More newbie questions...

J

Jinxstarr

Joined
Jun 13, 2005
Messages
20
Hello all,

Thanks to everyone for all your responses to my W.D. Pease inquiry - it helped a lot. Now I would appreciate your help again with providing some more direction to my knife purchase. And before anyone asks, I am doing as much homework as possible (am on page 14 of the archives, making my way slowly through them - if only work did not get in the way :) ).

I am looking for ONE knife to "rule them all" (Lord of the Rings reference there in case anyone has not been to a movie theatre in the last couple of years :) ). My requirements are a solid yet lightweight gentleman's folder, blade less than 3", overall length less than 7". Basically something I can carry in my pocket without knowing it's there, and which can take punishment anywhere from cutting open envelopes to carving a small piece of wood. Hopefully it can be serviced by me as well (meaning I can open it and oil it). Price can be in the $1,000 +/- range - would like something a bit more "special". As I mentioned above I really like the look of W.D. Pease knives (as well as Mayo, Terzuola, Centofante, Hara, De Villiers etc), but as I am not in a position to handle potential purchases I'd like to get a sense for how each knive would perform in real life (long term use, no blade play etc).

Thanks and please feel free to let me know just how much I still need to learn,

Cristian
 
For $1000 you can get two Chris Reeves' Mnandis and switch them out on a daily basis. Very light, easy to carry and able accomplish most cutting jobs. While these knives aren't "custom", they are very high quality. You could do worse.

I understand the attraction of owning a custom made knife and I have been attracted to the "custom side" once or twice. Carry a nice Mnandi while you are thinking about making your final decision. You might decide your search is finished - except for another Mnandi.

Changing subjects - have you looked at William Henry?
 
Jinxstarr said:
I am looking for ONE knife to "rule them all" (Lord of the Rings reference there in case anyone has not been to a movie theatre in the last couple of years :) ). My requirements are a solid yet lightweight gentleman's folder, blade less than 3", overall length less than 7". Price can be in the $1,000 +/- range - would like something a bit more "special". As I mentioned above I really like the look of W.D. Pease knives (as well as Mayo, Terzuola, Centofante, Hara, De Villiers etc), but as I am not in a position to handle potential purchases I'd like to get a sense for how each knive would perform in real life (long term use, no blade play etc).

Thanks and please feel free to let me know just how much I still need to learn,

Cristian
Click to expand...

Yeah, you have a lot to learn. :D This is as good a place as any. ;)

What do you do? Are you an outdoorsy type, or do you have manicured cuticles? Do you polish (or have polished) your shoes every day?

These may seem like weird questions, but it helps establish what kind of knife is right for you.

Personally, I think under 3" is too short. 3" on the money is about right, for just about everybody.

The above recommendation is a good one, but the Mnandi will not "rule them all". There is not enough cachet to it. You did not say if you wanted a pocket clip or not. If you do, Mayo is right on, and the piece will not run you over $600, unless it is timascus, which the coloring of, unless it is heat colored, will not be durable enough for EDC.

Forget about the Hara, he does not use an adjustable pivot. Terzuola makes an excellent knife, but even with slab scales, may be a bit too "chunky" for you. Centofante makes a fine liner lock, but I think the Pease is more your speed, better bang for the buck.

DeVilliers seems more tactical to me.

For what you are asking about, Pease, John W. Smith, heck, even one of my favorites, Gordon Chard, would fit the bill. The bottom line is that you have not even scratched the surface, and I hope some of the other very experienced Forumites chime in with some opinions of their own. The more the merrier in a situation like this.

Cheers, and Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I would suggest a trip to the Knifemakers Guild Show in Orlando, first week of August. From the Caymans to Orlando shouldn't be too bad and you'd get a heck of an education.

The list of makers for what you want can get longer and longer but Bill Pease is where I started and I've never looked back. I will add one more maker that does traditional knives at a great price point for what you get, Scott Sawby.

Win
 
Would you consider a slipjoint? If so, for your price range you could aquire an incredible multi blade from one of the best in the industry. (there are a number of fantastic makers in the $300-$1,000 range)

If I had only one type of folding knife to rely on the rest of my life it would be a slipjoint. A well made slip that is not abused will most likely never need any maintenance except for an occasional drop of oil and sharpening. (can't say that about other folders) You also can have 2-3 (or 4-5) blades of different configurations for different cutting tasks.

A fine slipjoint is like a fine watch, closer to jewelry than tool. Anyone can see beauty in them even if they're not a "knife" person. I find that there's a level of pride to owning them that I didn't have with tacticals.

I still love my locking knives but I find myself only using them when I want something with a bigger blade.

Here's a Ruple available right now at TNK for well under your limit...

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Ah, whatever you get, there'll be a better one around the corner. That's what makes collecting, using, trading, making of knives so much fun. Enjoy the journey, it lasts a lifetime.
 
The only knife I'm aware of that you can easily open and service is the Mnandi.
 
Kohai999 said:
Yeah, you have a lot to learn. :D This is as good a place as any. ;)

What do you do? Are you an outdoorsy type, or do you have manicured cuticles? Do you polish (or have polished) your shoes every day?

The above recommendation is a good one, but the Mnandi will not "rule them all". There is not enough cachet to it. You did not say if you wanted a pocket clip or not. If you do, Mayo is right on, and the piece will not run you over $600, unless it is timascus, which the coloring of, unless it is heat colored, will not be durable enough for EDC.

Forget about the Hara, he does not use an adjustable pivot. Terzuola makes an excellent knife, but even with slab scales, may be a bit too "chunky" for you. Centofante makes a fine liner lock, but I think the Pease is more your speed, better bang for the buck.

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...


Thanks everyone again,

I don't foresee using the knive as heavily as some of the members on this site - the closest I'll get to skinning something is a roasted chicken :) . As for how well groomed my cuticles are, well, that's between me and my manicurist :) .

Seriously, thanks for the advice. Regarding the Mnandi, I was (and still am) considering a Sebenza as I have read they're as reliable a knive as can be, and can be customized to some degree (an e-mail from one of their reps mentioned that they will try and match a personal graphic design if I send them one). A clip is not necessary, and if the knife comes with one it should be removable. I have seen Mayo knives (TNT) on various sites and they look amazing, but I would like something with a bone handle (mammoth in particular, not because I think it's better than other materials, but because I just think it's cool to have something like that, history-wise).

Out of curiosity (and to make some headway on the learning curve) what is an adjustable pivot, and why would it be better to have one? Does anyone have a suggestion for a site where I could research basic terms, knife variations (like what is a framelock) etc?

Thanks,

Cristian
 
Thanks, that site does help, although, ironically enough, framelock is not one of the terms he explains. :)

Cristian
 
If you are familiar with a Sebenza, then you know exactly what a frame lock is. Part of the frame bends to lock the blade open.


If you are willing to consider a fixed blade pocket knife, you must look at Don Cowles. His knives fit into a custom built sheath that clips inside your pocket. Nothing is easier to clean than a fixed blade and he can make you a knife that is as fancy as you want. His knives range from users to pocket jewelry. The website is cowlesknives.com.

His work with mother of pearl is something special and he is getting ready to do some engraving. He totally changed my attitude about what fits into my pocket.
 
... but I'm kinda hung up on a nice folder idea. Besides, I work in an office environment and I'm not sure a fixed blade would fit in. However, once I return to Canada in a few years and start camping again I'll definitely be on the market for a good fixed blade.

As for the Sebenza, I only know of it what I've read on this forum and on the CRK website - I've never seen one "in the metal".

Thanks,

Cristian
 
Not to harp on Don Cowles, but his knives don't look like camping knives. They are really pocket jewelry. Give his website a visit. I think many of his fixed blade knives will be more accepted than some folders. I carry one of his knives in my shirt pocket and it looks like a fountain pen - until I cut something.
 
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