Hey, need some advice on a folder.

R

RagingBoredom

Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
8
Hey, I'm new here but have spent the past few days browsing the forums before I decided to register. I have always had an interest in knives and now that I've got a steady job, I'm wanting to start purchasing knives to add to my currently lackluster collection.

Now, I'm no knife expert by any means. Every knife in my collection right now was purchased for under $20 so I'm pretty sure that what I have isn't something that'd be considered a good, let alone great, knife. I want to change that. Since I have no clue what kind of knives are out there right now, I need the help of the members here. What I'm looking for is a good, solid folder. Earlier tonight, I had my eyes on the Cold Steel Recon 1 (27LC) but I have no clue if that'd be a good choice or not. Does anybody have any experience with this knife and if so, what is your opinion on it? Aside from that knife, what would you all recommend that I purchase? What I'm looking for, in the easiest way to put it, is a knife that would give me the best "bang for my buck". My budget isn't too strict but I'd like to keep it around the $100 range if possible.

Also, this knife would be carried on my person quite a bit...excluding the time that I'm at work of course. The post office doesn't like that sort of thing, go figure ;) So, because of that, it would need to meet the legal requirements of the state of Kansas (4" or smaller blade).

Thanks in advance for helping me make a smart buying decision :)
 
Welcome to the forums.

I assume you are looking for a sturdy folder, with some emphasis on durability that will still cut well. In the ~$100 range (liberally construed), I would readily suggest the following knives:
Benchmade 710HS
Benchmade 635
Spyderco Para-Military
Spyderco Manix

Before buying any of thsoe though, I would have to buy a ~$20 Swiss Army knife, either the Camper or Rucksack model.

If you are more interested in pure cutting performance, a $8 Opinel #6, 7 or 8 should suit you well.

Of the knives I listed, Cliff Stamp has reviews for the Manix, Para, Rucksack and Opinel on his site that you may find interesting:
http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/reviews.html

Search for each and read the various reviews and comments. Each has some very strong features and drawbacks.

There really is no subsititute for going out and handling each one and seeing what feels best to your hand and your eyes.

After a while of reading here, you can figure out which knife users and reviewers have tastes that match your own and whose assertions have the most veracity. At that point, you can feel comfortable spending money based just on a favorable comment made by another person. For a head start, check out posts by Joe Talmadge, Jeff Clark and OwenM. If those guys say a knife is well built, cuts well, etc, you can bet the bank on it.


Hope that helps,
KT
 
Yeah, the (good) M16s and M21s are fantastic, but well under your price range at 40-50 dollars. You might try a Buck Strider. The Spyderco native is under your price range also but that's a solid knife. The para is a little over your price range, but it's pretty great. I can't believe no one has mentioned it yet, but the minigriptilian in D2 or S30V would be right around that price range and be perfect, in my opinion. In fact, I'll just go ahead and make my recommendation a D2 minigrip ala 75 dollars.

Just to be different, take a look at a microtech dragonfly/greenfly/swampfly (something fly)...they're 3.75 inch balisongs that are about 110 dollars each.
 
Benchmade AFCK or Emerson Commander. Check the for sale section of this site, either model pops up from time to time at a price that meets your price range.
 
I don’t have any experience with the Recon 1, but Cold Steel’s Voyager and Vaquero series (Zytel handles, AUS8 blades, made in Japan), are good knives for the money although I would recommend Spyderco's FRN handled knives over Cold Steel. The Spydercos have generally better blade steels (mostly premium VG-10 or rust proof H1 on the Salt’s) and ergonomics. I also much prefer Spyderco’s blade hole opening to Cold Steel’s smallish thumb studs. My favorite is the recently discontinued Calypso Jr. (a limited edition sprint version with red handles and laminated ZDP-189 blades is due to come out very soon).

The Vicorinox Swiss Army knives KT mentioned along with Benchmade’s Griptilian series are a great values also.


Welcome to Bladeforums and good luck with your selection!




- Frank
 
Welcome!

What I'm looking for is a good, solid folder.
Click to expand...
That is the exact definition of the Buck 110.

You might also check out the AG Russell One-Hand Featherlite. Slim, durable, well made, interesting, and affordable.

Sorry I don't have any Cold Steel knives, but I can confirm the other's comments regarding Spyderco products. Good stuff.

Every knife in my collection right now was purchased for under $20 so I'm pretty sure that what I have isn't something that'd be considered a good, let alone great, knife.
Click to expand...
I hope you don't think we are discriminatory based entirely on price. There are plenty of great knives in the $20 or less range.

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
Buck 112 Ranger is a fantastic knife. Pocketable, but a bit bulky and rides best in a belt pouch or vertically in the back pocket, next to the wallet.

It is definitely a knife made for working. Lockup is solid and very tight and the grip is one of the best I've ever felt in a folder. A lot of people don't seem to like the 420HC steel, but I've never had issues with it. It takes a nice edge with little work and keeps it good enough for me.

I gave my Ranger to my brother who works in the military, and despite all the abuse (cable, cans, scraping, prying) he's put it through it still preforms fine with little maintenance.

Cheers,
-Mikko-
 
The Benchmade 910HS is a great knife. The M2 blade and titanium liners at less than $100 if you shop around is a really good value.
 
if you are going to use it as EDC when you are not at work, i'll suggest a light benchmade (i love my BM942 ! :) )
if you intend to use it for more "heavy job" (trekking or whatever) you should follow previous suggestion for a
- spydie manix/endura/para-militari or
- benchmade griptilian or
- CRKT M16

anyway, if you start in this forum you'll see that you'll buy one knife because you ABSOLUTELY need one for that stuff... then one month after, another one for this job, then.... you discover that you are catch ! :D
 
There are lots of great choices in the $100 price range. It really comes down to what you like and what tasks you'll need the knife to perform. For example, if you like classic knives then a Buck 110 (with the S30V blade from Cabela´s) or a Queen slipjoint would be great choices. If you like one hand openers Spydercos and Benchmades are great knives.

I like Spydercos a lot for EDC. You've got a lot of options and, IMHO, "bang for your buck" is exactly what describes Spyderco knives. You get great blade steels for a reasonable price. My favourite are the Paramilitary and Manix for heavy work (heavy FOLDER work), the Viele and Delica for EDC. The Wegner is also one of my favourites, I don't know if it is still in production, but you can get a Wegner Pro Hunter for well under your budget.

The 550 Griptilian is my favourite from Benchmade. I don't like the other models very much because I don't like thumbstuds, but the axis lock is hard to beat. If you don't mind thumb studs check out the Ritter Griptilian, great blade geometry and steel choice.

The good old Buck 110 can't be overlooked. The 112 is a smaller version which makes a great city EDC knife. You can get them at Wallmart for a ridiculous price. If you like the design and want a nicer steel, check out Cabela's. You can probably get a Spyderco and a 110 for around 100 bucks.

SAKs are sometimes overlooked, but one of the sturdy alox models or a medium sized cellidor ones (like the Climber or Huntsman) makes a great companion for any knife. Instead of using your folder to tighten screws or pry, you'll have a screwdriver handy. And if you damage a $20 SAK, it's no big deal. Check out Tim's and Rich's stores at www.sosakonline.com those guys can come up with some great bargains.

Opinels are another cheap but useful knife. They cost around 10 bucks, you've got lots of sizes to choose from in either stainless or carbon steel and they are great cutting machines. Sharpness from factory isn't always good, but a wetstone will take care of that. You can probably afford to buy one with the change from your main knife! I like the ones that come with oak or olive handles instead of the usual ones.

Anyway, if you give us a couple more details about what you're looking for in a knife, or post some knives you like, I'm sure you'll get very detailed info.
 
I would think that an axis lock Benchmade would be a good choice to take you up several notches from where you are presently.
 
Sorry, haven't had much time lately to type up a reply. Since my original post, I've been looking around quite a bit and I think I've ruled out the Recon 1. Mainly because of what I've read about the company and how it handles it's business. That doesn't mean that it's not a good knife but I'd rather not support a dishonest company and if some of the things I've read are true, that's exactly what Cold Steel appears to be.

Now, I am about as close to a novice as possible when it comes to knives. I have no experience sharpening knives and I have no tools here to do so. So, in addition to knife suggestions, I'd appreciate it if someone could point me towards the right direction in regards to what tools I would need to maintain excellent condition of the blade. As well as a site (or sites) on the proper way to use said tools.

As for what knives I've had my eye on since the Recon, I've most been considering the Benchmade 710HS, CRKT M16/M21, and possibly Spyderco Paramilitary. The lowest price I've found for the 710HS was around $116. Haven't searched much for different prices on for the M16/M21 models because, well, they have a lot of different models for those knives...each with different prices. The lowest that I found for the Paramilitary was around $116 as well, the black blade that is. Regular Paramilitary was around $105 if I remember correctly. So, I've got it narrowed down to 3-4 knives. Out of those, which would you all recommend and are those prices a good deal? Also what's the best M16 or M21 model? I'm still taking recommendations for other knives as well, this is just my current list of possiblities.

I'm sorry to be such a burden. I'm sure you all have answered questions like these countless times but I really do appreciate the help. Thanks :)
 
For sharpening check out the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I hear its easy to use and it comes with an instructional video. I dont have it but i've heard good thing bout it.
 
Hi

Many more knowledgeble people here on these forums then me I'm sure... but here's my 2 cents :)

Except for the 710HSSR witch deu to the high carbon M2 steel NEEDS a black coating :) I would suggest buying a satin finish blade (i mean: without black coating)
Coating gets ugly over time ya know

Do you like serrations? if u do..keep in mind spyderco has the best serrations of the bunch :)

Lastly..if I were to choose out of the 3 you mention..it would be 710 or paramillie, the CRKT are nice, but definatley not as good as those 2!!

Hope i've been of some assistence to you
Good luck!

(oh..and also a YES on the Spyderco Sharpmaker ;) )

Davy
 
Bang for buck. CRKT's M16-14's. I have an early model M16-14LE. I use this knife every day and it still works like new. I carry this as my work knife and use at home knife. I have abused it mercilessly. I have heaps of folders from Benchmade to Spyderco and few other makers in between. The CRKT is still my fav because I know it will take a hard time. As a 23 year street policeman I want to know my tools work. I've even had occasion to hammer the knife through an internal door to cut out a lock. (little kid on the otherside of the door with a dog. Smashing the door may have knocked him over on a tile floor).

I love all my knives. Only the M16 I have a soft spot for.
 
Between the Spyderco Paramilitary, the Benchmade 710HS and the CRK&T M-16/M-21 series I would choose the Paramilitary.

I love the ergonomics, that blade shape and steel and the lock works great. Besides, I really like opening holes more than thumbstuds. This is one of my favourite Spydercos.


The M-16 and M-21 series can't compete fairly because they are half the price, so materials have to be cheaper. The best thing they've got going for them is that besides being solid performers (at least the two I've had) they cost around $50, which is a very reasonable price for a folder. IMHO, if you're just getting started on knives you should get a moderately priced knife first. So if you screw up while sharpening you won't be too worried.

I remember reading about some issues with the M-16 liner lock, so maybe you should check them out in person.
 
A few of the knives discussed above are in the below pic - Thought you might find it useful in getting an overall feel for size. hope it helps.
I personally like my using folders in this $100 price range - most of the below fall into this category. The BM710HS ( 5th from left ) is great value for the coin, as an all round well made solid folder. The CRKT M16 ( 2nd form left ) is value for money, but not suited for my requirements. The Paramilitary ( 3rd from right ) is a well thought out piece of cutlery, but I prefer a larger blade to handle ratio. The BM mini RSK and the Spy. Calypso Jr ( 1st and 2nd from left ) are really good smaller folders that cut like no tomorrow.

Be careful, 1 is never enough!!!!
folders2.jpg
 
Going to have to kill myself with anticipation and wait a while. Had some expenses come in that I wasn't expecting. I'll keep shopping around though. Thanks for the help.

I've got two questions left though, a couple of people have mentioned the Spyderco Sharpmaker. Now, I don't doubt that it's a great tool but I've ran across the Slide Sharp on CRKT's website and it's got me kind of interested. Does anybody have any experience with the Slide Sharp? Also, how easy to use is the Sharpmaker when it comes to somebody with no prior experience sharpening knives?

Again, thanks for the replies :)
 
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