Can You Find the Perfect Knife under $50? Or at any Price?

R

RedLynx

Joined
Aug 5, 2011
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Hi guys,

Recently I've been wanting to pick up a good, fair-sized two blade folder, as I only own one two blade folder and thought about adding a slightly smaller one (the one I have is a large Case Trapper) to my collection.

But as I started doing some browsing and thinking, I realized it wasn't so much about wanting a knife of this particular type, but finding some knife that was satisfying to me as a user.

I already have several knives that, logically, are probably just about perfect. From inexpensive well-made Opinels to some decent budget Kershaws to a couple more expensive knives. But somehow I find myself searching for more (and trying to sell or even give away ones I have so that I don't hoard knives, which I do not want to do).

I think part of it is looking forward to something new in the post. It's a nice feeling to order something new and spend a few days waiting for it, I don't know why, but I'm sure many here can relate. It's certainly nice to get and use the knife, but most of the stuff I order is knives, so that's what I look forward to. Things I need, like clothing, I get as needed, etc.

So I'm not really unsatisfied with hardly any knife. I think I'm kind of unsatisfied with myself, that I'm looking for more. I know part of that is the nice anticipation, and part of it is, "even though this knife is super great, it isn't doing it for me."

I understand only I can really work all of this out, I just wanted to voice my thoughts and open up some constructive discussion as well. In the past I've bought expensive knives but nowadays with work cutbacks and just general "I already have enough" I try to keep purchases under $50 and do my best to give away one or two here and there if I get something new. Balance and all that.

Part of me feels like I'll never stop because it isn't an issue of REALLY searching for that perfect knife, but an issue of being a user and collector who enjoys trying new knives. But another part of me wants to find that knife that feels really good to use, with no need of anything else. I'm the sort of guy who will always want a few knives just to know I have a few on hand in case something happens to my user, but I rotate my EDCs a fair bit, when a big part of me would prefer to say "this knife is great, I want to carry it every day." Does anyone get what I'm saying? As much as I love knives, which are one of the few material passions I have, sometimes I still want to say "enough is enough." I don't know why.

Again, not really looking for psychological help, just voicing my thoughts to like-minded fellows and ladies.

If anyone has any suggestions on nice two-bladed knives with at least 3.5" blades, I'd also be interested in hearing.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.
 
I think what you're experiencing is more common than you might think. I'm in somewhat the same situation, looking forward to getting a new knife but not needing anything beyond what I have already. Recently, I've been looking for excuses to give away existing knives as gifts or donations for fundraising events, but even so, I seem to have more coming in than going out.
 
Do you own a Case Sodbuster and Sodbuster Jr.? Also the Buck 110 seems like a good buy and is pretty commonly found. Neither are two blade knives but their simplicity and beauty might be attractive at the price point if you don't already own either. I'm personally saving up for both right now (slowly because I like the anticipation). And It's only a problem if your knife collecting displaces your rent money :thumbup:
 
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I believe you will eventually find that knife that speaks to you. I do the same thing with knives. I'm at a point where I really like the knives that I am using. I only have users because I gift away knives to those I care about when I get a new one to replace the one I felt could be "better". I do go through long spurts of using knives when it's the right one. I'm sure my bk16 will be my hunting/camp knife for years to come and I don't see my tops ferret leaving my pocket for EDC for years. Eventually I'm sure both will be replaced or gifted. It's the nature of the beast. As we progress in skills and styles, so does our equipment. Go with it brother.
 
I hear you. I'm still just as into knives as ever and I am by no means going to stop going to the forums and learning things, and certainly not going to stop using. But at this moment, it isn't really "fun" looking around for knives right now.
 
dkblade said:
Do you own a Case Sodbuster and Sodbuster Jr.? Also the Buck 110 seems like a good buy and is pretty commonly found. Neither are two blade knives but their simplicity and beauty might be attractive at the price point if you don't already own either. I'm personally saving up for both right now (slowly because I like the anticipation). And It's only a problem if your knife collecting displaces your rent money :thumbup:
Click to expand...

True words Dk,

I actually really like the 110 and I have 3 of them. ;)

I had a full size Sodbuster in the smooth yellow, which was awesome. Unfortunately I must have forgotten to oil it when I stopped carrying it for ahwile and it rusted, had to toss it. If I get any Christmas money I'd like another though, it's great. Very nice size and feels really good in the hand, even if I don't open it.
 
I understand your position very well. I feel two blades are the best compromise, preferably one over 3" the other about 1.5". I also really like the Congress pattern handle shape; swaybacked, not too wide, fits a pocket well, and looks good. That's why I like the Irish Jack, but I still look for others. Recently picket up a GEC #15 with the spear blade and a cap lifter; because I think that's an ideal combination to have in your pocket walking around town when you know you're going to just eat whatever you pick up locally, especially in Europe. But I also like the idea of a nice Texas Jack on a single spring, because while they always shorten the blades on the (so called) half-Congress, they don't do that on the Jack. Plus the serpentine shape is very pocket friendly. So it goes. Even the customs I have are close, but not quite perfect.
 
"Looking within oneself is free." -some New Agey proverb, prolly.
 
Hey, we are all here because we are knife fetishists. The people who just need to cut stuff aren't here...they bought a sharp cheap thing at a big box and are doing what they need to do with it.

We like to talk and argue and think about ourr next buy more than we enjoy using the darn thing when we finally get it. Because, by that point we are thinking about the next one.

Its a hobby and it makes us happy and takes our minds off the stuff that doesn't. Everybody has something similar: cars, clothes, stamps, Hummels, partners, cats, tattoos, etc etc etc.

Enjoy it and be glad its not "substances" that you obessess over.

Have you looked at any Muskrats? That a different larger two blade pattern. Canoes?
 
Knives as a hobby aren't tied to a real need, most of us have many more knives than we'll ever need. We just like them, and that's a fine reason to buy something (as long as you're not using your rent money and stuff like that).

I still like to find a use for my knives, although I was a bit more strict about it in the past. Nowadays, I'll purchase a useless knife that appeals to me from time to time.

I've found the perfect knife dozens of times, but that hasn't kept me from trying out new ones. Collectors of all types that I've met have all described experiencing an almost immediate lack of interest in what might have been their holy grail for years right after they finally managed to get their hands of it. Part of the fun of collecting is looking for the next piece.
 
Ignoring the psychology of knife accumulation and collecting, a Case Copperhead is a nice sized 2-blade jack knife that is smaller than a Trapper. They can be found for under $50. If you don't want to worry with the oiling, go with a stainless steel knife.
 
Redlynx,
You are describing me exactly! I have a stable of EDCs that I love and will never get rid of, but I have a strong urge to try new designs. I used to think I was looking for that one perfect blade, but recently realized I will never find it, since the knife needed will change for the occasion and task at hand.

What I discovered is that I just lave carrying and using a good pocket knife, so I will probably never stop buying stuff. As far as a two bladed folder... Have you looked at any of the Great Eastern Cutlery offerings? Check out www.knivesshipfree.com. ( i am no way affiliated with them, they just carry a great selection of traditional slipjoints and lockbacks. Queen cutlery, northwoods canal street cutlery and Great Eastern can all be found on his site.
 
Franciscomv said:
Knives as a hobby aren't tied to a real need, most of us have many more knives than we'll ever need. We just like them, and that's a fine reason to buy something (as long as you're not using your rent money and stuff like that).

I still like to find a use for my knives, although I was a bit more strict about it in the past. Nowadays, I'll purchase a useless knife that appeals to me from time to time.

I've found the perfect knife dozens of times, but that hasn't kept me from trying out new ones. Collectors of all types that I've met have all described experiencing an almost immediate lack of interest in what might have been their holy grail for years right after they finally managed to get their hands of it. Part of the fun of collecting is looking for the next piece.
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^^^ This!

I carry a Delica 4 FFG that I really love. I've got knives that cost 5X more, but because I use the Delica so much, it's like I have a strong emotional connection to the knife.

I also carry knives on a situational basis, and oddly enough I like to compare my knife selection to my shoes. Just like I've got casual shoes, dress shoes, boots, and shoes I don't mind getting dirty, I've got my more common edc, more "fancy" knives, and beaters that I don't mind abusing. Because of this there is no 1 perfect knife for me. Plenty of knives COULD do everything I need, but I really enjoy this hobby, so why not have a knife (or two) for every situation?
 
True words old friend.

Actually I was just researching Muskrats and Canoes in particular, the other night. Years ago they didn't interest me. Now suddenly they do.

marcinek said:
Hey, we are all here because we are knife fetishists. The people who just need to cut stuff aren't here...they bought a sharp cheap thing at a big box and are doing what they need to do with it.

We like to talk and argue and think about ourr next buy more than we enjoy using the darn thing when we finally get it. Because, by that point we are thinking about the next one.

Its a hobby and it makes us happy and takes our minds off the stuff that doesn't. Everybody has something similar: cars, clothes, stamps, Hummels, partners, cats, tattoos, etc etc etc.

Enjoy it and be glad its not "substances" that you obessess over.

Have you looked at any Muskrats? That a different larger two blade pattern. Canoes?
Click to expand...
 
Perfection, like Utopia is not to be found. Reporter friend was given $200,000.00 to find Utopia in expenses, salery, etc. Looked all over, filed reports as part of weekly series, and the boss decided there was NO UTOPIA.
 
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