Collection after 1 month and question

F

FlatPlaneCrank

Joined
Jun 24, 2018
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About 7 years ago I purchased a used Emerson A100-BTS as a pocket knife. I was just a college student and needed cash so I ended up selling it. I always told myself when I was in a better situation I would get another knife.

Last month I just moved to a new state to start my first job in 7 years. I always wanted a Benchmade Griptillian and ended up getting one. After that of course I needed a mini grip for easier carrying. Obviously you have to have the tanto just in case... and a Spyderco too. A friend saw my knife collection and mentioned he wanted something to start off with. I ordered him the Gerber Air Ranger. After playing around with it I realized it would make for a fantastic beater knife. Ended up getting one for myself!

Latest purchases were the Leek and Case knives today. The only one I'm having buyer's remorse on is the CKRT. It's quite big, heavy, and not as smooth as I would have preferred.

I guess I went a little crazy this month!

Now the question: I can still remember the A100-BTS I had 7 years ago. It was a pretty standard looking cosmetically but it could cut paper like... a hot knife through butter. The G10 scales felt so much more rugged too. It was like a rough denim feeling almost. Of all the knives I have had so far none of them are replicating that feeling. The rugged tactical feeling of a tool that could handle any job. I have tested out a ZT and while they feel high quality they still didn't feel as sharp.

There is a possibility the Emerson was modded. I had purchased it 2nd hand for about $110 to try out. Will I just have to buy another Emerson to get that feeling again?
 
Yes, learning to sharpen a knife is the second most important thing after actually buying a knife. Most steels can be made very sharp and turn that paper into confetti for you, the real test is how long a particular knife holds that edge.

Emersons are not known for being the most slicey knives out of the box, your experience and standard for "sharpness" (a most subjective term) may in fact be misplaced.

And welcome to Blade Forums !! This is a great place to get a start on all the skills and knowledge you need.
 
BilboBaggins said:
I'd recommend a Spyderco sharpmaker and a strop. They can all cut like that!
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I agree with this statement, any knife in your collection can be razor sharp if sharpened correctly and the Spyderco Sharpmaker would be a good place to start. Emerson knives are excellent, the blade steel in the one you previously owned was more than likely 154cm which is the same in your Benchmades.
Heat treat and edge geometry may vary, but it is the same steel.
 
Heck of a a knife month... Learn to sharpen. I use stones mostly; a Norton combination India Stone and several DMT diamond plates (stones) in different grit sizes. Using a sharpmaker is just fine but I would rather do it by hand and maybe touch up with ceramics or a strop.
 
DocJD said:
Welcome and nice collection . Need some Cold Steel for "the rugged tactical feeling of a tool that could handle any job " ! :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
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Sorry but I have to disagree here. No Cold Steel will give you the same "feel" as an Emerson does. Some Spydies and Strider come close. But if you want something that gives the same feel as an Emerson buy an Emerson. Cold Steel (and just about any other brand for that matter) will greatly dissapoint.
 
You have a good collection after only one month.
I spent 6 months but my collection now has only three blades

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Good is not good when better is expected, Peter
 
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Welcome to Blade Forums and have fun! You’re off to a great start.

Your current Emerson A100 may need to be touched up a little. They use a chisel grind and aren’t always hair-shaving sharp out of the box. It’s possible the previous one you had was touched up on some kind of sharpener.

G10 texture can come and go as manufacturers work through various lots and suppliers. I doubt your current G10 is any less tough.
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
Sorry but I have to disagree here. No Cold Steel will give you the same "feel" as an Emerson does. Some Spydies and Strider come close. But if you want something that gives the same feel as an Emerson buy an Emerson. Cold Steel (and just about any other brand for that matter) will greatly dissapoint.
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Except that once a Cold Steel Tri-ad Lock is worn in , it will be trouble free nearly forever . Emerson , maybe not so much ? :rolleyes:
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
Sorry but I have to disagree here. No Cold Steel will give you the same "feel" as an Emerson does. Some Spydies and Strider come close. But if you want something that gives the same feel as an Emerson buy an Emerson. Cold Steel (and just about any other brand for that matter) will greatly dissapoint.
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That's a good thing. You have to try really hard to get the poor fit and finish of an emerson.
 
DocJD said:
Guy's just starting out and still has a Gerber with tip guard and a CRKT . Might need something more intermediate and value packed = Cold Steel before going all out ! :p
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Why?
I can't think of many brands that are more value packed than Busse. Anything he can do to it will he covered by warranty. This will allow him to learn how to use a knife without fear of abusing it. Even if he does, it is fine.

Peace of mind is priceless.
 
Welcome to the forums Flat!

I would look to add a ZT and Cold Steel as well. ZT makes a great knife for the $. If you can get past the Cold Steel marketing (some people can't), they also make a good knife for the $.

As for sharpening, I prefer and recommend the good, ol fashioned way of buying some sharpening stones + strop and doing it my hand. Use some beater/cheap knives to learn the basics and practice practice practice.
 
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