Fairly new to knives

N

NewKidontheBlock

Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Messages
5
Hi everyone,

I am fairly new to the knife world. I have a Smith and Wesson Gold Issue (not sure if that's the make/model or what have you) that has served me well for roughly four years. Not bad considering it's probably a knock off purchased at a flea market. I am looking for a new knife and I was just wondering what knives you guys suggested. Thanks in advance! :) Also, if this is not in the right area, let me know what I need to do to get it there. And sorry for any inconvenience.
 
Welcome to BladeForums, NK!

To make a truly informed recommendation, we will need to know your budget, prospective use and any other preferances you may have in mind.
 
G'day and welcome to BladeForums!
You're about to get more information than you counted on :) As others mentioned a budget (preferred and maximum), planned use and other bits of info will help a lot.
 
NewKidontheBlock said:
Hi everyone,

I am fairly new to the knife world. I have a Smith and Wesson Gold Issue (not sure if that's the make/model or what have you) that has served me well for roughly four years. Not bad considering it's probably a knock off purchased at a flea market. I am looking for a new knife and I was just wondering what knives you guys suggested. Thanks in advance! :) Also, if this is not in the right area, let me know what I need to do to get it there. And sorry for any inconvenience.
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The S&W may not be a knockoff, but it's a pretty cheap knife. S&W doesn't make their knives, they just licensed their name to Taylor Brand, who makes cheap knives in China then stamp them with a variety of brand names(you can sometimes find the exact same knife being labelled as being made by Tac-Force, S&W, and 2-3 other brand names, cause Taylor makes all of them). As for a new knife, we need to know a bit more info-are you looking for just a daily carry knife, or something else? Do you have any specific requirements for the knife(we don't wanna suggest a knife with a 3.5 inch blade if your local laws only allow 3 inches for example)? And what's your price range, cause some people here carry $400+ Sebenzas for their daily carry knife, and others are perfectly happy carrying a $20 Kershaw budget folder or a $35 Spyderco Tenacious, so without an idea of your budget it's harder to make a recommendation.
 
Ah yes, that would be helpful. As for budget around $75 but no more than $100. Preferably a 3.5 to 4" blade for opening boxes/mail, cutting fishing line and food if needed. No automatic opening knives and that's about it I think. Thanks guys/girls!
 
I have multiple styles of knives for different scenarios but from an EDC standpoint I carry the below setup. You could probably buy everything there for 100 bucks(SwissChamp, Swiss Classic, Nano Streamlight, fire steel). I like Victorinox Swiss Army Knives for their reliability and they're probably the least threatening pocket knives/tools out there. I'm a minimalist when it comes to what I carry and money I spend.

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Welcome, for $75 or under I would say same as the guy above me, benchmade griptilian.

Tho for $75 you'll either have to settle for buying off the secondary market (here on the exchange) or gettin the slightly smaller (3") mini-grip.
 
Thanks guys. As of now, I can't decide between the Mini Griptillian, and the Endura4. Although, I have heard that Gerber makes good knives and that they are cheaper. Any opinions?
 
Gerber :barf: They do have their following, but the knives listed above give much much better value for money.
 
The VG-10 offered in the Endura 4 is some of my favorite steel. Takes a very nice edge. 154CM is no slouch either, and the Griptillian is a fine knife. The Endura though, is more ergonomic to my hand. I prefer FFG blades when it comes to Spyderco, they cut very well. Nothing qrong with the saber grinds. though.
 
NewKidontheBlock said:
I have heard that Gerber makes good knives and that they are cheaper. Any opinions?
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They generally aren't good knives and are all made in China. But if you're looking for something inexpensive, then sure. Some aren't so inexpensive actually like the Bear Gryllis knives.

An inexpensive knife that I don't have, but will eventually buy is one of the Dozier folders made by Kabar. Take a look at them. That may in fact happen this weekend as I hope to visit the Manufacturers Rep day at that big knife store in Sevierville TN.

The Endura is a good knife, but I prefer the slightly smaller Delica for a general carry knife. I have both; actually several Enduras.
 
Buck Vantage Force Pro comes in around $90, has good S30V steel blade, nice pocket clip and is a flipper for quick opening.

Spyderco makes a few knives in that range that would also suit your purposes as does Kershaw but many of their knives are assisted open knives.
 
There are always the Swiss Army Knives made by Victorinox. They are very good for the money and consistently very good quality. Some of the 111mm (larger ones) may suit you. I carry one of these just about all the time.
 
If you're just stepping up from S&W, I'd recommend Kershaw. They make great knives and many are reasonably affordable. All the guys on here will try to get you to spend your childrens' college education on a single blade, but I'd say, go to Kershaw's website, look at their knives, and find one you like the looks of. That would be a nice place to start your transition into higher quality knives.
 
The Kershaw Leek. Good quality for the price. Not intimidating to non-knife people. Lot's of options on color/blade steel. Made in the USA.
 
Kansas Mike said:
The Kershaw Leek. Good quality for the price. Not intimidating to non-knife people. Lot's of options on color/blade steel. Made in the USA.
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Leek is a good knife indeed, but OP said he prefers a 3.5-4 inch blade, which rules the Leek out.
 
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