Information overload...how do you choose a knife?

G

GraysonK

Joined
Feb 23, 2009
Messages
153
Hi All,
Forgive me, but...Wow, how on earth do you choose from all of the great knives out there? You all are amazing and bottomless pits of information on all things "knife". Thank you so much for all the info, but now I think I have some rather specific questions.
My current EDC is a Wave multitool, a Kershaw chive, and either a Gerber Crusader or my Benchmade Ascent. I'll be honest, while I love my Ascent, I'd kind of like to retire it to more around the house use (mainly because it is starting to get a lot of side to side play that I don't know how to fix) and I'm not wild about the blade shape. I like the Crusader's blade shape (drop point), but it doesn't hold an edge worth spit.
When I joined this forum, I was looking for info on the Spyderco Tenacious because I watched reviews from Nutnfancy and Cutlerylover and thought that this would be a great EDC and a rather tough knife. Since joining and reading all the great info here, I now have two other knives that I'm seriously wanting. I'd really like some input if at all possible.
1. Benchmade Griptilian- you all have nothing but great things to say about this knife and I've done some research myself and have to admit it's awesome. But I like the blade shape of the 550 not the 551 and have discovered that while I can find the 550 online, I'm not so sure about the dealers or they are out of stock. I just like the less pointy style of the 550.
2. Spyderco Tenacious- still seems like a great knife for the money. But I'm wondering. I love the flat grind of that blade.
3. Kershaw Junkyard Dog (original and II)- This one was a surprise...I'd never heard of it. But after seeing a few pics and reading up on it, it seems like a great, overall beat the heck out of it knife. A bit on the big side, but I really like being able to grip my knives well. I don't have large hands so that's a concern, but I don't think it will be a deal breaker.
I've discovered I have a fondness for a wider blade, don't know why, just my preference I guess.
The bottom line is I want a reliable, affordable, easy to sharpen, hard to break, good cutting knife that will be used for just about everything (cutting rope/cord, cutting wire, shaving wood, cutting cardboard, can be used in emergency situations, etc)
Any thoughts about the above three knives would be appreciated. Please keep in mind, I'm new to all of this. I'm still learning the different steel terminology. :) I'm a rather simple gal...I am looking for functionality and not a lot of extra bells and whistles or fancy belt clips or designs or whatever, just a good blade. If that's possible.
Thanks again for all the great info,
Gray
 
Supposedly, the ergos on the Griptilian are absolutely fantastic. I was actually debating on picking one up, but instead went for a Dejavoo simply cause I loved the overall shape and style. I don't regret it, but that Griptilian is still calling.

The Tenacious is a wonderful knife for the price. The lock-up on it is very nice and would make for a great user.
 
Go with your gut. One thing I've noticed over the years is that when a knife catches my eye (assuming it's made by a reputable manufacturer) I will eventually end up buying it. It's been that way with all the knives that have piqued my interest--the Microtech LCC, Spyderco Military, CRK Sebenza, and Strider SMF. Knives are not directly comparable. Each is slightly different, and they may excel in different aspects. So just go with what you like.
 
All three are fine folders. I'm sure you can find the Benchmade 550 if you just search (google) on-line knfe stores or check the stores on e-bay.
 
you dont choose a knife...it chooses you, :p. jk

anyway, I dont know if I can help you, I originally came on this site to replace a kershaw blackout that I lost, spent more money that I "wanted" to, have one knife, and in the process of getting another one and will probably be buying 2 more before the months up, so if you value youre wallet walk away theres nothing to see here :).

that said one of the knives on my list is a composite JYDII.

I like the griptilian and for the money it seems fantastic. I also like the barrage, but I dont think its out yet.
 
It`s kinda like walking into Baskin-Robbins, where you have 31 possible choices,*and they`re all good*....I guess that`s why we`re referred to as "collectors". Get that Griptilian now, then in 6 months, another one, then in *another* 6 months...(well....you get the picture :-)
 
Kamagong pretty much hit the nail on the head. As you say, there are heaps of high quality knives out there and often the differences are marginal. Try to actually handle some if you can, that's the best way to see if you like them. If you can't just go with what seems good to you. Also, remember that you're allowed to own more than one knife. :D

The Griptillian, and it's little brother the mini Grip are excellent knives. I have both and regularly choose the mini Grip as my EDC. However, if the shape or size or feel or whatever of something else really appeals to you, go for it.

As for online dealers, have a look at newgraham.com. Excellent and highly reputable dealers who have lots of stuff at good prices. If they don't have what you want, call them, they may be able to find you one. They found a left hand Sebenza for me when I couldn't find one anywhere else. Mike, the owner, posts regularly here on the forum. You could also try 1SKS, owned by the same guy that owns this forum, how could you go wrong? :)

Good luck.
 
gajinoz said:
Kamagong pretty much hit the nail on the head. As you say, there are heaps of high quality knives out there and often the differences are marginal. Try to actually handle some if you can, that's the best way to see if you like them. If you can't just go with what seems good to you. Also, remember that you're allowed to own more than one knife. :D

The Griptillian, and it's little brother the mini Grip are excellent knives. I have both and regularly choose the mini Grip as my EDC. However, if the shape or size or feel or whatever of something else really appeals to you, go for it.

As for online dealers, have a look at newgraham.com. Excellent and highly reputable dealers who have lots of stuff at good prices. If they don't have what you want, call them, they may be able to find you one. They found a left hand Sebenza for me when I couldn't find one anywhere else. Mike, the owner, posts regularly here on the forum. You could also try 1SKS, owned by the same guy that owns this forum, how could you go wrong? :)

Good luck.
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Thanks!
Any idea where I could go to actually handle some of these knives...I live in Northern West Virginia and believe it or not there aren't any knife shops around here. Actually, if New Graham Knives has an actual store, I could go down there since Bluefield is in Virginia and West Virginia, but that's like a 5 hour trip for me. Anyway, any ideas on where i could go to find this stuff? Most of the sporting goods places around here sell Buck, Case, and a very limited selection of Kershaw's...unless I missed one somewhere. Thanks again.
Gray
 
GraysonK said:
Thanks!
Any idea where I could go to actually handle some of these knives...I live in Northern West Virginia and believe it or not there aren't any knife shops around here. Actually, if New Graham Knives has an actual store, I could go down there since Bluefield is in Virginia and West Virginia, but that's like a 5 hour trip for me. Anyway, any ideas on where i could go to find this stuff? Most of the sporting goods places around here sell Buck, Case, and a very limited selection of Kershaw's...unless I missed one somewhere. Thanks again.
Gray
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I live on the wrong side of the world to help you with that one but, if you feel like a trip to Bluefield, I'm sure you'll get a warm welcome at the newgraham store.
 
GraysonK said:
Thanks!
Any idea where I could go to actually handle some of these knives...I live in Northern West Virginia and believe it or not there aren't any knife shops around here. Actually, if New Graham Knives has an actual store, I could go down there since Bluefield is in Virginia and West Virginia, but that's like a 5 hour trip for me. Anyway, any ideas on where i could go to find this stuff? Most of the sporting goods places around here sell Buck, Case, and a very limited selection of Kershaw's...unless I missed one somewhere. Thanks again.
Gray
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I've heard of some BF members stopping by on their way past Bluefield. There does look to be a physical New Graham store or three on Virginia Ave in Bluefield:

Link

They've all had wonderful things to say about the experience and some visit regularly.
 
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Someone has to say it, and I'm in the mood tonight.

They're knives. They aren't cars, or houses. Which $200,000 motor home to buy requires research. Which $40,000 car to buy requires research. Which $400,000 house to buy requires research. Which $35 to $150 knife to buy? Order whatever looks interesting. If you don't like it, sell it. Unless a $100 purchase requires a bank loan, in which case you probably should stick to the cheapest thing you can find because you can't afford a good knife. Of course, if a $100 purchase requires a bank loan, you shouldn't be able to afford internet access so you can't be reading this anyway. ;)

I too live a long way from anyplace to try before I buy, so I have a trunk full of knives that I've bought online to try out. Some of the most highly recommended have been a total bust for me, and several that I carry all the time were commercial flops. Only you can decide what is right for you. Unless you married the first girl you ever kissed and have been with her for fifty years, I'm guessing you'll have to try a few knives to figure out which are keepers.
 
GraysonK said:
I'll be honest, while I love my Ascent, I'd kind of like to retire it to more around the house use (mainly because it is starting to get a lot of side to side play that I don't know how to fix)
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Have you tried tightening the pivot screw?
As far as New Graham in Bluefield goes, I live about 30 minutes South of it and am planning on going there tomorrow :D (I need to check store hours though). So is there anything you want me to check on for you?
 
If you're looking for your first high quality EDC I would suggest you decide which features you want (lock type, steel, blade size, blade shape, serrations, handle material, deployment method) and then make a list of knives which have everything you want. From there check out some reviews, warranty information, company reputation, or any other information that you deem relevant to what you feel is important. I would strongly recommend trying out any knife in your hands before buyingit if possible.
 
PG5768 said:
I've heard of some BF members stopping by on their way past Bluefield. There does look to be a physical New Graham store or three on Virginia Ave in Bluefield:

Link

They've all had wonderful things to say about the experience and some visit regularly.
Click to expand...

Go to Street View to see the actual New Graham businesses on Virginia Ave.
 
yablanowitz said:
Someone has to say it, and I'm in the mood tonight.

I too live a long way from anyplace to try before I buy, so I have a trunk full of knives that I've bought online to try out. Some of the most highly recommended have been a total bust for me, and several that I carry all the time were commercial flops. Only you can decide what is right for you. Unless you married the first girl you ever kissed and have been with her for fifty years, I'm guessing you'll have to try a few knives to figure out which are keepers.
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To add to yablanowitz' comment,

- First determine what jobs you expect your knife to perform. That will thin the choices. Heavy blade? Thin for slicing? Utility tough?
- Determine how big a blade you want. That will limit it more. Some are more than you want. Some are too small.
- Figure out how much you are willing to spend on something that may end up lost or may get used up. Most folks have a limit. I have carried knives for almost 50 years, and have found several of them to go missing. It just happens.
- Figure out if you want it to be pretty and curvy or just functional.

Now you are likely going to have a dozen or so to look at and it's back to yablanowitz.
 
You can't go wrong with either of those knives (or company). The griptilian is definitely the fattest one and you'll notice it be a bit thicker in the pocket compared to the other two, but the axis-lock is sweet.
 
get the grip/mini grip. i think its a great way to start out, good blade steel, great feel in the hand, and the axis lock is just awesome. if you dont like it, sell it and get a different knife
 
yablenowitz & knarfeng pretty much summed up my thoughts exactly. As one member says (or said?) in his sig line: "We buy what we like & like what we buy."

thx - cpr
 
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kamagong said:
Go with your gut. One thing I've noticed over the years is that when a knife catches my eye (assuming it's made by a reputable manufacturer) I will eventually end up buying it. It's been that way with all the knives that have piqued my interest--the Microtech LCC, Spyderco Military, CRK Sebenza, and Strider SMF. Knives are not directly comparable. Each is slightly different, and they may excel in different aspects. So just go with what you like.
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+1 :thumbup:
 
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