Hi - my first post, also looking for my first folder - need some advice thanks.

S

SteelGuy

Joined
Aug 18, 2004
Messages
28
Hi All,

Im new to bladeforums, although have been looking around for the past week or so, looking for any post that catchs my eye.

Right now I am interested in getting a new folding knife, and although I only briefly held one, am kind of hung up on the Benchmade line with Axis lock (esp Their AFCK/TSEK stuff, among others).

I like the Benchmade 806D2 Steel Knife...supposed to one of the better ones.

I also like some spyderco stuff, but I think I would want a benchmade of some kind for a first knife.

Im not sure if I should be breaking the bank and going all out on a first knife..I want to use this for EDC so do you guys think It would be advisable to get used to a smaller knife first and learn how to handle it well etc. ?
Not to mention there are other benchmades notably cheaper with similar features, although seem not as nice...
IE the Griptilian, which I see recommended to those who are new to the folding scene.

What do you guys think I should go with - Pretty much Want the knife for general use, IE Mail, Cutting fruit :cool:, and self defense type stuff later on (Don't think I need it for SD But would be cool to know how).

Thanks in advance for your advice, Great forum - lots and lots of helpful ideas and info.
 
Hi, My suggestion would be Plain-Edge Spyderco Para-Military!

Ted
 
SteelGuy, welcome to Bladeforums!

You're off to a good start, thinking before buying. You've also focussed on good knives from a good company. And the Griptilians are an advanced concept in working knives.

You've got a choice among the Griptilians of large or small, thumstud or opening hole, and different colors. The price is also right, even if -- when! -- you move on from there and start buying other knives. Your Griptilian will always be a solid user.

I have some knives in pairs, one large and one small, so I can carry one in the woods, and still have a more compact version for more "civilian" carry and still get the same feel. If you like the Griptilian you get first, you can go for the other size pretty cheaply.

Right, there are thousands of other good choices. Gotta start somewhere :D
 
Don't think that you need to start with a cheaper/more conservative knife from the begining. If you want one of the higher grades, just pry open that wallet and go for it! I just recomend that you ask your self if you are ready to take care of something like that. I have had a lot of customers in my store wanting Spydies but complaining how they are always losing things. I guess my recomendation is to just buy what you want. definitely head to your local knife store and get your hands on them first. You're already looking at good knives, so try to just find what feels comfortable to you.
-Knifeclerk
PS: Welcome to bladeforums
 
I happen to live in the Bay Area and for some reason cannot seem to find any knife stores (there is one on the Pier I know that much - I checked out a few there actually)
But beyond that I don't know of any - Anyone have recommendations?
 
The Benchmade 806D2 is an excellent choice - strong construction, axis lock and great blade.

The Spyderco Military is another excellent choice - my favorite.

Both classics and good folder choices.
 
SteelGuy:
if you want to make a commute once in a while, head over here to Santa Cruz. In the tiny town of Capitola alone, we have two wonderful knife stores. I don't mean sporting goods. Two very nice, strictly cutlery, stores. There is a place here called "The Outpost." come over on the weekend when the owner is working. (This is not my store. This is my "competitor".) This guy can tell you anything you want to know. And he'll give you some great deals too! I actually buy from him pretty often because his deals are better than my employee's discount.
Or if you want to swing by, I work at Merlo's Cutlery in the Capitola Mall.
 
Hey Knifeclerk, I was in your store a few days ago. Didn't have too much time to look around. Was thinking about heading over to the Outpost at some point, that's in the Village, right? Got some cash coming my way soon, was thinking about getting a Benchmade. :)

Knifeclerk said:
SteelGuy:
if you want to make a commute once in a while, head over here to Santa Cruz. In the tiny town of Capitola alone, we have two wonderful knife stores. I don't mean sporting goods. Two very nice, strictly cutlery, stores. There is a place here called "The Outpost." come over on the weekend when the owner is working. (This is not my store. This is my "competitor".) This guy can tell you anything you want to know. And he'll give you some great deals too! I actually buy from him pretty often because his deals are better than my employee's discount.
Or if you want to swing by, I work at Merlo's Cutlery in the Capitola Mall.
Click to expand...
 
G'day SteelGuy,
You wont go wrong with BM's or Spydies.
Maybe save some money on your first folder, get a mini grip, Delica , Native or similar and buy some good sharpening tools with the change. A Sharpmaker 204 and a diamond bench stone will do most jobs.
If you already own the sharpening utensils and are proficient at using them, buy a higher end folder, 806D2, 710HS, Paramilitary, Military, Sere etc.
 
Hey Gary007.
Yeah, if you want a BM, definately check out the Outpost for the latest and greatest. Our selection at my store is could be described as 'limited' at best! They also have some very sharp William Henrys there if you are leaning in that direction.
Yeah, it's in the village.
PS: please nobody tell my manager I do this.
 
I'm leaning heavily toward getting a griptillian...mainly because I am not really sure if I Can take care of something higher grade than that - I would feel I would be doing a disservice (To myself and the knife) to not take proper care of an ACFK or something of that calibur...

I do not know how to sharpen knives - is that something I should pick up reguardless of what I get?
What set of sharpners should I purchase.
I know little about sharpening as of right now since I am just focused on the knife, maby It is something to look into..

All this leads me to push for the Griptilian, a seemingly more 'novice' everday carry knife...

I think I read on these forums even that an AFCK is like a vette and something like a grip is like a Camry...

Maby a bad analogy :P In any case, I probably need more experience with a knife thats more run of the mill so I don't have to worry about messing it up before going all out...thats my reasoning..
Not to mention buying sharpening stuff isn't a bad idea..

Don't get me wrong, AFCK seems like THE Bang for the buck...but since I haven't ever had a folder..this seems like something to ease into.

Hmm just some thoughts...Let me know what you all think, thanks for the welcomes all of you and the great advice so far!
Really appreciate it.
Thanks again.
SteelGuy
 
Hi SteelGuy, I cannot consider myself as an expert, but let's say I'm an amateur-knife-lover. Since I'm a leftie, but for most of the tasks I become ambidextrous, I like many of Kershaw's models with the Speed-Safe system. For EDC, I don't leave home without my old Leatherman ST, & beside it I always take one of these two models:
1- A Kershaw Tactical Blur (black aluminium handle, with a modified-by-me black plain blade).
2- A brand new Kershaw Avalanche (same Speed-Safe system, same black finished blade, but with G-10 handles with a very good grip).

As I said, I'm an amateur, so I guess there will be many of you who consider these knives of mine like toys, but I like them & they give me good service, even for SD.
PS: I don't see comments about Kershaw knives frequently on the forum. Why? I think they deserve more attention. :cool:
 
hello,
Iv been collecting knives for years and my personal favorites or the companies i own the moast of are Emerson !, Benchmade, Kershaw and SOG. choose wisely from any of these companies and im sure you wont be dissapointed.

p.s. the Emerson "wave" and Kershaw speedsafe are ones to concider, they are some of my "play every day" knives.
 
I'd suggest handling several knives before plunking down your change, just to make sure you like how they feel in hand. I can usually tell pretty quick if I am going to like something or not by handling one for a few minutes. As far as guaduating up, I'd say if the BM806 feels good to you, go ahead and get it. Although, I would suggest either picking up a something cheap or use an older kitchen knife to practice sharpening.

Speaking of sharpening, the best bang for the buck systen out there is the Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker. As long as you don't let the edge get REAL dull this will take care of you. If you do a "sharpmaker" search here, you will learn all you need to know and then some. THe instructions that come with it are the best.

In addition to the 204. an inexpensive flat stone works well to bring an edge down thin enough (reprofile) to finish sharpen on the 204.
 
how about the doug ritter griptilian in S30v and axis lock

great steel, great lock....$104
 
SteelGuy said:
I do not know how to sharpen knives - is that something I should pick up reguardless of what I get?
What set of sharpners should I purchase.
I know little about sharpening as of right now since I am just focused on the knife, maby It is something to look into..
Click to expand...
Regardless of what knife you eventually buy, and a Grip would certainly be a good first choice, you should get yourself a Spyderco Sharpmaker 204. This is an EXCELLENT sharpener and even the most basic beginner can easily get a seriously sharp edge on any knife. It even comes with a good instruction book and video showing you exactly how to use it. Maybe later you might want to go to freehand sharpening on a stone but the Sharpmaker will get you going in the right direction.
 
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