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- Dec 5, 2011
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Thanks for your encouragement, you're very friendly.
Muela is one of the best manufacturers of knives, here in Spain.
This is the website www dot mmuela dot com, you can choice the english option.
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
My (young) knife collection, and some knives im looking at buying
- Thread starter TSilant
- Start date
Thanks for your encouragement, you're very friendly.
Muela is one of the best manufacturers of knives, here in Spain.
This is the website www dot mmuela dot com, you can choice the english option.
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2011
- Messages
- 1,486
The issue that us Aussies face is you cannot import one-handed folding knives into the country anymore, so we are limited to what is already in-country.
The Manbug is very small!!
The Dragonfly 2 is bigger and a great little knife at a good price, even here. You should definitely check out the Spyderco Delica, which is bigger again, an excellent choice for everyday carry (which you will see referred to around here as 'edc'), and still readily available at several of the Aussie retailers. The reason you haven't heard of the Spyderco Ambitious/Tenacious/Persistence is because you can't get them in Australia any more. Stocks dried up ages ago and prices on the used market are insane.
If you are serious about building a collection of quality knives, then you need to focus on the folding ones first. Fixed blades like the Beckers can still be imported under the current legislation, but once the folders that are available are gone from the stores, that's it! Anything from Spyderco, Kershaw, Benchmade, or Buck will do you right. However, try to avoid buying from evil-bay as there are a lot of fakes floating around there.
Where in Oz are you located? And have you checked out http://www.australianbladeforums.com yet?
The Manbug is very small!!
The Dragonfly 2 is bigger and a great little knife at a good price, even here. You should definitely check out the Spyderco Delica, which is bigger again, an excellent choice for everyday carry (which you will see referred to around here as 'edc'), and still readily available at several of the Aussie retailers. The reason you haven't heard of the Spyderco Ambitious/Tenacious/Persistence is because you can't get them in Australia any more. Stocks dried up ages ago and prices on the used market are insane.
If you are serious about building a collection of quality knives, then you need to focus on the folding ones first. Fixed blades like the Beckers can still be imported under the current legislation, but once the folders that are available are gone from the stores, that's it! Anything from Spyderco, Kershaw, Benchmade, or Buck will do you right. However, try to avoid buying from evil-bay as there are a lot of fakes floating around there.
Where in Oz are you located? And have you checked out http://www.australianbladeforums.com yet?
Well, at this stage a Kershaw is likely to be my main folder. For Spydercos ill read into the difference, and decide if i want another small knife or not.
Im in QLD, and i hadnt checked that out, but i am now.
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- Sep 24, 2011
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Be careful too. Queensland's laws on the carrying of folding knives are some of the strictest in Australia (basically you are not allowed to).
What is it that draws you to the Kershaws? Do you understand the basic differences in the various steels that knife makers use? Do you know what the different locking mechanisms are and what the pros and cons of each are? Is it what they look like? Always make sure you check the specs of any knife you are considering buying, especially for size. Looking at pictures on the internet in isolation is often misleading.
Below are a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 (top) and Spyderco Delica 4 (bottom) against a centimetre ruler to give you an idea. The Manbug you were looking at is about the same ratio smaller again than the Dragonfly.
Be careful too. Queensland's laws on the carrying of folding knives are some of the strictest in Australia (basically you are not allowed to).
What is it that draws you to the Kershaws? Do you understand the basic differences in the various steels that knife makers use? Do you know what the different locking mechanisms are and what the pros and cons of each are? Is it what they look like? Always make sure you check the specs of any knife you are considering buying, especially for size. Looking at pictures on the internet in isolation is often misleading.
Below are a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 (top) and Spyderco Delica 4 (bottom) against a centimetre ruler to give you an idea. The Manbug you were looking at is about the same ratio smaller again than the Dragonfly.
Yeah, i know the laws on carrying. I keep my collection at home, its fine.
Its not Kershaws im drawn to - Its a particular Kershaw. However, its prone to be backlisted in favor of something better thats around the same price (50-100$) if i find such a thing, which is part of why im suddenly interested in Spydercos.
I dont know the differences specifically between steels, but i do know that there is a difference. My solution is normally to read or watch reviews, and let people vastly more qualified tell me if the steels good. If multiple people say it is, it usually is
I do, however, know all about blade profiles.
Locking mechanisms dont really bother me. And looks are important, but my idea of good looks = utilitarian. Perhaps with the exception of paracord, which im buying once i have more fixed blades to use it with.
I mainly look at things in stores, but my options from stores are quite limited. So, most of my shopping will probably be online.
The main issue i have is having so many options, and not knowing what i want to get sooner rather than later.
As for Spydercos, i think ill just get both. Cant hurt, and the smaller one is a bit bigger than my current small knife, which really needs replacing (for something more convenient) anyway
I have the Scimitar Spike, Scottish Spike, and the 2013 version of the Bowie Spike. All 3 shipped razor sharp, though I've never knocked them into anything hard to see how sturdy the point is. That said, while I enjoy OWNING the spikes, I find these a little longer than I personally like for a neck knife. As far as Cold Steel goes, if you can, I would suggest one of their Mini-Tac's(I have the kiridashi myself, but take your pick) instead of the spikes. If you can get Condor products in AUS, they mostly make machetes and camp/"bushcraft" type knives, but they make some nice cheap neck knives too, may see if those are an option for you.
Also, as far as other things to look at, Kershaw and Spyderco are both pretty much safe bets no matter what you get, so just find what you like, find what's available to you an AUS, and go for it...you likely won't be disappointed no matter which you get.
Mini-Tacs are available, and theyre about the same price. Thanks for the suggestions - I shall have to decide which length will suit me.
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- Jun 20, 2011
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Knife brands to look at while you're in the cheaper and starting stage:
Kershaw
CRKT
Spyderco - They're cheaper knives
Byrd - Owned by Spyderco
Boker Plus
Becker
Cold Steel - They have some okay folders and some decent fixed blades
H&K - Owned by Benchmade, my Personal favorite is the H&K Conspiracy Ti Frame Lock folder for $65.
I'm sure there's more I can't think of right now.
Kershaw
CRKT
Spyderco - They're cheaper knives
Byrd - Owned by Spyderco
Boker Plus
Becker
Cold Steel - They have some okay folders and some decent fixed blades
H&K - Owned by Benchmade, my Personal favorite is the H&K Conspiracy Ti Frame Lock folder for $65.
I'm sure there's more I can't think of right now.
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2011
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Well, are you going to enlighten us.
Cheers!
Im pretty sure he just ctrl+lclicked on my profile, then ctrl+w'd the windows closed, a couple of hundred times
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- Sep 24, 2011
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Actually, in Australia the Vic Fieldmaster is a better option. Identical to the Huntsman except that the corkscrew is replaced by a Phillips head screwdriver, and as none of our wine comes corked anymore, the phillips head is far more useful. If you can live without the saw, then the Super Tinker is a great (and cheaper) option.
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That is a nice starter collection. You could definitely do worse for some first knives. From here on, if I were you and keeping in mind that I'm not familiar with Australia's laws, I would first look into Spyderco, Kershaw and Benchmade- especially for folders. For a neck knife, I would go with Becker over Cold Steel personally. The Esse Izula seems well regarded also. For the Canadian Belt knife, have a look at D.H. Russell's offering. It is prettier
and I am pretty certain it has better steel than the CS offering as well. A little better for use, a lot better for collecting. IMO of course, ymmv and all that.If my assumption is correct, I'm going to make a further one and guess that he has been thoroughly chastised in proper piratical fashion.
Now i just need to find one to investigate further. I know none of the stores around where i am have them. For whatever reason they dont sell those sorts of knives.
http://www.cuttingedgeknives.com.au/products.php?cPath=1170&rID=
Thats the only site with a wide range of them ive found, and it doesnt have that particular version. Im sure youd be able to find them someplace, but ive yet to succeed...
That is a nice starter collection. You could definitely do worse for some first knives. From here on, if I were you and keeping in mind that I'm not familiar with Australia's laws, I would first look into Spyderco, Kershaw and Benchmade- especially for folders. For a neck knife, I would go with Becker over Cold Steel personally. The Esse Izula seems well regarded also. For the Canadian Belt knife, have a look at D.H. Russell's offering. It is prettier
See where you said Becker over Cold Steel? Id like to know why, because its been the cause of much deliberation on my part, but i was going to try and do my own research before just asking more qualified people. Were 24 hours on since then, and ive managed to suffer from too-much-information more than anything.
Spyderco and Kershaw are plentiful, so is Benchmade. Online, that is. In stores, not so much. One of these days ill find myself living in a city that has dedicated knife stores. Thatll be pretty fantastic.
I like the wood handle on DH Russels, but itd then be an issue on actually finding one to purchase.
The Esse Izula does look interesting. Ill add it to my growing list of considerations (The good thing is, my growing list is comprised of good options. With lists like this, i can choose based on preference, rather than needing to do hours of research just to find out which ones are worth their dosh).
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Two things, you magnificent people, that i dont think need whole threads for themselves:
First,
That knife site i linked before...
http://www.cuttingedgeknives.com.au/index.php
And then this one...
http://www.aussieknives.com/
Can anyone vouch for their authenticity? Because they have better ranges than the places i know are legitimate. I know, im being paranoid. But id feel better about dumping a couple of hundred dollars into a site if i knew it didnt have something horribly wrong with it.
Second,
Is there a site someplace that has a crash course in steels in relation to knives? Because while i can read stuff like this...
http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Steel-Types--332
Its a TON of information, that surely has to be compounded into a 'good/bad' list somewhere. I mean, surely?
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- Sep 24, 2011
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The two stores you mention are legit and have good reps with buyers in Oz, although CEK can be a little slow getting your order to you.
Becker over Cold Steel? Becker's 1095 high carbon steel is harder and tougher than Cold Steels AUS8, holds an edge longer and their handles are more comfortable.
Anything from ESEE is on a par with the Beckers and their sheaths are generally better. The ESEE 4 is my go to 'survival' knife.
You won't find much in the way of the knives you are looking for in knife stores in big cities. In places like King of Knives, Mister Minit etc, you'll find heavily overpriced Swiss Army Knives (either Victorinox or Wenger) and Leatherman, and hideously overpriced Bucks, but not the brands recommended here. You might find a few Cold Steel and Ka-bar knives in disposals store if you are lucky. I'm in Canberra and there's nothing useful, although a gun/fishing shop in Goulburn has a few Cold Steel blades at extortionate prices.
The Fieldmaster is a hard one to find sometimes. You can get them on the auction site that shall not be named. PM me your mailing address and I'll send you a Super Tinker to play with, and I'll also mention a couple of other online stores you can try your luck with.
Becker over Cold Steel? Becker's 1095 high carbon steel is harder and tougher than Cold Steels AUS8, holds an edge longer and their handles are more comfortable.
Anything from ESEE is on a par with the Beckers and their sheaths are generally better. The ESEE 4 is my go to 'survival' knife.
You won't find much in the way of the knives you are looking for in knife stores in big cities. In places like King of Knives, Mister Minit etc, you'll find heavily overpriced Swiss Army Knives (either Victorinox or Wenger) and Leatherman, and hideously overpriced Bucks, but not the brands recommended here. You might find a few Cold Steel and Ka-bar knives in disposals store if you are lucky. I'm in Canberra and there's nothing useful, although a gun/fishing shop in Goulburn has a few Cold Steel blades at extortionate prices.
The Fieldmaster is a hard one to find sometimes. You can get them on the auction site that shall not be named. PM me your mailing address and I'll send you a Super Tinker to play with, and I'll also mention a couple of other online stores you can try your luck with.
I can handle slow deliveries. Small price to pay for suddenly having a wider variety of options.
Becker it is! That makes that choice easy.
I might just take you up on that offer - First ill have a quick look around and see whats available at what few stores i do have available. You never know, after all. I was going to question why you just have one laying around, but then i looked at all the stuff i have laying around, and thought twice.
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2013
- Messages
- 5
Hi TSilant,
If you want these knives you could email me at militarytac@gmail.com I might be able to get through the goods through customs in your country. I have some bad bloods, ka-bars, cold steels and a few kershaws.
If you want these knives you could email me at militarytac@gmail.com I might be able to get through the goods through customs in your country. I have some bad bloods, ka-bars, cold steels and a few kershaws.
Wow! Cool thread.
I totally thought you were joking at first........ now I just can't believe you aren't allowed to carry a folder in Queensland. If there is a better place to carry a knife than anywhere outback in Australia I can't think of one. You guys and gals need to stand up for sensible knife laws!!
I tend to gravitate to smaller flat ground blades these days. They seem to be more useful for what I tend to do with them.
I totally thought you were joking at first........ now I just can't believe you aren't allowed to carry a folder in Queensland. If there is a better place to carry a knife than anywhere outback in Australia I can't think of one. You guys and gals need to stand up for sensible knife laws!!
I tend to gravitate to smaller flat ground blades these days. They seem to be more useful for what I tend to do with them.