Help hone a dull newbie

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kokujin

Joined
Apr 27, 2002
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I've always kept a few knives around, and I have learned to keep good ones in the kitchen, but as for what I carry, I'm interested in buying a good knife at a decent price, and have already wasted a few dollars on what seem (by gen. opinions here) on knives that were, in hindsight, maybe a little too visually impressive to a novice such as myself (Maxam, United):o


I know Microlight, SOG, Spyderco (the forum favorite, it seems)are well thought of...

What do you folks think of Outdoor Edge products?

I'm looking for an online retailer with selection, good prices, natch - who takes paypal. I've done a couple of transactions on ebay, and while I'd never hesitate to recommend it for sheer variety of all wares, it's not a place to buy if you're ignorant... :D I bought this United Ronin Monstrosity that looks like the Devil's Incisor - 6" blade, that is illegal to do anything besides leave home or strap to my back like a Claymore. - But hey, it was only $25 shipped...heh heh. I guess if I ever need to skin a bison, I'll have a headstart on the job.

Thanks all - PS nice forum. Seems pretty level-headed and mature, well-organized, too.
 
Just wanted to bid you welcome, I got here a couple of months ago and have learned an immense amount of information in a short time--much more than I ever expected.

As for Outdoor Edge, I don't have much experience with them, but my friend owns a Paragee and I think it's a great knife--it came wicked sharp right out of the box. Don't know anything about the rest of the line.

For a "good knife at a decent price," there's a lot to choose from. But if you could tell us first of all what you plan to use it for, and second of all what you consider a "decent" price, then I'm sure we could give you a few suggestions.

To add to your list of makers, Benchmade also has a big fan base here (with good reason).

I carry a Kershaw Boa which I highly recommend but is in the $100 price range, with a Benchmade BM43 or BM42 Balisong as my secondary blade (also $100 range). I also carry a Camillus EDC which you will hear many people recommend (I do as well) and that's a great knife for around $50. If you're looking for cheaper than that, then I would look towards CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool) who have a great line of economical, yet well-built knives.

Unfortunately I don't know of any online dealers that use PayPal, but knifeoutlet.com, knifecenter.com, and discountknives.com are all dealers that I continously go back to.

A little long-winded, but I hope that helped.
 
Thanks - I'm bascially going to carry a combo edged folder or ~3" fixed for GP cutting, opening boxes, packaging materials, plastic tubing, or paring the odd piece of fruit - basic utility. I guess I'd consider it a defensive weapon as well, but I'm probably as likely to need it for an emergency tracheostomy or lightning rod. Price range would be $50-100. I'm not really interested in a "bargain" per se, but naturally any uncommon value would be welcome. I already have a Gerber AR3.0 and a couple of the aforementioned swap-meet crap cutters. I'm thinking a nice Spyderco or Benchmade, maybe. Are all Microlight knives pricey (~100+) they look the dog's, but :eek:, I'd only want to stir caviar, or swizzle Dom Perignon '74 with a $175 knife...
 
I have an Outdoor Edge Wedge 2 it's a clip hanger decent size and cheap. It also has a acute grind to it that makes it extremely sharp.

It's made out of 6M stainless, with a 3" blade, great for skinnin' and slicin'. The handle is made out of Delrin with a good shape to it, the sheath locks the blade in securely, and releases the blade easily . Once I dressed up the edge it was a mean cuttin' machine. I would recomend it highly as a lower prised fixed blade for out doors. It also makes a nice neck knife. click on the link below to checkit out.

http://www.outdooredge.com/wedge.html
 
Caviar should never be touched by a metal utensil. It leaves a metalic taste. Wooden spoons are often used. I have caviar spoons made of horn. Very elegant.
 
Originally posted by kokujin
Are all Microlight knives pricey (~100+) they look the dog's, but :eek:, I'd only want to stir caviar, or swizzle Dom Perignon '74 with a $175 knife...
Click to expand...

Are you talking about microLIGHT knives, or microTECH knives? Sounds more like Microtech. If so, then yes they are all a bit pricey, but they are real quality blades. In that price range I would probably go with either the two I mentioned before (EDC and Boa), or maybe a Griptilian. I've handled the Griptilian but I don't own one. If it was tip down carry then I'd definitely have one right now--depends on your preference. I'm looking at picking up a CRKT M18 as one of my next knives so I think that would probably be a good choice as well. Right now I'm really into recurve, so it kinda shows through in my recommendations--it all depends on your personal preference. You also have to consider blade material, handle material, lock type, tip-up or tip-down and blade shape.
 
I carry a CRKT (columbia river knife and tool) m-16 which I like quite alot. Its aus-8 steel which is pretty decent stuff, and aluminum handle, liner lock, and it has the carson flipper on it allowing for extremely quick opening. They cost around 40 dollars for the 3 inch model in a tanto point, or for 45-50 you can get the 3.5 inch spear point or 3.97 inch tanto.

Or you can get one of the special models(since you want serrated anyway). The fire department model has red g-10 handle and a black blade. Or there is also the police (blue aluminum) and military (olive drab with black blade) models. These will cost you around 45-50 for the small three inch blade and a few dollars more for the larger models.)

Lock up is pretty solid and they opening up fast and smooth to boot. I think they are very good for the price.
 
I'd second what ian_j said. I had both the M16 tanto and spearpoint on zytel handles and I love them.
But I found that they don't tend to be taken apart well.
 
I also hear really good things about the new model of spyderco endura with the VG-10 steel. It is also around 50 bucks. I don't need another knife now that I have my m-16 but just thinking about having a second knife makes my fingers itch. DAMN YOU BLADE FORUMS!
 
I meant microtech...ah heh heh :D

I just got a CRKT Ed Halligan KISS at REI, and there's another I looked at that I almost got. I think they're a good compromise quality/price-wise. I am still goint to buy one really nice one, but I'd like to have one that goes in my toolbox, one in the car, etc.

I love knives - so much cheaper than guns. And more practical uses. Try dicing an apple with a USC ...kinda works.

Is Titanium nitride pretty much the coating of choice? I've seen a few different looking ones, and I know some are just powdercoated, etc. but TiN3 sounds real swanky.
 
I honestly don't think you can beat the $50 Camillus EDC. I have it and a Kershaw Boa, and I carry the EDC at least twice as often. It has a great steel, incredible lock and the ergonomics are also great. But all of the knives mentoined thus far are great too, it's just a matter of preference.
 
Save yourself the hassle and go SPYDERCO!
delica or Endura in VG10. Full serrated, combination, or plain.
Warranty that will cover almost anything, a graet all around knife.

Ps- If you have not done so, don't forget to check local laws about length and stuff. Fixed blades are flat out a no no in many areas. Sad, but reality when you live with the herd.
 
The EDC is tough to beat! You do have many good recommendations here though.., good luck and let us know how you like whatever you decide on...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
For a 3" blade I've seen the Microtech Mini Socom in the $99.00 price range. That's under a hundred bucks and it's a real Microtech! Not a BM or Spydie (which are nice nives, but are distinctly not Microtechs).

For a 4" blade, Delta Z still has their High Tech folders on sale in this price range as well. They are Italian made and seem like a lot of knife for the money. About the same size and blade shape as a Socom Elite. I have one that I won in a raffle and it cuts well.

Just my opinions,

jmx
 
For best value in a great cutting tool, I would recommend the Benchmade 550 Griptilian, or its mini version, the 555. The MSRP is just under $100 but you can find one probably for considerably less. Best bet is to handle as many knives as you can beforehand, though.
Jim
 
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