Help me select a new knife

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gizard95

Joined
Aug 10, 2012
Messages
58
Buying a new knife

I just got some spending money, so what better to do with it than buy a new knife? Am I right?

right now I have $155 to spend

I already have a Spyderco Tenacious for a folder, and a mora bushcraft. I've also had gone through a spyderco sage and a small case (I know it's not many and they're cheep, but I'm just starting my collection)

now sure if I should save up for a more expensive knife like a strider or a crk. I really have no idea what I want, if I should get a bigger bushcraft knife such as the falkniven f1, or if I should go for a spyderco paramilitary 2 (only thing keeping me from this is that they're nearly impossible to get unless you want to be put on a waiting list.)

give me your suggestion, what you might buy with about 150 dollars, if you would save it or spend it.

THANKS!
 
I would either buy a Doug Ritter mini-Griptillian (available on knife works or frequently for sale on the forum exchange) OR save for a nicer knife like a used Sebenza (saw one on the exchange for $295).
 
I recommend saving your money until you KNOW what you want. Keep reading, keep researching and asking good questions. When you have a knife in your sights, do a search on it, read other opinions, pros and cons. It really is the hunt that makes this hobby so enjoyable. Keep saving and by the time you know what you want, you might be able to afford something that you didn't think you could! Good luck!
 
You need to answer some of these questions for yourself.

One question you should answer is......... What are you going to do with it? I have several folders, and use them for box cutting and straps, and strings in my job and around my house. It also serves as my EDC. I also carry a second folder for self defense and harder use. But when I go hiking in the mountains, without a doubt I never reach for my folder. I reach for my fixed blades only, folders are for an extreme situation where all the fixed blades broke or I got somehow separated from them, which has never happened. Even when I'm cutting fire wood, and want to make small kindling or shavings, I still use fixed blades only.

Now you mentioned the F1, I would say unless you want that VG10, then go for an Ontario Rat 3. It has been the best little knife ever. Great ergonomics, wonderfull for shaving a stick or carving, making feather sticks. And in general they are $70 or less. But if you want hard hard use, and batoning, and hard chopper, then my SP50 has been the best large knife I have ever owned. And with all that only $80 or less.


Just imagine how you will be using the blade, where, how, and why, then work backwards from there.
 
You pick up something nice at the KNIFE MAKERS FOR SALE AREA very easily for that price. Theres just something about a nice handmade knife.
 
I would pick a nice mid priced folding knife that you like the design of and has a good reputation. You probably don't want to spend a ton on something you don't know you will like. One good thing is you can trade things out here on the forums if you really don't like something you get. You can do this a lot easier with a new or only 'fondled' knife than you can with something used, so keep the box if you think you may do so.

I would get a nice folder that you can EDC and see how much you use a pocket knife. Some people just don't carry them and get into the hobby. Since you are here and have had some knives that probably won't be the case. If you like the Para it is a good knife and popular for a reason. If you watch the big auction site a couple times a day a batch usually pops up every couple days and you could probably have one in a week if you are diligent. They aren't impossible to find especially if you check the other big online stores and you can probably get one for a little less than your max. I really like AXIS lock Benchmade knives and a 710 is also really popular though it isn't my favorite. I personally like the 950 Rift best out of all knife models and highly recommend it. The 707 is nice too if you want something smaller but it has aluminum handles which I'm not fond of.

These are just some thoughts and if you let us know what you plan on using it for, some of the materials you like, and a size I'm sure you will get a lot more suggestions. Good luck and if you can find a store where you can hold a bunch of knives that really helps.
 
I would go with Benchmade 940. It's a classic.

Striders and CRK's have always disappointed me.
 
I've been though lots of knives.. still have some but have catch/released many.. after going though the "I need a huge cut through bricks" folder, I've come to appreciate lighter weight, less pocket room but still have a tough full size folder. Of all the ones I've had.. I think the Benchmade 940 is one, if not the best. It took me a long time to get it b/c I was not a big fan of the overall look. But I now find it to be the most fuctional knife I have (over the Para2, Grip 550HG, Military, 707, Mini-Grip, ZT200, ZT561, Spydrco Stretch, Endura, Pacific Salt, Sage Series).
Give one a hard look.. they mostly show for $170 retail but I just got one for shy of $130 on one of the standard online stores with with Benchmade codes.
 
thanks everyone for all the great ideas! I've been looking around a lot and have come to a semi-conclusion that I'll be picking up a Para2 or whatever else that comes through the boards that I like and is under my budget. Thanks to everyone that posted though, I really appreciate it!
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley end of discussion!!! Seriously I can't believe anyone has not said this before I did. Come on man you got a super steel M4 blade and cf scales and a thick honkin Michael Walker liner lock that is full of win and awesome!!!
 
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