First Modern Knife?

[strategy9]

Not even sure if you like "modern's", you can get;

$25 Kabar Dozier - 3" (Taiwan/lockback)
$30 Ontario Rat 2 - 3" (Taiwan/liner lock)
$30 Esee Zancudo - just <3" (Taiwan/frame lock)
$40 Kershaw Link; factory 2nd from kershawguy - 3.25" (USA/assisted flipper liner lock)
$55 TigerTec OTF - 2.75" (USA assembled with Chinese parts/otf auto)
$70 Bear OPS Rancor IV - 3.25" (USA/crossbar "axis style" lock)

All 6 combined at only $250, any combination thereof would give you at least a general feel for the different mainstream locking technologies and multiple different deployment styles out there to see what you like most, if anything at all... and then knowing the higher end brands/models are smoother and more refined, you'll have a better idea at what direction to spend bigger money on, if anything at all...
(If none tickles your fancy for edc, throw one in the glove box, one in the tacklebox, one in the junk drawer, etc. as spares)...


Or just commit and get a Kershaw Leek or Buck 112 Slim Pro, or a Spyderco Para 3 lightweight for a bit over your budget, and see what the hype is about?

 

[Sibyrnes]

You haven't given much detail to go on. From that price point alone I would recommend Off Grid Knives. They're American made, good quality, and very good value. If those are too beefy for you then try a Chinese brand like Kizer or Civivi.

Off Grid Knives are not made in U.S.A.

From their website:

• Taiwan: ALL our fixed blades, Rapid Fire Series, Stinger XL, Badger, Viper, Fat Boy, Seadog V2
• Bestech (China): Elite Series, Rhino V2, Baby Rhino, Enforcer, Enforcer XL, Cleaver V2, Raptor, Caiman, Caiman XL

 

[tony281sc2]

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!

Yep! Forgot about the Link. You can still get a 20CV edition for right around $100, they have the old green ones, and a new black/tiger stripe edition also.
3.25” blade on these. They are great, if you don’t mind the assisted opening (once you carry an assisted knife for a while it probably won’t bother you. If you mix it up between this and something similar with bearings….it might seem a little…cheesy..? That’s personal preference tho..)

 

[Prester John]

Yep! Forgot about the Link. You can still get a 20CV edition for right around $100, they have the old green ones, and a new black/tiger stripe edition also.
3.25” blade on these. They are great, if you don’t mind the assisted opening
View attachment 2199439

Another looker, great size. Kershaw has lots of great options.

 

[tony281sc2]

Another looker, great size. Kershaw has lots of great options.

They definitely do. I would recommend going to one of the big retailers and do an advanced search for what you’re looking for….
you can search by brand, price, size, steel choice, lock mechanisms, etc. TONS of options, from other brands too

 

[brownshoe]

Spyderci Delicate with combo edge. It’s a classic and Spyderco’s serrations are the best. Everyone should at least try them. Plus 1095 pales beside VG10.

 

[Ruari]

Cold Steel American Lawman. Drop point, TriAd back lock.

SOG Vision XR. Tanto, flipper and axis style lock.

Two good options

 

[Prester John]

They definitely do. I would recommend going to one of the big retailers and do an advanced search for what you’re looking for….
you can search by brand, price, size, steel choice, lock mechanisms, etc. TONS of options, from other brands too

Spyderci Delicate with combo edge. It’s a classic and Spyderco’s serrations are the best. Everyone should at least try them. Plus 1095 pales beside VG10.

Cold Steel American Lawman. Drop point, TriAd back lock.
View attachment 2199482
SOG Vision XR. Tanto, flipper and axis style lock.

Two good options

Something tells me I may end up with more than one knife....

 

[norcalAF]

Another looker, great size. Kershaw has lots of great options.

Absolutely, I was stuck on ZT/Kershaw for a while, great products and support.

 

[Prester John]

Lots of great suggestions, thanks to all. I went with the Kershaw Launch 8 for my first modern.


Just came today. I like it! Reminiscent of the Italian stiletto, but with better steel and I imagine better slicing ability. Will take a little getting used to a pocket clip, but I will adapt!

Maybe a Spyderco next....

 

[Kettleman]

Lots of great suggestions, thanks to all. I went with the Kershaw Launch 8 for my first modern.
View attachment 2205839
View attachment 2205840
Just came today. I like it! Reminiscent of the Italian stiletto, but with better steel and I imagine better slicing ability. Will take a little getting used to a pocket clip, but I will adapt!

Maybe a Spyderco next....

Well done Sir!

 

[Henry Beige]

My first suggestion would be a Rat 2, as closer to the size you want. If you want US made, the Buck 284 Bantam is a nice little pocket knife, closer in size to the traditionals you prefer. $19. I think they make the Bantam in some larger sizes, too.
I dunno what a Griptilian costs these days. I paid $85 for mine quite a few years ago. It has to be more expensive these days. To me, the Grip is the quintessential modern knife. If I were interested in buying any more modern knives, I would probably get the Mini Grip.
A Kershaw Leek would be a nice entree too, an assisted flipper, so something to piss everybody off, but somehow it maintains its popularity.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

$100 budget

 

[norcalAF]

$100 budget

Kershaw 1776 series

 

[Prester John]

My first suggestion would be a Rat 2, as closer to the size you want. If you want US made, the Buck 284 Bantam is a nice little pocket knife, closer in size to the traditionals you prefer. $19. I think they make the Bantam in some larger sizes, too.
I dunno what a Griptilian costs these days. I paid $85 for mine quite a few years ago. It has to be more expensive these days. To me, the Grip is the quintessential modern knife. If I were interested in buying any more modern knives, I would probably get the Mini Grip.
A Kershaw Leek would be a nice entree too, an assisted flipper, so something to piss everybody off, but somehow it maintains its popularity.

Thanks, Henry. A Leek is on my short list. Will check out the other suggestions too. Loving the Kershaw Launch 8 I just bought. And I gotta get a Spyderco (have to raise my budget! I'd rather have a Paramilitary 2 or Manix 2 than a Tenacious.). Or two....

 

[ridaco]

If you're looking to upgrade to a modern knife within a $100 budget, there are several excellent options available. Here are a few suggestions that offer great quality, reliability, and functionality:

1. Benchmade Griptilian: The Benchmade Griptilian is a popular choice known for its high-quality construction and versatile design. It features a durable blade, comfortable handle, and a reliable locking mechanism. You can find various versions of the Griptilian within your budget.
2. Spyderco Paramilitary 2: The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is a highly regarded folding knife with a reputation for exceptional performance. It has a robust build, ergonomic handle, and a reliable locking mechanism. The Paramilitary 2 is a favorite among knife enthusiasts and is available in different blade materials.
3. Kershaw Blur: The Kershaw Blur is a well-rounded folding knife that offers good value for the price. It boasts a solid construction, assisted opening mechanism for quick deployment, and a variety of blade options. The Blur is known for its ergonomic design and reliable performance.
4. Ontario RAT Model 1: The Ontario RAT Model 1 is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. It features a reliable locking system, comfortable handle, and a versatile blade. The RAT Model 1 offers excellent value and is a favorite among budget-conscious knife enthusiasts.
5. CRKT M16: The CRKT M16 series offers a range of affordable and functional folding knives. These knives are known for their robust build, assisted opening mechanism, and ergonomic handles. The M16 series provides solid performance at an accessible price point.

When choosing a knife, consider factors such as blade size, blade material (stainless steel or carbon steel), handle material, locking mechanism, and overall design. It's also essential to check local laws and regulations regarding blade length and carry restrictions in your area.

Ultimately, the best knife for you will depend on your personal preferences and specific needs. It's recommended to visit a local knife store if possible, where you can handle different models to find the one that feels comfortable and suits your style.

 

[Ironbut]

Thanks, Henry. A Leek is on my short list. Will check out the other suggestions too. Loving the Kershaw Launch 8 I just bought. And I gotta get a Spyderco (have to raise my budget! I'd rather have a Paramilitary 2 or Manix 2 than a Tenacious.). Or two....

Try a Spyderco. I'm an old guy, and I just never liked Spydercos because they didn't look like the knives I'd been using for years. Then, one day at work a friend handed me his Spyderco to cut something before I could get my stockman out of my pocket.

I now have a PM2, Manix2, and Native5. (Being USA made may have helped the decision process.) The PM2 is one of Spyderco's most popular & just a great all-around knife. The Manix2 is alittle more of a handful & makes a really good work knife. My Native5 is a lightweight & the 3" blade will handle any cutting chore you throw at it. The FRN handle's light, but it's some really tough stuff. It gets carried alot. All have blades made for cutting & good handle ergonomics. They just plain work.

 

[amunderdog]

Modern - EDC - Self Defense - Low cost - Legal for your location?
Best i can come up with?
A little over budget - two choices of blade and several scales, MKM Marco 2
No fancy steel - Is very affordable - Give a person a chance to make there own scales, or rock it as is. Tuyaknife Lille ULF

 

[wesessiah]

I was originally going to mention a spyderco delica like someone else mentioned, or benchmade mini griptilian, but one is a thumbhole and the other a stud style. Both are great entry level knives. Another one I have that may fit the bill would be a kershaw blur. It's assisted opening, but the blade is a little above 3" they offer a lot of styles, colors, and blade types, as well as different steels.

 

[Arathol]

If you're looking to upgrade to a modern knife within a $100 budget, there are several excellent options available. Here are a few suggestions that offer great quality, reliability, and functionality:

1. Benchmade Griptilian: The Benchmade Griptilian is a popular choice known for its high-quality construction and versatile design. It features a durable blade, comfortable handle, and a reliable locking mechanism. You can find various versions of the Griptilian within your budget.
2. Spyderco Paramilitary 2: The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is a highly regarded folding knife with a reputation for exceptional performance. It has a robust build, ergonomic handle, and a reliable locking mechanism. The Paramilitary 2 is a favorite among knife enthusiasts and is available in different blade materials.
3. Kershaw Blur: The Kershaw Blur is a well-rounded folding knife that offers good value for the price. It boasts a solid construction, assisted opening mechanism for quick deployment, and a variety of blade options. The Blur is known for its ergonomic design and reliable performance.
4. Ontario RAT Model 1: The Ontario RAT Model 1 is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. It features a reliable locking system, comfortable handle, and a versatile blade. The RAT Model 1 offers excellent value and is a favorite among budget-conscious knife enthusiasts.
5. CRKT M16: The CRKT M16 series offers a range of affordable and functional folding knives. These knives are known for their robust build, assisted opening mechanism, and ergonomic handles. The M16 series provides solid performance at an accessible price point.

When choosing a knife, consider factors such as blade size, blade material (stainless steel or carbon steel), handle material, locking mechanism, and overall design. It's also essential to check local laws and regulations regarding blade length and carry restrictions in your area.

Ultimately, the best knife for you will depend on your personal preferences and specific needs. It's recommended to visit a local knife store if possible, where you can handle different models to find the one that feels comfortable and suits your style.

So just how does an automated chatbox join an internet forum? I wonder who sent it here and why.....