Knife sharping and new EDC question

S

shadow93

Joined
Nov 11, 2011
Messages
77
I've always carried cheap blades just in case I lose or break them I don't feel bad about it. I'm looking to start getting into middle to high end blades for EDC and I'm not sure where to start. I love assisted and automatic opening but I don't believe their legal in Illinois sadly, even though I have a few S&W ones. What kind is a good place to start at with for a new EDC? I'd prefer a plain blade but half serrated isn't bad. Definitely not liking how the full serrated blades look.

I am also looking to get into sharpening my blades that I have as they are ALL dull at this point. I've been looking at the Deluxe Lansky as it seems like a good starter kit. Is it generally agreed upon that thats a good place to start? And whats the best way to remove Burrs?

Sorry for the jumbled mess of questions. And thanks!
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

The amount of knives in the market right now that are made for EDC can be overwhelming at times. I'd recommend trying to have a look at as many knives as you can before you make a large purchase. If you have any knife distributors in your area, it is always nice to see the knives in person.

Another thing that will help narrow down the search is to state your "budget" for the upcoming purchases.

Try ordering some catalogs (for free) from Buck, Kershaw, Benchmade, Spyderco, Cold Steel, and others. That way you can see all the knives together and compare all the specs. Maybe something will jump out at you that suits your personal tastes.

When you see something that interests you, feel free to post a question about it. There are many people here willing to help, and this thread is a good place for you to start.

As for sharpening, you have two basic choices. Learn free hand, or go with a "guided system." If you stick with it, either road you choose ends in having extremely sharp knives. :thumbup: Just stick with it.
 
The amount of EDC knives out there really is crazy. I've been looking and what I've found is that I really like the shape of knives resembling the ZT 0350. That blade and handle shape I find really nice looking. Is there anything close to that, thats better for the same price but still resembles the same thing?

I have no problem sticking with the sharpening. I think the Lansky is worth it for a starter so thats what I will probably end up picking up.
 
Remember with the EDCs, all they need to be are knives that make YOU happy. Whatever sharpening method you choose, practice practice practice. Get some cheap kitchen knives and wear them out learning to sharpen.
 
I'm a big fan of the Spyderco Sharpmaker. Practice practice practice is not really helpful advice, since if you practice WRONG, you won't go anywhere. Learn how to do it right, and THEN practice practice practice. Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

If you like the ZT0350, just get it. It's a heck of a good knife. I admit that I never carry mine, but that's not because it's not quality. I think it's just that I don't really like Kershaw's aesthetics for some reason. Or something. But, if you get a knife that doesn't call to you, I don't care how good it is, it's unlikely that you'll carry it.

Other options to look at might include Spyderco (Para 2 or Manix 2 would be my suggestions), Benchmade (something spiffy with AXIS lock; my favorite BM is the Ritter Griptilian), Cold Steel (new Voyagers), Hogue EX-01. Or, you could be even more spendy and get a Darrel Ralph Gun Hammer. That's my current EDC.
 
Sorry, I thought learning how before practicing would be implied. I don't think I said "do the same bad technique over and over and wonder why your blades aren't improving."
 
Well, you know what they say about assumptions. You DID say "Whatever sharpening method you choose, practice practice practice." What if they choose a sharpening method that's just WRONG? Just thought I'd make sure that it's clear that you gotta do it right first, which isn't as easy as it sounds for many people.
 
Personally, on sharpeniong, I find the crockstick method fairly fool proof, repeatable and sharp. I also occasionally use a cardboard box top to strop my edge to shiny. It always cuts like a scalpel.

Simple works for me.

Larry
Tinkerer
 
Honestly the Spyderco is the brand of knives that I do not care for the most aesthetically. I've heard nothing but great things about them but I can't stand how they look. Where I"m at I don't know of any knife shops to go get a feel for the different knives either which sucks. I'm stuck with online sight buying. Honestly I can use a kitchen knife sharpener and get a edge that I'm happy with I'm just looking to use something really meant for pocket knives and a better edge. What exactly is stropping by the way?
 
shadow93 said:
Honestly the Spyderco is the brand of knives that I do not care for the most aesthetically. I've heard nothing but great things about them but I can't stand how they look. Where I"m at I don't know of any knife shops to go get a feel for the different knives either which sucks. I'm stuck with online sight buying. Honestly I can use a kitchen knife sharpener and get a edge that I'm happy with I'm just looking to use something really meant for pocket knives and a better edge. What exactly is stropping by the way?
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I was where you are when I first joined the forums. They look fine to me now after I've used them a lot. BTW, I also thought those S&W's were the cat's jammies before.
 
singularity35 said:
I was where you are when I first joined the forums. They look fine to me now after I've used them a lot. BTW, I also thought those S&W's were the cat's jammies before.
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I like my S&Ws but I realize they aren't very high end. They get the job done for me though, and unlike others I've never had a problem with mine.
 
It's common for most to not like the looks of a spyderco but no one will call them a poor performer. When you want a knife that cuts and cuts well you will most often be pointed in the direction of spyderco. It's always been my opinion that the spyderco delica is a ideal "first" knife due to its acceptable size, larger handle, and exceptional performance in everyday tasks.

To keep your blades sharp you have many options with some getting very expensive. Seeing you are not trying to spend a ton I would go with a Norton combo India stone and a DMT aligner clamp, about $30 all together. The clamp is not needed but will help with keeping a straight bevel and teaching you the movements.
 
Life is too short to bother with cheap, dull knives. None of mine are expensive but they are excellent quality and a joy to use.
 
shadow93 said:
I like my S&Ws but I realize they aren't very high end. They get the job done for me though, and unlike others I've never had a problem with mine.
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If they work fine for you, why search further? You don't wanna be like most of use here, still trying to find the perfect EDC after several thousands of dollars spent buying already. More for some than for others. ;)
 
singularity35 said:
If they work fine for you, why search further? You don't wanna be like most of use here, still trying to find the perfect EDC after several thousands of dollars spent buying already. More for some than for others. ;)
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Mostly because legally I can not carry them outside the house as they are all automatics although they are part of my rotation but I'd rather not take the chance sadly.
 
Kershaw is a great place to start because upi can try out designs and see what you like for cheap.

The lansky kit is a great sharpening system, I think more foolproof than the sharpmaker and yes I have both. One thing I would highly recommend if you get the lansky kit is to get the stand for it. It makes the process much faster, easier, and safer.
 
shadow93 said:
Honestly the Spyderco is the brand of knives that I do not care for the most aesthetically. I've heard nothing but great things about them but I can't stand how they look.
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You know, I felt the same way for the longest time. Then I tried one out. Sold me on the looks instantly. Say what you will, they perform very well. Better than most other production companies. The looks grow on you; not sure what changes, but I actually like the way they look now. 3 years ago, I would have said you were crazy if you told me I would say something like that.
 
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