How To get into knives as I'm new

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deruzzi

Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
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I'm new to knives and all, I just got into it, and was wondering could I know some basics of knives and all that nice stuff, my main interest is balisong, I would say I'm already an intermediate flipper but don't know much about it and other knifes that are not balisongs, could someone show me the ropes? thx
 
You're in the right place! There's tons of great info here, my suggestion is to read around all the forums, and use the search function to find answers to specific questions you have. Also if you're looking for some good basic knowledge, Blade HQ has a great section on knife steels and a "knife glossary" that will help out with many of the knife related terms.
 
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Welcome. If you have specific questions people are happy to help.
 
Welcome!! Reading around the forums and using the search function is definitely great advice. Additionally if you have a specific question that hasn't been answered yet feel free to make a new thread!
 
Hide your wallet and run far away!

No, this forum is chock full of helpful info. Welcome
 
Well, you came to the right place. I personally have no use for a ballisong since I am a knife user and not a fidgeter. I would take a hard look at some of the lower end Spyderco knives to break you in, such as the Endura, Native light weight, Alcyone, Polestar, or even a Manix 2 LW (big wide blade). You can get Spydercos in a wide range of steels, from general, good day to day steels, to extra special super steels (that are also hard to sharpen, but hold an edge forever).
 
Start with iconic knives and go from there. Buy quality but not expensive knives.

1. classic camp knife
Camillus Demo knife or
Swiss Army knife

2. classic lock back
Buck 110 or 112

3. hunting or fighting fixed blade
Buck 119 or
KaBar USMC

4. Classic historic working mans lunch box knife.
Mercator K55 cat or
DuokDuok or
Opinel #9

5.
Case LoomFixer Or a rope knife of some sort.

IMHO #1, #2, And 3.
Are the only knives you’ll ever need. Except for kitchen duty. Group 4 are all decent pairing knives.
 
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I would suggest that you buy what appeals to you knife-wise. Use them and refine your tastes and interests. There is lots of good information on BF, but experience is the best teacher. Learn how to sharpen a knife and generally I suggest you start with the basics and go from there. It's a fun hobby.

I guess you'll need to decide if you are going to collect or accumulate and use.
 
DocT said:
Well, you came to the right place. I personally have no use for a ballisong since I am a knife user and not a fidgeter. I would take a hard look at some of the lower end Spyderco knives to break you in, such as the Endura, Native light weight, Alcyone, Polestar, or even a Manix 2 LW (big wide blade). You can get Spydercos in a wide range of steels, from general, good day to day steels, to extra special super steels (that are also hard to sharpen, but hold an edge forever).
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Balisong not a user? Tell that to Hector, my old jeepney driver friend in Angeles City!
 
Some knives I would recommend to a newbie:

Any Victorinox Swiss army knife - the ALOX models are real nice
Spyderco Tenacious/Ambitious/Persistence, Efficient, Pole star
Leatherman Wave
Buck 110 or 112
Opinel in any size, but get the Carbon steel version. You'll have plenty of stainless blades later on and carbon steel is different and cool.
Esee and Mora make great affordable fixed blades - I love my Izula
Kershaw Injection is a pretty damn good deal for 20 something bucks, the Atmos got a lot of great reviews
Civivi knives get great reviews

On the more expensive side...
Benchmade Mini Griptilian, Full sized Griptilian, 940, Bugout, Crooked River
Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Para 3, Manix 2, Lightweight Manix 2, Sage 5, Gayle Bradley 2, Shaman
ZT 0562, 0562cf, 0450, 0450CF, 0350 series, 0566
Chris Reeve Sebenza 21, Inkosi
Kizer, WE, Reate knives are some nice high end Chinese brands that put out stuff that give some american manufacturers a run for their money.

For balisongs check out the BRS Replicant and Alpha Beast, and the Squidindustries squidtrainer.

For sharpeners:
Lansky makes a good aforadable fixed angle system and the Spyderco Sharpmaker gets rave reviews. I would recommend learning freehand sharpening though, it's very rewarding and really not THAT difficult. Just takes some practice. You can find 7 inch double sided japanese water stones (with a rubberized base) on amazon for like 25 bucks, I just got one in 400/1000 grit and it's great.

Stay away from Ganzo or any other brand that makes clones/sells stolen designs. Some say it's a cheap way of trying out more expensive designs but at the end of the day you're supporting theft.

Let us know when you run out of money :p
 
deruzzi said:
I'm new to knives and all, I just got into it, and was wondering could I know some basics of knives and all that nice stuff, my main interest is balisong, I would say I'm already an intermediate flipper but don't know much about it and other knifes that are not balisongs, could someone show me the ropes? thx
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hey best place to buy them is Instagram its kinda scary tho but use g&s
 
Welcome to the forums! Prepare to open your mind and empty your wallet!

Don't know anything about bali's, but am happy to help with modern folders.
 
When you are ready and feel the need for a big indestructible chopper. Look to Becker.
 
Welcome!! Bali’s are total users, dont let anyone tell you otherwise. :) Sure it takes longer to open...but quality ones lock open solid!!
It wont take long to run outta funds if you stick around here!
Enjoy the journey and keep ‘em sharp!
 
Welcome.

Swiss Army Knife, Mora, Opinel.

Modern vs. traditional.

Balisong vs. everything else.

Carbon vs. everything else.

Used or new.

Many or a few.

Read, take your time, study, save your money.
 
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