BugMeNot, I think you are on exactly the right track with what you are wanting to do. It sounds like you have sat down and made a plan instead of going off impulsively and picking up knives that you may never use. Doing it as you plan will eventually get you into some of the higher end knives.
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Entry-Level Folders
- Thread starter bugmenot
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:thumbup:wwells20 said:I just want to add, I have found that if you purchase (spend) a little more at first, you will always purchase (spend) less in the long run. Plus, you will have a better quality knife. Not a sermon, just a thought.
The cheaper knives are good, but an Endura 4 or Delica 4 will last him the rest of his life and then some if he needs them to.
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- Jul 6, 2005
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I second the Benchmade Monochrome. Blade shape is good, it comes as sharp as probably any of the others mentioned. The steel is better than the Dozier and equal to the Pika series. The handle is solid steel and the framelock is solid. The price is less than either of the two Spydercos mentioned. Spyderco makes a great knife but some models are difficult to get used to. The Native was like that for me so I gave it to a friend. VG-10 is a great steel and a Spyderco should definitely make it's way into your collection some day. Also consider picking up a Victorinox Alox Farmer for general purpose and the extra tools
Based on internet browsing and such, I think I've settled on a plain-edge Benchmade Monochrome in silver. Seems to have a quality build, has metal handles that won't flex and feel cheap, size seems suitable etc.
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=10300
Only thing that raises any concerns with me is it seems like it might be a tad bit heavy. Otherwise I think I'd be happy with this for my first decent folder. Assuming I don't handle something in-store anytime soon, I think Ill order one of these within the month.
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=10300
Only thing that raises any concerns with me is it seems like it might be a tad bit heavy. Otherwise I think I'd be happy with this for my first decent folder. Assuming I don't handle something in-store anytime soon, I think Ill order one of these within the month.
The Kabar Dozier is nice except for one thing. When the blade is closed, the top of the blade leaves a rather sharp edge sticking out. It's not "cut your hand" sharp but it certainly is "wear a hole through your pants" sharp. I don't EDC my Kabar for this reason. You can see what I'm talking about in this picture:
http://www.knivesplus.com/media/KA-4064.jpg
http://www.knivesplus.com/media/KA-4064.jpg
Buzzbait
Gold Member
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- Feb 25, 2001
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- 6,780
The new Enduras and Delicas are surely outstanding bargains. Spydies rule. But if you are seriously on a budget, the Kabar Dozier is an excellent knife. I like the steel on the Spydies more, but you could do much worse than the Kabar. My father-in-law EDCs a Kabar Dozier spearpoint almost every day, and he has large hands with massive sausage fingers. He prefers the comfort level of the Dozier over the Delica. Also, he sucks at sharpening. The Dozier is easier to sharpen than the Spydies, in my experience.
MSCantrell
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Mar 12, 2005
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I can't believe nobody's recommended the Spyderco-made Byrd line yet. My impression was that they had replaced the Kabar Dozier for the BFC's Favorite $20 Knife award! I don't own one, so I can't recommend them personally, but they've gotten almost universal positive feedback on the forum here. Just search for "Byrd".
(As a side note, what an insightful naming system on the part of Sal- pick a product name that will be the ONLY result if you use it as a keyword in a search. "Cold Steel", by contrast, brings in TONS of irrelevant hits.)
What I can recommend, though, is a Victorinox One-Hand Trekker. It's a little different than the folders you've been looking at. On the negative side, the blade is of a less spectacular steel, and they don't come with a pocket clip. On the plus side, though:
it's the right size,
opens one-handed,
has an almost unique serration pattern- which I happen to like quite a lot-
and, most importantly, all the extra tools you need to keep from having to abuse the blade itself.
Scrape, pry, poke holes to your heart's content... but not with the blade. THAT, in my book, is a useful knife.
$28, shipped, too (bought my last one at QVC.com)!
Mike
(As a side note, what an insightful naming system on the part of Sal- pick a product name that will be the ONLY result if you use it as a keyword in a search. "Cold Steel", by contrast, brings in TONS of irrelevant hits.)
What I can recommend, though, is a Victorinox One-Hand Trekker. It's a little different than the folders you've been looking at. On the negative side, the blade is of a less spectacular steel, and they don't come with a pocket clip. On the plus side, though:
it's the right size,
opens one-handed,
has an almost unique serration pattern- which I happen to like quite a lot-
and, most importantly, all the extra tools you need to keep from having to abuse the blade itself.
Scrape, pry, poke holes to your heart's content... but not with the blade. THAT, in my book, is a useful knife.
$28, shipped, too (bought my last one at QVC.com)!
Mike
If you don't mind a heavy knife, the Buck 110 and 112 are both great inexpensive knives.
I also agree that the Kabar Dozier is a great small light-weight folder.
But I will also recommend the Endura 4.
You simply cannot find a better folder for the price IMO--the only ones that come close are the Spyderco Drop-point D'Allara and the Benchmade Griptilian.
Also, don't forget to check out the Bladeforums trade forum--there are lots of good deals to be had there.
Good luck,
Allen.
I also agree that the Kabar Dozier is a great small light-weight folder.
But I will also recommend the Endura 4.
You simply cannot find a better folder for the price IMO--the only ones that come close are the Spyderco Drop-point D'Allara and the Benchmade Griptilian.
Also, don't forget to check out the Bladeforums trade forum--there are lots of good deals to be had there.
Good luck,
Allen.
JPD1998
Gold Member
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- Oct 18, 2004
- Messages
- 3,567
I'm going to chime in and recommend the Ka-Bar Dozier too. For about $20.00 you'll feel you got a great deal on a knife. It's compact , has a real slim profile, the handle's ergonomics are great and the fit and finish is excellent.
I was so impressed that I bought the more expensive Dozier with the aluminum handle and D2 blade at AG Russel for 49.00, it's a great knife too but I like the cheaper one better.
Comparing it to a similar priced Spyderco, I have an older Native , the fit and finish is not as good and the Natives's blade is loose in the closed position because the spring is a little week. The blade has more play than my Dozier too.
I don't own the more expensive Spydies , so I can't offer an opinion , but one day I'm going to try one. I like the D'Allara drop-point, the Delica and the Endura, but you will not be disappointed with the Dozier for $20.00
I was so impressed that I bought the more expensive Dozier with the aluminum handle and D2 blade at AG Russel for 49.00, it's a great knife too but I like the cheaper one better.
Comparing it to a similar priced Spyderco, I have an older Native , the fit and finish is not as good and the Natives's blade is loose in the closed position because the spring is a little week. The blade has more play than my Dozier too.
I don't own the more expensive Spydies , so I can't offer an opinion , but one day I'm going to try one. I like the D'Allara drop-point, the Delica and the Endura, but you will not be disappointed with the Dozier for $20.00
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- Dec 14, 2005
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- 498
I'll have to reiterate what everyone said about the Delica and the Endura.
I know there are very few newbies out there that want to take a Spyderco for their first more upscale knife because they're just so damn ugly even though everyone recommends them, but seriously, just go somewhere and hold one in your hand.
It's like suddenly everything makes sense.
Then it starts looking a LOT better, and you're like "how did I ever think this was ugly?"
(If you prefer metal handles, I hear good things about the Byrds but haven't owned any so I can't comment)
I know there are very few newbies out there that want to take a Spyderco for their first more upscale knife because they're just so damn ugly even though everyone recommends them, but seriously, just go somewhere and hold one in your hand.
It's like suddenly everything makes sense.
Then it starts looking a LOT better, and you're like "how did I ever think this was ugly?"
(If you prefer metal handles, I hear good things about the Byrds but haven't owned any so I can't comment)
- Joined
- May 24, 2005
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- 2,261
I picked up a Ka-bar Dozier last week as a gift for a friend of mine. Its the 4064. It arrived yesterday and it cost me less than 20 bucks including shipping. I'm going to get another for myself for an EDC beater. Nice knife.
In the 20 buck range, IMO nothing beats the Ka-Bar Dozier. But I still recommend investing a little more and getting a Delica 4, (or Endura 4 if you want/need something larger).
In general, in their price range the D4 & E4 have superior steel (VG-10, a top quality steel), superior build quality and qc. You get a really great cutting instrument - right out of the box - that will last you for years and years, and that you can really count on.
In general, in their price range the D4 & E4 have superior steel (VG-10, a top quality steel), superior build quality and qc. You get a really great cutting instrument - right out of the box - that will last you for years and years, and that you can really count on.