Need a good new knife

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pj_rage

Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
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I need a good new folding pocket knife for general use. I have been carrying a folder with me wherever I go for the past few years and I find it very useful from time to time for this and that. The one I have been using for a while is a Gerber 3" blade. I feel that it is time for something new, and better...

I want to get another 2.5" to 3" (no more than 3") folding knife, but I don't know what to look for in a high quality knife.

A great blade and easy operation are important. A cool look wouldn't hurt either ;)

What brands should I look at for $200 or less? Is there actually a go-to model recommendation (or a couple recommendations) that I can look at?

I was just doing a general search tonight and came across boker. They seemed to be pretty good? This one in particular looked interesting http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p21035526?sourceid=3.

I figured I would stop by a knife forum to get some more opinions before I commit to anything, though, and this forum seemed good.

So what do you guys think?
 
Best looking and working folder I have handled in a long time in that size is the AlMar Nomad. Its a really nice well made folder with a great VG10 blade. About $130.

Also, I just picked up a Spyderco Yojimbo that although reputed to be a self defense folder is quite at home for general utility. I find carrying it about the same as carrying a Stanley utility blade all day long. A real 'Super knife' so to speak.

STR
 
I think you'd be happier with something without a plastic handle, especially since you said "better."

I recommend Al Mar Knives and Spyderco. Specifically the Al Mar Nomad and Spyderco Mini Manix & Paramilitary. A black G-10 "tactical" is a must for someone in your shoes and these are some of the best made. If you can go a little bit larger I'd say the Al Mar SERE 2000, all of which can be had for much less than $200. You're looking at a little over $100.

[edit: STR, jinx in the Nomad!]

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There's definately better knives for the money, and better locks too. Any Benchmade with an axis lock will be highly recommended around here. I personally really like Spyderco lockbacks, but they have the disadvantage of not being able to close it with just one hand.
 
Walking Man said:
I personally really like Spyderco lockbacks, but they have the disadvantage of not being able to close it with just one hand.
Click to expand...

What are you, retarded?:confused: ;)

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DDR Rapid Response Folder. new $179.

If you don't mind a black balde, This knife is one of my favorit so far.
It is on the cover of this month's "Tactical Knife". Though article is talking more SOS than RRF.

Size is perfect for EDC. Not only it is well build, it looks darn Beautiful. Thumb stud opening is smooth. It also available for flip action. 100 more can get you an Asst. For me, manual on this one just too much fun.

Material on it is consider currently best. CMP S30V with Ti handle, with G10 inlay. How thoughtful. Blade factory new is Spydi sharp.

Those RRF are hand made as well. Beautiful craftmanship, thoughtful design. You don't want to miss it.
 
Are you guys all recommending knives no more than 3"? :D

pj_rage, welcome to Bladeforums! I wouldn't recommend that Boker myself. It's a good company, but that's a 3+1/8" blade, they don't specify the steel, and you can do better for the price. MUCH better.

I like Spyderco and Benchmade in that price range -- say up to $150. You don't need to spend more.

Cold Steel and CRKT are lower price range companies with a lot of good models. In fact, many of the CRKT M-16 models are very popular.

Kershaw knives are also good, and their assisted-opening models are great.
 
Yeah I had a kershaw 2.5" ish auto assist blade. I loved the thing but somehow I lost it???? I have no idea how and when :mad:

I really didn't want to go above 3" because I am concerned about laws carrying them? I think some states are 3" or less, so I figured that would be safely legal. (I'm living in VA now, but I'm in and out of DC and MD on a regular basis. Also, RI/MA/CT). I just don't want a bigger knife in my pocket all the time, for comfort too.

I guess slightly bigger than 3" (certainly less than 3.5") wouldn't be too bad.

I'll have to look into Al Mar / Spyderco / Benchmade a little more. The models you guys recommened seem great.

Is there a general material that is "best" for a blade? Or any other characteristics about the blade that make it a "good" balde?
 
My big meathooks, hamhocks, etc can close all of my Spyderco lockbacks one handed very easily. No harm of slicing whatsoever.


Now, the problem I have is with the liner locks ;)
 
I did a little looking around into those brands and found some cool ones. What do you guys think? Also, I'm not sure if I want serrated or not? I tend to want it because I find it useful alot, but then again, I'm not sure how to sharpen it (I'm not even sure how to properly sharpen a regular knife, and don't have the proper tools for it yet anyway). Are serrated blades generally frowned upon, or typically endorsed?

Spyderco:
Cool looking
Another cool looking
I definitely did like this one

Benchmade:
Good size, looks like good quality?
Looks like a good little knife

I didn't get to finish looking through the benchmade ones yet, but I think I browsed most of the spyderco ones.

I'll do some more research after work. I need to determine what it is I am looking for in the blade itself though.
 
From the ones you listed, I would go with a plain edge Paramilitary. It's a great knife with excellent blade steel (S30V) and blade geometry for utility, very good lock (in fact I think it's one of the best locks out there) and a comfortable G-10 handle. You can buy one for around $100 on-line.

I would also get a SAK to go with the Paramilitary.
 
I'll second the Benchmade 707.

Nice little knife, or a 705 if you can find one online somewhere yet, out of production, but a similiar great little folder.

WR

Ps, let us know what you finally decide on.;)
 
How about a Buck/Mayo TNT? Excellent knife! And I also second the Combat Elite RRF.Spyderco makes excellent knivces too.
 
pj_rage said:
I tend to want it because I find it useful alot, but then again, I'm not sure how to sharpen it (I'm not even sure how to properly sharpen a regular knife, and don't have the proper tools for it yet anyway).
Click to expand...
Serrations are mostly useful for cutting fibrous materials like rope or cardboard, or where sharpening is difficult. On a shorter blade, partial serrations can leave you with too little serrated or plain edge for the tasks proper to each.

Eventually, you should learn to sharpen your own knives. Not only will you be able to keep them useful, you will also learn to sharpen them differently for different tasks. Basically, the difference will be between a toothy, micro-serrated edge or a polished, razor edge.

The best bet for a beginner is the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It is easy to use, espcially since it comes with a DVD demonstrating proper technique and it works very well for maintenance of the edge, including of a serrated edge.
 
I really do like the para-military alot. My biggest concern with it is the locking mechanism. It appears to be on the backside of the knife (I assume you push it in?) The gerber I have now (and many other knives I've had) have had the inside lock where you push it to the side and can close the blade with one hand (not sure what you call this). Once I've had this, I don't think I can go any other way. I love the ability to operate the knife entirely with one hand! I think this is on my list of things that are necessary - one hand operation. Sorry I didn't think to mention that.

Also, I looked up the local knife law for VA and I think it is folding knives less than 3" in length.. When they say this, is 3-1/8" considered to not fall into the category? It is only 1/8" over...

I wanted to try to keep it legal if possible. I still won't rule out the blades I mentioned that are just slightly bigger than 3", though.
 
The compression lock on the Paramilitary is easy to open and close with one hand. It is extremely tough, much tougher than the liner locks you are used to. The compression lock seems like a backwards liner lock, but it works differently and is much stronger.
 
pj_rage said:
I want to get another 2.5" to 3" (no more than 3") folding knife, but I don't know what to look for in a high quality knife.

A great blade and easy operation are important. A cool look wouldn't hurt either
Click to expand...

Almost everyone is recommending knives that are over your limit. Since you're looking for a great blade, easy operation, and a cool look, I'd recommend the Spydie Yojimbo. The Paramillie is nice but still too big, per your limits. I think the Yojimbo is just under 3". The Benchmade 525 might fit your specs too.

The Yojimbo is definitely a cutting machine, has a great lock and super-easy operation, and most definitely has that cool look.
 
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