First Knife.

H

Herr_Noobien

Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
528
After collecting swords for a while (iv'e got about 7 hanging on my wall now...) i have decided to move onto knives. However, after searching for a few days for where to start, i had to admit...I had no idea what to start looking for. Eventually i came across this forum and well, here I am.

Basically I am looking for a reliable folding knife that can be used in almost any situation (short of cutting through a brick wall :p and including self defense). I'm only willing to spend about 150USD (would be great if i could find something under $100). I live in Perth, Australia so i may not be able to consider all the recommendations that are posted.
I have only thought of two knives since the nearby retail stores don't have a very wide range:
  • buck pilot
  • buck mayo cutback/hilo

If i'm on the wrong track, please point me in the right direction
Thanks in advance
 
Since you mentioned Bucks. The Buck 110 is a great start-up knife!:thumbup:

DSC05652.jpg




:D
 
Sounds like you're looking for a tough knife. If that's the case, for $150 USD you might want to check Zero Tolerance and Emerson. Since this is your first time around, you need to also check the big 3 brand of knives: Spyderco, Kershaw, and Benchmade. They are by no means the only brands you should look at, but they're the standard.
 
but if its Buck its:thumbup:
I have a Buck Alpha Dorado w/rosewood scales that was my everyday carry for 2 years, love this knife. $60 dollars(can be had cheaper)
Bought my son a Buck Nobleman, excellent knife. Shaving sharp outta the box, very smooth action, cant be beat for $22 dollars.
Throw in a Case sodbuster jr for $22 dollars or so and ya have 3 Knives for right around $100 dollars! (US)
I dont have any experience with the models you posted but you dont need to spend alot of money to get an excellent blade.
as was said the Buck 110 is the standard classic lockback tough to beat (although size and weight might keep ya from wanting to carry it everyday)
welcome to blade forums
good luck with your choice
ivan
 
I would love to get a benchmade 710 (been hearing a lot about that one) but I cant seem to find them in any store here in perth T_T.

I don't actually have any idea how good the 110 is, but apparently it's made out of 420HC steel which is the same as the pilot (the cutback is made from 440C).
 
Kershaw and ZT are well made folding knives readly available in Oz.

Prices for a Kershaw Junk Yard Dog 2 are around $100Aust while the ZT0200 will just about double that but can be brought for your budget on this forum in the For Sale section.

A Google for Aussie online dealers who have these models will give you several choices.

Shipping from the States is the biggest cost factor percentage wise when importing a knife. A $75US knife will run $35US shipping. :(

Remember to check your State laws regarding Assisted Opening folders as they made be prohibited without an import permit from the Police.
 
Hi, first post here. I am not Aussie but Singapore.

I shipped 4 blades for USD 14 to Singapore from newgraham.
 
Last edited:
刀刀刀;6846990 said:
Hi, first post here. I am not Aussie but Singapore.

I shipped 3 blades for USD 14 to Singapore from newgraham.
Click to expand...

Please let me take this opportunity to bid you "Welcome!" :D

Just pardon my inability to pronounce your username.:o

Thank you for your specific input.:thumbup:
 
I have been browsing for a bit now about the various brands that are out there and heres what i think:
- Don't mean to sound like an idiot but spyderco's designs don't seem to appeal to me. I have no doubt that they are great knives though (same goes for Kershaw).
- Zero Tolerance and Emerson seem a bit TOO tough. Like i said, i won't be cutting through brick walls or anything :P
- Love the benchmades...
- The Buck 110 looks like a good place to start (thank you babakanoosh) but how does it compare to the Cutback and the Pilot (i really like the design of the cutback and the pilot)

Anyone know other benchmades along the same line as the 710 (cheaper would be nice :S). The AXIS lock looks MAD!!!
 
Herr_Noobien said:
- The Buck 110 looks like a good place to start (thank you babakanoosh) but how does it compare to the Cutback and the Pilot (i really like the design of the cutback and the pilot)
Click to expand...

The Bucks sure are a classic design and the most sheeple friendly of the recommendations.

Benchmade are also very popular but expensive. I am particularly fond of their now discontinued Skirmish framelocks and hope to find one at the sometime in the not too distant future.

Good luck with your search.
 
High there! I'm also from Perth. Firstly, check out the knife laws and make sure you know them. Basically in WA you can carry whatever you want as far as blade length and locking is concerned (some types are prohibited and the fine is $4000 or 1 year jail) but if the cop thinks ANY knife you carry is used to harm (including self defense) its the same penalty as carrying prohibited weapon. Just use discretion and you can do most anything, but be warned.

As for the knife... check out some Aussie sites including ebay. King of Knives have a huge mark-up mainly, although if you check their sales they can be as cheap as online. Buck 110 is a classic user and every knife collector must have one. Picked one up on ebay recently, new in box, for half of King of Knives.

If self defense is a reason (but dont ever say that!) a one hand opening Swiss army knife (Trekker model) would be a good bet as its still people friendly. The Buck Mayo cutback is okay but the profile is far too thick IMO, there are much better knives out there.

The best range of knives in Perth is in Wellington Surplus on Wellington Street, and there prices are okay, I don't mind the extra as I like to support brick and mortar shops. If you go there definitely pick up an Opinel for <$20, the best value for money folder out there and a classic.
 
Thanks for the heads-up Chris. I will check out the Wellington surplus website (might even drive there tomorrow). Which Opinel should i be looking out for (Series 6, 9, 10, 12)?

I suppose It's just between:
  • Buck 110
  • Buck Pilot
  • A Decent Benchmade?

Thanks for the help so far guys (sorry if i'm asking too many questions)
 
I would suggest to check out Spydercos, they are a great start. Maybe the Delica\Endura series or the Salt Series.

If you would like to go with the best try out the Para\Military:thumbup:

Good luck:)
 
If I may offer more tips:

- Having a knife in your hand and feel the fit is invaluable. I didn't like Spydercos until I actually held one. Going to a physical store in your area is an excellent idea, because you can feel different knives for free.
- We have a subforum here for people from East Asia and Australia, go check it out!
 
A standardard (as in not D2) Benchmade Griptilian can be had for $70ish online the last time I looked. It uses an axis lock that you commented on as well.
 
Definitely get the Buck 110. If you're into knives, you will get one eventually, so you may as well get it now. It's the type of knife that your grandkids will use and love.

As for the opinel, a size 8-9 depending on your hand is good. I've had a carbon steel one for 4-5 years now and it does everything I want a knife for. Plus you can use quartz/flint to strike a spark off the back of the blade to light a fire.

Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top