Can't make up my mind on what to buy with X-Mas money

powells85

powells85

Joined
Nov 17, 2003
Messages
892
Hey guys, after Christmas and after getting a BM 550 OD as a gift I bought myself an Endura in ATS 55 for only $28. Now the problem (we'll call it that for now) is that I have $110 to spend and I've been looking at a lot of knives lately and other things. My need for you guys is to help me make a decision or recommend me some things. I want to get the most possible out of my money or the best deal(s). I really like the Spyderco Rescue 79mm orange frn and spyderco Rescue 93 in orange too, also the Benchmade 350 and 530s, CMG Infinity Ultra, and Maxpedition Versipack. I also like the look of the Spyderco Delica in carbon fiber. I know some may think "why not save up for a better knife" but the truth is that I use almost all of my knives while still "collecting" them and at 18, buying a Sebenza or the likes would do nothing but sit in my room because I would be so scared of losing it or ruining it while I still have a lot of years left to buy more expensive knives. Well guys, do what you can and try to find a good combo of ideas for me if you can, thanks a lot. Also, try to take into consideration that the item/knife will most likely be an EDC so keep that in mind. I'm still searching for the best combo of blades to reduce the number yet be able to complete all tasks. Thanks again.
 
For a couple of dollars more ($125 total) you can buy a Al Mar SERE 2000. However you were not too specific as to what you needed the knife for. The SERE is a great value. Take a look at them at Knife Works http://knifeworks.com/
 
It looks like a great knife but thats not really what I'm looking for right now. As for purpose "I'm still searching for the best combo of blades to reduce the number yet be able to complete all tasks."... basically besides my Leatherman Sideclip and lady bug on my keychain I'm trying to find a good combination of knives to take care of all the problems without carrying everything I own. Just an all around cutter or a good combo plain edge knife and serrated knife, but I'm more interested in those things. I also talked about the Maxpedition thermite versipack which is holding my interests. My problem is I have a hard time making decisions that are important to me and I'm just in search of advice/suggestions. Thanks though for the suggestion on the Al Mar, I'm sure later it will find a home in my collection. Others that I've been looking at are the SS Delica and Olive Drab Delica, Spyderco D'ALLARA Rescue, Spyderco Salk I, Native, Native II SS, Kershaw Leek in TiNi and normal Kershaw Leek, Kershaw Scallion in OD with TiNi, and I love the looks of the Spyderco Peter Herbst Folder. Sal, if you're reading this, I love your "ugly" knives:)
 
Originally posted by powells85
As for purpose "I'm still searching for the best combo of blades to reduce the number yet be able to complete all tasks."... basically besides my Leatherman Sideclip and lady bug on my keychain I'm trying to find a good combination of knives to take care of all the problems without carrying everything I own. Just an all around cutter or a good combo plain edge knife and serrated knife, but I'm more interested in those things. I also talked about the Maxpedition thermite versipack which is holding my interests. My problem is I have a hard time making decisions that are important to me and I'm just in search of advice/suggestions.
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My advice, pick up the Versipack in black (leave the camo for those who really need it) to carry your gear, find yourself a combo edged folder, and a plain edged fixed blade with a 4"-5" blade for times when your folder is inadequate. You might want to consider some other EDC items other than the knives. A personal light (single LED Inova), means to provide a flame (Zippo), and a writing instrument (Fisher Space Pen) are all EDC items that will come in handy, take up little space, and add little weight.

CRKT folders offer a lot for less. I have several and pleased with thier performance. FRN Spydercos will always be a good choice and very reasonable. A BK&T Crewman, Kershaw Vertigo, Cold Steel SRK, and Boker Arbolito are excellent fixed blades all under $60. Any of the KA-BAR and Camillus military knives are great as well.

If you are really looking for deals, look into Factory Seconds offered by Cold Steel and other manufacturers. A substantial discount for cosmetically flawed products. If you aren't in a rush, wait for the next gun show to come into town. You'll have a selection to choose from and an opportunity to handle items that you've only admired online. Most dealers are willing to bargain especially if you are looking to purchase more than one item from them. One stop shopping , no shipping charges, and no stalking the mailman or UPS guy waiting for a package.

Lastly, the exchange here is great. Yeah, it might be "used" but you intend on using them anyway. I've bought gear from other members for a great price and in great condition. Nobody's out to rip another member off. Last thing anybody wants is a bad rep. Expect honesty and integrity when you deal in the exchange.

Hope this helps.

Dayuhan
 
Have you looked through the "used" knives that are up for sale here? That way you can (usually) get the most "bang for your buck". Since you have a Spyderco Endura, you should also pick up a Spyderco Delica, as the two make for a great "EDC" pair.
 
I would suggest waiting for a while. No need to rush out and buy something right away that you may not need. Between the Sideclip and Endura, you've got a lot of useful tools already. Use them for six months or a year. By then, you will have a good idea of what they might be lacking or what else you need. That $110 will come in handy down the road.
 
Tarsier's advice is good. But for a true knife-nut, it might be difficult to follow!

The new BM Ambush looks great for $50, sturdy and ergonomic and capable of dealing with your daily needs, but you already have the Endura. For EDC I agree, you want a pen, a flashlight (Arc AAA fits on keychain, awesome!), maybe some matches or a lighter, and something with a screwdriver & bottle-opener. Maybe toss in a Peter Atwood baby pry-bar, if you do a lot of light prying, for your keychain. Add a knife to that & you're set for most urban events. If you have a PE and are dead-set on carying an additional SE knife, add a Spydie Rescue variation (the D'Allara is a pretty big knife).
I would also avoid the Spydie SS models b/c they are so darn heavy.

You may want to consider the size and appearance of the blade you choose, and whether it will freak people out. I think Spyderco is offering the Herbst (aluminum) on special at their website for $50! Pick that up if you like it, for that price you can't lose & it looks very benign.
 
How is the Spyderco Herbst? Because after reading a few posts the quality sounds questionable referring to blade play and lock up. Also, how is the Kershaw Leek? For X-mas my gf got me a CRKT Ryan Plan B so that's a smaller fixed blade, carrying a larger one isn't as easy for me being 18, it would raise and eyebrow with an LEO and at college(if I ever had it in my bag I'm sure it wouldn't go over well). Thanks guys
 
I know what you mean!!! I had the same problem so I went out bought three of the scharde walden green/brown bone stag cigar box stockmans. problem, solved!!!
 
Powells85,

Amongst the Spyderco brand knives, that D'Allara Rescue looks pretty cool. There's also the new Chinook II coming to some stores soon and, I'm told, already at other stores. There are some offerings designed by the Strider guys and sold by Buck that you may appreciate.

Blinker said "Hmmmmm" innocently enough. Maybe he knows of a Robert Hankins handmade knife that has enough moxie for your needs.
 
Any opinions on the Kershaw Leek's and Saphire, and Spyderco Herbst folder? Thanks guys
 
powells85, where did you get an Endura for $28? Heck of a price! I got a NIB Military in CPM S30V for $52 on eBay and am very happy with that...lots of good deals on the bay on most production makes/models if your patient. Seen 1st generation Natives there for around $25 which is worth considering.
 
Selfinflicted, I got the Endura at Sports Authority, it's the ATS-55 model with the black metal clip (not sure which year that is) and they are calling it "discontinued" so they are just trying to get rid of them so it was $39.97 because of that, plus they had a 25% off cutlery sale and that was the last one and being the display model with their policy I got another 10% off of that. It was in perfect condition and very very sharp so it was a heck of a deal.
 
Buy the D'Allara and pocket the rest. The new rescue is stout as hell. Just heft one and you won't put it back down.
Matt
 
dayuhan13's advice about a versipak and personal light is really great. I always spend my [limited] funds on knives, and forget about other 'essential' gear... My surefire is STILL sitting around in need of a new lamp... I have a thermite versipak($40) and it really is useful! For a very good personal light value, try a Streamlight Twin-task 1L- you can get 'em for $25 and you get two lights in one!
Those two are only 65 bucks, and with the remaining $45 you could still get a great knife with a minimum amount of searching...:)
 
Anybody know of the BM 550 in D2? Just like Cabela's has the 551 in D2. Thanks guys, you've all given me some great suggestions. Also hear's a list of the knives I have that maybe some of you guys could see an area I'm lacking or somewhere to make an improvement. Leatherman Sideclip, SOG Flash I PS, Spyderco Endura PS, Spyderco ladybug(on keychain), Benchmade 824, Benchmade 550OD, CRKT Ryan Plan B, Victorinox Bantam, CRKT Liner lock PS(unsure of name but similar to mountain series). Thanks again, Mike.
 
I had the same dilemma(problem). What to get with my Xmas money. Which was about $120.00 My wife was the Dilemmanator for me. She knew I had been wanting a Spyderco Police so she ordered it for me. But the kicker is that she also added in a Spyderco Meerkat. She told me about all this, this morning. And she said it should be here this afternoon when I get home. YEEEEhhhaaaaaawwwww!!!!!! So I guess I'll be rotating me EDC again.
 
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Originally posted by powells85
Anybody know of the BM 550 in D2? Just like Cabela's has the 551 in D2. Thanks guys, you've all given me some great suggestions. Also hear's a list of the knives I have that maybe some of you guys could see an area I'm lacking or somewhere to make an improvement. Leatherman Sideclip, SOG Flash I PS, Spyderco Endura PS, Spyderco ladybug(on keychain), Benchmade 824, Benchmade 550OD, CRKT Ryan Plan B, Victorinox Bantam, CRKT Liner lock PS(unsure of name but similar to mountain series). Thanks again, Mike.
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