First Modern Knife?

[Prester John]

Get a small Selena. Buy the best and forget the rest.

Never heard of that one. Is that a brand or a model?

 

[whereismyknife]

The OP excluded China.

Yes it was, I didn't see it.

 

[Prester John]

Yes it was, I didn't see it.

I appreciate the suggestions.

 

[Danke42]

Never heard of that one. Is that a brand or a model?

Kris Reeb Knifes makes them.

 

[Dknight16]

Kershaw Leek. It was arguably my first “modern knife”. Ken Onion design, very good steel, liner lock, SpeedSafe (flipper with open assist). It was a revelation compared to my prior pocket knives. A true classic. Everyone should own one of these.

Also, they also make frame lock versions if you want to go that way!

 

[Prester John]

Kris Reeb Knifes makes them.

Well, couldnt find it. Thats okay--don't want a knife named Selena anyway!



[A Sebenza is a great knife, I am sure, but not in my budget at the moment.]

 

[Chronovore]

I don't like buying from Communist China, regardless of quality. As for Pakistan, all I have seen so far has been low quality.

Is that just stuff that was made in China or does that also include companies that have their products made in China? The big issue is that $100 can buy a whole lot of knife but within the "modern knife" category, the overwhelming majority of quality choices are going to have been made in China.

I'm not sure where everyone draws the line on "modern knife" but Spyderco has a few Japanese-made models within the budget here. Of course, they are patrons of Chinese manufacturing so is that okay? Monterrey Bay Knives is a small American company and just announced a budget version of their Old Guard in 14C28N. Of course, they are having it made in China. (Pictured below.) Is that not okay?

BTW, I don't know of any decent-quality modern production knives coming out of Pakistan.

 

[MolokaiRider]

 

[MolokaiRider]

Out of what I posted, being that you are a traditional guy, the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter has the most neutral handle, robust back lock, and a nice blade profile for a wide range of tasks.

The flat ground Enzo has the highest level of fit and finish, but a tad north of a 100 dollars.

The Rat 1 is a forum favorite as mentioned due to it's no-nonsense utility, and low price.

The Buck is a very lightweight knife, and disappears in your pocket.

 

[Prester John]

Is that just stuff that was made in China or does that also include companies that have their products made in China? The big issue is that $100 can buy a whole lot of knife but within the "modern knife" category, the overwhelming majority of quality choices are going to have been made in China.

I'm not sure where everyone draws the line on "modern knife" but Spyderco has a few Japanese-made models within the budget here. Of course, they are patrons of Chinese manufacturing so is that okay? Monterrey Bay Knives is a small American company and just announced a budget version of their Old Guard in 14C28N. Of course, they are having it made in China. (Pictured below.) Is that not okay?

BTW, I don't know of any decent-quality modern production knives coming out of Pakistan.

I don't want a knife made in Communist China. Taiwan is not Communist China. Prefer USA made. But I have excellent (traditional) knives made in France, England, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, etc. I buy Buck knives, but only the ones made here, though they cost a little more.

 

[Prester John]

View attachment 2199151View attachment 2199152View attachment 2199153View attachment 2199154

All good-looking knives. Thanks!

 

[AdamFuzzyballs]

If I were recommending a basic, quintessential “modern” knife for under $100, I would suggest you look at Kershaw. Ideally, go to a Walmart and pick up the basic Kershaw Blur they sell. It will be assisted opening but can be made manual by simply removing the spring. It’s a basic, well functioning liner lock. Aluminum handles, reversible pocket clip, angled thumbstuds- it’s the most basic modern knife I can imagine. But, they are a classic for a reason- they work well, are tough as hell, and the design has been ironed out over a decade.

A lot of really cool knives posted here, but as I see it- ZT, Benchmade and Spyderco are out, too expensive. Buck makes modern knives but to me they still feel old times in design. Case does as well. Kershaw is as blandly modern as you’ll get- ticks all the boxes but almost boring in ubiquity. That’s why they make a perfect knife to test if you’d be interested in more flashy designs.

 

[Chronovore]

I don't want a knife made in Communist China. Taiwan is not Communist China. Prefer USA made. But I have excellent (traditional) knives made in France, England, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, etc. I buy Buck knives, but only the ones made here, though they cost a little more.

Okay. So if the company invests in China or otherwise has product made in China, that's okay. You just don't want something actually made in China in your pocket.

Any chance we could increase the budget a bit? Options open up closer to $150. That includes some solid choices from Spyderco.

That Birk 75 MolokaiRider posted is very nice. I have one in S30V and Micarta. The manual action on mine is delightfully snappy and better than any assisted knife I've owned. If you are interested in bridging the gap with traditionals, you can find these in different woods. For instance, KnifeCenter has this one in S30V and stabilized curly birch.

 

[AntDog]

If I had only known traditionals (as I had at one point) and I was hoping to get a good modern knife to try with a 3” blade, for $100 or so, I’d wish someone would steer me straight to a Spyderco Delica.

Add on an MXG or Lynch deep carry titanium clip to round out that 100 bucks and you’ve got something classy yet simple, modern, tough, and eminently functional.

 

[tony281sc2]

This, plus maybe an idea on opening mechanism and lock preference ? (thumb stud, hole, flipper, etc.)

How about a modern automatic knife ? The Kershaw launch series comes in different blade shapes and sizes, has a pocket clip of course, is US made, and runs between $100 and $140 or so. Bang for the buck is great.

What he said^^

Thanks, will certainly check out Off Grid Knives.

Was thinking a blade about 3", clip blade, or maybe tanto (those look intriguing); intended purpose: all-around everyday cutting needs, which could also serve as a defensive weapon (if my gun ain't handy!).

Pretty open to suggestions. I think a flipper would be preferable to studs or holes, but will consider those.

I would certainly consider an automatic.

I have a new Kershaw Launch 16 on pre-order. It’s an “out-the-side” auto with a 3.5” tanto blade, partially serrated. (I would’ve ideally preferred non-serrated), but I think I will like everything else about it, especially the fact this one is using coated CPM-M4 steel, and has a blade stock thickness of .16”, similar to most ZTs. Mine was on pre-order for a few days, and shipped out yesterday!
Honestly it’s been YEARS since I was really looking forward to buying a new Kershaw design.

It’s A 3.45” blade, and $150, but looks promising (and made in the good ole USA)! Kershaw’s USA stuff has never let me down, and it is Absolutely better than the stuff made in China (unless you’re on a $30 budget)
Edit to add: not sure how important it is to you, but an auto will not have quite the same strength as a frame lock…the button (“plunge lock”) is what keeps the blade locked up on these, but they are fine for normal EDC stuff. I wouldn’t baton with one, but nobody in their right mind batons with a folder anyway

 

[abcdef]

I have never had a modern knife. Have only carried old-fashioned pocketknives like your grandfather carried. Would appreciate suggestions as to what modern knife to try first with $100 budget.

Just don't do it. Everything will be fine.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

That's a beaut!

The Launch 15 and the stiletto you mentioned, the Launch 8, are both VERY nice. The 8 is very slim, though and, IMO, not as well suited for some utility tasks. If you're willing to spend a bit more on the Launch 15 and it appeals to you, I can't recommend it enough. Great action, pretty darn lightweight, excellent blade steel and the ergos are neutral and pretty good. The only issue I've had with mine was largely user error. The only way to index the blade when it's open is where the button is, so I went to close it and pushed on the cutting edge.

 

[Prester John]

The Launch 15 and the stiletto you mentioned, the Launch 8, are both VERY nice. The 8 is very slim, though and, IMO, not as well suited for some utility tasks. If you're willing to spend a bit more on the Launch 15 and it appeals to you, I can't recommend it enough. Great action, pretty darn lightweight, excellent blade steel and the ergos are neutral and pretty good. The only issue I've had with mine was largely user error. The only way to index the blade when it's open is where the button is, so I went to close it and pushed on the cutting edge.

I guess we've all had "user error" expierences! I will look into the 15. And the 16, as tony281sc2 suggested. Great looking knives.

 

[elde66]

I don't like buying from Communist China, regardless of quality. As for Pakistan, all I have seen so far has been low quality.

I‘m in agreement with you on this. However, when I do see a Chinese knife I like, I can usually find one for sale on the Forum Knife Exchange. Your $’s are going to a fellow Forum Member there.

 

[norcalAF]

Kershaw Chive or Scallion.

O.B.

The Kershaw 1776 series is bulletproof and a great deal for the money. Especially if you can find a limited release example. I have a m390 and a Damascus version that are tits!