Looking for Suggestions for First Purchase

J

JBrigs

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Dec 18, 2012
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Ready to buy my first real knife, I have been looking at the Barrage with m390, was wondering if there is any other comparable knifes that are preferred? Am looking to have a knife with a higher quality of steel.

Thanks!
 
The only thing that I dont like about the barrage is the assisted opening. Sure, it flies open fast (but really no faster than a manual axis lock folder...), but closing takes a bit more effort since you have to overcome the spring tension. I find if speed and ease of use is what you want, you're actually much better off with a good manual knife.

With that said, the barrage is an excellent knife overall and m390 is a great steel. Truthfully though, if you can deal with the fact that it's not stainless I slightly prefer cmp-m4 to m390. Edge holding is about the same, but m4 just takes a better edge in my opinion. A good one to look at in the same price range as the barrage would be the spyderco Gayle Bradley. Benchmade also has a couple knives in m4,namely the Contego, and various limited editions of the grip, ritter grip, presidio, rift, upcoming 710 and probably a few others. Another tremendous knife with high end steel that I can highly recommend is the spyderco southard. It's a bit more expensive, but even so, I feel like it is one of the best values in the knife world. Titanium frame lock, ball bearing pivot system, flipper opening, and cts-204p blade steel which is carpenter steel's take on bohler's m390. Basically, it's American m390. Add to that, build quality and fit and finish normally only seen on mid techs like CRK. Definitely $220-250 well spent.
 
I also prefer manual over assisted but that is really just personal preference. If you do not mind it or if you prefer it, go for it. The BM Barrage with M390 is a good choice for a knife and great steel. However like mkjellgren said, the Spyderco GB is also a great choice and many people would agree. On the Spyderco Southard, I for one can say that it is a great knife as I even have it in my pocket right now. The CTS-204p blade is a great steel with the fit and finish from Spyderco makes for a great knife. I personally love mine but the price tag may scare some people away.

I guess knowing your budget would be a good start so you know how much you can spend for a knife as the "higher end" steels are more expensive.
 
Preferred over the 581 Barrage? That is a matter of personal taste, the 581 is a very good knife. The one thing that might concern you is that the handle if fairly thick, thicker than many other comparable knives. I have a 581 and it is one of my favorites.

Some other options in that size range would be the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 sprint runs in various steels up to M390, the Spyderco Manix 2 limited editions in M4 steel, Spyderco Gayle Bradley in M4, various other Benchmades such as the 520, 810 and 710 in steel such as M4 and M390, and some ZT models in Elmax. Spyderco and Benchmade both have models in D2 steel which is no slouch.
 
Thanks for the comments guy, much appreciated

As far as price range , im trying to keep it around 200 give or take

Any suggestions on which sites carry the most fair prices?
 
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My advice for you is to not spend a lot of money in something you maybe not value enough, so my advice is a mid range folder like mini-grip Delica kershaw blur or skyline and see what you like on a folder before spending 100+$ on something you'll end not being completely satisfied with.
Just my opinion though, do what you feel like doing. :D
Mateo
 
My advise is: Get you a BK&T BK14 w/handle kit & TDI clip. Take all the money you have left over & take your girl out to dinner. Or---buy more knives. :D
 
JBrigs said:
Thanks for the comments guy, much appreciated

As far as price range , im trying to keep it around 200 give or take

Any suggestions on which sites carry the most fair prices?
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www.knifecenter.com & www.bladehq.com are some pretty competitive and reasonable sites. You can always post a Want to Buy thread in the exchange forum after doing some research for yourself. I personally love the Gayle Bradley and Southard flipper. You might have a little bit of trouble finding the Southard since most places are on back order. You also need to take into consideration what lock type you like best, as well as handle material and weight. Just so many different variables with a knife, especially since you are looking for your first good quality knife. Good luck my friend, it is a hard choice :)
 
Para 2 Sprints are great.
Spyderco Gayle Bradley in CPM-M4.
Spyderco Techno in CTS-XHP.
Or for around $200 - $230 you can pick up a Spyderco Tuff in 3V.
 
I'd suggest a "blem" Kershaw JunkYardDog with a composite blade using D2 as the edge. That's a great unassisted flipper. I love it...and it's cheap.
 
I would go to a local dealer and try a few knives out to see how comfortable each feels and get an idea of the size you're looking for. I bought quite a few knives before figuring out what my preferences are. I would also stay way from assisted opening knives; most manual knives can be opened just as quickly, but are much easier to close. I'd also recommend trying out a few different lock types. In your price range my favorites in different lock types are:

Compression Lock: Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (sprints are available in different steels but might be out of your price range)
Axis Lock: Benchmade 710 (multiple steel choices)
Frame Lock: Spyderco Sage 2 (Only s30v)
Liner Lock: Spyderco Military
 
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