Looking for my first decent folder.

S

Sunog

Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
62
Hello. I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking about (to admire and drool), but never signed up until now.
The only knives I have are Swiss Army Knives, Leathermans, and those cheap Chinese knives (Frost, un-named knives, etc.) (all of them seem to fall apart on me).
I've only carried SAK's so far, but I am looking into more quality knives. I don't know much about knives, so I'm coming to you folks.


So, what kind of recommendation do you have for me?


I'm looking for a "workhorse" folder. (I would like it very much if it didn't fall apart on me.)
I don't think I "abuse" my knives, but they will be used heavily(?) (depending on your definition of heavy usage).
(A good steel would be nice.)

It must have some kind of locking mechanism as well as a way to open the knife with one hand. (Oh. And I'm not really into those assisted-openings.) (No slipjoints.)
I have no care for self defense as the knife will be used for work (cutting tasks such as drywall, very mild prying (if needed), etc.).
I would like a plain edge; no serations.
Price. Around 100$ would be nice. Maybe up to 150 if the knife is great.
I'm not too worried about a clip or the placement of the clip, etc.
I am right-handed, so I don't mind if the knife is ambidextrous or not.
I don't mind where the knife was made as long as it is a reliable, quality knife.



As for aesthetics, I like simplicity. None of those "tactical" looking knives.
Those Sebenzas look so beautiful, but I can't imagine spending that much on a knife..... yet.
All the Cold Steels I've seen were too .... "tactical" looking.
I've always liked the LOOK of Spyderco Tenacious, Ontario Rat, Spyderco Native, Benchmade Griptilian, Sebenzzzzaaaa....
"Skinny" looking knives don't look too nice for me (such as the Spyderco Delica 4), but if it is a great knife I will look into it. (Let me know why they are desirable! :))
Oh. And I've never like the look of the knives with the holes in the handle.
I live in a suburb (a community that believes knives are bad, mean, scary weapons), so "scary" knives are a no go.

I'm looking for a 3 inch-ish blade; something that would fit nicely in small hands (Spyderco Persistence seems like a good size)
Handle length maybe 4-something inch, but I'm not sure.



Photos will be much appreciated.
Thanks for your time.


[If you want a summary:

Folder with one hand opening and locking mechanism.
Plain edge; no serations
Price: 100-ish; can go up to 150 if knife is great
no "tactical" looking
3 inch-ish blade; handle length: 4-something inch (not sure)]
 
I wouldn't choose a Spyderco if you intend to do any prying with it. I'd go with a Kershaw Junkyard Dog 1 or 2 and save some cash.
 
Benchmade Mini Bone Collector
-has a thicker, hand-filling handle
-better handle feel than a Griptilian
-Excellent blade steel (D2)
-one-hand opening, easy to use, and safe AXIS lock
-$100-$150 online
-not tactical
-2.95" blade length

Just my suggestion, and one that I am currently looking at favorably. Good luck.
 
Look at the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. It's at the higher end of your price range, but worth it in my opinion. If you like a simple, well-made knife like the Sebenza, the GB should be perfect. It's very well-made; one of the nicest in Spyderco's collection. And the steel holds an edge for much longer than most steels, while retaining the toughness of cheaper steels. In fact, it's tough enough that they were able to put a really thin hollow grind on it without worrying about damage, which lets it cut as well as a Delica 4 FFG.

The Kershaw Speedform 2 is also one of the best values out there in terms of steel. Not as heavy duty as the GB, but it should hold up to whatever you're doing.
 
I do love my delica..
Have you considered a fixed neck knife? You could get an Izula, or a Becker Necker
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
Benchmade Mini Bone Collector
-has a thicker, hand-filling handle
-better handle feel than a Griptilian
-Excellent blade steel (D2)
-one-hand opening, easy to use, and safe AXIS lock
-$100-$150 online
-not tactical
-2.95" blade length

Just my suggestion, and one that I am currently looking at favorably. Good luck.
Click to expand...

That's a good one. The only thing I don't like about it is the handle eats my pockets up. Pulling it out several times a day, the cuts they put in the G10 is just too much. The only reason I don't carry it more often. But it's hard to beat for the price.
 
Whatever knife you get, get a small prybar as well if you really need to do prying. Just not worth ruining a $100 knife when you can get those CountyComm Pico Pry bars for $13,
 
krust said:
Spyderco paramilitary 2 or manix2
Click to expand...

I *think* that these are too big for my hands... (small asian female hands here. I like knives that are just slightly bigger for my hand size.)
I really like the looks of the Manix 2, except for the blade.
What would you call that kind of blade?

The aesthetics of the knife is a bit important to me :o


fishshooter said:
I'd take a look at the Para 2. If that's too large, check out the Ritter mini Grip.
Click to expand...

The Ritter Mini Grip looks great. Does it have a beefy blade?
It says the handle material is Glass-filled Noryl GTX.
How does that compare to handles such as G-10, carbon fiber, titanium (my ideal handle material... for now)?
 
crom said:
I wouldn't choose a Spyderco if you intend to do any prying with it. I'd go with a Kershaw Junkyard Dog 1 or 2 and save some cash.
Click to expand...

Hahaha I'm not going to do any "real" prying. Just very light *emergency* prying when I don't want waste time and energy trying to find something to pry with (I guess that is considered prying then.. hmm.).
I don't abuse my things. I try to take care of my things.


The Kershaw Junkyard Dog looks too "tactical" for me. (I'm sure it doesn't look like that to everyone else though...)
I think it's the handle that makes it look like that for me.
 
Sunog said:
The Ritter Mini Grip looks great. Does it have a beefy blade?
It says the handle material is Glass-filled Noryl GTX.
How does that compare to handles such as G-10, carbon fiber, titanium (my ideal handle material... for now)?
Click to expand...

The blade is not especially beefy, although the tip is probably sightly more robust than the Para 2. It has a high flat grind, which makes it a very good slicer and efficient cutter. The handle is basically plastic, although very tough and light. It has steel liners, so it doesn't feel puny. If you like G10 and carbon fiber, then it is probably gonna feel a bit cheap.
 
And I second getting a mini pry bar. They're small and cheap, and you can carry one on your keychain.
 
Ontario RAT-1
CRKT Razel -maybe a little "tactical", but very practical
Check the Kershaw lineup, you may find something you like. The Needs Work in particular, seems to say "work, not tactical".

Sunog, best not to admit you might "pry" with your knife... people around here get all revved up...

That being said, if you do anticipate putting "lateral force" on your knife, I would give some of those "tactical" knives a second look. They tend to have the best attributes for resisting unconventional usage.
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
Benchmade Mini Bone Collector
-has a thicker, hand-filling handle
-better handle feel than a Griptilian
-Excellent blade steel (D2)
-one-hand opening, easy to use, and safe AXIS lock
-$100-$150 online
-not tactical
-2.95" blade length

Just my suggestion, and one that I am currently looking at favorably. Good luck.
Click to expand...


So much information! :)
That looks similar to The Ritter Mini Grip. (I mean, they are made by the same company, so...)
Similar price too (or at least that's what the websites I visited showed).

Looks good. Will look into that.
 
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