I need a blade for everyday use. what should I get?

Joined
Nov 10, 2007
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36
Hello bladeforums-

I am looking for a compact (around 10 inches OAL or less) utility/selfdefence knife. It would like it to have a sheath that is simple and attatches to a belt. I would prefer stainless, but something in carbon that isnt ridiculously high maintainance would be alright too. I would really prefer a fixed blade. No serrations.

All this for under 60 dollars- waddya guys think?
 
Well, if your willing to go $25.00 more you can get a Greco custom for $85.00. Take a look at the Companion, Boot knife, Hunter flat ground, or the Fox Fighter. All are 9.5 to 10 inches oal, and the Hunter and Fox Fighter have coated blades. Steel is a high carbon tool steel, either 8670 or on the Boot knife you can get 52100, which is a super tough steel. John Greco knives ain't fancy, just down to business knives! Look at www.grecoknives.com At 10.5 inches and $125.00, the Whisper is a sweet looking piece!! The Texas Ranger bowie is one of the best looking bowies I've seen. Something about it seems to be calling my name! Check out the stag handles on it, and at $185.00 would have to be a bargin. I may have to go for one in the next month or two. Gotta get through Christmas first!!
 
Me personally for 60 bucks from Newgraham.com i bought the buck strider 2 and a half years ago, and its the strongest knife i ever have used. Its done everything from cutting rope, to batoning threw wood, its the only folder i would trust my life on. I like it because its heavy. i broke the tip off prying my interior door panel off and i grounded it down and now i have an ice/window breaker. Its also good because its blunt and not sharp so it can be used to cut off clothing and anything else on a person. i love it and im gonna get another one in O.D. green. I have the coyote brown. I love it. I have carried other higher end ones and it doesnt even come close. It also is the easiest to sharpen to. Keeps an edge for a looooooooong time.
 
The stonewash finish on the Companion will really help against rust pits from forming. Won't stop rust, just hinder it a bit! Kabar is making some good knives at a really low price. Good suggestion Bax Axe.
 
I like the impact tanto and impact d2 spear point. what do you think of these? kabar short tanto?
 
Any knife can be used for self defense. A nice puukko is a good choice. If you know the 9 cuts technique you would know this to be true. A razor sharp scandanavian grind is quite nice. It is seen as a thing of beauty, and is not something that is perceived as a weapon. You would do well to check out these knives. The Finns fought off an overwelming army of Russians, with their rifles, and puukkos.
 
I have looked at a puukko, the cold steel finn bear. I just wish that the handle were a bit smaller and the blade a little longer. I like that they are not percieved as a weapon. Is there one you would reccomend to me for the price range(0-$60)?
 
I have looked at a puukko, the cold steel finn bear. I just wish that the handle were a bit smaller and the blade a little longer. I like that they are not percieved as a weapon. Is there one you would reccomend to me for the price range(0-$60)?

Check out Ragnars Forge. He carries a great selection puukkos. His prices vary from $50-$90. I bought the Helle Jubileum knife [first one listed]. There are two, with the same name, for some strange reason. It has a walnut handle and triple laminated stainless steel. It is beautiful, and very functional. I truely believe you will like this knife. I have many knives. This is one of my favorites, and the price is not unreasonable, at $90.
 
Pull up Cold Steel's site on your computer, then check out their Master Hunter and their SRK (Survival Rescue Knife). The SRK is probably closer to what you seem to be looking for, but look at several of their models.
 
The srk with its secure ex sheath seems to be getting a bit too big. The sheath is the main reason I dont like that for this. I may just buy it anyway, though, as i have been wanting one for some time.
 
Ontario Rat 3 if it's not too small, it's 1095 carbon steel, though and the Rat 5 is around $80.
 
For everyday carry and use I would recommend a drop point or clip point rather than a tanto--they seem to be more useful.
Many makers make such knives and the determining factor is how it feels in your hand and looks to your eyes. There is no such thing as a 'best knife' for what you want.
If you are going to do a lot of cutting pushing forward, and/or point work, or working with wet/slippery hands then a shape that prevents fingers from sliding onto the blade may be useful.
As rick43t3 said, any knife can be used for self defense, but as many places prohibit carrying for that reason, I'd advise you stay away from tactical knives just in case you have to use it for that and then defend yourself further to the police or in court.
If self-defense is a real need, I'd also be getting some lessons.
Greg
 
Some good suggestions already made here.

All the knife you will ever need is the Mora, It may not be the one you want but does the job, non threatening looking, simple sheath, sharp as :) and easy to replace, easy to maintain. Get 2 and keep one in the tool box or truck. $15.00 ea or less.

Where is BK&T when you need them!! A BK6 or BK10 would have been perfect but for a little more money the RAT 3 fits the budget and is available at most good dealers plus has a nice belt clip sheath.

If you like them more showy or polished the #194 Buck Alpha Hunter looks good, works good, USA made and may just fit the budget. If not they have more traditional leather handled hunters that will.

K Bar; Any K BAR will last a lifetime. The D2 Impact is bad to the bone. Super Steel. Will scare small children though :eek: Is in your price range.

One last one, The Blackjack small in cocobolo. Less threatening than most but a SUPER VG10 Blade with a convex grind. Simple leather sheath. Great little knife! I have 2.
 
The Benchmade 151 (fixed Griptilian) might be a good candidate. The cheapest I found from a quick search was for $69 shipped on eBay. It's a great knife, especially at that price. 8.72" overall.
 
Any knife can be used for self defense. A nice puukko is a good choice. If you know the 9 cuts technique you would know this to be true. A razor sharp scandanavian grind is quite nice. It is seen as a thing of beauty, and is not something that is perceived as a weapon. You would do well to check out these knives. The Finns fought off an overwelming army of Russians, with their rifles, and puukkos.

I'll bite. What is the "9 cuts technique?"

todd
 
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