Collection Optimization - Asking for suggestions

Steelhog

Steelhog

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
1,176
Hey all. Over the last year or so I have really thinned down my knife collection in an effort to optimize and retain knifes I will actually use. I have sold most of my non-stainless knives and cut out any duplicates or fancy knives. So, at this moment I have the below listed core knives. What I am trying to do know is really optimize this collection and fill any holes with $500 dollars I have decided to re-allocate back into my collection. So - help me out BF. With $500 how would you fill out this core collection?

· Fallkniven S1
· Fallkniven F1

· Benchmade Mini Grip (Sheepsfoot)
· GEC 66 (Micarta)
· Victorinox Cadet (x4)
· Leatherman Wave

I had initially though just snag a BM940 and a Fallkniven A1 (or an AEBL L.T Genesis) but I’m not sure how often I would use the A1. As you can see from the knives that are left anything too fancy or specific just doesn’t get used. Also, non-stainless where I am at is a bit of a pain so I am mostly going to avoid it. I do all the normal outdoor stuff and most of use do but like my knifes to fill lots of roles.

(Note: I have some other beater knifes and mulit tools/saks/task specific knives that live in various locations that are not listed because they just live in a truck, work shop, bag or shed.)
 
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I agree about the fixed blades. It's a love-hate relationship for me. Love them, but seldom really need to use one. I think Benchmade is the direction you're looking. So, my choice would be the Benchmade Mini Presidio II which is a manual one-handed knife. This is one I got earlier this year and pleased with it.
 
I tend to agree with the Sebenza suggestion. Looks like you prefer smaller. I'd go with a large or small plain jane sebenza based on your preferences. They are expensive, but are very much meant to be used.
 
The Sebenza is a fantastic knife, and the thought has run through my head a few times. But in the past when I have had $250 knifes I just don't find myself using it.
 
Dangerously said:
Could you elaborate on this? All but one of your knives is stainless. They are all a pain and you want carbon steel now?
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Good catch. Small typo - should have been "non-stainless". Going to update the post to show I am looking to avoid non-stainless knives.
 
I like your fixed blades, so I’d get a nice folder to use and appreciate every day. For me, it turned out to be a small Sebenza. But something of that quality wouldn’t go unappreciated in your collection as a daily driver.
 
That’s a nice core collection, steelhog. I’m especially envious of the GEC #66. After exhaustive analysis, I suggest adding these stainless knives:

1) ZT 0450CF – S35VN steel – Fairly slim profile like the BM940, but more appealing IMHO.
2) Bark River Kalahari Thorn – CPM154 steel – Slicey thin and good lookin’ but not too fancy to use.
3) Spyderco Endura 4 fully serated – VG-10 steel - Specific, but essential when really needed.
4) Opinel #7 (OP00693) – 12C27 steel – Just because.

This should leave you with about $50 left over. Thank you for allowing me to spend your money, and Happy Holidays!
 
The ferrum forge collaboration knife with massdrop called the gent is something to consider. You get a lot of features for the price. Laconico did a collaboration with the same company called the keen. Both are incredible knives.
 
I have two suggestions for folders, based on my own personal experience with using them:
Cold Steel Recon 1 - very nice, slim, utilitarian, bomb-proof knife.
Spyderco Manix - Same as above.

Those two knives are very much purpose-built cutting tools. They fit the hand very comfortably and securely, and you won't feel bad using them since they don't show much wear after use, don't look particularly fancy, and are generally very well-priced options.

For fixed blades, I would honestly suggest checking out the for-sale-by-maker section on this forum, because some of them are very well-made and can be astonishingly well-priced. You can spend $200 on a production fixed blade from Benchmade or get a handmade one with likely better materials for less. I struggle with the idea of purchasing mass-produced knives that cost over $100 (Aside from Cold Steel's 3V offerings) for the aforementioned reason.
 
Get this S35VN/Ti Freeman 451 from @whitty . It fills the "I can't belive that this Water Buffalo pulled a knife on me but he did and I'm going to have to defend myself so thank God I have my 451 in my pocket right now" slot in your collection.

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