Knife Newbie Needs Help!

D

digispam

Joined
Jan 29, 2007
Messages
188
Hey everyone, I started a thread in the wrong section a few days ago so here's try #2

Well, the old Buck folder isn't cuttin it no more :rolleyes: (sorry) Anyway, time for a new folder.

I'm looking for a budget, one hand opening, sturdy folder. Hopefully, as non-tactical as possible (the local police have a big budget and not much to do).

Carbon steel is OK, I keep them clean, oiled and dry. If you have suggestions for other steels, lemme know what and why.


One handed opening, and budget are pretty much the biggest concerns

Thanks!
 
Whats wrong with the Buck ? For the $$ you'll go a hell of long way around the block to find a better knife than a 110 with a well maintained edge on it.

You say " on a budget" but what sort of budget? I'd have said that I was on a budget when I started looking for my latestknife, then I bought the Lone Wolf Harsey T2 and honestly believe that every penny of what I spent I got value for.
 
Run to walmart and buy a Spyderco native around 40 bucks. I would then start saving every spare cent for your new spyderco addiction. For real though I would look at that knife, I would also consider a Delica 4. Great steel on both, native a bit better (S30V)vs(VG-10), but the Delica 4 has steel liners a big plus in my book. Both are lockback, easy to close and open one handed with a little practice. I think you will get some people that say a Benchmade grip also, yet again another great knife for the money. There are a lot of good cheap blades out now. I also like the Byrd line in this budget. Good luck hunting for a nice a shiny new peice of steel. Bet ya can't buy just one!
 
Longstrider said:
Whats wrong with the Buck ? For the $$ you'll go a hell of long way around the block to find a better knife than a 110 with a well maintained edge on it.

You say " on a budget" but what sort of budget? I'd have said that I was on a budget when I started looking for my latestknife, then I bought the Lone Wolf Harsey T2 and honestly believe that every penny of what I spent I got value for.
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The problem with my Buck is that it is plain worn out. Around $40 is a good starting price point for me, and one hand opening is a must.

Anyway, I would like to try something new, and maybe after I get a little more knowledgable I can make a better decision on a more $$ knife.

Thanks!
 
so-lo kustoms said:
Run to walmart and buy a Spyderco native around 40 bucks. I would then start saving every spare cent for your new spyderco addiction. For real though I would look at that knife, I would also consider a Delica 4. Great steel on both, native a bit better (S30V)vs(VG-10), but the Delica 4 has steel liners a big plus in my book. Both are lockback, easy to close and open one handed with a little practice. I think you will get some people that say a Benchmade grip also, yet again another great knife for the money. There are a lot of good cheap blades out now. I also like the Byrd line in this budget. Good luck hunting for a nice a shiny new peice of steel. Bet ya can't buy just one!
Click to expand...

Thanks. I like the Spyderco Native.


Here's a Byrd: http://www.knivesplus.com/spyderco-byrd-knife-sp-by04bkp.html

What do you guys think? Should I stay away from stainless? I'm no good at sharpening.
 
BTW, Longstrider -

I just looked at a pic of that Lone Wolf Harsey T2 - It's perdy!

Maybe someday!
 
So, Spyderco seems to be the entry blade of choice?

Now lets talk blade material - stainless? carbon steel? S30? why?
 
Well, 40 bucks is really a bottom line. I don't like the tactical look either. I got a Fallkniven Tre Kronor 3 (lockback) . It is not one hand opening, but I travel a lot and I know there are lots of States and cities with restrictions. I'd assume it's rather the one hand opening that may set a LEO off than the tactical look. Short blade, a little less than 3", extreme edge holding capabilities and razor sharp. With its wood inlays it doesn't look aggressive or tactical at all, it passes for what is considered a common pocket knife. Not to fat either, it fits nicely even it suit pockets. The blade is road hard and out of this world, over 62 HRC. I had mine for over 18 months, after two hunting trips and lots of everyday use no need to re-sharpen as of yet (I don't use it as a box cutter, though). You should be able to get one for below $ 130.- on e-Bay, and it's worth every penny. If you don't lose it it's probably something to give to your grandson as an heirloom in 30 years.
 
digispam said:
Should I stay away from stainless? I'm no good at sharpening.
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two options:
1. Save $40 and buy sharpmaker. It is great tool. You will sharpen knives for all your family and friends.
2 When Spyderco knife will get dull mail it to the factory and they will sharpen it for free, but better buy Sharpmaker it is fun.
Good luck
 
Native -S30V, Delica or Centofante VG10. Both steels are very good.
S30V is US made and will hold edge little longer. VG10 is Japanese, it easier to sharpen and it takes really scary edge.
I like both steels.
 
digispam said:
So, Spyderco seems to be the entry blade of choice?
Click to expand...

Spyderco is the best choice for entry level and high level as well.
If you are willing to spend $100+ you will buy different Spydercos.
Let me know when you ready.
 
If you go Byrd I like these http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5655 or for a longer blade http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=6059 . These are two great knives in the sub 30$ range. When you dull the blade I would get a cheap combo stone med on one side and fine on the other for up keep of your new blade. You will get all the help you need here on your freehand sharpening skills, I did. Also as you use your blade you will say man I like this blade but I wish I could change this-----. Then you will find that in another blade, then when the new wheres off you will say I like this blade but----I would change this. The cycle will keep repeating its self. Thats where I am at, I'm at a mini manix now I love it, but I am now eyeing that zero tolerance 301. A sweet piece of steel but at 300$ I'll have to save for it. I'v got two boys one 15 months old the other 3 months old. anyways didn't mean to bore you, hope this post helps in some way.
 
Delica or Endura for a couple bucks more if you want a bigger knife. Sounds like a delica will fit the bill though.
Can't knock the native though.
 
Thanks everyone, I'll definately be checking out the spydercos. Keep em comming though, I'm not in a huge hurry - I hope to make a choice (or 2) in the next 3 or 4 weeks

thx,

steve
 
The spyderco's are great knives, but of the couple I own you cannot pull them apart and clean them, plus some models don't have steel liners in the handle and they seem to flex a bit, which I really don't like (seems like it may fail). Look around.

Try a CRKT M16-13LE. I have one and it is F***EN awesome.
may cost you more though, I live in Aus so everything costs me lots :(
 
digispam...you can't miss with a spyderco, but may I recommend a Ka-Bar Dozier Folding Hunter. 20 to 30 bucks and not tactical.
 
One of my favorites is the Victorinox One-Hand Trekker.
Well within your price range, and looks like it fits all your criteria and then some.
One hand opening and closing, locking blade. PLUS! Other tools- screwdrivers, can and bottle openers, awl, saw... It's only noon, and I think I've cut five or six things today, PLUS pried a few too (was changing the battery in my wife's car)... with other knives, prying is a big no-no. With a locking screwdriver, pry to your heart's content.

And if your local LEOs are a little heavy handed, a swiss army knife is going to get you a little more peace than a single-bladed, black-handled folder (not that we don't all love those, cause we do).

Mike
 
MSCantrell said:
One of my favorites is the Victorinox One-Hand Trekker.
Well within your price range, and looks like it fits all your criteria and then some.
One hand opening and closing, locking blade. PLUS! Other tools- screwdrivers, can and bottle openers, awl, saw... It's only noon, and I think I've cut five or six things today, PLUS pried a few too (was changing the battery in my wife's car)... with other knives, prying is a big no-no. With a locking screwdriver, pry to your heart's content.

And if your local LEOs are a little heavy handed, a swiss army knife is going to get you a little more peace than a single-bladed, black-handled folder (not that we don't all love those, cause we do).

Mike
Click to expand...


Yes' I like the trekker. If only they made a non-seratted version.

Does Victrinox purposely make all their OH knives serrated to make them less tactical looking?
 
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