Hi guys, new here, looking for my first knife :)

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Oct 25, 2003
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Hello, I'm from western wisconsin, and I'm looking for a general daily carry fixed blade knife, for everyday use, self defense (I hope it doesn't have to come to that, but it's better than a concealed handgun) and hunting.

I was looking at the SOG SEAL 2000 knife, but reviews say it's fairly weak, and tends to get dull quick. I won't be putting a lot of stress on it, and it won't be abused. Does this sound like a good knife?

It's fairly cheap as well, I found it with a composite steath for about 78 dollars shipped.

Any opinions are welcome guys. Info needed.

Thanks
 
Spyderco & Benchmade both offer better knives for around the same money. By better I mean type of steel & edgeholding, and better ergonomics and materials in the handles. Keep browsing here, there are a lot of choices besides what I just mentioned.
 
How much are you willing to spend?

SOG, Spyderco and Benchmade are top choices and have great prices.
 
The seal2000 is 440A (and sometimes advertised as AUS6, a nearly identical steel), holds an edge very poorly, but is more corrosion resistant than most other steels. The humidity in your area might warrant a staisless steel, but I'm sure you'll need its edge to last longer than the seal is capable of. You also seem to be size and budget oriented. Sticking with SOG, and keeping in mind that you say you won't abuse it, I'd reccommend the X-42 Recondo. The BG-42 blade will hold an edge far longer than the Seal2000, its nearly as large and cheap, and its a very stainless steel. A friend of mine had very good results with his in Afghanistan a while back (he didn't abuse his either).
For your first knife though, you might be more comfortable with something something a bit more comfortable for daily carry, like the Nimravus, Emerson police, or the Spyderco temperance, all in stainless steels far superior to 440A.
I have a SOG seal pup, and its lack of performance on land is why I replaced it with a Busse Badger Attack 3, which cost 4 times more than the pup. But with less money I'd have gone with the Nimravus. Just food for thought.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I think I might keep looking for a knife. I would be willing to spend up to $200 on a quality knife, since these tools are priceless when we need them most, and when I go to use my tools, I dont like them to be dull.

It's a shame the blade of the Seal2000 doesnt hold the sharpness very long, I would expect it to, since it's the official knife of the navy SEALs, but I guess I'm wrong. Thanks again guys. :D

Oh I forgot to add, I love the look of the SEAL knife more than any other knife, I don't know, but there's something about it that's infatuating. :)
 
The Gerber Yari would be alot better knife, as it is 154CM steel and canvas micarta scales...(Sadly, this knife has been DC'd by Gerber, 'tho.).

There is also the Spyderco Temperance, with VG-10 steel and a comfortable FRN handle.
 
Reading those advertisements about knives and their qualities is only half the story. What you should do is to drop by at one of those shops that sells some of the knives you like.

Ask the proprietor if you could handle them. Put the knife in your hands. Feel its weight and its balance. Try the locking mechanism. Then follow your heart.
 
try a cs master hunter its sharp as hell iv used mine for many deer and it comes back for more , its small to be carried but it will be awsome as a defence tool too...semper fi:grumpy:
 
$200 gives you ALOT of area to work with. Dozier,Busse,etc.My favorite is the 4" Chris Reeve ShadowIII. The 4" CR also comes in the Aviator, Mountaineer. Onepiece design of Kalgard coated A2 tool steel. $180.
 
For $200 you can even look at custom fixed blades as well as production knives. :D Geno Denning and Bob Dozier are two that come to mind; although there are plenty of others that can fit you needs for $200. For production knives there is Benchmade and or a KaBar with one of the new versions using a synthetic handle and D2 blade steel. Just look around and maybe do a search, you will find all kinds of options.
 
$200? Fixed blade?

You could go the way of customs (ok, for some, maybe add a little more)...Bob Dozier, Bobby Branton, Gene Ingram, David Winston, Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works, John Greco, Arno Bernard, many many more....

They're all superb. But you will have a wait time, and may/may not get the materials/look you want. Some may veer towards the traditional looking hunting/skinning look, as opposed to the tactical look.

If you like the tactical look....try Shane Sibert. He's got a couple of 4 inch S30V fixed blades with G10 scales which will definitely outchop the SEAL 2000. At only $200 apiece.

For production fixed blades, have a look at:

- camillus CQB series in carbon steel (only $60-odd)
- spyderco fred perrin ($100 ish)
- al mar sere operator in S30V ($130 ish)
- BK&T line of knives
- swamp rats
- benchmade hunting/nimravus line

OK, now for the quick tips...there's a budding knifemaker "oku" who's selling some blades for under $200 on the Exchange forums here.

You could also get second hand Striders, Busses at that price.

Have fun!
 
There have been a lot of good suggestions. Personally, I don't think you could do any better than a Bob Dozier custom. Most of his models are under your $200 limit. Check out both the "Hunting" and "Military/Tactical" sections.

If you don't want to wait for him to make one to your specifications, A.G. Russell keeps a nice selection of Dozier blades in stock. My favorite is the Modified Personal. Also check out his Slim Outdoorsman.

I would also recommend that you go with one of Bob's horizontal kydex belt sheaths for whichever model you choose. They allow you to carry a small-to-medium fixed blade comfortably and without being conspicuous.

--Bob Q
 
I guess there are a lot of knifes. Thank you everyone for the help. You guys are truly great :)

Any look is fine with me, but I prefer the assault looking knifes, such as the seal 2000. I would like to stay away from the lock blades, because wouldn't the blood and such gunk up the pins and action? I'll keep looking, I have a week or so before I get paid.

Thanks again
 
I'd like to 2nd spyken's tip on Oku's knives. I purchased one of his fine utility models, complete with custom sheath, and it's a bargain. Very nice execution and will fit the bill for a everyday fixed carry blade. EricO
 
Spyken mentioned it but I'll reinforce it....Camillus CQB-3. Great piece for a low price.
 
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