First Knife

I

IR97

Joined
Jan 18, 2016
Messages
1
Hello everyone,

I am new to the community, but it seems like a great place and I look forward to being a part of it.
First and foremost, I would like to apologize for my lack of knowledge regarding knife experience.
I'd like to buy my first knife. I'd like it to be a folding knife and to be spring assisted, not a switchblade (because they are illegal here, although the difference is sightly skewed for me. It seems that switchblades operate using a button, whereas spring-assisted blades are just that: a spring assists you to open the blade. Correct me if I'm wrong). I'd like it to feel good in my hands (you know how you look at some knives and they just look like they'd feel clunky) and to have visible finger marking areas, if that makes any sense. I do not have access to a knife store, so Amazon will be my primary field of purchase. About the price, I'm open to most things, but if you could suggest a knife at both ends of the price spectrum that are durable/reliable, then that would be greatly appreciated. For the low end of the pricing spectrum, I've been eyeing the Tac Force 705 model, and it looks okay (although it is 'skeletized', for lack of a better word, and I think that it will leave the knife open to injury. Again, correct me if I'm wrong and skeletal knives are just as reliable). However, regarding the 705, I've heard that it is junk, that the blade does not stay sharp very long, that it has weak joints. Basically, that it is what you pay for (around $10).
I would appreciate any insight. Thanks
 
Since there are so many options out there for spring-assisted (aka "assisted opening"), ergonomic knives with finger grooves (or choils), it's tough to recommend any one specific knife right off the bat. You may get better recommendations if you can specify:
- What will you generally use the knife for?
- What basic size are you looking for? (i.e. blades at or below 3" are typically considered small-ish; blades closer to 4" (or above) are typically considered large-ish)
- What's your firm price range? (be wary of very cheap knives; like you said: you get what you pay for)

All I can really recommend now is to check out Kershaw-brand knives, mainly because they have a ton of relatively affordable, assisted-opening knives and they're a well-established, reliable company: http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives
(Also, I wouldn't personally go with the Tac Force 705; it just doesn't seem very practical or reliable--not all that surprising for a knife listed at $7.)
 
I'd stay away from Tac Force knives - IMHO they are not well made with poor steel. Take a look at the Colt Linerlock in D2 steel; not as assisted opener, but I've found it doesn't really make any difference. Wonderful knife. Also Rough Rider makes some nice knives as does Schrade. A good thumb stud liner lock or frame lock can be opened nearly as quickly as an assisted opener (plus they don't have springs that can go bad).
Rich
 
My son has a Kershaw Brawler 1990. I think you'd find it a better choice than that Tac Force. It flips good and he finds it an adequate carry.

KershawGuy has a Brawler over on his site for $20.

I have a Tac Force knife. It's a crappy little piece that sits on the desk for opening mail and such. I keep it because I got it from a fellow BFC member, and it works just fine for the purpose. Honestly, it doesn't get through a lot of mail before the edge needs a quick touch-up. The scales both broke off after a couple of tosses onto the desk-top, so I'll have to fashion something serviceable.

I'd save up the additional 15 bucks and slip over to KershawGuy for a first knife.
 
Welcome to the forum!
Like the others said, Kershaw has a lot of assisted options that are affordable.
I have a Brawler,, great little knife for the price.
Also check out the Oso Sweet.
 
I also agree that Kershaw would be a good choice for a first assisted opening knife. Also, there are a lot of good people to deal with here that help support the site, and KershawGuy is one of them. They will give you a lot more support than Amazon will.

Welcome to the forum and good luck in the search.

List of Bladeforums Dealers
 
Last edited:
I love my leatherman crater c33x.. that would be a good first knife imho

LMN860021_2.jpg
 
I personally don't really like assisted knives but I liked the zt 0350 it was well made the zt 770 is also really popular around the forums
 
Kershaw Blur is still atop my edc list. While no pronounced finger choils persay, the Ken Onion design makes for great handle ergonomics...

If you want to go a bit cheaper, the Kershaw Scrambler is another one I can't recommend highly enough. The RJ Martin design is another that just feels good in hand.
And the attention to subtle detail for a Chinese made knife is excellent.

Kershaw Volt II is another option you may like, (pronounced finger grooves).

Needless to say, Kershaw set the bar pretty high with a/o's.
Outside of the Kershaw realm, the Buck Quickfire has gotten solid reviews most places you look. My only draw back with it is I like 3"- 4" folders, and the 2.75" blade is a turn off for me. If they made them in a larger size, say 3.25", I'd own more then one.

CRKT's Endorser (3" ) and the much larger (3.9") Fire Spark
-both deserve a good look as well. CRKT's "outburst" spring assist isn't too shabby either IMO. I had an endorser, and i liked it, it can even pass as a gentleman's folder as well, but it wasn't seeing much pocket time next to my larger Kershaws, so I gave it to my stepson to gift to his dad for father's day last year, (his dad is a little guy at about 5'5", and a white collar profrssional, so it suited him better; whereas I'm 6'3" rugged and blue collar, so a wee bit bigger is just better for me), and he carries it daily, loves the thing. I will say it is Sharp looking little well built knife.

Any of those would be good 1st assisted knives...
 
Last edited:
Any Kershaw sporting 8cr13mov 8cr14mov steel or some higher end ones have s30v. Stay away from any knives that don't list steel, only say 440, stainless or surgical steel.
 
I just bought a Kershaw 1987 RJ Martin Tactical 3.0 and it's wonderful for $27. The Speedsafe opening system is super smooth, the 8cr13mov is a decent steel and it just has a nice feel in the hand.
 
I was in the exact same boat as you and I picked up a Kershaw brawler. It's been in my pocket every day since. Takes a little force to flip at first, but smooths out nicely.
 
They're right...start at the Kershaw level and go from there. Don't buy a $10-15 folder.

Meantime, start studying knives. Best thing you can do is stick around BladeForums if you want to acquire some knowledge before purchasing number 2.
 
Yes, take a look at Spyderco and Kershaw. One knife that I really like is the SOG Twitch XL or Twitch II. Nice knives. I was going to suggest you take a look at the ZT 0770CF, but that might just be a bit pricey until you are comfortable with the cost-value relationship. The 0770 is just a really comfortable size for regular carry with a 3.25" blade.

I am very comfortable with the knives such as the Spyderco Native (frame lock) which can be opened one handed if you choose but it is not an assisted opener.
 
Hard Knocks said:
I also agree that Kershaw would be a good choice for a first assisted opening knife. Also, there are a lot of good people to deal with here that help support the site, and KershawGuy is one of them. They will give you a lot more support than Amazon will.

Welcome to the forum and good luck in the search.

List of Bladeforums Dealers
Click to expand...

I'd stay away from Amazon if I were you. Of the knife sellers listed above, Bladehq, Knife center, and Kershaw Guy I have personal experience with. If your worried about price, their competitive with anybody, and they ship fast. I also think Kershaw would be the best knife to start with. Check out the Spyderco Tenacious too (it's not assisted though). It's a great starter Spyderco knife if your interested in Spydecos.
 
Last edited:
There are some good inexpensive name brand knives to choose from for your first knife. Kershaw would be a good place to start. Look for a knife with blade steel made of 8cr13mov, that's the lowest I would go. Stay away from 3cr and 5 or 6cr. Spend at least $35, that should give you a good first experience of knife ownership.
 
yes kershaw would be a good starting point, but I am not sure brawler is a good choice. The handle is kind of short and uncomfortable and certainly does not have finger groove.

For knives in this price range (i.e. kershaw), buy all you want from Amazon as the seller, although it would be great if you buy from BF sponsoring dealers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top