Help with first knife purchase

S

Snakehead

Joined
Sep 3, 2017
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4
hello BF,

I'm interested in my first actual purchase of a knife. This background is kinda long, so skip to bottom if not interested.

I currently have quite a few knives, but they were all just passed down to me. Many of them I am reluctant to use. I was using a case tested xx green bone pre-1940 before I looked it up to realize it's probably too nice to be carrying around. This made me want to purchase a reasonably priced knife that I will feel fine carrying, yet that may also be something nice to pass down in the future. I do not abuse knives by batoning, opening cans, or throwing them, so I'm also fine with whatever wear and tear I may give to the knife I decide to purchase.

After a decent amount of research, I'm still somewhat indecisive.

I already have a kershaw pocket knife, so a $50 or less knife isnt really my goal here. I also have a large buck knife and and 6" Amazonia Trattori (not positive on spelling), so I don't need anything large.

What I have narrowed my searches down to are fixed blades, prefer wood, bone, antler, type handles. Two manufacturers im looking into are Helle and Benchmade.

My current favorite would be the Helle Utvaer, because of the look/size, full tang, finger grip, and reviews I've read. That is probably as large of a blade as I would want though.

I also like the way the Benchmade - Saddle Mountain Skinner 15001 Knife, Drop-Point
Looks.

Finally, I then remembered I used to lurk on this forum and that many of you make knives. So that has been tossed into the mix, though I am not so sure a son of grandson will be able to easily identify a knife purchased from a maker I meet here.

What are some considerations you guys have when purchasing a knife, assuming this will be the one you generally carry with you? I don't expect anyone to do research for me, but if anyone has knowledge of both manufacturers (not necessarily the specific blades mentioned) how would you choose between the two?
 
Snakehead said:
What are some considerations you guys have when purchasing a knife, assuming this will be the one you generally carry with you?
Click to expand...
My considerations are:
  • Is it suitable to the tasks I expect to need it for?
  • Is it of a size/shape that will be convenient for me to carry?
  • Is it priced reasonably for the perceived value?
  • If it is intended to be used, is it something that I won't consider "too nice to use"? (such as you with your vintage Case)
  • Do I have the skills and equipment to maintain it, and how often vs. how much time is required to maintain it (i.e., keep it sharp)?
The last point is important. You need to match up the knife's construction (type of steel, hardness, size) with your ability, tools, and willingness to keep it sharp. Or if you aren't going to do it yourself, have a plan in mind of who you will use for sharpening services and what you will use while waiting for it to be sharpened and returned.

Since you have multiple knives, I am betting you are a competent sharpener so that comment wasn't necessarily aimed at you, but is just a general consideration when buying a knife. If you are set up for sharpening Case or Buck 420HC and decide to get a knife made from steel with high vanadium carbide content, you may find you also have to buy some new sharpening plates (diamond or CBN), so that is something to consider as well.
 
Jc57 thanks for the quick reply.
Yes I'm fairly competent at sharpening though don't use an angle guide out of preference.

I'd say my intended use is fairly limited. I work in an office setting so there is no real need for it. It's use would be limited to probably fishing, camping, etc. which I do maybe 10 times a year.
 
If you are looking at the Benchmade S30V Saddle Mountain, something else you might consider is a Buck 119 from their custom shop. You can get it in S30V with or without the fuller groove, and in several choices of wood handles or elk antler, with either nickel or brass guard and pommel. Can get a little pricey if you go up to elk, and there is a lead time while they make it for you.

Just another option to consider.
 
Welcome !
I'm not an expert by no means but I would suggest you to look at LionSteel offerings, particularly M4 or M5. M4 is smaller and pricier, but it is made of M390 with olive, cocobolo or walnut handles. If I wanted a new fixed blade, I would strongly consider it ;)
 
Snakehead said:
Finally, I then remembered I used to lurk on this forum and that many of you make knives. So that has been tossed into the mix, though I am not so sure a son of grandson will be able to easily identify a knife purchased from a maker I meet here.
Click to expand...

I am not familiar with the fixed blades you mentioned but I would say the custom option would be particularly desirable and fun and you could put some papers with the box it comes in with some info about the custom knife. That would be a treasure to find for future generations. I'm not a collector and am not sure if you are familiar with the term "provenance" but that is what I would recommend for the most fun.

PS: maybe include a photo of the knife; maybe another photo of you holding it.
 
I would take a long look at the knife makers for sale area under fixed blades. You will find some amazing knives that fit your needs/wants. Good prices there usually. If you don't see what you are looking for, you will at least find a maker that will make a custom for you.
A few off the tops of my head. Don't know about wood handles, but you could probably definitely talk them into it.
Mac Wasil knives
Austin Goldman
Gollik knives
And these fellas, https://northarmknives.com
There are tons more though!
Bradford knives makes some great knives. No wood handle, but G-Wood is a good hard use option that looks good.
Lionsteel knives are great knives too!
 
I wouldn't worry so much about whether a son or grandson would recognize the name of the maker... the value would be in the memories, not the brand.
There are some fine maker's selling on this site; don't disregard them because of name recognition (or lack thereof).
 
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