Must haves for a folding knife collection

Yes, Manix 2 - forgot to add the 2. I have one and it is built like a tank - one of the best made knives I have for $100.00 or less!
 
Buy an Opinel and use it some. It's not your preferred style, but it's close to impossible to find a folding knife that actually cuts better. I prefer one-handed opening, pocket clips and wear resistant steels, so I don't EDC one, but it's kind of a benchmark for cutting geometry in a pocketable knife and it's a nice reminder that you can spend many, many times more money and not get anywhere near the pure cutting performance offered by a cheapo French knife many people wouldn't bother glancing at twice.
 
kniferbro said:
How does Reate make it onto a list of "collection must haves" i.e. classics?
Click to expand...

Someone mentioned Kizer and I stated I had seen those and liked them. I also said that I had heard REATE were nice. Hence the references to them
 
If ypu decide to give traditionals a shot, check out the Rough Riders. You can try out a LOT of different patterns without bankrupting the bank.
There is a thread over in the trafitional sub forum. Well worth looking at. Rough Riders and Related.
 
As far as flippers go, my go to favorite for EDC is the CRKT titanium Eros. It's futuristic styling and it's incredible fly weight offer bonus points for style and comfort. The needle point blade is frequently called on for precision cuts and careful "surgery". The steel is Japanese Acuto+, with a HRC of 59-60. Stay with the Titanium milled handle versions that come in a 3 inch blade and also a (discontinued) 2 inch blade. I removed the pocket clip on the 2 inch blade Eros it now serves as a "drop in the pocket" choice when a pocket clip "showing" is not acceptable!
 
ZT is a no brainer. Great American made knives.

Something out of the box, Lionsteel, Italian made, simply gorgeous designs.
Also, Viper another Italian company has some awesome knives.
 
The only must haves imo are the Spyderco Police model and an alox Victorinox
 
If you're willing to spend a bit more money, I think we're in a kind of golden age for folders. It used to be that there were good knives for around $100-150, and then very little apart from Sebenzas at $400 and customs from $600 up. Now, there are a lot of knives in the $200-300 range that have really excellent materials, features and construction quality.

The down-side is that there are few real customs available for much under $1000 any more.
 
I'm not into customs at all. I don't like the art side of knives, that's just my opinion. I can't pay that much of a premium to have a one off piece. I would rather have 3 production pieces that I like
 
Nobody said it yet, so I'll throw it into the mix... check out Emerson Knives--people typically love them or hate them, but anyone really into folders should look into what all the fuss is about and see where they stand. For the record, I'm in the "love them" group. All others mentioned are great as well--have fun finding your favorites, and welcome to the sickness.
 
I like the Emerson line but can't stand the "wave" look on the top of the blade. That's a deal breaker for me
 
Benchmade 970, although it'll be pre-owned. I my dreams I find a mint 970 at some garage sale for $10.
 
Make sure you take a look at the Spider Monkey by Southern Grind.

Had Benchmade, ZTs, etc. before getting mine. For me, its tops!
 
The Southern Grind look decent but again the "wave" look on the blade is a deal breaker
 
City74 said:
I like the Emerson line but can't stand the "wave" look on the top of the blade. That's a deal breaker for me
Click to expand...

Understandable, I feel the same way about Spyderco. Their generic one size fits all appearance; grips, blade profile, and spydie hole; is a deal breaker for me. No matter that they are a well made knife, I can't stand the way they look, and so I can't happily carry one... I find I can always find a quality made knife I like the design of more then a spydie, for an equal price... Spydie fans will argue that they are not "as" quality, but quality enough for me + I enjoy the aesthetics 10 fold, so be it.
 
Any collection should have a cold steel or 2! I would recommend the code 4, recon 1, hold out 2, voyager and Espada!

c92c7756b3db3e47a63aa10034ba404e.jpg

b1acf8a83df273c2cf2bbb26043d9050.jpg

4d6775e41f1e5c38f1f3855567f48ee4.jpg
69dd702411e94cda2fcc295e67ecb65f.jpg

a086b55d0c85e04712b9f65823468152.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top