Can you Help with Knife choice?

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I am a brand new member to these awesome Blade Forums, and happy to be here to learn and share.

Now here's my situation.
I have a trip coming up which will take me to Central America and need a knife to carry.

I would like to have a very sturdy, high quality knife that can handle many types of cutting tasks one typically encounters while traveling to unknown regions.
For obvious reasons of legalities I will need (and prefer!) to carry inconspicuous so a folder is called for. I like the idea of pocket clips. So I guess a a good versatile blade that won't(or least likely to) raise the eyebrow of the local constabularies would be ideal and yet offer *some* self-defense capability.
I must admit I am a sucker for a good looking, aesthetically-pleasing knife--and I like them sharp.

My budget: $100 or so tops.

I am thinking 3-4(?) inch blade--steel grade/coatings not so important--as is handle materials; fast opening; fully(?) or partially(?) serrated for tough stuff.
Have no idea whether clip-point or Tanto style though.
Any other considerations?

Here some preliminary makes and models I have looked at.
Feel free to critique--I can "handle" it!

*Benchmade: AFCK 800/812 Series

*Cold Steel: Scimitar, Voyager

*Spyderco: Police, Calypso, others

*Camillus: various types

*What others have you?
 
I like the Spyderco Calypso a LOT. But for traveling south of the border, I reckon you'll ALSO want a few tools on hand. You think about the Leatherman Wave (blades can be opened quickly and with one hand for defense) or the Victorinox Trailmaster with has a large, locking main blade. Also, both of those would be far less likely to raise the eyebrows of the local gendarme if it comes to that.
 
Below is the address for the Spyderco page of MJ&S Knives. You might give Mark a call and ask about the availability of the plain edge Military. I, and a whole lot of other knife knuts, would suggest that this is probably your best bet for less than $100. Other thoughts would be the Calypso, the StarMate (Top of your range, but, in my opinion, the best of the lot) the Endura II, the Wegner, or any of the other larger Spydies. I own a Police, it was my first
Spydie, but I don't think that it is the best choice for general work, it is too narrow and does not have enough belly for a good cutter. It also looks too obviously a weapon in my opinion to fit your needs, in that it will likely attract unwanted attention at customs stations. Strangely enough, the StarMate may be the least likely to do this, from my experience. For some reason, people don't seem to see it as a "weapon" as easily as some of my other knives, even though it is easily my very most favorite folding knife by a very great margin, and not for that reason. I like it for its 440V blade, the shape of the blade and the hilt, which fits my hand very well, and its aesthetics.

http://mjsknives.com/s-cart/nf_form.phtml?CatID=16

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
FullerH thanks for the tip.

These 'Spydies' really look to be very functional pieces, albeit with funny-looking shapes.

Calypso appeals to me, but no serrated apparently available?

Military Model looks good.

So, is it plain edge, NO serrations, that are better suited for me?

Do all spydies use 440v steel?

I really liked this J.D. Smith version found in this link: http://mjsknives.com/s-cart/product.phtml?ProdID=(new)c58bms
 
I own a Military and recommend it very highly.
smile.gif

As for your other question, no all spydies do not use 440V. Spyderco uses more types of blade steel than any company I have run across.
 
I too like Spyderco and have them but I also have several Benchmades. I am inpressed with the mini-AFCK in the M2 tool steel but would recommend the regular AFCK and if you forsee any tough material cutting (rope,canvas,nylon) then the combo edge will work great. I have a CS Scmitar and think it would raise a lot or eyebrows by the feds. If you choose a Spidi or a BM you have a very usable knife. Cold Steel also makes some very good knives but I don't think the Voyager models will stand up to a lot of hard work.


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Ron

[This message has been edited by muzzleup (edited 07-25-2000).]

[This message has been edited by muzzleup (edited 07-25-2000).]
 
I happen not to like serrations, but you can get the Military with a serrated edge if you so prefer. Whether serrations are better depends upon how you intend to use it. For most cutting tasks, I cannot see serrations, but if you are going to be cutting PVC pipe or a lot of rope or carpet, then they would be better. You might want to specify the nature of your cutting tasks planned and ask the membership for their thoughts.

I looked at the knife that you mentioned, and, like the Police, it has very little belly. This means that it is limited in its cutting ability. Compare the curve of the cutting edge on that knife with the cutting edge on the Military and you'll see what I mean. The curve is what is known as the belly of the blade and the more curve, up to a point, the better; look at a skinning knife.

As far as I know, the only Spydies with 440V blades are teh StarMate, the newer Militaries, and the new lightweight Native, which, at $43.00 from MJ&S is a real steal. I have bought two of them for friends, since I already have a 440V Native, my BF Native, that I have carried day in and day out for 16 months and used constantly and never had to sharpen. It still shaves easily.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Like you, I am a sucker for a nice knife.. bt my tastes cater to a mean looking knife.. one which makes little cheerleaders go "Like.. WOW.. is that REAL?!?!" (sorry I am still irked about that comment it gave me cavities) >_<

but yeah THe BM AFCK is 'standard' bmy carry piece is a REKAT carnivore.. what first got me was the mean looking shape.. and the next test was comfort in my hand.. it passed that.. it is also heafty and solid. what I liek in a folder. but keep in mind that it doesn't look too friendly. You can aslo go for the CRKT Kasper Fighting Folder.. but as the name implies this will DEFINITELY raise eyebrows.

SOrry If I am not much help.. but I just wanted to voice my opinion.. you can tel where my taste in folders is directed
smile.gif
a very low key knife woudl be the BM750 pinnacle or your skew of 'funny' shaped Spydercos as you noted.

as per your question on serrations.. it is a matter of preference. if you will be ctting rpe go for serrations. but for fine stuff go for plain.. personally I find serations ugly as sin.. good luck and tell us what you pick.

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<A HREF="http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~soo/balisong/balisong.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~soo/balisong/balisong.html
</A> If you play with love you will be heartbroken; if you play with knives you will [bleed]


 
Remember, Guns&Knives, while nasty and mean may look cool, one of the things that you will have to be daling with is officaldom in the form of customs and police. I, for one, would not want something that looked too much like a nasty mean weapon as it will attract unwanted attention from these people every time that you meet them. Serrations, for better or worse, tend to be viewed as "nasty and mean", so you would be best not to have them unless you really need them.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Check out the axis lock models made by benchmade also. I don't have one yet but I'm planning on getting one in the near future. Most likely a combo edge 720. Its got a pretty hefty aluminum alloy handle and ats34 blade. Add to that package the axis lock which is supposed to hold up to 200 lbs of negative force without damage and it should be a pretty damn tough knife.
Oh yeah, the blade on the 720 is 3.3 inches long and the total length when closed is only 4.3 inches long, and it has a pocket clip.

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
I would reccomend a CRKT M16 03. It's dirt cheap off of the forums very own www.onestopknifeshop.com , and I think it looks good, and it cuts like a demon. I wouldn't say it would be overly likely to attract the attention of over vigilant LEO's, but there is of course no garantee with these things. I have a little review up here at http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001922.html if you're interested. CRKT has some really nice knives for any money, IMO.
 
I think there is no better knife then the MOD Trident. I carry an auto every day.
If you aren't qualified to carry an auto, (LEO, or MIL) the manual is still as bullet proof as they come. I have Emerson, Spyderco, Benchmade, ETC.. This knife destroys them all. It's even better then the MT SOCOM I have. I would take this knife to the depths of hell and back. Check one out. You won't be sorry.
 
I have the CRKT M16-13Z. It is wonderful, has a serrated edge, and, best of all, the Carson Flipper. Please read my mini-description on my thread:


"Every collection starts with the first knife. How do I care for it?"
 
You're going out of the country. Knives will be scrutinized. Nice knives may be confiscated. Mean-looking knives WILL be confiscated.

Pack a Boy Scout knife and an Opinel. Just in case that's all they leave you with. Also, they'll get the job done. Going camping? Pack the incredibly effective Opinel folding saw. Opinels have a graceful, comfortable, nonthreatening wooden handle -- and one of the best locks available on any folder.

Serrations. Basically, a plain edge will do any job. A serrated edge cannot do some jobs, but does others real well, like cutting rope. You might consider a Spyderco Dyad, which has both, and looks enough like the working knife it is to pass most inspections.

Have a great trip!
smile.gif
 
I would recommend a multi-tool knife (SAK, Leatherman, Gerber, SOG, ect).
I promise you will need a screwdriver or wrench/pliers at least once while you're away.
For bigger cutting tasks, buy a local knife once you're there. I have been impressed more than once by the selection outside the USA.
 
I'd go for a BM AFCK or a 710. Part serrated only if it will be the only knife you will be carrying; if you can, also carry a smaller fully-serrated knife also. This might not be necessary if you will have a Leatherman (or similar) with you as well. I would recommend bringing one of them almost as highly as I would recommend bringing a good knife.

Welcome to the Forums!!

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra

[This message has been edited by medusaoblongata (edited 07-26-2000).]
 
For what you've described I'd highly recommend the Benchmade Pinnacle or AFCK, both of which can be found for under $100 if you look around. For a little more dough, go for a 710 or a Carnivore.

On the other hand, Mike has some Cold Steel Voyagers and Vagueros on http://www.1sks.com for excellant prices. Good hunting, and let us know what you choose.
smile.gif


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You could put nacho cheese sauce on it...
 
WOW, you guys are great and you really have laid it all out for me.

There's a new contender in the ring. Those M-16 CRKT's look to be quality knives at really attractive prices.
Spyderco's Military or Starmate.

Benchmade's look so fine but I'm afraid if I go with a BM I'll bust my budget and go for the best like one of the 700 series!!

I'll make a final later today and post tomorrow. Thanks again to all.

Question: Which ones are known to have the easiest one-handed deployments?
 
Spyderco's holes may look funny as h**l, but they make one handed openning ever so easy. You can thumb them open, do the drop by pinching the hole between your thumb and forefinger and shaking your hand (best with a tip down carry), or any number of other possibities.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
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