Knife Guidance Needed!

P

Phoenix1973

Joined
Jan 23, 2006
Messages
5
Howdy all! This is my first post on BladeForums, so please forgive any "stupid" that might seep out!

I've been a knife guy ever since my Dad gave me my first Swiss Army knife back when I was 10. Sadly, because I didn't know any better, I have bought a lot of crap through out the years. Finally, I started learning about knife quality, blade steels, heat treatments, edge retention, Rockwell hardness, the good from the bad, etc. I have been reading many of the threads on here and I seem to have found the ultimate source for knife wisdom! So, I was wondering if you could help me be less of a knife moron.

Here we go...

Below are the knives and tools I have (or that are on their way). I bought most of these after reading about them in magazines like Tactical Knives and Blade, but, after doing research online and reading reviews from the actual users of the knives, I’ve learned that the magazines are not always correct. So please be brutally honest about how good they really are. I do know (or think I do) that some of these are excellent knives, but I want to get your expert opinions. Also, if you could point me in the direction of what I should own, I would a very happy knife guy!

Benchmade Model 10530
Buck Strider Spear Point Folding Knife
Cold Steel Recon Scout Knife
Cold Steel Spike
CRKT Black M16 Compact EDC
CRKT Carson M21-L
CRKT First Strike
CRKT Large Tanto Zytel M16, Part Serrated Edge
CRKT Polkowski/Kasper Companion - Plain Edge Blade
HideAway Utility V2 in 440C Stainless
KABAR Heavy Bowie Knife - Large
Leatherman Wave
Mtech Hidden Hunter
Ontario TAK-1 Knife in D2 Steel
Smith and Wesson HRT Boot Knives - 2 different models
SpyderCo Centofante III

I also have a SpyderCo Tri-angle Sharpener, a Knives-Plus Strop Block, and a Sentry Solutions Tuf-Cloth for cleaning, but I wanted to know what is the best sharpening system for these knives to keep their edges healthy.

Thanks for your help!
 
Well... what are each going to be used for?
The Spike is more a self-defense design and as such the steel and HT don't really matter so long as it's adequate, thick stock, and decently sharp. Don't get too hung up on steel, construction (FULL-TANG, cocunut crusher! Filets tomatos like ginzu ninja!) so long as it fits your needs. If you need a knife that's a prybar, then get one of those 1/3 in stock monsters I saw in a recent thread... if you need a real knife that cuts very well and has thin stock some of the Northern European factories (Mora, Erikkson, Fallkniven, etc.) would work.

Generally (not always):
Smith and Wesson and other firearm companies' "knives" are just cheap Chinese imports marked up for resale.
MTech seem to be serviceable for the very low range... but I don't know if I'd trust liner locks from them. Can't be worse than Superknife though....


P.S. Of the ones listed I think I like the HAK U Ver2 the best :D.
 
I guess I have different needs for the different knives. The fixed blades I would use mostly for camping and hunting, but I would want to know that I could use them as hard use survival knives if it ever came down to it. I carry atleast 2 folders with me everyday, and I want to make sure that they won't fail at a critical time. I guess I just don't want to buy anymore crap!

As for the Hideaway, I am waiting like a kid at Christmas time for that little gem! FrontSight sure did make a winner!
 
With only a very few notable exceptions, I generally advocate the purchase of Cold Steel products.

The CS "Spike" (of which there are 3 -- the clip-point being the best) is great for what it's designed for (a single, non-utilitarian use), but other than that it's practically worthless . . . unless you need an extra tent peg.

I'd recommend a Cold Steel Voyager or Vaquero as a folder.

The S&W knives tend to be inferior products -- particularly the folders.

CRKT & Spyderco make decent folders, as does SOG. I've heard mixed reviews about Benchmade products.

My advice would be to make a short list, then go to a few cutlery stores or knife shows and actually pick up a few and see how they feel in your hand, rather than relying solely on pictures and reviews. You'll know when you find the right one.

Second word of advice: it's much better to buy one good knife than three cheap knives!
 
Thanks for your advice. I just got the Buck Strider Spear Point Folding Knife and I am returning it right away. That thing is way too big for practical use. I am also returning the CRKT Large Tanto Zytel M16. Again, another huge folding knife that I won't be needing. Besides, I already have the M21, so I think that fills my quota for huge, hard use folders.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top