-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
I'm new to this... First Serious Blade
- Thread starter sl.124
- Start date
Absintheur
Banned
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2008
- Messages
- 3,280
CDNN still has them for $26.99
Haha nice, maybe I'll get one alongside another blade, I really don't dig the looks but if they're good and $27...
I'll reiterate what I've posted elsewhere here regarding my experiences. I got back into knives via this board probably about a year ago. At the recommendation of board members my first order was for two knives that I planned to EDC.
The first was a Boker Trance. I've bought a dozen or more knives in the past year, and I still carry this one more than any other tactical type. I have some traditional folders I carry about as often, usually SAK's or my Case Stockman. Anyhow, the Trance is well made, comfortable to carry and to use, and cost a whopping $25. Hard to beat that.
The second knife in my initial purchase was a Benchmade mini-Griptillian. I went with the black blade. I've since sold this knife as it didn't fit me well. I'm a big guy with big hands and the mini-grip was just too small for me. I never felt safe using it since it didn't sit right in my hand. Other than that, it was a solid, well made knife. It didn't really impress me any more than the Trance though. I think I paid around $60 for the mini-grip.
My next favorite in the tactical folder arena is the Spyderco Delica in stainless that I bought later on. I like this knife as it's rather substantial - you really know you are holding something. Blade design is excellent on this as well. I carry this knife around the house after I get home from the office and on weekends mostly. This knife was in the price range you mentioned you were looking at.
I am definitely looking into the delica though right now I'm leaning towards the blur, if anyone has used both...
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2006
- Messages
- 10,795
sl, I've owned Kershaws, Benchmades and Spydies. All are good. Right now I feel Kershaw offers the best bang for your buck. You get a whole lot of knife for your $$ and Kershaw's first class customer service.
You seem to be focused in on the S30V Blur. It meets all of your requirements and is a great folder. SpeedSafe is addictive! They're tough as nails, and the slight recurve is easily sharpened with something as simple as the Sharpmaker. I've got quite a few in various steels from 440A up to S90V, and they are great knives. Currently, they are available in 13C26 and S30V. The popular auction site will yield a SG2 blade every now and then, but they are becoming hard to find. Kershaw also just released a sprint run in Blue, with bead blasted blades in plain edge and partially serrated edge, along with a black DLC coated partially serrated blade. These are all in 13C26, and the total run is 200 pieces of each. If you decide to get one of the regular production models in S30V, you won't be disappointed.
Drop by the Kershaw sub-forum under the Manufacturer's page here and look around. Ask questions. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people there. You'll get a lot of information.
You seem to be focused in on the S30V Blur. It meets all of your requirements and is a great folder. SpeedSafe is addictive! They're tough as nails, and the slight recurve is easily sharpened with something as simple as the Sharpmaker. I've got quite a few in various steels from 440A up to S90V, and they are great knives. Currently, they are available in 13C26 and S30V. The popular auction site will yield a SG2 blade every now and then, but they are becoming hard to find. Kershaw also just released a sprint run in Blue, with bead blasted blades in plain edge and partially serrated edge, along with a black DLC coated partially serrated blade. These are all in 13C26, and the total run is 200 pieces of each. If you decide to get one of the regular production models in S30V, you won't be disappointed.
Drop by the Kershaw sub-forum under the Manufacturer's page here and look around. Ask questions. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people there. You'll get a lot of information.
^ I am indeed focused on the blur atm, plain s30v is good enough for me, if it compares with the griptilian, delica etc. then I'll probably get it if there's a big difference in performance outside of looks then maybe not.
I would like to thank all the responses thus far, very informative and a great community here (maybe I won't think that after uhh my tenth knife hehe)
I would like to thank all the responses thus far, very informative and a great community here (maybe I won't think that after uhh my tenth knife hehe)
The truth is it appears to me that here you either fall into the Kershaw camp or the Spyderco camp. Most Spyderco users respect Kershaw and recognize them as a good knife and value, but don't use or carry them because they're "weird", and same for vice-versa. I suspect that this is why the Spyderco/Kershaw/Ken Onion collaboration knife, the SpyKer sold terribly. When I was new to knives one piece of advice that was given to me that still sticks to this day is that, to paraphrase, "to see the world properly, you have to have both." I extend the same piece of advice to you.
S30V is a great steel but it doesn't mean you should discount VG-10 or 154CM. These three are considered great steels and roughly within the same range of quality although it seems to be consensus that S30V > VG-10 > 154CM. After using S30V and VG-10 extensively I can't say I'd pick a knife based on steel choices alone as they perform similarly with VG-10 having the edge (no pun intended) on sharpening to a keener edge and S30V with edge retention.
Given a choice between two identical knives using VG-10 or S30V, though, I'd probably pick VG-10 because I don't mind sharpening slightly more frequently to have a sharper edge.
S30V is a great steel but it doesn't mean you should discount VG-10 or 154CM. These three are considered great steels and roughly within the same range of quality although it seems to be consensus that S30V > VG-10 > 154CM. After using S30V and VG-10 extensively I can't say I'd pick a knife based on steel choices alone as they perform similarly with VG-10 having the edge (no pun intended) on sharpening to a keener edge and S30V with edge retention.
Given a choice between two identical knives using VG-10 or S30V, though, I'd probably pick VG-10 because I don't mind sharpening slightly more frequently to have a sharper edge.
^ I can see why that would be true, I was looking at both product lines, and the different design philosophies seem very contrasting if that's the right word. Saying that, if I would pick one I defiantly like the look of Kershaw knives more and if this makes any sense, I also like the word better 
though of course that shouldn't be a factor. For a first knife I think I'll go with Kershaw but if, as you guys promised, that I'll get another... and another... and another... the griptilian and delica are next (provided I get the blur), damn I forgot the fixed blade...
Regarding steels, I wouldn't mind a slightly inferior/a steel that has different qualities to s30v which seems the best all around as far as I've read.
Thanks for the response!
though of course that shouldn't be a factor. For a first knife I think I'll go with Kershaw but if, as you guys promised, that I'll get another... and another... and another... the griptilian and delica are next (provided I get the blur), damn I forgot the fixed blade...Regarding steels, I wouldn't mind a slightly inferior/a steel that has different qualities to s30v which seems the best all around as far as I've read.
Thanks for the response!
I was going to suggest looking at the BM 615 Mini-Rukus. The ZT0200 is also a good knife, and while looking at the ZT's you need to look at the ZT 0500 MUDD. This is my personal favorite of the ZT line. Sealed pivot, sealed lock, great in the hand feel, very usable blade shape, and a low ride clip so you don't advertise you are carrying a knife.
tough call...and from your msg i assume you are wanting a folder.
as has been stated earlier that price range allows many different choices.
i can only speak from first-hand experience, but every spyderco i have ever purchased (since 1990) has been razor sharp and very well made, i've just never been disappointed with any model that i have bought from them over the years; in fact they seem to get better as time goes on...and for me i prefer the "hole" to just about any other method...but that may be a personal preference.
i did break the tip off of my ats-55 endura trying to pry my stuck credit card out of a faulty atm, but that was my fault (as well as the banks!)
i recently procured two of the full-size black manix plain edge models for safe queens. they are so well made that, imho, i see no reason to go custom (although it is true that i have never handled a sebenza).
for hard use i chose the zt200...and have not been disappointed...as far as folders go it's a rock.
as has been stated earlier that price range allows many different choices.
i can only speak from first-hand experience, but every spyderco i have ever purchased (since 1990) has been razor sharp and very well made, i've just never been disappointed with any model that i have bought from them over the years; in fact they seem to get better as time goes on...and for me i prefer the "hole" to just about any other method...but that may be a personal preference.
i did break the tip off of my ats-55 endura trying to pry my stuck credit card out of a faulty atm, but that was my fault (as well as the banks!)
i recently procured two of the full-size black manix plain edge models for safe queens. they are so well made that, imho, i see no reason to go custom (although it is true that i have never handled a sebenza).
for hard use i chose the zt200...and have not been disappointed...as far as folders go it's a rock.
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 3,222
Crap this is hard
What do you guys think of the S30v Blur re-curve (it's called re-curve right? the non-tanto ver.?) Appearance wise I like it the best though how would it compare to Delica/Endura/Griptilian etc.
okie dokie sl, i think i can throw my two cents in.
The blur is a great all around knife. the S30V version is definatly at the top of the heap. btw, you are correct, it is a recurve blade. you wont be disapointed.
as for your question, i personally feel more comfortable while holding the Blur, than the Delica or Endura. The Delica just doesnt suit me, but the Endura has a handle i could grow to like. Key word is "could". but thats just me. my hands are used to a blur being there, so it can be hard to adjust for me lol.
the griptilian is a good knife, no doubt. however, the blur feels a good deal heavier than the griptilian. it is just so blasted light. i know you said you would like some weight to it. just a opinion.
i would like to offer the JYD2 up from Kershaw also. it has a simple, drop point blade, very fast flipper, and a sturdy lock. dont be fooled by what some say about the liner lock. though true it is not the best lock, it all depends on how it is made. Kershaw does not make crappy products. as SPX said, Kershaw has some of the best knives out there. I have the JYD2, and i have beat the thing. it does duty everywhere from food prep to heavy duty yard work. i think i trust the lock. again, my opinion.
someone mentioned the Lahar. that is another brute. a buddy of mine works maintnence at school. the crap that knife goes through on a daily basis, it would make your head spin. it still doesnt have blade play and has never failed on him.
just some testamony for my preferances.
and because i can: Welcome to BF!
Last edited:
I think I'll go for the s30v plain edge Blur (1670s30v), it just feels right to me and if it isn't a bad knife then I'm all for it. Thanks for the numerous and informative responses and another hopeless(?) addiction.
I'll shut up after this, I promise, just a few questions that I don't think warrant starting a thread:
1. I know this depends on what you use the knife for, but in general how often do you guys sharpen
2. If I understand what I've been reading for the past few days, you should lubricate the mechanism and coat the blade in a thin layer of something. Would tuf-glide be good for both purposes and how often (probably depending on the use but...)
3. What angle is the blade on the blur sharpened to, would I need to re-profile for use with the sharpmaker?
4.Any other maintenance?
5. Anyone suggest where I could buy the plain edge s30v blur (1670s30v), sharpmaker, and tuf-glide, new grahm has them all for good prices but UPS, warriors and wonders doesn't have the s30v version of the blur unfortunately. BTW I live in Ontario Canada
I lied... Maybe a lot of questions Thanks in advance for any answers and I promise I'll shut up after this... at least in this post 
what you will see two weeks later...
I'll shut up after this, I promise, just a few questions that I don't think warrant starting a thread:
1. I know this depends on what you use the knife for, but in general how often do you guys sharpen
2. If I understand what I've been reading for the past few days, you should lubricate the mechanism and coat the blade in a thin layer of something. Would tuf-glide be good for both purposes and how often (probably depending on the use but...)
3. What angle is the blade on the blur sharpened to, would I need to re-profile for use with the sharpmaker?
4.Any other maintenance?
5. Anyone suggest where I could buy the plain edge s30v blur (1670s30v), sharpmaker, and tuf-glide, new grahm has them all for good prices but UPS, warriors and wonders doesn't have the s30v version of the blur unfortunately. BTW I live in Ontario Canada
I lied... Maybe a lot of questions
Thanks in advance for any answers and I promise I'll shut up after this... at least in this post what you will see two weeks later...
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2006
- Messages
- 10,795
I think I'll go for the SUV plain edge Blur (SUV), it just feels right to me and if it isn't a bad knife then I'm all for it. Thanks for the numerous and informative responses and another hopeless(?) addiction.
I'll shut up after this, I promise, just a few questions that I don't think warrant starting a thread:
1. I know this depends on what you use the knife for, but in general how often do you guys sharpen
2. If I understand what I've been reading for the past few days, you should lubricate the mechanism and coat the blade in a thin layer of something. Would turf-glide be good for both purposes and how often (probably depending on the use but...)
3. What angle is the blade on the blur sharpened to, would I need to re-profile for use with the sharp maker?
4.Any other maintenance?
5. Anyone suggest where I could buy the plain edge SUV blur (SUV), sharp maker, and turf-glide, new Gram has them all for good prices but UPS, warriors and wonders doesn't have the SUV version of the blur unfortunately. BTW I live in Ontario Canada
I lied... Maybe a lot of questions
Good score. You won't regret it.
1. I don't let any of my knives get dull. A touch up once a week should do fine for EDC use.
2. Tuf-glide will work fine. Other substitutes are a good quality gun oil or something along the lines of Miltec for the pivot. As for how often, that depends. I usually spend a few hours one day a week touching up the blades, cleaning and general inspection. If you decide to use it for kitchen duty, mineral oil will work fine on the blade. You've got to feel your way to this answer, as how you use it will depend upon how often you need to clean it.
3. Approx. 40 degrees inclusive. The Sharpmaker will work fine.
4. Not that I can think of...if you have any questions, stop by here and ask away!
5. I'd ask that question at the link above. Someone there will know exactly where to get what you are looking for (ask the Canadians that hang out there). Some good ones besides NGK are Spark's place and another good one I've recently found is Cutting Edge Works. Email the guy...he's very accommodative.
Stop by the Kershaw sub linked in #4 above and ask all the questions you want. Those guys are a wealth of knowledge. A little crazy, but they know their stuff!
^Thanks for the prompt answers to my probably stupid questions, cleared up a lot for me
Still looking for a store though, if they're based in Canada it would be the best though from looking at the prices, New Grahm has the best by a few and one stop knife shop ships UPS only, the other one you mentioned doesn't have the blur I'm looking for unfortunately. I went over the New grahm FAQ and it says they will also ship USPS on special request so... Aside from what I will be charged at checkout how much more should I be expecting to pay in custom fees, taxes etc. assuming USPS
Still looking for a store though, if they're based in Canada it would be the best though from looking at the prices, New Grahm has the best by a few and one stop knife shop ships UPS only, the other one you mentioned doesn't have the blur I'm looking for unfortunately. I went over the New grahm FAQ and it says they will also ship USPS on special request so... Aside from what I will be charged at checkout how much more should I be expecting to pay in custom fees, taxes etc. assuming USPS
When did Kershaw start producing S90V knives?
OP:
There is no knife I would recommend for you over the Caly 3 / UKPK line of knives from Spyderco. I have yet to come across a better EDC, and I have been looking. If you didn't live in Canada I'd offer to mail you mine to try out for a week or two. The Delica is good but the choil and full flat grind of the Caly 3 work much better for a knife of this size in my opinion.