Cravings.......

[oXide]

I can't EDC a fixed blade where I live, nor do I think I would want to. If I did/could, or if your poll was looking for a small hiker, backup knife, survival, bushcrafter, neck knife or even a first Becker, the 11 would be high on my list of choices. I recommend the SAK not so much to deter you from giving KA-BAR and Becker more money, but to try and deter you from going with an $8 POS and recommend one of my favorite, and truly useful folders that won't break the bank.

Oh, the $8 POS was just going to be something that I use until I get a decent EDC and then give to my brother to learn to sharpen/mod with (after I hand strip the coating, test my cliching on it, and play with some diamond dusted files), it was never intended to be a permanent, or even semi-permanent thing, just something so I would have a mostly functional knife for demonstrating the basics of how to use a knife properly to younger Scouts, or Scouts with sheeple parents that think anything longer or more ridged than their finger nail is a weapon, as well as what was listed above.

I know no one on this forum would try to deter me from spending my money on quality (well, at least no one that knows what a knife is, I can't speak for anyone that is here for mall ninja/w&c forums only) knives like Ka-Bars, like SAKs, like Moras, like custom knives, least of all a BeckerHead. Yall love me to much! Actually that's probably not true, but I like to think it is. At least I'm not walking around with an $8 Rambo "Survival Knife" tied to my ankle with a bandana...

Ok, back on topic (not that I was really off, but hey, I like correcting myself when I can), I found the first knife I ever owned (aside from an el cheapo hobo tool from when I was 6 or 7), I don't know what model it is, but it is an SAK, one of their less expensive but still really nice models, needs some cleaning (first time it saw dirt was in the sugar sand dump site, known as Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation, I worked at last summer), needs some sharpening, even tiny blades like that should be razor sharp IMO. I'll EDC it, but I will not use it for anything that would be considered pointless to use a fixed blade for, I do not like slip-joint style knives because I have closed them on my hands while using them on wood, cardboard, and tape before, so regardless of the quality of it, I'm still looking for a proper locking tool. Be it a knife or a multi-tool, slip-joints will NEVER see anything more than EXTREMELY LIGHT use in my hands.

 

[Nsvens89]

Make sure you don't need parental consent first Really though...

Yeah I forget some of the beckerdheads are still a bit young. It is probably stupid of me to assume he is old enough. So oxide my offer stands if you are old enough

 

[oXide]

Hey oxide, you seem like a nice enough guy. If you want I'll send you my 14 to play with for a few weeks. If you promise to actually send it back and you don't abuse it beyond what some sharpening can fix. Play with it for a while and maybe it will help you decide. It's convexed and has my scales I made on it. Think about it and let me know.

Thank you, but I can't accept, being as I'm going to be running around from this weekend until I start summer camp, and I've already unintentionally burned bridges because I wasn't able to ship something (there seems to be a lack of coordination/communication between me and my parents when it comes to mail, some times I need to get to the post office because a box does not fit in the mail box, not their fault, it's probably mine).

Again, I'm very grateful that you offered, and if my life wasn't running around so much like it is right now I would gladly take you up on your VERY generous offer, thank you but no thank you. Besides, I don't like asking other people to share their favorite (or close to favorite) toys, I just don't like imposing on others if I can at all avoid it.

I just saw this after I posted my last comment, so I'm sorry for the double post.

 

[Nsvens89]

No problem man, good luck on picking a new edc

 

[oXide]

OK, I'm looking at the doziers and the warthogs (folders, not FBs), assuming I can find them both at a local (or possibly not-so-local given where I live) store of one sort or another, which do you guys/gals recommend?

I'm looking at strictly fine edge (no serrations on the cutting edge, jimping I like), one handed opening (because that's just how I roll, and it pisses the sheeple off without actually scaring them to much), and a good steel (the warthog is listed as DIN 1.4116 ss, while the dozier is listed as AUS 8A ss, I'm not familiar with either), and the lock mechanism is important (if it's a liner lock, it has to be tight but not hard to close, if it's a lock back, well the same applies, just more so because it requires two hands to close, and like I said before, I have cut myself with a knife when it folded on my fingers), and my glove size is XL (I prefer more blade than handle unless it's a question of quality/comfort, and I also like a nice sized handle, the BK2 handle is a perfect fit for my giant paws). The price difference is like $1.73 or something like that, so I'm not worried about the price between the two.

 

[CamH_16]

OK, I'm looking at the doziers and the warthogs (folders, not FBs), assuming I can find them both at a local (or possibly not-so-local given where I live) store of one sort or another, which do you guys/gals recommend?

I'm looking at strictly fine edge (no serrations on the cutting edge, jimping I like), one handed opening (because that's just how I roll, and it pisses the sheeple off without actually scaring them to much), and a good steel (the warthog is listed as DIN 1.4116 ss, while the dozier is listed as AUS 8A ss, I'm not familiar with either), and the lock mechanism is important (if it's a liner lock, it has to be tight but not hard to close, if it's a lock back, well the same applies, just more so because it requires two hands to close, and like I said before, I have cut myself with a knife when it folded on my fingers), and my glove size is XL (I prefer more blade than handle unless it's a question of quality/comfort, and I also like a nice sized handle, the BK2 handle is a perfect fit for my giant paws). The price difference is like $1.73 or something like that, so I'm not worried about the price between the two.

What about the JAB folders? I dont think they run very high and they've both got large handles. Blade shape isnt for me but still...

 

[DerekH]

Hey man, with you being in so many Scout camps and whatnot, I really think a folder would be a better option for you. You had mentioned being in Virginia at one point, so if you get a chance to head to the Bluefield area, you might want to get over to New Graham Knives. You can definitely find something to your liking there. There are several beefy folders that can be had for a good price. If you can't afford a semi-decent knife now though, I would highly recommend saving until you can. A good knife will definitely serve you better than a cheap knife.

 

[MrKnifekid]

I'd say just to go with the 11.

I'm a cop and I do a lot of work with my knives.

The 11 has been my on and off duty for around a year.

It's a beast of a knife.

I've owned the 11 and the 14, but I gave my 14 to a member here, just because I did not like the handle.

I think you would like the 11 handle better.

Get an 11. Be cool.

 

[mrn8]

From what I understand, most BSA camps don't allow fixed-blade knives. At least, that's what I learned as I was looking to get a good knife for my nephew to use for scouts. Honestly, a SAK is a really good option for all things BSA.

As far as the folders you are looking at, I really like the Doziers. I have a handful of them that are in the cars, bags, and around the house. My favorite is the Dozier 4062 in any of it's varieties. I'm ok with pink, too.

 

[Trent Rock]

To quote the bushcrafters==>

Can't go wrong with a Mora!!

I really should get a Mora some day....

 

[oXide]

What about the JAB folders? I dont think they run very high and they've both got large handles. Blade shape isnt for me but still...

I haven't seen them (nor did I know they exist), I'll pull up a page or two on those now.

Hey man, with you being in so many Scout camps and whatnot, I really think a folder would be a better option for you. You had mentioned being in Virginia at one point, so if you get a chance to head to the Bluefield area, you might want to get over to New Graham Knives. You can definitely find something to your liking there. There are several beefy folders that can be had for a good price. If you can't afford a semi-decent knife now though, I would highly recommend saving until you can. A good knife will definitely serve you better than a cheap knife.

Gahh, I was in Virginia up until Monday, but being that my parent's didn't want to go further than VA Beach, and the one full day we had there was taken up entirely by the Kodiak CDC (course directors conference), I don't think I would have gotten to go there anyhow (I don't know where Bluefield is)... And you are most definitely right, good knife 10x > wally world grade.

From what I understand, most BSA camps don't allow fixed-blade knives. At least, that's what I learned as I was looking to get a good knife for my nephew to use for scouts. Honestly, a SAK is a really good option for all things BSA.

As far as the folders you are looking at, I really like the Doziers. I have a handful of them that are in the cars, bags, and around the house. My favorite is the Dozier 4062 in any of it's varieties. I'm ok with pink, too.

You are correct, 90% of Scout camps have a rule against fixed blades, but that's because their run by people paid to, not people who care more about the quality of the program than the number/retention of customers (campers), and they generally don't know that BSA national actually allows them.

As for the SAKs, I found one last night from when I first joined Scouts, and like I said, needs some maintenance. And if it weren't for where I work, I wouldn't care if I had a
pink dozier either.

Far as Moras and the 11 are, well the 11 is my preferred choice, but again, my funds are listed above. Moras are if I can't find a folder I want (assuming I don't just save the money).

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

I actually disagree with the folder crowd. I love EDC'ing a fixed blade, and I often reach for mine before I reach for my folder. They're a lot more cost effective too. You can get a good fixed blade EDC for a lot less than you can get a good folder, and if you get into folders, you can drop a lot of cash. These days, I can't manage to carry a folding knife that cost less than 200 dollars. Some people EDC CRK's, and others carry full blown customs that can cost thousands!

A really nice fixed blade will be nice and cheap. I'd go with the 11 or 14 (only go 11 if you really want that bottle opener) to see if you like a fixed blade EDC.

 

[johntmeche3]

Save your money. Buy a 16. Well, really buy a 14 first unless you want to save up money for Kydex for a 16 as well, so that you can edc it.

 

[Chris Pierce]

Save your Money.

 

[Haze240]

Save dude...just save. Blowing all your money is a shitty feeling, trust me... no matter how many knives you get. Don't even consider the $8 knife. The only time I'll buy something like that is if I'm traveling, can't bring a knife with me or back, and I just need some kind of blade on me for going on a hike or something.

If you must have an EDC right now, SAK is hard to beat, if you're closing the knife on your hands, you're doing it wrong lol. As I mentioned, 18 bucks for a Dozier is a drop in the bucket, but it's a hell of a knife for that kinda money (20 bucks for a decent knife is cheap even if you don't have a job).

If you don't need a knife cuz the ones you have right now do a good enough job, then save. If you need a knife to fill a separate roll such as a BSA camp approved EDC blade, and the powers that be say fixed-blades are a no no for the most part, get a folder. If you do find that you're allowed to carry a BK11 like you want...then get that. But I think you've gotten enough feedback on the 2 choices you presented in your poll. Save, or get an 11. Those are the only 2 that make sense to me at this point, knowing your situation.

 

[Ouroboros333]

Really for an EDC a decent folder would be your best option, but that is just how I think. Really from your presented options I don't think any or that great of an idea. Now There are some really decent cheap folders out there that would make great EDC blades, the cheaper Spydercos, a Buck Odyssey, many CRKTs, and so on. I have a kershaw that is pretty good that only cost about $12 from Amazon the Kershaw Hawk, thought it does need a little moding to make it better for one handed opening, its solidly built and will do that job and is pretty cheap so if broken or lost wont hurt your wallet much or make to sad about it. Just some ideas to think about, folders are usually just more practical for EDC.

 

[Theknifenut]

id save your money and wait and get a nice folder

 

[oXide]

I like the idea of a fixed blade EDC better too, but like others and myself have stated, 90% of BSA run/owned camps don't allow fixed blades... As far as the costs go, I have previously refused to spend more than $15 on any folder, I'm looking at an exception for folders made by Ka-Bar (only up to $10 in exceptions) because I know they are a much higher quality than most other knives for that price, but the thing is, by the time I pay for a Dozier/warthog/other Ka-Bar folder, I'm right up there with a BK11...

 

[oXide]

Ok, looks like I'll save my money up until I can get exactly what I want, which might include a folder with an 11, but for now, I'll just save my money and wait for all the roll stamped 11s to disappear.

 

[Haze240]

You're definitely looking at the wrong price range for folders. Don't get me wrong, Kabar folders are great, but they're made overseas and use cheap materials. They're great bang for the buck, but compare it to a Made in the USA Syperdco, like a Paramilitary or something and even the best Kabar folder is the equivalent to a mall ninja knife.

If you can only carry a folder in 90% of the BSA camps...why are you even considering a fixed blade? I would be looking at investing in a GOOD folder since it's job-specific, rather than considering another fixed blade just cuz you like fixed blades. There are few places you can carry that style of knife, and if you're as involved in the Boyscouts as you say, you should be looking at something that you can use while working, camping, or participating in BSA activities.

I might get a finger jabbed in my eye for this, but I recommend Cold Steel folders if you want something tough and cheaper. Though they can look pretty tactical and mall ninja, they do offer some very well built, heavy duty folders in just about any size range you need. They recently released the Recon1 in a spearpoint/droppoint blade that looks awesome and practical. I have it in the Tanto tip, and though I feel I can take apart a sofa with it as well I could a bad guy, the tanto tip isn't suited to much other than looking cool and stabbing stuff.