General purpose utility knife

R

rbarber

Joined
Dec 6, 2002
Messages
11
Hey ya'll, i'm looking for a good GP folding pocket knife that's durable and strong, but shorter than 3 inches and preferably AXIS lock. I've looked into Benchmade, but the problem with them is that taking apart the knife will void the warrenty and I'd kinda like to be able to take it apart to oil it/see how it works and all. I've also looked at Spyderco, but I really prefer thumb studs (and dual if possible) over the Spytderco hole thing (what's that called again??). As you can probably tell, i'm pretty new to knives, but I like them a lot and want to learn more about the good ones; so any wisdom you all could share will be appreciated.

I'd also like to hear any comments on the Microtech Vector, 'cause i've been looking into that one for a while. If the price were the same as the Kestrel, would you still take it over the Vector?? Personally I think the Vector is much prettier, but if it has serious flaws, I'd like to know before I buy one. Also, how does the pivoting microbar work anyway?? Is it strong enough for heavy duty/combat use? I'll still probably end up buying one if for no other reason than to scare my friends :) but I wanna know as much about it as possible.

Thanks so much!!
Ryan
 
well its not an axis lock, its around a 3" blade, but its a great utility knife=kershaw avalanche!!!!! Ive benn carrying one for almost three years now (?), something like that!)!!!!!:D
 
Hi rbarber, welcome to the forums.

I would recomend the BM 705.

The warranty is only void if Benchmade knows you took it apart and you would have to mess something up for that to happen. I would not worry about that.

The Vector you mention is a nice little knife but if size is a concern than appearance may be as well, and the Vector looks fairly menacing even at a small size.

BTW, Microtech has a "no disassembly" clause in their warranty as well.

The Microbar is a beefed up liner lock that uses a spring to push it behind the blade as opposed to the metal being bent. It's somewhere between a liner lock and a frame lock in strength but there are some extra parts that may be of concern.

Good luck!
 
Might want to check out Kershaws Ken Onion series of knives, maybe a scallion or leek? although you may not want to take them apart with their assisted opening mechanisma if you haven't taken apart many knives:)
 
What I want to know is, how the hell is a Vector utilitarian in any way? It's a show piece for chrissake! Try peeling an apple with that! ^_^ Just my opinion. Some options that I'd consider (not in any particular order)

1. Camillus CUDA EDC
2. Emerson CQC-7 (or mini-CQC7) or Commander (or Mini-Commander)
3. Benchmade 921 (it's a pretty knife, but it cuts...^_^)
4. Spyderco anything (a lot of 3 inchers)

Cheers!
 
I think the Axis lock is a Benchmade innovation, so I think that it's only found on their knives. Something to keep in mind if this is a deciding factor.

And I haven't ever owned a Microtech knife so I will just have to say that I haven't heard much if anything negative on them here on the forums, but I would suggest doing a search on the particular model and seeing what you come up with.

Take look at Camillus EDC, http://www.1sks.com/store/camillus-edc.html , or the Smith & Wesson FL 1 & 2 http://www.1sks.com/store/smith-and-wesson-frame-lock-1.html
http://www.1sks.com/store/smith-and-wesson-frame-lock-2.html , for some good valued utility knives. Although as a note, the site that I linked to doesn’t list different sizes for the S&W FL’s. But I have seen small, medium and large bladed models on a different site. Just search the forums on the knife and you will see other places to look at.

And I think it just called the Spyder hole or thumb hole. And they might not look it, but it works very well.
 
I wouldn't even sweat the warranty issue, if you can add 2+2, you can probably take any bm down and reassemble w/o anyone ever even knowing, it isn't really hard at all, hell, you can even make your own omega springs if you have any amount of gumption. I would vote for a mini griptilian. They are pretty cheap ($53), smooth opening, perfectly sized, and the lock is second to none. I know this isn't fair but I was recently cut fairly badly by a crkt framelock which slipped off the bar, while it's certainly not fair to condemn all framelocks, it is fair to say that when/if framelocks ever would fail, there is absolutely no warning or gracetime for you to avoid being cut. The axis locks reportedly fail in a slower more predictable way, plus they are reliable as hell, which to me means more than any strength test anyway.
 
While the blade is right at 3 inches, the SOG Mini X-Ray Vision would be an excellent choice. At UNDER a 3 inch blade, there is the SOG Mini X-42 AutoClip.
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. I think so far I like that BM 705 the best. I am happy to hear that Benchmade can't tell if you take it apart; that's a relief 'cause I have always wanted a Benchmade. The 921 was very tempting, but it looks like the main blade's longer than 3 inches, so i couldn't whip it out on campus without risk of confiscation :(

I have tried out the Kershaw assisted opening thing and I don't really like it... for one there's the complicated parts issue and also the the fact that it's so darn fun to flick your knife in and out on your own power, why screw things up with a spring? That sorta takes the skill out of it IMHO.

Anyway, i did take the time to look at the other knives ya'll suggested. The Camillus looked great at first glance and the Talonite was pretty tempting, but something about the shape and also the clip kinda looked funky. I think I want something more straight and solid looking. Same goes for the griptilian, it just looks strange. Then again, the Spyderco's all look extremely strange to me, I have no clue what those are about. But I know from the forums that everybody seems to like Spydies, so maybe I'm the one who's wierd. I must admit I've never actually handled one, so maybe that's the problem.

As far as the Vector goes, I really have looked all throughout the forums and there's just not that much info out on them for some reason. I've heard many people say they like the Kestrel better, but I haven't seen much of an explanation other than price and something about the blade being stronger... J/W.

Still looking, thanks for the suggestions!!
 
Wow, I checked out that SOG mini X-Ray vision, and that's a really sweet knife! Too bad it's right at 3 inches though, i don't think that would fly at my college. I might get the bigger version for home use or something though if I find myself with some extra money to blow. I don't really like that "lockback" style of the Autoclip though, plus it didn't look nearly as cool as the X-Ray. Bummer!!
 
rbarber, I think there are many reasons you won't find much on the Vector.

When it was first released it was very expensive, so only the hardcore MT fans bought them for the most part. They have recently re-released it with a more realistic price tag. The blade shape is more along the lines of an art knife & not really practical for every day use. It's a very cool looking blade and a tough grind to create but a little impractical. Also, MT has been taking a beating lately with some of their business practices, so a lot of people who were formerly huge supporters are abandoning them.

As for Spyderco's, you really can't go wrong with one. They are an excellent product.

The biggest thing you need to keep in mind is to buy what appeals to you, not us because you're the one who has to carry the knife.

If you like the Benchmades then go that route, if the Vector is what appeals to you more go that route, I don't think you can go wrong either way.

The SOG Visions are really nice, I have a Titanium Vision and it's a rock, whish they would come out with a mini version of the Ti Vision mydelf ;)

Edited to add: The blades on the Vector and BM 705 are the same steel and based on the geometry of the grind the 705 would probably have the "stronger" blade of the two. The tip of the Vector is thinner overall than the 705.
 
Well if you really want a blade that wouldn't arouse too much attention, I think the Spyderco Salsa just might do the trick.
It's small, and sub 3" for sure. It does have a cobra hood; although many "purist" spyderco fans didn't like it, it just might work as a thumbdisk if you really don't like the thumb hole. The compression lock has a lot of blade retention, more so than any liner lock I've seen. The handle is fairly fitting unless you have large hands, and the flat grind should make cutting jobs a lot easier.
I don't have a benchmade so I won't be much help if you insist on a BM. However, I notice that prices for a BM is fairly high even at discount retailers in the US (like New Graham Knives. You might find yourself a good BM at the Exchange forum for less.
 
Cpirtle is absolutely right, buy what appeals to you. Go to a book store that caries magazines and look for Blade and Knives Illustrated magazine and look at the adds (tell me if you can find an article, sorry just had to say it) and see what visually appeals to you first and foremost. The mags are a good source of online shops and I would probably do a search for “where to buy” on the forums for more. Once you have a few of those you can spend way too much time browsing and see way too many knives, it’s almost overwhelming.
 
Thanks for everything guys, I appreciate the input. I think i'll probably go with a 705 for right now. I also spotted a vector on Ebay which I hope to win, and it's absolutely the exact type of vector I have been looking for. For now I guess my Smith & Wesson S.W.A.T. should do ok for everyday utility until I get the 705, but I don't trust it for anything else, 'cause I can break the lock pretty easliy by carefully thumping it against my other hand... Which brings me to another question, but I think I'll ask it on a new thread. Anyway, thanks for the help, and i'm still open to more suggestions/comments if you have any. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Ryan
 
I was in a situation where the price difference between Vector and Kestrel was negligible. I bought kestrel. I can't see reasonable use for vector. It is too small to be Sd knife, it's blade is not well suited for utility. It could be/ is great show piece.
 
I second TLR's suggestion of a Leek--I really like mine. If you want a Benchmade, you might still be able to find a Leopard Cub which is still a good knife.
 
Since you're looking for a blade under 3" that you can carry on campus without repercussions, take a look at the SOG Sculptura. It uses an arc lock, which is SOG's answer to the axis lock. It has a classic simple utility blade shape.

I also second the Benchmade 705. I have a 710, which is too large for your requirements, but they're both clean sturdy designs and very well made.
 
Since no one has mentioned a Sebenza yet, I will. The knife come with a wrench to disassembe and reassemble the knife for maintainence and periodic cleaning. The framelock design, imo,is better than an Axis lock--the harder you grip a Sebenza, the more pressure is exerted on the lock.
Good luck,

Barry H
 
I have a small Sebenza that is part of my EDC rotation. It is the smallest knife I carry as an EDC (besides the blade in my Al Mar Cash Clip, but that's not a real knife). The small Sebenza is a pretty non threatening looking, under 3" blade and utterly reliable. If it was the only knife I was allowed to own, I'd be happy.

Luckily, for today at least, I live in a society where I can own many knives and earn enough to have more than one. If I had it to do over again I'd buy a small decorated Sebbie, because the decorations make it even less intimidating around sheeple. They are cool enough that they could even be used as a conversation starter with a startled sheeple (ie: "look, it's not a weapon, it has cool, shiny colored patterns on the titanium handle".

As to the other knives on the list, I'm giving a buddy a Rainbow Leek for Xmas and my boss a Benchmade 705, so I like those two enough to buy them for friends I care about.

If I had to pick an EDC from what I've seen in this post and couldn't afford a small Sebenza, I'd get a 705.

jmx
 
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