Looking for my first knife

S

sucinimad

Joined
Oct 5, 2006
Messages
4
Hello all,
I was researching on what to get for my first knife and stumbled upon this place. I would like some suggestions on which knife is the best for me. These are things I'm looking for in a knife.

It has to be a folder. Not too big or heavy, but decent size. It needs to be water resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. I would like to be able to use it for most daily applications like cutting cardboards, tapes, ropes, food, as well as fishing lines, prying mussels, cutting fish and smaller tree branches/firewoods. As for the price, I would like to keep it below $100.

I'm currently considering the Leek. Is it suitable for me?

I know this sounds like a lot to ask, which is why I'm seeking your help.
Thanks,
 
First off,welcome to bladeforums.you stumbled into the right place if you want to know about knives.
Now to your question.I've not had any experience with the leek however I suggest a spyderco native I.An extremly good knife,small,stainless and tough.About 30-35$ in wal-mart.I carry one all the time at work.I work in a fish shipping warehouse where it's cold and wet all the time and the native I works very well there.
I'm shure one of the others will be more helpful than I was.there are some knife savvy folks here that'll help you more.
welcome again and enjoy your stay.:)
 
Considering your "water resistant" requirement and your mention of fishing usage, I think something from the Spyderco Salt series would work nicely. Not only are they very low-maintence and rust-proof, they also make excellent everyday carry knives in general. Oh, and each is well under your $100 budget.
 
Welcome to bladeforums!

Leek will require more sharpening, unless you buy one of the more expensive models with upgraded blade steel.
I am also doubtful about the strength of the thin tip for prying mussels(assuming you mean prying the shells open)

My suggestion would be maybe a Spyderco Delica or endura? they are available in waved versions as well, if you want fast opening. Better steel as well.
 
I agree with Padawan, but it depends on how much water the blade will see. The Salt series from spyderco are virtually rust proof (not resistent). You might want to consider a Salt 1 if you like the size of the Leek, a Paciic Salt if you'd like a 4" blade.

You also may want to consider a Benchmade Griptilian in 440C, I understand that their supposed to be pretty good against corrosion.
 
sucinimad said:
Hello all,
I was researching on what to get for my first knife and stumbled upon this place. I would like some suggestions on which knife is the best for me. These are things I'm looking for in a knife.

I'm currently considering the Leek. Is it suitable for me?

I know this sounds like a lot to ask, which is why I'm seeking your help.
Thanks,
Click to expand...

First of all let me say that I was in your shoes a little over a year ago. I did buy a Leek with the 440A steel. This is hardly the best steel around and will require frequent sharpening. BUT The newer leeks use the super stainless S30V and unless you intend to hone (nice pun) your sharpening skills don’t expect to get it as sharp as purchased.

The 440A is easy to sharpen but again has to be sharpened more often. I’d recommend buying the Leek in 440A, work on your sharpening skills then buy a “super” stainless steel. BTW this doesn't refer to the H-1, which I've never used.
 
Thanks everyone,
Unfortunately, I don't like the look of the the Spyderco Salt knives. On the other hand, I think the Delica and Endura look great. But, before I settle on a knife, what are your opinions/experience on the BM Griptilian vs. BM710?
Also, I keep running into these numbers for blade material (steel type?). Where can I get more information of these?
 
Welcome to BF! That is too bad that you don't like the Spyderco Salt Series. I don't mean to sound mean, but have you tried using the search feature that BF has?
 
Could you describe what it is that you did not like about the Salt series- if it is just looks; I would suggest that you find a way to hold one and see if it changes your mind. I am not sure that any knife you will get will be able pry and slice well.
 
Hm... how do I explain this...
hs.gif

A large part of what I look for in a knife is its look. This may sound shocking to you veterans but it's a fault of mine. I guess I should accept the fact that functionality and performance will bring me more joy and less frustration in the long run.

Aside from prying and slicing, how does the Spyderco Pacific fare when it comes to cutting smaller branches (1-2" in diameter)?
Thanks again for all of your help,
 
sucinimad said:
Thanks everyone,
Unfortunately, I don't like the look of the the Spyderco Salt knives. On the other hand, I think the Delica and Endura look great. But, before I settle on a knife, what are your opinions/experience on the BM Griptilian vs. BM710?
Also, I keep running into these numbers for blade material (steel type?). Where can I get more information of these?
Click to expand...

I have both: the 710 is BIG, which you mentioned not wanting. I have a mini grip in 154CM and a grip in D2. The D2 grip is by far my best knife. I'm looking for other D2 knives, but some people have difficulty sharpening them.
 
Spyderco Native is hard to beat as a first knife ($40 at Wallyworld). I also like the Swiss Army knives for EDC. Carry one all the time. In particular look at the Soldier model. Carry it all the time and the gadgets come in handy fishing or when ever.
 
If you like the rust proof steel on the Pacific Salt, and like the Endura Wave, there are some people on the forums that can modify your knife to your liking. Here's my Pacific Salt:

Wave_on_the_Pacific_2nd_try.jpg


I'm carrying it today :D
 
The BM Griptillian 553 in 440C sounds about right. Its' not too heavy and 440C is about the best in salt and is about as tough as they get. It holds an edge very good and is an honest super steel. For $70 you'll get your moneys worth.
 
I have a leek/onion and adore them. They are nice little knives at the price point, the coating holds up well for heavy use, etc... I would reccommend one to anyone in an instant, but I must say for your uses they would be a bad choice. It seems like you want to do some prying and will be using it around water. The speedsafe mechanism in Ken Onion's knives is a little sensitive and salt water I doubt would help them much, not to mention that they have VERY fine tips which would be horrible for prying.

I would suggest something like this - http://www.coldsteel.com/folding-knives-gunsite-series.html
or this
http://www.coldsteel.com/29rls.html

Tanto style tips will be phenomenal for what you want since they are virtually indestructable to prying and abuse.

Good luck and welcome to the knife world!
 
sucinimad said:
Hm... how do I explain this...
hs.gif

A large part of what I look for in a knife is its look. This may sound shocking to you veterans but it's a fault of mine. I guess I should accept the fact that functionality and performance will bring me more joy and less frustration in the long run.

Aside from prying and slicing, how does the Spyderco Pacific fare when it comes to cutting smaller branches (1-2" in diameter)?
Thanks again for all of your help,
Click to expand...

The aesthetic quality of a knife is very important to me as well, but a knife that cut 1-2" branches in DIAMETER will not be a comfortable folder to EDC (Every Day Carry). A branch 1" in diameter is about as thick as your thumb. I own several Leeks and wouldn't cut branches with any of them. They do make short work of cardboard and when I went fishing, they did just fine cutting up small finger mullets for cut bait. I used one of my random leeks for that by the way. Sucinimad, check out the various styles of Leek available to you: Click on this link! http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=427460
 
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