Income Taxes (Help me pick my first expensive knife.)

Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
3,531
I'll be getting about $800 in tax refund this year, and I've decided to buy a nice knife. Don't bother asking me what I intend to use it for, as that isn't an issue. I'll EDC anything appropriate for EDCing, but that's about as far as my knife use goes. I just like knives, you know?

The only things I really should specify is a price between 400 and 600 dollars, but possibly lower if it hapens to be something I really like. Also, I preferre folders, and if I get a fixed blade it will be a Busse, and furthermore, I don't like Striders.

Here are some things I've been considering:

Large Classic Micarta Sebenza
Thumb.gif


William Henry Spear Point Attache
b12-ct.jpg


I am open to any and all other suggestions. This is a big deal kind of purchase for me.
 
Lightfoot is worth considering. At that price range you have alot of choices.
 
You seem to know what you don't want already, that should help narrow it down.

Of the two choices you mention I have a Pearl William Henry P10 Lancet, very well made for a higher end production knife.

How about a custom slipjoint, you could get a nice user for that kind of money.
 
First post so here goes. I sat for more than 45 min. going between the Strider SNG 6 and the Sebenza. Same price. I ended up with the Strider. Great knife! Actually you would not have to choose.....$800 would get you both!
 
Even in my most compulsive moments, I would never consider buying a knife for that amount (hey, I guess I'm a more frugal "buckeye" than you plus the 3 college kids). That being said, I think that the William Henry you posted is one sweet lookin' knife.
 
I once said while at a gun and knife show that I would never pay that for a knive, refering to a Randal. Well sir, never has come and gone. I started out sneakin' them past the CFO because they were cheaper tha guns...oh well.
 
I agree with the tactical look being over the top. What I liked was the feel in the hand. The agle fits nice in the palm. The sebenza is much better to look at though.
 
So far it's still a toss up between the two I posted. I almost feel obligated to get a Sebenza, but at the same time, the WH is a much more attractive knife to me, and I want a ZPD189 knife.

I would really like to see some more specific suggestions from some of you members that have several $400+ knives. Pictures and why they are good choices would be even better.

I'd really appreciate it.
 
Don't have a Sebenza? Get the Sebenza. Every knife knut should have one.

But, it's your money. Get what you like!
 
I'm partial to fixed blades but there are some folders out there that are very nice. All of these makers are doing top notch work, fit and finish is fantastic.

Pictured are Rick Hinderer, Greg Lightfoot, Kirby Lambert, R.J. Martin, Todd Begg.


Rick Hinderer: his folders are in your specified price range, awesome knives.

Greg Lightfoot: he offers many different folder styles, most are in your price range, I own a few.

Kirby Lambert: pictured is the Inferno, I have handled it but don't own one, excellent knife, Kirby is a great guy.

R.J. Martin: pictured is the Devastator, I had one at one time, you can't go wrong with Martin's knives, I own several of his fixed blades, if you look up sharp in the dictionary there's a picture of one of his blades, no joke.

Todd Begg: pictured is the Pantera, it's a bit out of your price range, but it's a spectacular knife, I have quite a few of his fixed blades, Todd is a great guy as well.
 
In my opinion, with the William Henry vs Large Sebenza you are definitely looking at a form vs function proposition. The William Henry is certainly more elegant to look at, but the Chris Reeves will be so much more knife from a functional standpoint IMHO.

Something like a Microtech Amphibian or LCC would be a cool addition. While they're not over the top tactical, they would come in at a lot lower price than you're talking about and give you a really special knife..

For that kingd of money, you could entertain something like a Charles Marlowe custom. Put the money in a 12 month CD or hide it in your matress and forget about it and order up a real custom. Charles's work is beyond reproach and you won't regret it (substitute whatever other custom maker you prefer here).
 
Walking Man said:
A lot of people like the new Daryl Ralph gunhammer.

Huh. Haven't heard of that one. Must be the latest "tactical knife du jour".

(Is he [Darrel, not Daryl] done making oversized boy scout knives already? I wish he'd get back to some of his earlier designs.)

Anyway, the 'combat' thing is done to death IMHO. Unless that sort of thing is your cup of tea, of course. It's like a race to see who can make the wackiest looking mega-folder. When M6 socket head cap screws became thumbstuds, I knew this genre was officially out of hand. Just not for me I guess.

I couldn't agree more with BladeGoblin's suggestions. Great choices. I would also recommend something by Hinderer, having just recently received one of his pieces on a trade. Wow. Nice. And I've owned quite a few customs over the years. Rick's stuff is up there, no doubt.

I'd also recommend anything by Mike Obenauf and Bob Terzuola. Also great stuff.

Hard to go wrong with a Sebbie though. I'm fairly sure you'll enjoy it. Good luck with your decision.
 
ZDP-189 @ 67 Rc?!?!??!?! I am sold on the WH..... however I would pick the layered damascus/wood version.
 
It I were you, I would hold off until the next gun/knife show comes to town and then go handle knives those that interest you. You want to get something that feels really good in your hand. If you want to get serious, and are willing to spend a couple of bucks on transportation and lodging, you could go to one of the big national knife shows where many custom and factory guys go to show and sell their stuff. Blade Magazine has a list of shows in the back. I went to one in Atlanta and it was overwhelming. Everyone was very friendly and patient and I saw more knives than I ever knew existed.

There are so many really good knife makers it is hard to pick one. A guy who I think has very good technique and style is Mel Fassio out of Montana. Another who's style I like is Rainy Valloton.

http://www.knifenetwork.com/classifieds/index.php?ct=pres_fld&md=details&id=1255

http://www.plazacutlery.com/VallottonMainpage.htm
 
Back
Top