- Joined
- Jul 5, 2016
- Messages
- 480
I've been lurking quite a while, reading and learning from the vast experience on these forums, and figured it's about time I gave some input of my own.
I'm on my second, sub-$100 folder and noticing more and more the MANY good options in this price range. My first was a CRKT M21-02 G10, which I still very much like. The blade shape is almost exactly what I want in a medium use knife, fairly secure for a liner lock, and I absolutely love the straight profile of the knife when opened. The gimping on the back of the blade and flipper is sufficient, especially on the flipper when blade is deployed (makes it very hard to cut yourself when closing). The milled-out handle provides great grip also. Another reason I was keen on this knife is quickly becoming one of my most despised features. I bet most can already guess as this was the #1 complaint I read about this knife when doing research before buying. AutoLAWKS. Man, that feature is so lackluster. Certainly doesn't make the knife a "virtual fixed blade" as is advertised and is such a pain when closing the blade. And after watching some hard use testing of the knife I can see how little the AutoLAWKS actually helps (see link below). I suppose if I was worried about accidentally disengaging the liner lock while using the knife it would be a handy feature. But with the liner being nearly flush with the scales, I don't see how this would ever be a worry.
My second knife purchase, the Kershaw Ampitude 3.25, is already my more preferred knife to carry (and play with
). When I first received the CRKT M21 I did my usual once-over, adjusted the tension on the pivot, practiced the deployment and basically left it in the pocket. I didn't find much joy in using the knife, mainly because of the aforementioned feature. But the Kershaw, I've had it almost a couple weeks now and still can't help but take it out and play with it. :jerkit: When looking into my next purchase after the CRKT, I knew I wanted another straight profile looking knife but wanted a frame lock this time. It also had to be slim as to be more pocket-friendly and a bit less tactical looking (I work in an office environment). The thin blade and lack of information/reviews on the knife did have me wondering though. Having the knife in hand now, I am very happy given the quality for the price. Only issue I find is that the pivot screw slowly loosens after repeatedly opening/closing, but can be easily tightened again using my finger nail to turn the grooved plate just under the screw. All in all, it's a great step along my knife journey.
I already know another step along my journey is going to be a Sebenza or Inkosi, but I'm not quite ready to spend upwards of $100 on a single knife yet. Nobody has to try and convince me though. I can already tell it is well worth the cost. But I want to sample a few more average-priced knives before committing more funds to my rekindled hobby (growing obsession). One thing I'm certainly starting to realize is why having a large collection of blades brings so many of you such joy. There's no such thing as the "perfect" knife, even for you own preference or specific usage. I've went from wondering "why do all these people have so many knives?" to "why do I have so few knives?"
Part of my hard-use research:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q3Z9koNohHDIUogSVRaIGl-o3mebrbjwSDNcR0h5LlU
P.S. BilboBaggins, loved your Aliens reference in your comment on testing knives on a recently locked thread. One of my all-time favorite movies.
I'm on my second, sub-$100 folder and noticing more and more the MANY good options in this price range. My first was a CRKT M21-02 G10, which I still very much like. The blade shape is almost exactly what I want in a medium use knife, fairly secure for a liner lock, and I absolutely love the straight profile of the knife when opened. The gimping on the back of the blade and flipper is sufficient, especially on the flipper when blade is deployed (makes it very hard to cut yourself when closing). The milled-out handle provides great grip also. Another reason I was keen on this knife is quickly becoming one of my most despised features. I bet most can already guess as this was the #1 complaint I read about this knife when doing research before buying. AutoLAWKS. Man, that feature is so lackluster. Certainly doesn't make the knife a "virtual fixed blade" as is advertised and is such a pain when closing the blade. And after watching some hard use testing of the knife I can see how little the AutoLAWKS actually helps (see link below). I suppose if I was worried about accidentally disengaging the liner lock while using the knife it would be a handy feature. But with the liner being nearly flush with the scales, I don't see how this would ever be a worry.
My second knife purchase, the Kershaw Ampitude 3.25, is already my more preferred knife to carry (and play with
). When I first received the CRKT M21 I did my usual once-over, adjusted the tension on the pivot, practiced the deployment and basically left it in the pocket. I didn't find much joy in using the knife, mainly because of the aforementioned feature. But the Kershaw, I've had it almost a couple weeks now and still can't help but take it out and play with it. :jerkit: When looking into my next purchase after the CRKT, I knew I wanted another straight profile looking knife but wanted a frame lock this time. It also had to be slim as to be more pocket-friendly and a bit less tactical looking (I work in an office environment). The thin blade and lack of information/reviews on the knife did have me wondering though. Having the knife in hand now, I am very happy given the quality for the price. Only issue I find is that the pivot screw slowly loosens after repeatedly opening/closing, but can be easily tightened again using my finger nail to turn the grooved plate just under the screw. All in all, it's a great step along my knife journey.I already know another step along my journey is going to be a Sebenza or Inkosi, but I'm not quite ready to spend upwards of $100 on a single knife yet. Nobody has to try and convince me though. I can already tell it is well worth the cost. But I want to sample a few more average-priced knives before committing more funds to my rekindled hobby (growing obsession). One thing I'm certainly starting to realize is why having a large collection of blades brings so many of you such joy. There's no such thing as the "perfect" knife, even for you own preference or specific usage. I've went from wondering "why do all these people have so many knives?" to "why do I have so few knives?"
Part of my hard-use research:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q3Z9koNohHDIUogSVRaIGl-o3mebrbjwSDNcR0h5LlU
P.S. BilboBaggins, loved your Aliens reference in your comment on testing knives on a recently locked thread. One of my all-time favorite movies.
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