Knives That Take You By Surprise

[Shoopmonster]

Kizer Wanderer was one that I've grown to appreciate more and more. Wasn't sure if I would like it or not.

 

[Daniel Thompson]

I know a lot of people raved about this knife so I probably shouldn't have been surprised, but the biggest surprise knife for me recently was the Benchmade Bugout. I picked one up a few months ago expecting it to be just another boring axis lock with bad fit and finish - and it was spectacular. It was the first benchmade I've had with a great action, perfect centering, and no blade play all at once. On top of that, I ended up liking the design a lot more after getting it in hand and experiencing just how lightweight and slicey it is.

Basically, I went in expecting it to be a fairly average knife and now its fighting for pocket time on a regular basis and its one of the knives I find myself recommending the most.

 

[Spikediesel]

Just remember the smaller Exskelibur 2 is not a front flipper. I recommend that you get the full titanium version rather than the one with the cf front scale because it seems the cf versions get centering issues more often.

Also it has the typical crappy soft boker screws so it is not the kind of knife you want to be taking apart. I moved mine to tip up and have left the screws alone since after that.

Look how thin it is compared to the large 21. Also it is a very thin knife and isn’t a “hard use overbuilt” knife but is outstanding as a knife....not so much as a pry bar.

Thanks for all the info I appreciate it! I've been researching this knife for over a month after reading all yours and Miso2's posts, Finally pulled the trigger last night. I ordered the exskelibur I titanium as recommended by all the reviews I have read. I like slicey knives, this one shouldn't let me down.

 

[miso2]

1. Boker Plus Exskelibur I: What a slicer! Reminded me of the power of good hollow grind.
2. Kizer Feist: I was really surprised by the build quality of this Kizer knife. Buttery smooth.
3. GEC #73 liner lock: It is really hard to use thick knives after using a traditional.....

 

[bikerector]

I forgot about the kizer begleiter too. I ended up selling it because I had a BM 943 at the time too but for the price it was only a little less amazing than the much more expensive BM 943, IMO. loved that knife and if it comes out in a color combo I like I'll get another.

 

[Spikediesel]

I'm gonna throw in the buck smokejumper, it put a smile on my face right outta the box. At $38 shipped for CPM154 it's a steal.

 

[Deinos]

Boke Exskelibur 1 Ti framelock.

I’m not much of a boker fan but this knife is outstanding, often it kicks knives 5x its price out of my pocket. Unbelievable slicing geometry. Some of the best action I have ever seen on teflon washers.

Really need to pick one of these up. Have heard nothing but good things about it.

It isn’t a premium knife but I was surprised at the size of a Ontario Rat 1 I recently received in a trade. The Rat 2 almost seems too small and the Rat1 almost seems too big.

That thing is crazy at the price point. Giant, tanky, slicer. D2 is great!

I know a lot of people raved about this knife so I probably shouldn't have been surprised, but the biggest surprise knife for me recently was the Benchmade Bugout. I picked one up a few months ago expecting it to be just another boring axis lock with bad fit and finish - and it was spectacular. It was the first benchmade I've had with a great action, perfect centering, and no blade play all at once. On top of that, I ended up liking the design a lot more after getting it in hand and experiencing just how lightweight and slicey it is.

Basically, I went in expecting it to be a fairly average knife and now its fighting for pocket time on a regular basis and its one of the knives I find myself recommending the most.

I was just going to post on this one. Picked one of these up on a whim from a forum member, because I kept seeing the accolades. Figured it was a safe bet at an exchange price point. The only other BM I have is the mini in 20cv (just picked it up in July), so I didn't have a ton to compare it to on that front. It is ridiculous how good that knife is. Thought I wouldn't be a huge fan of the scales after seeing reviews of people squeezing them together, etc, but I have had zero issues. Things has been in my pocket every day since I got it. Insane how good that knife is.

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Also picked up a White River Knucklehead last month. Shocking how great that knife is. Razor sharp, interesting and useful blade shape, super light... I think I finally found the perfect neck knife. I was a little leery of ordering a knife with a chisel grind, but it has been a pleasant surprise! Had some issues with sheath retention, but White River cust svc sent me their revised sheath, and it has been perfect ever since. Will definitely be purchasing from them again in the near future.

 

[Fire Beard]

This New Torrent from Reate. It’s my first Reate knife. I’ve heard countless times of their excellent f&f, smoothness of deploying and closing, blade grinds, etc. But I had no idea just how amazing this would be until I got it in hand. The machining is impeccable. Everything is chamfered for comfort and fit together with tolerances reminiscent of a CRK. And the action...just wow. Definitely won’t be my last Reate purchase.

 

[Lapedog]

I'm gonna throw in the buck smokejumper, it put a smile on my face right outta the box. At $38 shipped for CPM154 it's a steal.View attachment 959881

That Smokejumper might have to be my first 110 in a very long time. I love cpm154 and would like to see it become more commonly used. (Imho it is way better than s30v) It would be my first 110 since my father stole mine that was given to me by a relative for my Bar-mitzvah.

What are the scales, some FRN material?

miso2 How are you liking the reground feist? I haven’t been able to put my feist down at all lately. It is just such a perfect little EDC knife. Very well built and a joy to carry and use.

 

[jmh33]

the new Buck BladeForums 2018 knife of course how could you not like a classic like this with cpm154 steel, elk scales, and nickel silver bolsters... how many got in on the deal?

Ordered!! Looking forward to thisun!!! John

 

[Deinos]

the new Buck BladeForums 2018 knife of course how could you not like a classic like this with cpm154 steel, elk scales, and nickel silver bolsters... how many got in on the deal?

Got in on one of these and a slip as well. Will be my first forum knife and my first Buck since my father bought me a 110 when I was a kid. Really looking forward to it!

 

[bikerector]

I also go the forum knife, the surprise there was the price for sure. I bought two with the idea that I would use one and collect one but I'm pretty bad at collecting so I'm likely to find a good candidate for a gift. Maybe a Christmas present or something. I wish I could have bought more than 1 but that's the limits. I know a few deserving people around the forum that deserve one as a gift if they weren't able to jump in and buy one this time around.

 

[bralexander]

It isn’t a premium knife but I was surprised at the size of a Ontario Rat 1 I recently received in a trade. The Rat 2 almost seems too small and the Rat1 almost seems too big.

Glad I am not the only one! I really liked both the Rat 1&2 but the 1 seemed like a monster and not at all "people" friendly. The 2 was just a little too small. If they every come out with a 1.5 I will buy one in every color!

For me, this Smoke Jumper 110lt surprised me greatly! I thought it might be too large and I am still a little dissapointed it didn't come with a pocket clip, but it is outstandingly useful.

 

[TheEdge01]

Glad I am not the only one! I really liked both the Rat 1&2 but the 1 seemed like a monster and not at all "people" friendly. The 2 was just a little too small. If they every come out with a 1.5 I will buy one in every color!

For me, this Smoke Jumper 110lt surprised me greatly! I thought it might be too large and I am still a little dissapointed it didn't come with a pocket clip, but it is outstandingly useful.

View attachment 959968

I like the looks of that one, thanks for posting.

 

[Spikediesel]

That Smokejumper might have to be my first 110 in a very long time. I love cpm154 and would like to see it become more commonly used. (Imho it is way better than s30v) It would be my first 110 since my father stole mine that was given to me by a relative for my Bar-mitzvah.

What are the scales, some FRN material?

miso2 How are you liking the reground feist? I haven’t been able to put my feist down at all lately. It is just such a perfect little EDC knife. Very well built and a joy to carry and use.

Yes they’re FRN scales and I too am a huge fan of CPM154. This is my first and second buck 110 since I bought 2

 

[jill jackson]

Yes they’re FRN scales and I too am a huge fan of CPM154. This is my first and second buck 110 since I bought 2

Is the blade tight when locked up? The cheaper black 420 steel model got a bad review for blade play and a few other things. I really like that SJ model. I was surprised by this review though, as I have one of the large Bucklite max with pinned construction that is extremely solid for a cheaper knife.

 

[bralexander]

Is the blade tight when locked up? The cheaper black 420 steel model got a bad review for blade play and a few other things. I really like that SJ model. I was surprised by this review though, as I have one of the large Bucklite max with pinned construction that is extremely solid for a cheaper knife.

Unfortunately my Smoke jumper does have some blade play- Minor, not worth it to return, or worry too much, but enough that it's noticeable if you check for it.

 

[Spikediesel]

Is the blade tight when locked up? The cheaper black 420 steel model got a bad review for blade play and a few other things. I really like that SJ model. I was surprised by this review though, as I have one of the large Bucklite max with pinned construction that is extremely solid for a cheaper knife.

Both of my smoke jumpers have equal and very minimal side to side play when open and locked. It’s more than tolerable in my opinion considering the price point and the fact that they are pinned together with FRN scales. I’m sure the play is by design as to not bind on the scales when opened and closed since there are no washers. When opened they snap into the locked position firmly! I’m very happy with both of them.

 

[Barman1]

This Berg Blades Iron Wolf really opened my eyes.
I was on the fence for a while about buying knives produced in (ahem...) certain locations. But this midtech made by WE has it all.
I disassembled it to give it a light Scotchbrite treatment and it uses all ceramics, and the f&f is impeccable.
I put my own bevels on this baby and it's one of my favorites.

And honorable mention for a lower end, of the price range, knife that I carry a lot is an Enzo Birk.
Razor sharp, smooth and easy to carry.
Love it.

And don't even get me started on surprisingly crappy knives that weren't supposed to be....

 

[fq55]

Two Sun TS50 for me. Picked this up for $60 on the exchange but they are available for around $70.

- High ground wharncliffe D2 blade that is very thin behind the edge. It’s a better slicer than any Benchmade I’ve had. It’s also ground evenly with matching bevels.

- scalloped ti scales with a ribbed backspaced and a machined pocket clip.

- ceramic bearing and detent. It flips like some customs I’ve owned

- steel lock bar insert

- high quality hardware. The pivot and screws are nice making it easy to disassemble.

I am absolutely shocked at how good this knife is and how the chinese can produce this knife for $70.