Looking for knife recommendation

N

nickdolin

Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
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Hey guys, been lurking for a while and have recently taken up some outdoorsy activities where having good tools can be a big help. I've recently purchased a sweet flashlight (Jetbeam M1X) and now I "need" a nice knife to go along with it.

I'm not sure what the knife may be used for (I don't know what may come up exactly) so a "general" purpose one may be my best bet here.

In looking at different knives I've come to like the spyderco brand. They seem to make quality pieces, have good prices, and use good steels.

However I'm open to suggestions...here are some criteria

Decent sized blade (3-4 inches)
Good steel (Such as VG-10 as I've read many good things about it)
Kinda a jack of all trades as far as cutting goes (since it may be used for much anything out in the woods/camping)
Price eh... $50-70 bucks if a decent knife can be had at those prices (which I think they can)
Something portable (doesn't have to be EDC but nothing bulky either)

Sorry I double posted in the review forum, moderators feel free to delete that post
 
Spyderco Manix 2 is maybe $5 or $10 more than your budget but is probably one of the best, or the best, choice for your requirements. Kershaw G10 Tyrade is also a very nice knife for the same $.
 
Thanks for the suggestion, a great looking knife but I've heard people say that the 154 is a bit harder to sharpen but holds an edge longer, I guess I'd be better off with something easier to sharpen perhaps like the VG-10

How about the Benchmade Griptilian 551 or mini?
 
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I think 154cm is easier to sharpen than VG10, well for me at least.
Some recommendations:
Spyderco: Delica 4, Caly 3, Endura 4 (all VG10)
Benchmade: Full size/Mini Griptilian (both 154cm)
RAT Cutlery: Izula (1095 steel and it is a fixed blade but can be pocketed very easily)

Also if you do some looking around in all the other threads like this, it should help give you an idea of other knives to check out
 
I've been a folder guy for years, but recently picked up a RAT Izula... its an incredible bargain at $50 shipped, and its so slim and light I actually find it easier to carry than my 4 inch bladed folders. If you're open to trying a small fixed blade, check out the Izula. if you wanna stick with folders then maybe a Delica/Endura 4 in VG-10, or one of the Salt series in H1, both great steels and easy to sharpen. The venerable Benchmade Griptillian series of knives are also highly acclaimed and affordable. The Kershaw Skyline is very affordable ($35 at walmart) and packs a lot of blade into a very small/lightweight package. I own all of the knives listed above and can say that every one is a great knife and a great value, but I encourage anyone who has not tried a small fixed blade yet to check out the Izula, it just might change the way you look at EDC, it certainly did for me.
 
If you're camping, get the Izula. I hear way too many good things about its edge retention, comfort, and portability for a fixed blade.

Though, I would have trouble EDCing an Izula.
 
Izula is sensible. If you want a folder: Kershaw JYDII Composite (Cutting edge is D2 steel ) or Kershaw Lahar (VG-10) are good choices.
 
Something to consider is a sharpening system, if you do not already have one. I think your best bet is the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I have found it to be a great sharpening tool, and leave mine setup so that I can sharpen the knives I have used that day. All it usually takes is 10 strokes and it is ready to go. It is far easier to keep a knife sharp than to let it get dull and then sharpen. Btw, 154CM is not really difficult to sharpen, and is really good to keep sharp. I say go with a Kershaw G-10 Tyrade. It has a D2CPM cutting edge that comes razor sharp and is easy to keep sharp. I would really urge you to look into the Sharpmaker.
 
How ya doing Nick, Brian D. here ;). The Mini-Grip is a great knife and one of my most used EDC knives. Also the SOG Mini Vulcan with a 3" blade in VG-10 is another really nice knife. The SOG is a little over $70 though, paid $78 for mine.
 
Well hey Brian nice seein you around... since watches I've been into flashlights and am looking into some cutlery. From the suggestions given, I think I like the Benchmade mini griptilian.. For now I think I'll stay kinda mainstream and with a folder because I want something I can throw in my pocket and not have to worry about sheathing the blade. However the RAT does look interesting and I may try it at some point but I've found the Benchmade for $49 and for a 154CM, Axis, US Made and great reviews it's likely a safe bet for a 1st good knife.
 
If you arent' attached to the folder idea completely, you might want to start with a $15 mora to see how it goes. They are decently well made and inexpensive enough you can start figuring out what you like.

For example, for pure bushcrafting and leave no trace survival, I generally go in the 2.5 to 4 inch range on blades, but for actual camping or hiking where I'm going to be doing more than slamming gorp and lipton instant soup, I like about 4.75 to 5.5 inches - somethimes 6- because you get a lot more kitchen utility and firewood prep work out of the slightly larger blade.

I won't recommend a specific maker or company, there's plenty of activity on the dealer and manufacturer and for sale forums. Just an idea :D

If you realyl are attached to a folder, a large congress might be your ticket.
 
The mora is a great idea..Mora 2000. Or a Rat RC-4 used from the forum might be had for that price too. I think it's a better all-rounder than the RC-3
 
I think you will be more than happy with the Mini-Grip. I touched mine up on the edge a little when I first got it which was a little over a year ago and I just lightly touched it up again only a few weeks ago. I have the RC-3 and 2 Izulas from RAT which are outstanding knives. Either one you choose will be be just fine. Stop on over at the RAT forum and check it out.
 
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