Hi, and what should my next knife be?[longish]

soa

soa

Joined
May 31, 2000
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I'm an occasional Gadget&Gear poster, and this is my first venture on here. I'm in the UK, and if you multiply US prices by about 1.6, that's what we pay minimum here.

I got into this by importing a Leatherman PST II, then wanting an easy open blade.
I got a Buck Crosslock Solitaire which was OK, but a bit wobbly; a CRKT KISS - which is pretty, but a bit twee (not much use for a tanto blade...).

I decided I wanted a better blade so went Spyderco Endura, but that - tho' really sharp had some handle flex. In the meantime I got a SAK Champ at a good price - about $45 US which is cheap here.

I then bit the bullet (no, we don't have guns here...) and bought a BM710. I love it. [Though since I'm used to decent size folders, I didn't realise how it upsets non knife users when it snaps open quickly]. Anyway, I feel I need another knife....
I go for technical niceness and I'm tempted by the Emerson CQB 7 - waved, but ISTR that's only tanto and chisel, which I'm not too sure about.

Any suggestions as to what else might ring my bell? BTW, in the UK, as things are, the knife would be general utility, *not* defence. Caught with a tac folder here - and in a fight? Straight to jail.

I still rotate them all through carry, but the Leatherman is EDC, and the BM710 sneaks in more than it should. Any comments on my first few knives? [My wife just thinks I was deprived of sharp things as a child.]:) :mad: :mad:
 
I think you need the 710's little brother - the 705. Same features as the 710, except it doesn't have the recurved blade.
 
Get out of England. A country that denies its citizens the right and means of self protection is not legitimate.

But if you have to stay... Waved 7, or Waved mini 7 it they ever come available. Get it with green G-10 and bolsters, plain blade and NO SERATIONS. "Its too pretty to be a weapon, officer, the box opener is for work given to me by a lady friend for my birthday..."
 
If you are looking for a good, solid "working-folder", take a look at the REKAT Pioneer series. This folder comes in 4 different blade-styles (in ATS-34 steel), so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.:).
 
Soa Take a look at the Kershaw Boa a lot of bang for the buck, plus it has assisted opening, and the wave feature. Hey Soa rhymes with Boa too so it must be meant to be:D
 
I think any of the Kershaw Ken Onion knives will ring your bell. I carry the Random Task, and I love it. It is a little dressy with polished G10 scales, but it is quite functional, and the workmanship is excellent.

If you truly like gadgets, you will probably love Ken Onion's Speed Safe assisted opening.
 
CAMILLUS CUDA EDC FRAME LOCK

EDC.jpg


EDC2.jpg
 
How about either a Spyderco Wegner or a Benchmade 940 Osborne. Either is a decent tactical dressed as a superb utility.
 
Just a brief update for you...

I couldn't resist a couple of newies...

So, a Camillus EDC and a Kershaw Boa are on their way.

SHall I tell you what I think of them when they arrive?
 
I have both a Boa & 154CM EDC.

The boa is AWESOME! I absolutely love mine.

Since I got this G2 sheath, the boa sees nearly as much EDC time as my customs -- costing many times the $$$.

1aos.jpg
 
soa, you will really enjoy both your choices.

Michael, that is a great looking combo you have there. How long did it take to get the G2 sheath?
 
>"I wanted a better blade so went Spyderco Endura, but that - tho' really sharp had some handle flex."

I wouldn't confuse the slight flex found in Spyderco's FRN handles with weakness. Their knives are light AND strong as a tank. If you're looking for something smaller, I suggest a Delica or Pro-Grip or Pro-Grip Lighweight (plain edge for me, but it's your call).
 
Originally posted by knifenerd
How long did it take to get the G2 sheath?
Click to expand...

I got the timing just right so I think it was about a week -- I don't remember exactly, but it sure seemed quick.

Mike
 
Benchmade 940, with a satin blade and no teeth, it doesnt look very threatening, it is a great medium size knife, and a good user. The 940 is a wonderful piece with a well crafted AL handle 154CM blade and an axis lock
 
Hi soa. Never noticed this thread until now. Got behind by several days when down with bad back, and can't catch up.

Had I posted before you made your decisions and ordered, I'd have strongly suggested the Spyderco Native FRN. It has the FRN handle, of course, but is more stoutly built than the Endura/Delica. It also has what may be one of the top premium steels in it, CPM440V. The jury is still out on that one.

I think you'll find the EDC an adequate medium sized knife for EDC. I think you'll also really enjoy the Boa. It is quietly becoming a real favorite of many forumites. The Speed Safe is such a kick. I have the Avalanche and Whirlwind.

Just a suggestion, based on my own paranoia, I guess. I'd carry 2 knives at a time. I'd carry the EDC as well as either the Boa or 710. I think on those occasins when you need to use or display one of your knives, you'll do well to use the smaller EDC for the task. It helps to open them two-handed, not with your best speed-move opening. The trouble with the EDC is that it isn't ambidextrous. The Native, Endura, and Delica are all ambidextrous. This, of course, enables one to have a strong side knife -- assuming you're right-handed -- and a backup for the weak side. That's why a smaller knife on the weak/left side can be so helpful. But, since your Endura is ambidextrous, you certainly can have the weak side knife be the larger. I do on a couple rotations of my carry knives.

You might check with the General, another Brit -- well, Welsh -- who is widely versed in knives and the laws of your wet land. He is a Spdyerco fan, as well as liking many other knives. I think he is in a unique position to offer you sound advice.
 
The Kershaw Ken Onions and Spydercos are amongst the best options that are still within most buyers' means. I would suggest the CRKT M16 with Carson flipper as well, but it looks a bit too "tactical" for your neck of the woods.
 
i'd ordered the Boa and EDC some week ago, and they arrived here this morning - I was lucky, and UK Customs hadn't bothered to stop me for the full value declared on the box...

First impressions?
Both very pretty knives - my long suffering wife always asks me to explain exactly why I felt I needed to buy "another expensive penknife". She said the MC boa looked very pretty, but was a bit nervous about the opening mechanism.

The EDC she said looked subtle - I would say non-threatening and I think it may in truth go to EDC for that reason.

The Boa looks pretty, but has a very intense blade shape, and with practice that speedsafe should be fine - I'm a little unsure as to the safety though:(

Now, back to Joe Talmadge's sharpening faq to work out recurved blades, and whether I should get the 204 Sharpmaker - or a Lansky sharpening system... or ruin my babies for life by hand sharening..
 
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