Just getting into Knives! any advice?

I'm not so much of a collector as a user. My advice is to go slow and pick a few good value high quality knives with different types of locks, handle materials, blade shapes, or steels, so you can begin to determine what you like. I go through phases: aluminum handles, frame locks, titanium, sheepsfoot, little big knives, etc. and I like them all. I always recommend starting with the Spyderco Delica/Endura series and the Benchmade Griptillian series, are good values with enough variety. You'll find a some others that are very popular on these forums for good reason. Once you determine your true favorites, you can start to collect a series of that type, style or brand. I personally, haven't gotten to that point yet.
 
My advice to you is get what YOU like, so many people are going to recommend to you the popular makes and models. Don't jump on the bandwagon, follow your gut and research the company/materials etc. There is a lot of good info on here but also a TON of disinformation, be careful and have fun.
 
My only suggestion is buy quality over quantity. You will end up buying quality anyway so why try the costly learning curve ( we all had)
 
Jim malone said:
My only suggestion is buy quality over quantity. You will end up buying quality anyway so why try the costly learning curve ( we all had)
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Totally agree. When I first started I was more of an accumulator of steel than a knife collector. Learned the hard way that to truly appreciate a knife for what it can be in terms of quality, workmanship and artisitc value, you need to spend the money. I wasted a lot of money on "throw away" knives.
 
65steve65 said:
great advice everyone! looks like im gonna start my sebenza money jar!!!
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IMO I wouldn't start off with a Sebenza (and yes I own a large 21). I would start with something "mid-level" then work your way to the Sebenza. Maybe a Spyderco, Kershaw, Zero Tolerance or Benchmade. I'm not sure what kind of style you're into (tactical, utility, gentleman's folder, etc.) but the aforementioned manufacturers offer a wide range of different types of knives. Good luck and enjoy.
 
IF, and ONLY if, you can lawfully own an automatic knife, take a hard look at the ProTech brand - good stuff.

Best.
 
Create a budget for knives and stick to it like your life depends on it. $50/month or $100/mo. If you want a Sebenza that's a 4 month wait but it's worth it. Sticking to a budget will save you from knife debt. Seriously, it's an issue for many knife lovers. Watch the exchange and get an idea of what the used market value is on knives that interest you. People erase the sale price quickly after the sale so you have to remember what the selling price was. Stick to a budget and you'll have a lot of fun!!!
 
I have learned this lesson the hard way over the last year, but buy the expensive knives on your list first! I have found that buying the cheaper models first only leads to a greater desire for the higher-end ones. It is much easier to resist the "low-end" models when you already have the top of the line in your hand. ;)
 
I started with a Benchmade and then went for a pricey brand next. BM or Spydies (if you like the thumbhole) are a good first knife to play around with and help you decide the style and blades you prefer before you step into the higher end knives.
 
this is a hard thing in knives, but also consider that you are voting with your dollar. vote american whenever you can. vote for the smaller guy with the good product when you can. lots of good builders on here. unfortunately most production blades are not made by americans, but some are. to me it is worth the extra( but i cant lie, i have many foreign blades as well- but i am deciding i would rather have less knives at this point and hold an americans livelyhood in my hand) two or three good knives is all i need.... now WANT....thats a different story
 
You might also want to explore different types of knifes. For puukko knifes get a Mora Of Sweden, for balisongs look around. Try flippers, see if you like fixed more than folding, manual or auto or asisted. Eventualy you will find a few that you like and you can begin getting more of them, the ones you hate you can sell.
 
No i wont be starting with a sabenza lol. I will have one eventually. So far i really like assisted openers, but i have never had a really good auto in hand. I am thinking benchmade, spyderco, or ZT for my first foot into the 'knife collecting' door.
 
spyderco delica or paramilitary2 are great knives and must haves for every collection
 
Ya don't man.. It's an affliction. Plus that's one more knife in the world I can buy.
Cheers
Ps spyderco
 
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Aesthetics, function, price, cachet...all of these are attractors to knife enthusiasts. You need to start slow and figure out what attracts YOU.

There are bad, fair, good, and great examples of both knives and knife manufacturers. In production folders, Spyderco, Kershaw, and Benchmade are generally well-regarded here, sometimes referred to as the "big three" of American makers of production folders. You generally can't go very wrong with those companies.
 
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