Looking for suggestions (new pocket knife)

A

AC_23

Joined
Apr 17, 2000
Messages
307
I'm in the market for a new pocket knive. I like single blade lockbacks but nothing too heavy.

Any suggestions?
 
Could you be more specific? Stuff like the blade length you'd like, the amount you want to spend, materials you are partial to, activities you'll use the knife for? etc.

------------------
AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."
 
I'm pretty new to the aspects of knives.

As far as usage, really just general.

I'd like something that will last, I hate plastic handles.

I'm not really sure about blade length.

thanks
 
Checkout Spyderco; lots of lock backs, lots of styles and materials and very good value for money (trust me I'm Scottish). I have a few and they take a bit of getting used to visually, but the ergonomic design is great and, just like women, it's sometimes not the glamour models who make the best lifelong partners. If you want to see what I mean buy a Delica, it won't cost the earth but you'll be surprised by what it can do.

------------------
"I'm arm'd with more than complete steel - The justice of my quarrel." Christopher Marlowe
 
About a year ago I got back into knives heavily, and I had the same questions as you. What I did was look at the writeups and pictures at online stores like knifeoutlet.com, knifecenter.com, there are lot's of others, 1sks.com, I'm sorry for plugging only certain ones, the others slip my mind right now. you can find lot's of banners on the forums as well. Anyway looking at the pictures and prices and specs online helped a lot. Even better, find a brick and mortar knife store with a lot on display and handle them.

------------------
A knife is by default a tool, it's only a weapon when a human chooses to make it so.

 
You've asked a question that is impossibly broad. You'll have to narrow it down if you want sensible answers. You can browse around the forum and the assorted links to get an idea of what's out there - the styles, the uses, the prices - and that may give you some focus. Look at the sebenzas[not a lockback, but a good, secure integral lock], which have a fanatical following, and also look at the Benchmades[various kinds of modified liner locks] and Spydercos[as suggested above]. That should get you going. Don't neglect Gerber: the Gator is a simple lockback that I think is really good value and quality for a production blade.
 
I have to agree with the not neglecting Gerber idea. Get an EZ Out and you may just carry it around with you for the rest of your days. The price is ridiculously low in my opinion.
 
I'll put a vote in for AG Russell's featherweight one hand knife. It does have zytel handles, but that doesn't bother me. It is light (very light), simple, thin (very thin) and sharp. I got mine in AUS-8A for $35 -- not a huge sum if it turns out it doesn't float your boat. For ten bucks more, you can get it in ATS34.

The handle has molded checkering, and I find its shape very comfortable. It is so light and thin you barely notice it in your pocket. It has no clip, and the opening system isn't "switch-blade" slick, but again it doesn't bother me. It strikes me as the modern version of the general purpose jack knife.
 
AC -

As you've already read, it depends on what you like, and what your budget is. If you're looking for something "dressy" in the 150+ range, I'd highly recommend William Henry for a Gentleman's Pocket Folder. Custom level quality at a production level price. Their website is at www.williamhenryknives.com

Good luck!
 
How to pick out and buy a great knife.
You should buy a knife with a view to using it the rest of your life and then leaving it to your son-ie getting something of real value. For starters, make a list of the features you want-size-steel-lock-scales. Read the reviews on BF-magizines, the other forum on current knives. Check out the manufactures links and read their hype on current products. Create a short wish list.
Now go to OneStopKnifeShop AND Discount Knives of the Internet and attach prices to your wish list. Use these prices as a benchmark and start looking for your wish list knifes on Knives for Sale Individial and dealer sales. When you come accross a knife you really want at less then your benchmark price, JUMP ON IT. Good luck and happy shopping.

------------------
 
Originally posted by AC_23:
I like single blade lockbacks but nothing too heavy.
Click to expand...
If weight is an important requirement I'd suggest you take a look at the Al Mar Ultralights. I've had my Falcon for a couple of weeks now, and it's certainly going to be one I carry and use often.



------------------
Urban Fredriksson
www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/
Latest updates Al Mar Falcon Ultralight, Moki Hana, Fällkniven WM1 neck sheath

"Smooth and serrated blades cut in two entirely different fashions."
- The Teeth of the Tyrannosaurs, Scientific American, Sep 1999
 
** Blackie Collins Strut 'N' Cut Rascal.**
How can you go Wrong.

------------------
Thats a Good ONE
 
Without listing a price range, it's tough to give you a good answer. BUT if you want a great knife at a great price look at any of the Columbia River Took and Knife Co. knives. Best value for your money around. Having said that, let me also say that the Gerber EZ out is also an excellent knife. This is my personal daily carry.
 
If you can afford it, get a small or large Sebenza. They are worth every penny. If you're really into knives for any length of time you will eventually get one and when you do you will see that its simple elegance and high quality are second to none. So why wait and spend money on other lesser knives first? Just go for a Sebenza now.
Check out the Chris Reeve forum to see how owners feel about their Sebenzas.

Bill
 
while you're shopping, keep the blade steel in mind. i own many blades of ATS34, all of which perform very well. my newest knives of 154CM, and 440V hold an edge like you can't believe. might be a little more expensive, but well worth it.
 
Um, I think that has more to do with the quality of heat treat, if 154CM is outperforming ATS-34, since they are almost identical, and should heve noticeable difference when properly treated. 440V should have a small advantage over those, but not much, according to the tests many have performed. Do you mind telling us what knives these are? (or emailing me, if you don't want to post here?)

--JB

------------------
e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
AC--try a Buck 501. This is a handy little knife and it even comes in the BG-42 steel. Worthy of the price.--

------------------
Lead,follow, or get the hell out of the way!
 
I'll second the William Henry line, right now favoring the Carbon Fiber Spearpoint, that knife really works well! and it's so light you'll not notice it. I also carry a Carbon Fiber Lancet in my shirt pocket for tight detail cutting or splinters and such, but the Spearpoint has just the right size, I had overlook getting one until I saw a good sale on one and got it, never regretted the buy, it's great! The steel is ATS-34 which, until recently, was THE steel that everyone used, and a lot still use. But a lot of folks put it down, but this one keeps it's edge and William Henry makes the knife blade thin enough so that it REALLY slices and cuts well.

Watch for a sale, or post in the Knifes Wanted Section and see what pops up.

Good luck on your search! Oh, and welcome to the Forums!

G2

------------------
"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...


G2 LeatherWorks

[This message has been edited by Gary W. Graley (edited 05-02-2000).]
 
I can provide a couple of suggestions for you. If you want something in the more modern style and materials you may want to consider the Spyderco Delica or one of the Boye BDS lockbacks. These are pocket sized lockbacks with Zytel handles. If you want something really high in value you may like the new Camillus Sierra which is simply amazing for the money.

If you want something more traditional consider some of the excellent lockbacks from Browning. Some are available with stag handles and the fit and finish are terrific. The Bird and Trout is one I happen to own myself. Camillus, Remington (made by Camillus,) Case, Buck, Boker, Bear MGC and others make a fairly wide assortment of traditional lockbacks with a variety of handle materials.

Go with something modest to start. Later your cutlery tastes will develop and you'll know exactly what you like. Take care.


------------------
Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top