Knife Complacency?

Buzzbait

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2001
Messages
6,694
I don’t know how to break it to you all, but I that think I’m……….. Content. Yes, you heard it right. Something terrible has happened, and I’ve grown quite accustomed to a few of my knives. I used to have this wish list about a mile long, which has dwindled down to a single one. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Is this a sign of old age or something, becoming complacent with what you have? Or have I finally recovered from an Internet forum induced fever? I suddenly feel as though I’m without focus, having no impossible goals?

So, out of complete boredom at work, I’ll list my Top 10 favorite knives. Take it for what it is. I’m obviously not in my right mind. Some of the knives are sensational performers. Others have sentimental attachments. The best have both. Here goes:

Doris, the stag handled Dozier K-4 Straight Hunter. Although I don’t get as much occasion to carry a fixed blade as I’d like, this is still the knife I’d prefer to carry every minute of every day. Whenever I’m working around the house or camp, you can bet that Doris is strapped to my belt. This knife is always perfect in my eyes. I guess that’s why the only knife currently on my wish list is a smaller more sheeple friendly version of Doris. Sort of a “Doris Petite”, which I’m saving up for this year. .

Spyderco Military – This has been my EDC for pretty much all of 2003, with years of previous outdoor use. The Military is almost my idea of the perfect tactical folder. I can hardly think of a single change I’d make to the design. I never wanted to think that I was a Spyderholic, but it’s time that I got truthful with myself. There are many great production tacticals out there, but the Spydies are my performance preference.

Victorinox Cybertool 34 – This folder hangs from my belt all week long. Working in the computer industry, I have no idea how I ever lived without the Cybertool. Victorinox hit the nail right on the head with this one. The Cybertool successfully brought the SAK indoors.

Spyderco Endura – Yep. It’s another Spydie. The Endura is heavy in the pocket and only has AUS-6 steel, but I love it. The knife has sentimental value. I paid for this knife with the first money I saved by quitting smoking.

Convex Ground Dozier K-1 – I’ve hardly touched my Marbles since I got this knife. This is my preferred knife for carrying on overnight hikes. It’s just a great small outdoor fixed blade. Simple, yet effective. Bob did a great job on this knife.

Schrade Old Timer Middleman – I never thought I’d love a knife I got at WalMart, but the Middleman is sensational. You just can’t beat a good old carbon steel slipjoint. I keep this in my work bag for small chores, and as a handout for others to use.

Victorinox Huntsman – I’ve tried tons of different outdoor SAKs, and always end up back with my first one. The Huntsman is a must have for any outdoorsman. I’m currently working on a set of micarta scales for this baby.

Robeson ATS-34 wharncliffe half-whittler – Many of my quiet evenings are spent on the back porch or by the campfire, whittling a tiny piece of wood. My Robeson is absolutely the best whittling knife I’ve ever had the pleasure of using.

Leatherman PST – This tool gets a lot of use while I’m night fishing, which is one of my favorite pastimes. It has finally worn in enough to butterfly open with one hand, and has just the right tools to do the job. I’ve got a ton a various Leathermans, but the original is still my favorite. The PST gets hooks out, sharpens the hooks, cuts the line, and cleans the fish. A one-stop-shop.

Blackjack Small – I don’t know why, but I’m crazy about this knife. It’s sooooo small, but can do soooooooo much. I don’t even need a belt to carry it, as it came with a back pocket sheath. You won’t find a handier fixed blade for simple backyard work. It doesn’t hurt that I also happened to get great customer service on this knife from Ken Warner. Talking to Ken on the phone was like tapping into a goldmine of knife knowledge. The man knows his convex grinds.

So, has anybody else become settled enough in his/her knife obsession to list a Top 10?
 
I have been feeling lately like I am slowing down in the rate I go through knives, but I havent settled yet.


And now Buzz, seeing as you left the Beaver off of your list, what will it be doing to you to exact its revenge?
 
Alas, beaver has been my Achilles heel since my high school years. :D I'm sure that there will be swift retribution from the Angry Beaver!!! Hehehehe.....

Actually, The Angry Beaver is still a favorite. I just don't use it like I used to. It's become more of a safe queen. The stag is just soooo beautiful, that I don't want to mess it up. I'm saving The Angry Beaver as a gift for when I have a boy of my own. I want my kids to enjoy the heritage of such an amazing knife as the Buck 110. Few knife models have a history like the 110.
 
I feel your pain. My knife buying has drastically slowed down over the last couple years. I'll run down my list:

Victorinox Settler. My "perfect" EDC. I just can't leave this one behind. I bought a second as a spare.

CRK small Sebenza. Just a simply amazing knife. Fit, finish, materials, design, and attention to detail set the Sebbie apart.

CRK small Sebenza classic 2000. Same as above. It was bought as a spare to the regular. They see equal carry time.

Victorinox Harvester. My woods companion. Just the right tools for a day in the woods. I wish it saw more use than it does.

Shrade Sharpfinger. My hunter. It handles everything from squirrels to deer. A great, simple, an inexpensive blade that is well designed for it's intended use. Add a sheath from On/Scene Tactical and you have a great little package.

Victorinox Pocket Pal. My whittler. It's just the right size and has the nice thin blades for passing idle moments.

Swiss Tool RS. My multi tool of choice. I keep one in the vehicle and one in the house for "quick fixes".

Dress knives. CRK Umfaan and Victorinox's Secretary and Bantam are what I choose from when the situation calls for a smaller blade.

There are others that see use, but they're just beaters. I have yet to find a dedicated fishing kife. I'm waiting for a Simmonich Bitteroot. Maybe this will finally prove to be a neck knife I can form a relationship with.

Paul
 
Nowadays I'm less excited about acquiring new knives, but I'm ruthlessly pruning my collection into pure users. My top few . . .

Busse Desert Straight Handle Natural Outlaw. Combined with the Okuden drop-leg rig, my ideal hiking/backpacking knife. I'm selling every other Busse I own. The 15 upcoming models don't intrigue me as much as this one knife.

Benchmade Axis AFCK. Purchased with self-defense in mind, but it's my premier 'grunt work' folder at home. Tackles letters, packages, and rope with ease.

Buck/Mayo 172. I can't think of a better production EDC for my needs.

Simonich Crowfoot DLC. A fantastic paring and steak knife, and my neck knife for BBQ's.

Buck/Strider Solution. My beater utility knife around the house. Damn good performance for ATS-34. SOE sheath is the best factory sheath I've ever had.

I've got a DDR ArcLite CF inbound and might pick up a Fehrman Final Judgment as a chopper for its reputedly excellent ergonomics and to try 3V firsthand. Looking at the SOG Pocket PowerPlier Deluxe for multitool duty. That's it; I've got my bases covered, found my pricepoints, and am very satisfied with the performance I get.
 
i like to see all these personal favorites listed, but i don't know what most of them look like and can't find pics. does anyone have pics of these knives you've listed?
 
I think I'm going to start saving my mad money to get really good knives, 'cause I doubt most of the following can be replaced by a better knife at twice or even thrice the price. I must admit though, in my heart, I have and do lust after other knives.

Spyderco Military in S30v, the best folder I've ever owned.
Leatherman Wave, the best of 20 years of multitool EDC
Leatherman Micra, a great watch pocket addition
Vic Trailmaster, one handed, no corkscrew thanks, wasted bottle opener
Spyderco FRN Endura, good left pocket knife
Gerber Yari, a balanced, jack of all trades with feeling, EDCable
Becker BK7, a light, happy camper
Buck 192 Vanguard, had no idea it was this good

Oldie Goldies that have done more work than all of the above combined are the Pathfinder, the 110, and the Sharpfinger.
 
Yes, I've grown complacent (sp?).

A few months back, I bought a Strider SnG; I figured like all of my knives, there would be a rotation.

I've found that with the Edge-Pro, a knife really gets sharp about the third sharpening. I surmise that by that time you have finally gotten all of the irregularities from the bevel.

I've only had to sharpen the SnG once, but I'll polished it a few times with the 660 waterstone and then the 4,000 series polishing tapes. It's spooky sharp now!

It's easy to carry, it fits my hand, and I think I've finally found 'it.' Anyway, I've stopped looking for other knives. In truth, I have not seen other dramatic innovations.
 
Buzz,
You are complacent. Thinking about buying another Dozier doesn't get you excited?
Well,---order that Trapper you have on your mind. Guaranteed complacency remover.
 
Originally posted by Buzzbait
I don’t know how to break it to you all, but I that think I’m……….. Content. Yes, you heard it right. Something terrible has happened, and I’ve grown quite accustomed to a few of my knives. I used to have this wish list about a mile long, which has dwindled down to a single one. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. ...

I do, your recent move has addled your brain, adjust your meds man your not thinking clearly, just kidding, I've felt the same way many times, sooner or later though something new, or even something old, as is the case with my renewed fascination for older slipjoints.

Bud Nealy O-1 Aikuchi

BM AFCK

Gerber Silver Knight

Cold Steel Large Twismaster

Blackie Collins Joggin' Buddy

BM AFO Auto

AG Russell One Hand Knife

EK Combat Bowie

David Boye Prophet

1976 Queen Winterbottom Bone Serpentine Jack

The previous knives are not in any paticular order.
 
Jediknight86:

To view some of the knives listed you may want to go to an online knife store (e.g., knifecenter.com) and just look at them there. If that fails just do a yahoo search and you are bound to find them.
 
Originally posted by JediKnight86
i like to see all these personal favorites listed, but i don't know what most of them look like and can't find pics. does anyone have pics of these knives you've listed?

Okay. here we go. :)

Doris
dozier5.jpg

Military
millie1.jpg

Cyberetool 34
welt.jpg

Spyderco Endura
C10.jpg

Convex Ground Dozier K-1
dozierk1-1.jpg

Middleman
34ot.gif

Huntsman
1-3713.jpg

Leatherman PST
pstop_L.jpg

BlackJack Small
bjsm1.jpg
 
nothing wrong with it, it will pass.

right now im pretty content. My edc is a bm940 and spydie police with g10 scales. they do everything i need.
 
Completely understand what you're going thru Buzzbait.

My knife spending/gathering has nosed over hard the last 12 - 18 months. I still have several "choice display pieces", but in the past 24 - 30 months. . .I've sold a large number of my "displayers." These days. . .I prefer to carry what I purchase.

Here is my EDC rotation:

- Koji Hara Carbon Clipper
- Microtech UT-6
- Sebenza ( large regular )
- Jason Jacks Tactical
- Benchmade 690
- Microtech LCC DA
- DDR EDC
- Microtech SOCOM MA
- Chew Covert
- Microtech Kestrel
- Duncan Framelock
- Kershaw Double Cross
- Kershaw Random Task
- Microtech Amphibian
- Sebenza (Large Inlay)
- Microtech SOCOM DA
- Mayo small TNT


The only knife inbound, soon hopefully, is a Microtech/Terzuola DA. That will be the last of my purchases for a while.

I think that the reason that I've slowed down. . .I've fine tuned my EDC list to a point where I feel extremely comfortable and very satisified with what's on it and in my pocket (not all at the same time).

And it took me over 3 years to get it to this point. :D

Yeah. . .there's quite a few up there but wasn't able to slice it down any further ! :D

Maybe the next 3 - 4 years I'll be able to get it down. . .15. . .maybe. ;)
 
Hey Gigone, do you have pictures of the Terzuola framelock? I would really like to see that one.
 
in no particular order...

A 25-30 year old Case Bowie & an old Wegner SAK, they were my Grandpa's. My first HI khukuri, an 18.5" WWII by Kumar. An abolone celluloid 2-blade trapper by Camillus in 1095. A JKM-1 from HI, a sharp and stout Nepali take on the puukko. A 25" sirupati from HI, I think Sher was angry when he made this one. It's the only blade I've named (The Black Eel) and the only one I own that frightens me a little. I like my 12" siru and the other 25" siru, but I could live without them. That's six, I'm hoping number se7en will be the little congress to match my trapper. I'm hoping to have number eight built to my specs. 9 & 10 will probably end up being unremarkable knives that are gifts from remarkable people. There.

Frank
 
I may be fast approaching that point. Even the ones that I've bought recently I haven't felt that overly enthusiastic about. What I've determined as probably my permanent rotation, with one or two exceptions that I've got coming in this week (Hinderer Recurve Firetac with Mammoth Ivory) is the following:

BM 940D2CF
Blackwood Lite Wave
Blackwood CC Knife
Brian Tighe Tighe-Phoon
Korth Bali Model 1
Hartman Kozuka
Swisstool X
Ferret Flex FB
MT L-UDT
DDR Bullnose Max
De Villier Sm Operator (my last trade with Gadi)
 
man, there are just too many damn knives to choose from. how can you ever know if you're using the right one, or do you even ever want to know that?
 
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