Looking to start my collection, I'd appreciate your advice/thoughts!

I'll jump to a sebenza or Inkosi next, that way you have the top and entry end of your collection covered, and then slowly pick up blade from other manufacturers (majority fall into this middle price point) like ZT(ZT452CF) , AL Mar(SERE 2000), Emerson(CQC8), ESEE(3 or 4),Fox (595 karambit) and so on...
Some more entry level folders.
ESEE avispa
Ontario rat 1
Real steel h6
SAK soldier

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The production knives I bought that I am very happy with. Mini Grip with M4 blade from BM custom config., Cru-wear PM2( thinking about getting knifecenters Cru-wear Manix 2, Great steel!!), Maxamet Manix 2, H&K Patrol, Microtech LUDT.

I usually edc mid-techs and customs, but those have worked their way into the rotation, they are that great!
 
Buy whatever is a good deal on the exchange, if you don't like it, sell it and break even, rinse and repeat.


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Dont know where you live, but was at Cabelas yesterday, and was surprised to see changes at the knife counter!! what was once mostly Buck and Gerber and cabelas brand and case, is Now Spyderco's, Benchmades. Kershaws and event ZT's!! Very surprised to see them come out of only budget and blisterpack knives. if you dont have any knive stores near you like I dont, then a trip to Cabelas to handle and try out is worth it. Spyderco Endura is a good start too.
 
OP, we really need a budget to give better advice here for several reasons. If you have the funds and are really looking for a nice "collection" of classic upscale designs then that's different than just buying a bunch of $50-$200 production knives.
 
mjpgolf1 said:
OP, we really need a budget to give better advice here for several reasons. If you have the funds and are really looking for a nice "collection" of classic upscale designs then that's different than just buying a bunch of $50-$200 production knives.
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Agreed.

Spyderco: Either a Michael Walker in carbon fiber and ZDP-189, or the 25th anniversary Delica with jigged bone scales and Damascus bolster.

Benchmade: AFCK.

Kershaw: 1597 Offset.

Let the hunt begin.
 
Hi - budget is probably up to $400, but I'd have to really like the knife.

I'm thinking, should I go with one really high end knife? Or several nice ones...
 
newknife1 said:
Hi - budget is probably up to $400, but I'd have to really like the knife.

I'm thinking, should I go with one really high end knife? Or several nice ones...
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If you have that type of budget I would skip right to a Sebenza by Chris Reeve. Pick either a large or small depending upon what size of a knife you want to carry. I personally carry the small Sebenzas and find the large to be just a bit big for business type edc carry. The lower to mid tier production knives like the Spydercos, Benchmades, and ZEro Tolerance knives are nice but if you are in a position where you can spend $400 on a knife then just skip all the regular stuff and go with the higher end brands. You're going to end up there anyway. I wish I had skipped buying all the mini Griptilians, Sage series Spydercos, and ZTs and took all the money I wasted when I sold them to buy the good stuff right off the rip.
 
Also I'm basing my advice above on the idea that you are going to carry daily but not use a knife a whole lot. If you were going to be actually using a knife for lots of daily tasks or for your job all day long then the mid tier stuff mentioned above would be great and would perform just as good as any other knife on the planet. But it sounds like this is a hobby and for the collector/light user a knife becomes more like pocket jewelry so it basically comes out every now and then to open mail or a package or other light duty gentleman tasks. In that case getting into the higher end stuff makes sense because you're going to keep it in great shape and let's face it, it's a lot more fun clipping a Sebenza to your pocket to flick and admire throughout the day than a mini Griptilian or a Paramilitary 2.
 
I think I'm inclined to agree with your assessment mjpgolf1! In the case of collecting, sometimes fewer is more. This thread has taken an interesting turn - What are some other, higher end knife makers/models out there?
 
newknife1 said:
I think I'm inclined to agree with your assessment mjpgolf1! In the case of collecting, sometimes fewer is more. This thread has taken an interesting turn - What are some other, higher end knife makers/models out there?
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There are quite a few higher end knife brands but for the money Chris Reeve gets you the best bang for the buck. You get custom knife quality at a price that's extremely reasonable when compared to other knife brands in the high end world. I wouldn't even consider anything else until after you try a CRK of some type. The design is simple, elegant, yet extremely strong. He has a warranty that is just outstanding and service after the sale is second to none. Also they hold their value very well. You can buy a new Sebenza and sell it on the used market for pretty close to what you paid for it. So it won't cost you much to try it if you end up not liking the knife.

You can get lost in all the knife brands on the market so for now I would pick a CRK that you like and order it up. Carry it for a while and see what you do or don't like about it. While you're doing that and enjoying your new knife start digging into the high end knife world and research other comparable brands that may interest you. These knives are expensive so soak it in for a while before you decide to get something else. That will give you some time to really educate yourself on what is out there.

If you just want to browse some higher end stuff check out sites like "knife art" and "monkey edge". They carry a lot of the popular high end production/custom knives and that will give you an idea of what else is out there. High end EDC is a cool hobby but it definetely gets pricey. Before you know it you will be into high end carry lights, pens, pocket tools, etc. so hang onto your wallet. I guess in the grande scheme of thing people spend their money on worse things. :D
 
I very much like the Spyderco PM2.....in M390, M4 are just two good options Love the new Benchmade Griptilian with CPM-20v steel.....comes with grey G10 handles. Seriously sharp and a great feel in hand. I don't own a Kershaw, so can't give you any good feedback there. I have also owned a Benchmade AFCK......great pocket feel......great knife!!

newknife1 said:
Hi everyone!

I'm looking to start off my collection by purchasing ONE knife from each company, the first three being Spyderco, Benchmade, and Kershaw. Now here's where your expertise and experience could help me a great deal! Which ONE knife from each company would you recommend?

I've done some preliminary digging and have a few biases for different models, but my opinion can still be swayed. Feel free to recommend something NOT listed below.

  • Spyderco - Cricket, Techno, Burch Chubby (leaning towards the Burch Chubby)
  • Benchmade - 940/943 or mini onslaught (leaning towards 940/943)
  • Kershaw - Leek or Blur (leaning towards Blur)

I've read a lot about the paramilitary from Spyderco, and it is a great knife, but the others above are a bit more aesthetically pleasing to me. I've also heard about the Benchmade Griptilian, but fear the reviews ranting about the cheap-feeling handle.

Bonus question: which companies should I look into next?

Thanks in advance
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