- Joined
- Jun 23, 2014
- Messages
- 9
HELLO ALL!
I don't know how many times I've been to this site thanks to searching for many random things, and of course, knives.
I have always used this place as a great reference for real people's opinions on the pros and cons of the many manufacturers/styles of knives! So I felt that I should finally become a member, and give a proper thanks to those whose opinions have helped me purchase some pretty great knives.
I grew up on a small ranch, did Boy Scouts, camping, hiking, and of course, have always loved knives. I remember my grandad getting me my first pocketknife when I was about 4, and he would keep it on top of his fridge until I came over. Then he'd let me carry it and got me whittling wood and practicing safety. I don't know how many knives my dad praised/cursed while cutting calves. I just remember seeing the difference of how smooth a really good blade would slice the bottom off of a bull-calve's coin purse versus a not so good blade haha. I've owned many Bucks, Kershaws, Gerbers, and countless other no namers that I used camping and such, classic starter knives.
It wasn't until recently, after acquiring a job west of DFW, that I started yearning for truly better knives. Honestly, my philosophy is the best knife is the one you have on you when you really need one. Since I am not stranded in the wilderness or in some survival situation right now, I have the luxury of being proactive and making sure the knives I have handy I.C.E. are ones that I can at least put faith in to holding up their end of the bargain, if I do mine.
Below are knives I have purchased since moving here almost 2 years ago. Starting from inside bottom going up:
BENCHMADE 111H2O - I purchased this about 2 weeks ago, because my ZT folder kept trying to get some corrosion (I spend a lot of time running the water treatment part of our powerplant, a lot of knives no likey ha) I remember reading a funny titled thread on here about this folder and the OP being disappointed in it, well, I am the complete opposite. This knife feels great in hand, and came sharp as hell. I still have a 6" continuous strip going down my arm of the hair growing back
I've read good stuff about the N680 steel! Excited to really see how this knife stands the test of time being splashed at the plant!
ZERO TOLERANCE0350 - Bought this about a year ago. This was my EDC at work, but once I started working the water treatment side, battling corrosion was constant. ALTHOUGH, besides that, I love this knive! Great ergonomics, solid feel with performance that matches, and just a good look!
BENCHMADE BONE COLLECTOR - I bought this for myself as I bought the larger version for my dad two years ago this Christmas. It's my first Benchmade, and I am a believer in them. My dad loves his, and after cutting several more calves, rattlesnake heads, or round-bale twine, and anything else a farm/ranch can offer, he told me it has kept its edge longer and been the best knife he's ever had. He thought he lost it for the longest time and told me he never felt so sick about losing a knife, a) because of the gift aspect, and b) because he really just loved it...good news, while he was moving their recliner out of the house to bring in a new one, it fell out and so he called me right away, happy as can be!
BOKER PLUS MAGYAR NECK KNIFE - Purchased this at House of Blades in North Fort Worth...first neck knife. You can bet your arse I pretty much wear it every minute (under my shirt, unless camping or hiking) with the exception of when I'm at work, even though there's a knife in my pocket. Can't testify much to functionality because I have not used it much, but I will say, it feels secure in hand. Besides, having a second blade never hurts....
OUTER KNIVES:
Left: ONTARIO KNIVES AFGHAN - bought this just yesterday, actually bought 2. One for me, and one for my best bud. I looked at, and held many R.A.T. ESEE's, BECKER/KA-Bars, other OKC's, and this one is just the one that felt good+had good reviews+wasn't too overpriced for the business I plan on putting it through, I actually wanted a thicker blade that could have a little more nuts behind it when chopping, etc.....
Right: HOGUE EX-F01 ELISHEWITZ: If you have never held one of these...you need too. This was my original choice for a survival, multi-use knife, but there are just some knives you want to keep pristine as long as possible. This knife rides in my console to work, which is a 50 minute drive away from the urban and through many miles of country. When I get home, it comes in with me to my bedside stand. It is essentially an EDC, that I don't technically "carry," but it is always going to be where I can get it. Hiking/Camping, it will be along for the ride, either in my bag, on my bag, or on me, but I also will have my main, "go-to fixed blade" in my OKC Afghan, plus the ZT folder in my pocket, and possibly my Benchmade 111H20 stashed in my bag somewhere as well. The total weight of having this many blades while hiking is a total nonfactor for me. I worked on wind turbines since I was 18 in 2004, and after a while, you get to where you don't notice the weight of the harness on your body, the same for these knives. I would rather always have another option, than not. Plus, the capabilities that one knife has that another doesn't. This might be too much "weight" for some people, but for those of you who understand...well, you understand.....
AND LAST...ON TOP:
TOPS KNIVES ARMAGEDDON - Hey......everybody needs at least one big knife for the zombie apocalypse, right?!?! Well this is mine. ha
Yes, this knife's sheath with MOLLE attachment points will be attached to my Voodoo Tactical bag for easy access. If you have to ask why I would also carry it along with the others while hiking, well, you obviously aren't prepared for the worst.
Sorry for a long, drawn out first post. I just wanted to go ahead and get the formalities out of the way. I'm looking forward to reading more excellent reviews, suggestions, etc., but even more excited about now being able to join in on the conversations!
Thanks again for the inspirations that led me to get most of these awesome knives!
I don't know how many times I've been to this site thanks to searching for many random things, and of course, knives.
I have always used this place as a great reference for real people's opinions on the pros and cons of the many manufacturers/styles of knives! So I felt that I should finally become a member, and give a proper thanks to those whose opinions have helped me purchase some pretty great knives.
I grew up on a small ranch, did Boy Scouts, camping, hiking, and of course, have always loved knives. I remember my grandad getting me my first pocketknife when I was about 4, and he would keep it on top of his fridge until I came over. Then he'd let me carry it and got me whittling wood and practicing safety. I don't know how many knives my dad praised/cursed while cutting calves. I just remember seeing the difference of how smooth a really good blade would slice the bottom off of a bull-calve's coin purse versus a not so good blade haha. I've owned many Bucks, Kershaws, Gerbers, and countless other no namers that I used camping and such, classic starter knives.
It wasn't until recently, after acquiring a job west of DFW, that I started yearning for truly better knives. Honestly, my philosophy is the best knife is the one you have on you when you really need one. Since I am not stranded in the wilderness or in some survival situation right now, I have the luxury of being proactive and making sure the knives I have handy I.C.E. are ones that I can at least put faith in to holding up their end of the bargain, if I do mine.
Below are knives I have purchased since moving here almost 2 years ago. Starting from inside bottom going up:
BENCHMADE 111H2O - I purchased this about 2 weeks ago, because my ZT folder kept trying to get some corrosion (I spend a lot of time running the water treatment part of our powerplant, a lot of knives no likey ha) I remember reading a funny titled thread on here about this folder and the OP being disappointed in it, well, I am the complete opposite. This knife feels great in hand, and came sharp as hell. I still have a 6" continuous strip going down my arm of the hair growing back

ZERO TOLERANCE0350 - Bought this about a year ago. This was my EDC at work, but once I started working the water treatment side, battling corrosion was constant. ALTHOUGH, besides that, I love this knive! Great ergonomics, solid feel with performance that matches, and just a good look!
BENCHMADE BONE COLLECTOR - I bought this for myself as I bought the larger version for my dad two years ago this Christmas. It's my first Benchmade, and I am a believer in them. My dad loves his, and after cutting several more calves, rattlesnake heads, or round-bale twine, and anything else a farm/ranch can offer, he told me it has kept its edge longer and been the best knife he's ever had. He thought he lost it for the longest time and told me he never felt so sick about losing a knife, a) because of the gift aspect, and b) because he really just loved it...good news, while he was moving their recliner out of the house to bring in a new one, it fell out and so he called me right away, happy as can be!
BOKER PLUS MAGYAR NECK KNIFE - Purchased this at House of Blades in North Fort Worth...first neck knife. You can bet your arse I pretty much wear it every minute (under my shirt, unless camping or hiking) with the exception of when I'm at work, even though there's a knife in my pocket. Can't testify much to functionality because I have not used it much, but I will say, it feels secure in hand. Besides, having a second blade never hurts....
OUTER KNIVES:
Left: ONTARIO KNIVES AFGHAN - bought this just yesterday, actually bought 2. One for me, and one for my best bud. I looked at, and held many R.A.T. ESEE's, BECKER/KA-Bars, other OKC's, and this one is just the one that felt good+had good reviews+wasn't too overpriced for the business I plan on putting it through, I actually wanted a thicker blade that could have a little more nuts behind it when chopping, etc.....
Right: HOGUE EX-F01 ELISHEWITZ: If you have never held one of these...you need too. This was my original choice for a survival, multi-use knife, but there are just some knives you want to keep pristine as long as possible. This knife rides in my console to work, which is a 50 minute drive away from the urban and through many miles of country. When I get home, it comes in with me to my bedside stand. It is essentially an EDC, that I don't technically "carry," but it is always going to be where I can get it. Hiking/Camping, it will be along for the ride, either in my bag, on my bag, or on me, but I also will have my main, "go-to fixed blade" in my OKC Afghan, plus the ZT folder in my pocket, and possibly my Benchmade 111H20 stashed in my bag somewhere as well. The total weight of having this many blades while hiking is a total nonfactor for me. I worked on wind turbines since I was 18 in 2004, and after a while, you get to where you don't notice the weight of the harness on your body, the same for these knives. I would rather always have another option, than not. Plus, the capabilities that one knife has that another doesn't. This might be too much "weight" for some people, but for those of you who understand...well, you understand.....
AND LAST...ON TOP:
TOPS KNIVES ARMAGEDDON - Hey......everybody needs at least one big knife for the zombie apocalypse, right?!?! Well this is mine. ha
Yes, this knife's sheath with MOLLE attachment points will be attached to my Voodoo Tactical bag for easy access. If you have to ask why I would also carry it along with the others while hiking, well, you obviously aren't prepared for the worst.
Sorry for a long, drawn out first post. I just wanted to go ahead and get the formalities out of the way. I'm looking forward to reading more excellent reviews, suggestions, etc., but even more excited about now being able to join in on the conversations!
Thanks again for the inspirations that led me to get most of these awesome knives!

Last edited: