Must haves for a folding knife collection

Love the Rat 1 and 2 everybody should have one of each.
-variant-satin-plain-edge-black-handle-variant--14353-p_zps9zv91yp3.jpg
 
Yea I'm gonna buy 4 or 5 affordables all at once. The Rat 2 was on the list
 
Understandable regarding the wave feature--some Emersons and Southern Grind knives come waveless though. As for the Cold Steel mentioned, a Recon 1 clip point is an excellent all around knife. In terms of Spydercos, the para 2 is another no-brainer; the military, equally so. The Benchmade Rift is pretty darn near perfect as well. In terms of ZT, if the 0900 was just regular sized it too would be perfect... It's worth a look regardless.
 
My next Spyderco will be the Positron. Next Benchmade is actually a Rift with a black blade and those funky grey G10 handles. My next knife with either be a ZT 0450 or possibly a 0566 or a LionSteel. Really really digging those LionSteel knives I have seen
 
Buy what YOU like - that's all that matters. That being said, a Sebenza - any Sebenza - would be a most excellent "must-have" folder. Kinda pricey, though, but totally worth in most Sebbie owners' opinions, I'm sure:

 
I like the overall look of the CR offerings but would never buy one. First I can't stand the blue hardware and second they just don't seem to be worth the money. That's just my opinion. I think you can buy more knife for half the money.
 
The Sebenza is worth price asked.
Syderco, Emerson or a good ole Sodbuster.
rolf
 
I think it's a mind thing. I have a REALLY hard time trying to talk myself into spending over $1000 on a watch because there are so many good ones for less then that. I think it's the same thing with knives. I'm going to have a hard time spending over $300 because so many good ones for less
 
City74 said:
I think it's a mind thing. I have a REALLY hard time trying to talk myself into spending over $1000 on a watch because there are so many good ones for less then that. I think it's the same thing with knives. I'm going to have a hard time spending over $300 because so many good ones for less
Click to expand...


Personally I enjoy the differences between a sub 1k watch and a Rolex or even the difference between a Patek and a Rolex. Ah well, different strokes for different folks.
 
Last edited:
City74- The Sebenza design is in a class on its own. Just like the SnG and the Spyderco Militaries. Do try one. You can always flip it pretty quickly.
rolf
 
City74 said:
I think it's a mind thing. I have a REALLY hard time trying to talk myself into spending over $1000 on a watch because there are so many good ones for less then that. I think it's the same thing with knives. I'm going to have a hard time spending over $300 because so many good ones for less
Click to expand...

High end watches and high end knives are actually a very good comparison. There comes a point where you're absolutely not paying for performance and, at that point, you've got to decide what's worth it to you. Personally, CRK stuff isn't for me, as I feel I can get better performance for a quarter of the price, but CRK offers a definite elegance and level of pure build quality that a Manix Lightweight in S110V just won't.
 
Benchmade 940, Benchmade 710, Spyderco Para Military 2, Kershaw Blur, ZT (any carbon fiber series or Hinderer design) would be my top choices
 
In reading your posts you sound like you might appreciate an Emerson. If you like them, but the wave is a dealbreaker, order one that is waveless. They are great knives.

My recommendation for a basic must have list would be:

A Sebenza or Grayman folder.
A ZT 560/61.
Spydercon Military or Para.
DPx HEST 2.0.
An Emerson flipper.
A Benchmade.

This would be a good beginning assortment. If you want something a bit smaller to throw in, look at an Alox SAK or maybe one of the smaller Cold Steels.

EDIT: Curious--since you don't like the look of the wave feature, do you find the flipper levers that stick out to be acceptable? I wonder what you would think of the look of the new Emerson CQC-7 flipper.
 
Last edited:
at least one in each of the followings:

- spyderco military or paramilitary 2
- ZT 030x or 056x
- benchmade grip, mini grip, or 710
- buck 110
- SAK (any model)
- cold steel megafolders
 
City74 said:
I think it's a mind thing. I have a REALLY hard time trying to talk myself into spending over $1000 on a watch because there are so many good ones for less then that. I think it's the same thing with knives. I'm going to have a hard time spending over $300 because so many good ones for less
Click to expand...

I was the same way many years ago. But once you've owned, borrowed, tried, handled all the $100 options, you start looking at the $200 options... and then the $300 options... and then etc., etc. It's a pretty common habit around here. Keep in mind that several of us have been collecting for many years (20+ years for me as an adult, 35 years overall), and we eventually get to the "high-end" options. High-end being defined differently by different folks, of course. For some, $400 is only relatively expensive, if that makes sense...

 
link2derek said:
I was the same way many years ago. But once you've owned, borrowed, tried, handled all the $100 options, you start looking at the $200 options... and then the $300 options... and then etc., etc. It's a pretty common habit around here. Keep in mind that several of us have been collecting for many years (20+ years for me as an adult, 35 years overall), and we eventually get to the "high-end" options. High-end being defined differently by different folks, of course.
Click to expand...

Typically the reason one pays more is that it's not so much about function is that it's about aesthetics or about an appreciation for the craftsmanship, the finer details, or the better materials that are used on something that cost more. This is typically why one buys a Rolex instead of a Timex, something from Edward Green instead of Allen Edmonds, or a Rolls Royce instead of a Honda. Yes you can get there with the Honda, but the ride is a Helluva lot better in the Rolls.

Personally I would much rather have 1 really great one than 5 or 10 fairly nice ones. Quality trumps quantity every time as I am concerned.
 
Last edited:
I would love the ZT0808 if it was a bit larger. I like it as is; but it never goes on my pocket. Given your stated size range, it should be a winner for you. If you want something on the larger side, I'll recommend the ZT0801BW (the regular version didn't do it for me, aesthetically). I'm not a huge fan of dedicated flippers - I prefer thumbstuds, because I like the option of controlled opening when appropriate - so I don't have much else to offer in that category.
I am in the habit of carrying two knives most of the time - a modern folder (locking blade, one hand opening) in my right front pocket, and a traditional (generally a single blade pattern) in my left.
 
On the subject of more expensive knives - no need to rush that. There is an amazing world of knives that can be experienced & enjoyed in the $100-250 range; and the options get better all the time. Some people never have a desire to move beyond sub $100 knives. Some are content in the $100-200 range. Others continue to explore - progressing to high end production, mid tech, and customs. Where an individual finds his (her) happy place is not for others to say. I like my large micarta insingo, my XM18, my SNG, and my Tolk...but they haven't replaced the so-called lesser knives that regularly find themselves in my pocket. For some people, they do; and that's great - finding what we like is the best part of this hobby. Some of us appreciate the destination, some prefer the journey.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top