Knife noob needs advice...

M

MiamiAttorney

Joined
May 3, 2010
Messages
16
I've carried a few knives, but now that I'm in the market for a new one I figured I'd try to gather some actual expertise before buying something this time.

I'm looking for a tough all-purpose folder. I live in Miami (shocker) and I carry my knives daily. I carry for self-defense but of course I mainly use 'em for everything from the standard opening boxes and packages to a little light-duty prying to culinary backup.

I carried a very light benchmade coffin grip folder that I liked a lot (910?) but I think I'd like something a bit more robust this go-around. I prefer a full non-serrated blade and my price rage is sub-$150. Any suggestions on materials, models, and where to get 'em?

And now onto my second noob question: sharpening. Is there a good tool out there that (a) effectively sharpens kitchen and carry knives and (b) will save those knives from my lack of sharpening talent?

All the best,


MA
 
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I am a newb too, but I think traditional folders aren't usually considered all that good for self defense, too much risk of folding shut on your hand I would think. As for your normal EDC purposes, they are just find if you are careful, and have a nice classy or classic look that you don't find in many modern locking folders, at least without paying a premium to get such. ;)
 
First off let me say, welcome to Bladeforums!

Are you looking for a traditional slipjoint type of knife, or maybe a lockback like a Buck 110?

Plenty of tough traditional designs available, but if you are into pocket clips, titanium, and the latest super steels (nothing wrong with that!), the General discussion thread will yield better results:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=715

Your sharpening questions have their own subforum as well:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=794
a little time in there will give you plenty of directions to go with sharpening.

Here are a few knives I carry that I thought of when I read your post. These are just a few of the kind of knives discussed here in the Traditional forum:

Northfield Scout #73 in Burnt Stag
Trapper style, 3.75" closed, 1095 Steel
Carries a little big, kinda thick through the handle but cuts real nice.
Can be found under $150
4126098573_5729fafc94.jpg


Something a little smaller and slimmer
Queen Trapper in Amber Stag Bone (above)
3.5" closed, D2 steel
$50-$70 range

Case Sway Back Jack in Chestnut Bone (below)
Just over 3" closed, CV steel
$60-$70 Range
3354863346_82afd164df.jpg


Try the search feature, you will be amazed at the depth of this forum, and you will find what you are looking for (probably much more!).
 
A traditional "fighting" knife, well... a texas toothpick comes to mind.
I wouldn't recommend using a knife for self defense, a cane or umbrella would probably serve you better, but different strokes for different folks, I guess.
 
Thanks, guys.

I guess I'm in the wrong forum; when I didn't see anything specifically for "tactical" type folders, I figured "traditional" meant "not automatic". And the knife would only be for self-defense when I'm not carrying my gun... which is basically when I'm jogging. Umbrellas and canes need not apply. ;)
 
NP MT.

I will move this thread over to the General Discussion forum where you will get quite a few thoughts and ideas on the ideal knife for your needs.

(I even get confused since I mod both the trad and General spots)

Gus Kalanzis
 
Benchmade 710 or Griptilion should suit you fine.
 
One of my favorite folding knives is the Buck Vantage Pro. Its got a great blade, it opens silky smooth (its not assisted) and has a flipper, and it looks classy (IMO). Its just a great design and a great overall knife.
 
ill second the sharpmaker...its really easy and very effective.

check out some of the al mar knives they are nice and pointy. I just got a Gayle Bradley from spyderco and its a really nice knife. its tough got fantastic steel M4 and it is pretty with the CF handles.

I would be damn careful thinking about using a pocket knife or any knife as a selfdefense weapon. without substantial training you will probly get the knife taken from you and then used on you. just my 2 cents.

-alex
 
Thanks, all.

From nosing around here and around the web, it looks like a ZT 350 might really fit the bill. It's heavy-ish, but it looks like exactly the kind of grip I'd like and folks seem to think it's quite tough. I also like their warranty reputation.

I found it on BotachDefense for $84. Any reason not to buy it there?
 
MiamiAttorney said:
Thanks, all.

From nosing around here and around the web, it looks like a ZT 350 might really fit the bill. It's heavy-ish, but it looks like exactly the kind of grip I'd like and folks seem to think it's quite tough. I also like their warranty reputation.

I found it on BotachDefense for $84. Any reason not to buy it there?
Click to expand...

You might want to read the feedback threads before ordering from Botach. From one lawyer to another, caveat emptor.
 
I know their rep -- and I don't doubt that they deserve it. I've ordered multiple times from them without incident. They're disorganized, although I think they may have gotten better recently. Call ahead and have someone check the warehouse to see if what you want is actually in stock.

I just want to make sure the 0350 they have is "apples to apples" with the others on the 'net; i.e., not some lame early model with a problem or missing a feature, etc.
 
To play devil's advocate, keep in mind the 350 is like 50% heavier than your 910 (6+ oz is a heavy box opener to carry around all the time), and with a blade that wide, all it's going to do for self defense is slash.

It's certainly a robust knife that won't let you down though.
 
Kreole,

Good thoughts; thanks. The self-defense purpose of my carry knife is pretty limited... as in can't-run-away-can't-shoot limited. To be honest, the "tactical" look has more to do with style than anything else. The benchmade (it was an axis lightweight) was very light which was convenient... but to me, it felt a little too light.

A member here posted a vid of playing around with the 350 and it just looks perfect for my hand; I think that and the heft are actually what sold me.
 
MiamiAttorney said:
Kreole,

Good thoughts; thanks. The self-defense purpose of my carry knife is pretty limited... as in can't-run-away-can't-shoot limited. To be honest, the "tactical" look has more to do with style than anything else. The benchmade (it was an axis lightweight) was very light which was convenient... but to me, it felt a little too light.

A member here posted a vid of playing around with the 350 and it just looks perfect for my hand; I think that and the heft are actually what sold me.
Click to expand...
:thumbup: If you want a heavier knife, the 350 is a great choice.
 
Have you looked into Emerson knives? My first thought was ZT or Emerson when I think of heavy duty and SD.

Of course, there is the Spyderco Military..

Are there any blade length restrictions?

As for sharpening, get some stones, a $5 Smith and Wesson knife, and practice, practice, practice...
 
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