Help!! Picky KnifeKnut seeks a special knife!

johnniet

johnniet

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 12, 1999
Messages
4,688
Can any of you help save my career and pocketbook?

Like so many of you, I am also on the quest for the perfect folder. Unfortunately, that seems to involve buying a lot of folders. This is okay, but that means I have to spend a whole lot of time checking them out. It's a lot of fun, but I am spending waaaay too much time on this stuff, and think I might be able to reduce that by appealing to the greater experience of...people with more knives!

For heavy-duty stuff, I am planning to get a Busse folder when they come out. But for the next few months, if I could find ONE really, really cool daily carry, I think that might tide me over until then. I am very busy and cannot continue spending my evenings in front of BladeForums and KnifeCenter and KnifeOutlet and whatnot.

Bear in mind also that this will mostly cut paper, tape and food--but should be GOOD at those (and capable of more, as need arises).
If I'm not 100% satisfied, I will end up wasting time looking for an upgrade -- no good! I am willing to pay a reasonable amount of money in order to avoid this risk (I mean Benchmade-type money, not Sebenza).

My daily carry for the next few months:

(1) *MUST* be LOTS OF FUN to OPEN and CLOSE. There are lots of great fixed-blades out there, even small ones, but to me they just don't satisfy.
Smooth is good, and a little resistance can be fine too! When I was studying I used to take breaks just opening and closing a Swiss Army knife (although obviously now, I want a one-hander). A good feel is key.
In particular, I want NO grating/scratching FEEL or NOISE at all when opening or closing. My Zytel cricket, love it to death, will sometimes sound like something is scratching inside, when I open and close. Could this be the detent? Or the washers not totally smooth or clean? My feeling is it has something to do with the Zytel, because is doesn't always happen and seems related to how much pressure I have on it. Which gets to...

(2) NICE, STIFF, but GREAT-FEELING HANDLES
I love the ones on my CF Dragonfly a lot (not to mention the tight clip to my pocket), but it's not quite right because my daily carry should also have

(3) VERY QUIET LOCKING!!!!
I work in a room with over 40 other people. Thank God we at least have cubicles so they can't all see me opening and closing, opening and closing whatever blade I've got with me.
For this and other reasons, it must also

(4) LOOK COOL (to NON-knife people in particular, but especially to ME!!!)
The CF dragonfly is obviously great on this score; I like the outdoorsy designs on the Boye folders too, and the funky appearance of the Jot Singh Khalsa. I think a black (or other color!) coating would be just fine.

A couple of other things:
(5) I'd really like to be able to cut food with it, even STICKY fudge brownies with frosting, and WIPE IT OFF EASILY. Do I need some special blade coating for this (B2 or CrN or something)? Or a mirror polish?
Or should I oil the blade with some kind of lube or something? (Tuf-Cloth with food? is that a good idea??)

(6) It should take a keen edge--ideally, like the simple carbon steels. For stainless, I think this means vanadium, like AUS-X, VG-10 or BG-42; unfortunately, I don't have any knives in those right now. Non-stainless would be just fine too, as long proper care will prevent rust, AND assuming it won't make my Amy's Vegetarian Pocket Pies taste funny if I use the knife to cut them open.
 
Hmm, its hard to narrow it down to one knife, but I will toss in a vote for a Spyderco Starmate. It should do all you want, its got the looks, good steel, solid feel, fun to play with and best of all, Spyderco quality. I dont know if you need something with a coating or not. I usually dont get coated blades, and dont have any problems because of it. Cleaning them with soap and water works well, but normally, I just toss them in the dishwasher when they need a good cleaning. Good luck, im sure you will get many great suggestions.

Richard
 
How 'bout something cheap that comes damn close?

CRKT Mirage (Wharncliffe)

1 - fun to open (to me 'fun' is smooth and silky)
2 - rock solid (one of my only folders with ZERO lateral play)
3 - quiet liner lock (just a nice, safe-sounding click)
4 - looks cool, but more 'elegant' with its flowing Wharncliffe lines and minimalist, ergonomic cut outs
5 - great for food, with a polished blade (easy to clean)
6 - great edge: well, not GREAT, but good. I can get the AUS6 scary sharp with little effort, plus this sounds like a daily chore knife for you, not a tactical specialist.

Only 40 bucks!!!

Now, with all the money I just saved you, call up your favourite maker, get a custom made up to your exact specs and while you wait, enjoy the CRKT. Others on this forum would be better qualified to suggest a maker once you 'rough out' your ideas.

Cheers,

RLR
 
Hi John....

""I am very busy and cannot continue spending my evenings in front of BladeForums and KnifeCenter and KnifeOutlet and whatnot.""

John,, If I may make a suggestion...!

I think that you really need to rearrange your priorities,, because it's sounds like you occupation and family life seem to be cutting into your Quality time here at Bladeforums.com

Before this happens any further,, you may want to change your occupation,,so you will have more time to spend here..
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LOL Sorry I couldn't help you with your first problem..
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ttyle Eric...
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Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom made, High Quality
Concealex Sheaths and Tool Holsters
Canada's Only Custom Concealex Shop!

 
Can you say "KIT CARSON"? Might as well start with one of the best. I had one in the studio for the past few days and couldn't help but to play with it. (Sorry Senator) Maybe not cheap but you get what you pay for. Opened, locked, released, closed as smooth as any I have everfelt. One of his knives would meet any need you may have. Now share those brownies.
 
You didn't say a thing about price. But, if you work in a cubicle, we can guess that you're not a highly paid executive but not a minimum-wager either (forgive me, please, if I am wrong either way).

How about a Benchmade 855 with slash-anodized scales?

How about the 730 Ares Axis with the Axis lock (way fun to open) and the really unique marbled G10 scales. Very up-scale.

Or, take any Benchmade folder and send if off to bladeforums member Frank Recupero and have him dress it up for the office environment.

And, of course, the ultimate option, a Benchmade Model 42. You can open it quietly in the office and with great fun outside the office.


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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
Face it, you'll just never be happy until you get a Sebenza!!!
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Seriously though, look at a Benchmade 850, or a Spyderco Viele- both would qualify IMHO as really cool. And they're not huge wieldly-looking knives either. To maximize the time you do spend shopping for this knife, concentrate on Spyderco. They'll have something you like.

clip
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=366878&a=2713830
 
Ok, I'll show some prejudices.

Staying within your allotted pricepoint I'd probably have to choose a bm axis..your choice of model but for me the 710, reasons.

Your #1,,,cool openability...with this blade you have multi possibilities. You can open via the traditional thumbstud..or use the axis lock by itself (very stealthy)...both ways totally ambidexterious...high cool factor and very practical. Yes the blade is heavy enough to flick open (though not recomended)...overcoming the omega springs holding it closed. The textured black g10 scales even have some 'racing stripes' milled into them to give a bit of visual flavor. Even so the handle shape fits the hand nicely and fully, with decent serrations cut in the liner on the thumb ramp and choil to facilitate a good tight grip even if wet. Though my bm blades are seldom scary sharp on arrival a little session with the sharpmaker does the trick. I'd suggest the plain, non-serr. uncoated blade for culinary uses. Non serr. will be easier to clean up with no particles to get stuck in serrations. Uncoated blade will show better when clean, esp considering future scratches in the bt2 coat. Length on the 710 blade is a plus since you can accomplish most food chores without getting the blade too deep in the project...I can cut up a decent sized salad w/o getting any mess in the handle mech., something not so easy with shorter blades. For a cleaner/lube I'd suggest Balistol, great product and safe in a food environment. I've been using a small bottle for years...seams to last forever..'little bit'l do ya'. I could go on but nuff bandwidth on this...just another satisfied 710 user...course there's many others too.
 
Well I dont have one... but if your willing to spend a "bit" more than you would for a benchmade, I would reccomend a Speedtech Synergy. IMO, one of the most beautiful factory folders made for under 300 dollars. I belive (correct me if Im wrong) that they go for $225 direct from the factory. Qualtiy is far superior to a Microtech (ive handled and played with MT's, not impressed for the price) Not only that, but you can order yours is a plethora of shapes colors and whatnots.
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Hi, my suggestion is go with a Classic: a Benchmade AFCK. The particular model I recommend is the 800H. This is the full size plain edged BT coated blade in M-2 Steel. The BT coating mades it easy to wipe down after using. The M-2 steel takes a scary sharp edge & holds it a long time. The handle fits great in your hand & is stiff. The linerlock locks up with minimal noise. Now, saying all that, I suggest that if you decide to buy one, because of Benchmade's spotty Quality Control, you need to buy one in person,{to check out that it's O.K. Or if you're buying thru the Net, buy from someone who is willing to go thru his stock & pick out a nice one for you. If you get one made like it's supposed to be, they are fantastic. Best of all, it should only set you back a little over a $100. A Great Knife! Just M.H.O.
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Doug

[This message has been edited by Hart (edited 03-17-2000).]
 
The quietest of I have is CRKT M1603. That one would be totally non-disturbing. Next would go SOG Vision or SpeedTech Synergy. You can cut your food with either one of theese. All of them are cool desins (with a star going to Synergy).

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Kris
 
I would like to second that SOG Vision. It is extremely smooth and quiet. Heck, I'll even ship you one in a plain brown wrapper if you decide !! Hahahahahaha.



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Visit john@cumberlandknives.com

<A HREF="http://www.cumberland-knives.com" TARGET=_blank>www.cumberland-knives.com
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for all your knife needs.
 
Good suggestion Hart-

I sometimes forget my 800 AFCK, but it is a great knife. I can't always carry it because it is kinda big to be toting around my office, but for the money it's really tough to beat. I did pick mine out in person, and it has worked flawlessly. These are often overlooked these days, but you should really put this one in the list. If not the 800, then the 812, which is a little smaller but even with a 3.25" blade is pretty well sized. Hmmmmm, maybe I'll go check out an 812 in M2...
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I'm sure the SOG Vision is a decent knife, but I personally could never get past that neo-geo psuedo tanto blade....
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clip
 
Not bad for a day or so...let's keep these suggestions coming!

Eric: thanks for your offer before. Unfortunately I just don't need a kydex sheath right now--maybe in the future.
(Tell me, can a kydex system be a pleasant to "open" as a really smooth folder can?)

Some of the ideas were expected...Axis and AFCK of course, and the Viele...I hadn't thought of the Vision, because I don't like tantos that much. (No, I've never owned one.) Could you really use it to open mail and cut brownies? Does something like the Pentagon folder have a similar action?

I'm sort of surprised that no one has suggested the EDI Genesis, given how much of a fuss was made over it at the time. Is it a loud opener? Or does it just seem too tactical?

Another suggestion was the BM855--does anyone out there have one of these yet? How thick is the blade? How much noise does it make? How keen an edge does its ATS-34 take? How solid is the liner lock?

What about the Calypsos and their relatives, the Al Mar ultralights? Big "clang" when they open?

On the less pricey side, I'm glad to hear that people are enjoying the CRKTs. Does anyone know when the new versions will actually be out?

Lastly, what exactly is Ballistol made of? How much better is it than, say, canola oil?
How often would you have to wash up and reapply?
 
The AFCK is a great suggestion. The only reason I didn't propose it right off is the appearance thing. This guy wants something that his non-cutlerycentric office mates will not only be comfortable with (thus ruling out the very fun to open and very cool looking Microtech Halo III) but will actually think is an attractive knife. He's looking for what is classically called a "gentleman's folder. I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the classic gentleman's folder, the Benchmade / Mel Pardue 850. With its rough, dull black G10 scales, the AFCK looks just a little to agressive for many offices. But, the 812 mini-AFCK is so reasonably priced that once you've bought it, you can send it off to Frank Recupero and let him convert this agressive-looking knife into an executive gentleman's dress accessory (albeit one with a great edge). He can replace that G10 with rosewood, for example, and maybe dress the blade up with a little of his famous virtuoso file work. Finally, because the AFCK is such a well-made and study knife (I've carried an AFCK daily for getting on five years now), it's a firm foundation worth investing a bit of money in to dress up.

Check out this page http://members.xoom.com/ats34/afck.html

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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com

[This message has been edited by Gollnick (edited 03-18-2000).]
 
Kershaw Random Task or Mini-Task, so much fun they are almost against the law, good steel, sleek looks.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA
 
The Benchmade 850 was one of my first suggestions! Sheesh!
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Read my first reply above- that's a sure winner. Good price, good quality, functional, and very cool looking. A real standout in a sea of black G-10.

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If you want COOL, hold your horses a little while for an Onion designed Kershaw Boa. They even come in colors
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But then, a nice small, fun knife can be found in the form of the Benchmade 905 mini stryker.

And for pure simplicity and sleek good looks and action, look no further than the fun to play with Benchmade 350 Pardue in all black...
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BTW, clip point, now the 850 is available in black g-10, lol.
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You could put nacho cheese sauce on it...

[This message has been edited by Stompy (edited 03-18-2000).]
 
Depending on what you want to spend I would say Speedtech Synergy, very nice looking and kind to the eye of Sheeple also. They go for $250 factory direct.
Or is that is too much I would look at one of the Kershaw Onion knives. Very fun to open and the Boa that was mentioned above looks great
Eric
 
Kershaw Whirlwind or Blackout for about $50 are lots of fun and decent knives for the money. Carson CRKT M16s with the flipper is great knife for the money as well. Best bang for the buck right now is the 440V Native for $43 or so from MJ&S. That 440V steel alone is worth that price, I'm getting one from Mark myself. The M2 AFCK is a wonderful knife as suggested. Another to consider is the 705 as it is a little smaller for your sheeple concern, still has the axis lock.

A mini SOCOM or full size SOCOM would be my #1 choice but must admit my bias. The full size SOCOM probably clicks a little bit louder than you might want when you open them.

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Chief’s Cutlery and Web Design Specializing in Microtech Knives
 
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