold Steel Special Forces shovel- $23.00 for this beast. When you hold one in your hand, you pretty much feel like you can handle anything that comes your way.


Least bang for your buck (let the attacks begin)
1. Chris Reeve Green Beret knife- It's a nice knife, but $325? Really? For that much, I can buy all four of the above tools, and nice a tent, sleeping bag, and pack too.
2. Izula- What makes this $52.00 neck knife worth so much more than the Becker Necker at $32, and especially the Eskabar, at $39.00? You just about have to be an expert to tell the difference between the Izula and the Eskabar anyway. Nice blade, but overpriced.
3. Buck Hoodlum- How in the World is this worth $125.00? I can get an RTAKII, RD9, BK9, Ontario SP52, Kabar heavy bowie, all for 30%-50% less than the cost of the Hoodlum. For $75.00? Maybe. But no way it's a $125.00 knife.

Thanks for listening.
 
I would like to comment on your Chris Reeve Green Beret Knife. First, it is collaboration with William Harsey. Better know as Bill the knife maker for the Special Forces community who rely and need a knife as good as this. Did you know this knife is given to all Green Beret candidates who complete the qualification course? It is called the Yarborough Knife in their line of work. It is not just a piece of metal to some of us it is what it stands for and the hard work and great steel that goes into it. What other knife matches what the US Army provides for our elite Green Berets? Sure there are some but cost more than this. You just need to do some research on some of these blademasters as this is how they make their living to raise their family. If you can't afford to pay for a great knife then do some homework before you bash someone online.....
 
Good surprises:

1. How much I really like ZT's - even the blems
2. Ontario knife company - the RAT folder and the RTAK series of fixed blades - good value and quality
3. Condor machetes - these things rule the roost

Disappointments:

1. The ESEE light machete that I had to return - blunted tip and scuff marks on both side of the blade (I know, but I bought it new)
2. Benchmade 551 Griptilan - ergos are just dismal for me - had to put Wilkinsin scales on it - now it's over a $200 knife and imo nowhere near a ZT0200 in hand feel and toughness
 
Chisumr, I'm well aware that knives similar to this are given to Green Beret candidates upon their graduation. I also know that it was a collaboration between Reeve and Harsey. But, what do either of those points have to do with the value of the knife? I stand by what I said. It's a nice knife, but highly overpriced, for what it is. The problem in my opinion is that it costs 3-5 times that of other knifes made with similar steel, that are made by other knife masters who are just as accomplished as Reeve, and that are carried by other branches of our military.

The Navy Seals can make do with an $85.00 SOG Seal Team 2000, and the Marines can make do with a $60.00 Kabar Marine fighter, and the Air force pilots can get along with a $45.00 Pilot survival knife. What specifically makes this knife worth three times that of an ESEE 5, 4 times a SOG Seal Team 2000, 4 times that of a BK7, 5 times that of a Kabar Marine fighting knife, or even 7 times that of an Air Force survival knife?

Sorry, but you're not thinking objectively. You're only thinking emotionally. I'm reviewing a knife, not the Green Berets, themselves. Just relax.

By your logic, just because something similar is given to the Green Berets, it automatically means that I have to pay 3-5 times what it should be worth. I'm sure that you are aware that in the past there have been famous stories of the US Government paying $100 for a $5.00 hammer, or $600.00 for a toilet seat. So, do I have to start paying $600.00 for a toilet seat now, because the Green Berets crap on one that is similar? Just because the Government pays way too much for something, doesn't mean that I have to do the same thing.

Check You Tube. There are reviews on there that basically say the same thing I'm saying. Nice knife, but you can get others that are just as good, for a lot less.
 
agile_1 said:
Good surprises:

1. How much I really like ZT's - even the blems
2. Ontario knife company - the RAT folder and the RTAK series of fixed blades - good value and quality
3. Condor machetes - these things rule the roost

Disappointments:

1. The ESEE light machete that I had to return - blunted tip and scuff marks on both side of the blade (I know, but I bought it new)
2. Benchmade 551 Griptilan - ergos are just dismal for me - had to put Wilkinsin scales on it - now it's over a $200 knife and imo nowhere near a ZT0200 in hand feel and toughness
Click to expand...


Man, you are right on about the Condor machetes. I've got a Condor Golok and Parang, and both are fantastic tools, for under $50.00. I even thought about adding those to my 'best value' list, but if I added every knife that I think is great, that list would have been a mile long.
 
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