Folding Knife Advice Please

I

idied4beauty

Joined
Nov 14, 2007
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I'm looking to buy a combat/survival knife for a friend and am having trouble deciding what to purchase. I've been doing a lot of reading on this site and some others, but would still like some advice. In regards to what I'm looking for, I know it needs to be folding, somewhat small...maybe 5-6 inches closed max. I'm not looking for a multi-tool (friend already owns a Leatherman). It will be used mainly during camping, long kayaking trips (saltwater...so something resistant to corrosion), but will probably be carried around on a daily basis for everyday use. It looks like a lot of people prefer Fallkniven, Benchmade, Boker, Ka-Bar, Spyderco, SOG. My financial limit is around $50-$75. Can someone help me choose something that will last a long time, be resistant to rusting, and easy to sharpen?
 
Camillus Sizzle, Blaze, and Heat.
You can pick up on ebay for $19-$30.
Tantos go for $99.

I am hoping that others here will agree that you will not find a better knife for under $30.
AUS 8 Steel.
 
Spend a little more money and Buy eathier a Sere 2000 or if you want to go survival and F1 by fallkniven. Eathier of these are small enough to carry and can double as a combat weapon. Using knives as weapons is not my spectily. There both resitant to rust and a good all round chose.I know these two knives are alittle expensive but well worth the extra money. Save your pennys
Buddylee
 
The F1 is a fixed blade (and a phenomenal one) but they are looking for a folding knife.

Spyderco-
Salt #1 recommendation. It will handle the salt like no other knife and is an excellent all around knife

#2 Delica or Endura Both classic designs that are some of the best all around folders and hold up well (I have a delica that has been used HARD for 10 years)

By the way I know what saltwater and spray will do to knives as I just moved from the coast of fl. and did a decent amount of kayaking and off shore fishing... really look at the salt
 
Oooh BuddyLee, that would mean saving LOTS of pennies. Thank you (ALL of you) for the excellent advice. If anyone else has any input , I'm open to all suggestions!
 
For the salt water kayak trips one of the rust proof (not rust resistant like most other stainless knives) Spyderco Salts; preferably with a yellow handle and a serrated edge.


For every day carry a plain or serrated Salt would be good too, but a plain edged Delica or Endura 4 Wave would be my first pick.


For wilderness survival I would suggest a plain edged Spyderco D' Allara Drop Point, though this is a fairly big knife.




Frank
 
Spyderco Knives are a good choice in this price range, again, the Spyderco Native for $40 from Walmart can't be beat in my opinion.
 
Just a quick clarification. You said it needs to be small, 5-6 inches closed. Usually the blade length will be about 1 inch shorter than the handle length, so a 5 to 6 inch handle means a 4 to 5 inch blade. Is this what you have in mind?
 
You might want to go to the A G Russell site and look at their Featherlight series. Also the Ka Bar Dozier series could work for your friend. AUS8 is not a bad steel for the uses and price range you've specified.

A Spyderco Endura 4 (VG10 model) is within your budget if you shop carefully and VG10 is pretty good at resisting corrosion with minimal care and being easy to touch up.
 
was just looking at the spyderco endura 4...should i go with plain edge or combo plain/serrated? or is this just a matter of preference?
 
I would also recommend something from the Spyderco Salt Series as well, since the knife is going to be used on the water!! This knife WILL NOT rust!!
 
T.K.C. said:
I would also recommend something from the Spyderco Salt Series as well, since the knife is going to be used on the water!! This knife WILL NOT rust!!
Click to expand...


good point, but if he is going to use this daily for common chores then you mgiht want somethgin with better edge retention, I can't speak personally about H1 sicne I ahve not handled it yet, but I heard the edge retention is not that great...If its a knife just for on the water tasks, then its great! But you need to weight the factors for what he is going to use it for most...Most stainless knives can handle a day or 2 on a freshwater river no problem...Salt water is another story...Just make sure you dry the blade when your done, thats all...
 
I would personally go with a plain edge. Serrations under hard work tend to break. I have used a plain edged knife all my life and it cuts just fine.

Buddylee
 
I would still point you to a Salt in plain edge. It really will make a difference when on the water. The Endura and Delica are VG10 which will rust in salt environments and having been in that situation it is hard to really thoroughly get the salt out of the nooks and crannies in the locking mechanism and liners.
The Salt should still be a very good EDC.
 
If you do decide on a Endura 4, get the plain edged WAVE version. The Wave is a great feature that opens the knife for you when you draw it from your pocket.



Frank
 
now i'm leaning towards purchasing two knives (one for everyday use now and the spyderco salt in a few months when it gets warmer and he starts kayaking again)...what should i get for everyday use? should i go with a vg10 blade or d2? or some other material?
 
Another vote for a Spyderco Endura 4 Wave.

D2 holds an edge longer and has less corrosion resistance. VG-10 is easier to sharpen and takes a very fine edge. Both are sufficient for 99% of knife users. Buy based on the knife design that most appeals to you.
 
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