Haven't Bought a Knife in Two Years: Looking for Recommendations

J85909266

J85909266

Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
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So, I was obsessed with knives from a young age, couldn't wait to turn 18 and buy my own collection of awesome, high end knives. Researched knives all through high school.

When I turned 18 and got my first place, I didn't have any bills or debt or baggage, and I pretty much spent all of my time on knives, researching and collecting from the age of 18 until about 24.

I had a plethora of Busses, Sebenzas, 50+ Spydercos, 20+ Benchmades, full on customs and everything in between. I took pictures of most of them, and I nearly weep when I look at the old photos of all the knives I used to have. Models worth many times over what I payed for them.

Well, I got serious with a girl around 22 and she ended up getting pregnant with my child. I wasn't prepared, but I stepped up. I sold my entire collection aside from my favorite Sebenza and a serrated Endura 3, my two favorite folders, and went about the business of taking care of my family. I didn't buy a single knife for 2 years (or much of anything for my self, honestly), and I'm going on 27 now.

Things have stabilized, and we are catching up and figuring out how to get our heads above water. Income taxes are rolling in, and I'll have some extra money for once. I want to treat myself to a knife or two. Nothing too fancy.

I want a nice, versatile fixed blade, as I've very much missed my Busses, and a nice folder. I may also just buy one really nice fixed blade and get my Sebenza refurbished.

I've been looking at some nice Spydercos, the ESEE 6, and maybe even a Ferhman. I don't want to go over around 400 total spent. Less is better.

I know my Busses and Spydercos and CRKs, as they've always been my favorites, but I'd like to see what else I've been missing out on in the past two years. What else is out there that's really nice?

Thanks.
 
Maybe keep an eye out for the ZT 0560, it's a Hinderer design and should be out in the next few months. Given that Hinderer knives usually go for $500(ish) and the ZT model will be closer to $250 it sounds like a pretty good deal. I really like the design as well.
 
Joshua J. said:
Maybe keep an eye out for the ZT 0560, it's a Hinderer design and should be out in the next few months. Given that Hinderer knives usually go for $500(ish) and the ZT model will be closer to $250 it sounds like a pretty good deal. I really like the design as well.
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I don't like flippers, at all. Makes the knife look like a porpoise and is not my preferred method of opening. It doesn't feel right in the pocket for me, either. I do like the ZT 550, though.
 
Maybe a nice fixed blade from one of the custom makers on this forum?

A Para 2 sprint run is an excellent recommendation for a folder.

Welcome back, knife brother!
 
As many on this site will agree, the Becker BK2 is definitely worth checking out in the fixed-blade category.
As for folders, my first recommendation would be a Benchmade Griptilian or Mini-Griptilian.
You could get the Becker and the Benchmade for well under $150, and they're both well-made, very useful knives.
 
Also the Blue M390 Paramilitary 2 is a fine choice. They are for sale at bentoboxshop.com. I love mine
 
1st1903 said:
Also the Blue M390 Paramilitary 2 is a fine choice. They are for sale at bentoboxshop.com. I love mine
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I'm disappointed that the Yojimbo 2 is so hard to find. I really want one of those. The blue Para 2 looks nice. Is M390 pretty impressive?
 
Folders that I like, have, or am interested in include the new Spyderco Native 5, the upcoming Native 5 with flutted (spelling?) titanium, the paramilitary 2's (like the new one in M390), Superleaf, the Zero Tolerance 550 and 551, the new Hogue folders, CRK (but you have one), Hinderer if you could get one direct, Benchmade Doug Ritter Griptilion. As far as fixed blades....the new Spyderco Southfork (later this year), the Bushcrafter, both BK&T and ESEE have new mid sized blades coming out, Busse Basic 4 or 6, I also like the Scrapyard Scrapper 5 SE/LE, Murray Carter, the new Hogues, to name a few in the mid sized range. Check out the knifemakers exchange. There quite a few reasonably priced, nicely designed and made knives to be found there. It has been rather deadly area for me lately. Or maybe a custom from one of the makers here.
 
Mike157 said:
Folders that I like, have, or am interested in include the new Spyderco Native 5, the upcoming Native 5 with flutted (spelling?) titanium, the paramilitary 2's (like the new one in M390), Superleaf, the Zero Tolerance 550 and 551, the new Hogue folders, CRK (but you have one), Hinderer if you could get one direct, Benchmade Doug Ritter Griptilion. As far as fixed blades....the new Spyderco Southfork (later this year), the Bushcrafter, both BK&T and ESEE have new mid sized blades coming out, Busse Basic 4 or 6, I also like the Scrapyard Scrapper 5 SE/LE, Murray Carter, the new Hogues, to name a few in the mid sized range. Check out the knifemakers exchange. There quite a few reasonably priced, nicely designed and made knives to be found there. It has been rather deadly area for me lately. Or maybe a custom from one of the makers here.
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Where can I see the new Hogues and ESEE knives that are coming out?
 
Any Spyderco Paramilitary 2 would be on my short list. Sure you can go hog wild and get an exotic steel, but the standard S30V will server you well. Just like it has with your Sebenza.
 
Fishstalker said:
Any Spyderco Paramilitary 2 would be on my short list. Sure you can go hog wild and get an exotic steel, but the standard S30V will server you well. Just like it has with your Sebenza.
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Yeah, S30V has never let me down. Still, I'm curious to see how the new steels perform. S30V is getting old. I'm surprised something new hasn't taken it's place as the gold standard for premium blade steel, yet.
 
I would check out the Spyderco Vallotton Sub-Hilt. ESEE, just got my first the other day, is a knice brand, and you already mentioned the ESEE-6 as a possibility. As said Becker is a very reliable brand. Ontario"s Ranger lineup is worth checking also. I just got a BM BK275 Adamas, and I really like it, especially the price!
 
J85909266 said:
Where can I see the new Hogues and ESEE knives that are coming out?
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The Hogue knives are available now from a number of the on-line stores - both fixed and folding. You can also see them directly on the Hogue website. I'm sure the new ESEE's and Beckers have been mentioned here on the forums. But I think I saw the new ESEE's discussed on the ESEE site, and just saw mention of the Becker in Ethan's video of the new Machex on the Becker subforum here. Mike
 
I'll second the recommendation for the Becker BK-2. Also look at the Fallkniven F1 and S1 - wonderful knives.

For folding knives, the relatively new Vantage series from Buck are a whole lot of knife for not a lot of cash and come in a variety of blade steels and handle materials. Outstanding value for your dollar.
 
Mike157 said:
The Hogue knives are available now from a number of the on-line stores - both fixed and folding. You can also see them directly on the Hogue website. I'm sure the new ESEE's and Beckers have been mentioned here on the forums. But I think I saw the new ESEE's discussed on the ESEE site, and just saw mention of the Becker in Ethan's video of the new Machex on the Becker subforum here. Mike
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Thanks. Checked them all out.

I'm not really into any of the new fixed blades by ESEE or Becker. I do like those Hogue folders, though. They are very interesting. Kind of disappointed in the 154CM, though. Never cared for that steel.
 
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