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vector40

Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
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Hey, knife heads. First post here - probably last, except replies, since I'm not really all that much of a knife nut :)

I had a question, was hoping somebody could help me. Here's the deal: I'm currently in the market for a new folder for everyday carry. I've gone through a few (lousy) models over the past few years, and I've been mostly unhappy with the quality and performance of the knives.

My uses aren't too heavy; indeed, I could be called the quintessential "just uses it for boxes 'n stuff" guy (you know the guy). However, I do prefer that my blades work.

In my current search, I've been gravitating largely toward combat folders - not as much because I get into knife fights a lot (although, there is that...) but because I've found that those tend to have the best designs, materials, components, quality, etc.

However, my knowledge of these things is pretty dismal, so I figured... why not go to the experts?

My prefences and requirements:

1) I don't usually like tantos, and I'm on the near side of detesting chisel-ground blades.

2) Something relatively small, relatively easy to carry, not too massive or looming, that I can use (legally and comfortably) for EDC.

3) Something well-made, high-quality, nicely designed.

4) A thumbstud for one-handed opening.

5) A lock - if it's a good one, that's a plus.

6) NOT an automatic. Illegal around here.

7) A pocket clip would be nice, but isn't absolutely necessary.

8) Not too expensive, though I'm willing to shell out some dough.

I've shopped around, and have been interested by the Benchmade 720; also by the Microtech SOCOM (which is a bit hard to find); also by the Cold Steel Recon. I've also been drawn to the Applegate-Fairbairn folder, which strikes me as very well done. (I've also heard good things about it second-hand.)

Don't tell me to get a Sebenza, or a Strider, or a custom blade, or anything along those lines; I want a good knife, but I don't want to take out another mortgage to buy one :)

So, my questions. One, are any of these generally considered brilliant (or a dud)? Is there something I should know about them? Two, are there other good blades I've been neglecting to list? (I'm almost certain there are.) I don't want to turn this into a "plug your favorite knife" thread, but I'd like to hear your input.

Much thanks to all,

- Brandon
 
How were your older knives performing dismally? Could you give us some examples of how they failed to meet your expectations? It would be helpful if you gave us some names, too, so that we could suggest "better" (in our opinion) knives.

I've only used knives that low-cost knives (that's going to change in a "Strider" and "BM" way *very* soon, when I get back to the US with my hard-earned salary), but I've never used cheap knock-off knives, and I've never encountered a situation my knives couldn't handle. I use my knives for every-day chores, and for little projects around the house. I don't use them to saw through metal or as sharpened prybars. Do you?

Since you're going to use the knives for opening boxes, I guess you should get a steel that is either easy to sharpen or holds an edge well. That way you can cut up plenty of boxes. :)
 
Well, of the knives that you've mentioned, I only own the BM720. It's a great knife and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. It's a smooth opener and the axis lock and dual thumbstuds makes for ambidextrous opening and closing. There's a pretty current thread here that talks about it somewhat. For the SOCOM, you can't really go wrong with a Microtech. I just recently picked up a Microtech LCC which I highly recommend although it may go against #2 of your guidelines (it's a pretty hefty knife but still my most favorite purchase to date). There is currently a SOCOM up for trade in the Knife Exchange here but I'm not all that fond of a black blade. It's also at Knifecenter (probably other places as well but I didn't check). The Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn seems to be a solid knife, but I would probably only buy the flat ground version--not the one with the false edge. And I can't really say anything about the Recon since I've never handled one.

For knives you didn't mention--there's the BM942 which I recently used during a pass-around (evaluations here ). It's a great blade shape and it also uses the axis lock and dual thumbstuds like the 720 but it was a helluva lot smoother than my own BM720 (and that's saying a lot since the 720 is already damn smooth). If you're into recurve blades, then I also recommend either a Kershaw Boa, CRKT M18, or Camillus EDC. For really easy opening, the Boa has the SpeedSafe torsion assist with flipper, and the M18 has the Kit Carson flipper.

Hope that helps, and I hope you decide to stick around. Welcome to the forums.
 
Originally posted by AlphalphaPB
How were your older knives performing dismally? Could you give us some examples of how they failed to meet your expectations? It would be helpful if you gave us some names, too, so that we could suggest "better" (in our opinion) knives.

I've only used knives that low-cost knives (that's going to change in a "Strider" and "BM" way *very* soon, when I get back to the US with my hard-earned salary), but I've never used cheap knock-off knives, and I've never encountered a situation my knives couldn't handle. I use my knives for every-day chores, and for little projects around the house. I don't use them to saw through metal or as sharpened prybars. Do you?

Since you're going to use the knives for opening boxes, I guess you should get a steel that is either easy to sharpen or holds an edge well. That way you can cut up plenty of boxes. :)
Click to expand...

Heh.

Well, okay - it's not like every knife I ever had just up and died the first time I used it. They just weren't as quality as I would have liked, and consquently, didn't last too long...

I've tried the "cheap knockoffs" (hey, box-cutting is a low-paying business), low-end production knives, everything from rusty paring knives to blunt sandwiches. I admittedly don't treat my knives like princesses, though I don't exactly abuse them either (and I'd treat 'em better if they were better to me). Let's see... *checks pocket* Current carry is a Gerber. Dunno the model, let me check their site... ah, looks like this. It's not a pile of dung, but it's pretty unremarkable. The only things to speak for it are a nice heft (which I liked), and Teflon washers around the blade (for smooth opening); and frankly, those aren't worth a knife :) The blade is crap, it didn't keep for more than a week or two. And the finish scratches constantly.

I guess for its price, it's a decent knife; but now I'm willing to pay a little more, and looking for the right place to drop the cash.

To summarize: look at the list of the Good Things I gave. Those are all the things my previous knives haven't had ;) The biggest thing would probably be that Quality Matters. You can get away with a lot if you do it with quality.
 
First thing that ringed in my head is the Camillus EDC in 154CM.
If you would pass the thumbstud requirement, you could probably pick up any Spyderco and you'll be surprised how well made and how sharp they're. Yes, they don't look nice, but cut something and I'll guarantee that you'll be convinced.
I also have the CRKT M16 (gave that to dad), CRKT KFF and the Lightfoot (I think the latter is discontinued). They're pretty good blades for the price but AUS6 won't hold the edge if you cut cardboard continuously.
Good luck on your search.
 
I would highly recommend CRKT products. I have a Ryan 7 folder with 3,5" drop point blade which is well priced at around US$40-50. Then there is also the CRKT Contrail. Those are the two I would recommend.

CRKT offer the best bang for your buck. If you want to spend more for the sake of a name....well....it's your dough.

Best of luck.
 
You might want to take a look at the BM 705, the Spydie Delica, and the Buck mini-Strider SP.
Jim
 
It sounds to me like you are describing a Spyderco Native or Delica.
I would also agree with the Camillus EDC and BM 705 recommendations. You might also check out the Kershaw Vapor.It does not have the same quaility blade steel as the Spyderco's, but is a very nice light duty knife for the price.
 
The knife that I tend to use most for what you are describing is a CRKT Mirage. You can pick them up on ebay for around 12-14 bucks. Solid construction. Will do fine for what you want.
 
Do you have the tools and knowledge to resharpen a REALLY wear resistant blade? A Spyderco native in CPM 440V will stay sharp a LONG time. It can also take a LONG time to resharpen. That is usually the way it is. You can see the native here: Spyderco Native

If you buy online the link I posted above will help support the forums here you got all this good advice! ;)
 
Two very good choices are the Spyderco Endura, or the slightly smaller Delica...Both with VG-10 steel, and FRN scales, and either one sells for around $50-$60 (or less).
 
I agree with the Magician. You need a good steel, but you also need a good sharpener. Any knife will eventually get dull, so you need to be prepared. Do a search on sharpeners, and check out what people suggest. I use a small diamond stick (like a crock stick, but coated in diamond grit) and it takes care of most of my sharpening needs.

DD
 
I hear the issue of sharpening, but... well, I'll put it bluntly: I've never been too skilled at sharpening good knives, and I'm not sure I'd trust myself to even try, at this point :) If I ended up buying something worth preserving, I'm inclined to just say I'd take it to a local shop and get it sharpened there. Putting an edge on a kitchen carver is hard enough; putting it on a XQZ 2000 UltraSharp Rockwell 200 Damascus tri-edged hollow-ground behemoth is a whole 'nother story ;)

So, I guess what I'm hearing is:

- Spyderco is unglamorous but good at getting the job done, and the Delica and Native (or similar models) are highly recommended - they keep their edges, are well made, etc.

- CRKT is a lower cost brand, but efficient and a good value, and are fine for most tasks - plus being a good deal cheaper than some of the rest of these.

- Benchmade sounds popular; it sounds like models in the basic design of the 720, 710, 942, etc. are pretty good.

- Microtech has been recommended some.

I don't know anything about the Camillus EDC; indeed, I've never even heard of Camillus :) Can someone tell me more about that?

I'm willing to spend anywhere from $100 or $120 (or thereabouts) and down from there for something that will last a while; that's why the CRKTs interest me, but I'm wondering if I can get something that will stick around for longer.

Also, has anybody actually used the Applegate-Fairbairn? I researched it a bit more, and it's got near-mythical stories, in the right circles (combat, mostly) :) Gerber seems to be the only company making them nowadays (unless somebody knows another company). Does anyone know anything about the Gerber A-F?

Do you folks have any opinions on the blade shape I should be looking for? Browsing through the models you've been throwing at me, I'm seeing a LOT of different ones, everything from drop-point to clip to spear to false-edged to recurved. Is there a general direction for this kind of thing - i.e. THIS is better for THAT, but THIS ONE has better SUCH AND SUCH, and... etc.

Same deal with blade coatings - anodized, coated, polished, something else?


Huge thanks to all - you guys have been great :) Very helpful.

- Brandon
 
To tell you the truth, it's going to all come down to personal preference. All the knives mentioned here are good knives, but when deciding on a knife you're talking about:

Blade length
Plain vs. serrated (full or combo edge)
Blade profile (recurved, tanto, drop point, etc.)
Finish (satin, mirror polished, etc.)
Coating (bodycote, Black Ti, etc.)
Steel type (ATS34, VG10, SV30, etc.)
Lock type (liner, axis, etc.)
Knife weight
Handle material
Blade grind (hollow, flat, etc.)
Auto or manual or fixed or balisong or ???
Price
and whatever else I've left out.

It's one of those things where you're always chancing it when you buy without first handling the knife. Best advice is pick up every knife you can get your hands on and you will start to form an idea of what you want. When you look at the list above, it may all seem overwhelming, but when you pick up a special knife--you just know it.

You can find Camillus here and they also have a forum here at Bladeforums. They've been around a helluva long time and make a real quality product. They also make Becker Knife and Tool stuff.

Now that I'm done being a bit of a killjoy, you're pretty much on it with your conclusions. Microtech is probably a bit over your price range, CRKT gives you the most bang for the buck, Benchmade and Spyderco fall right around your price range and I find that you really can't go wrong with either company.

As for blade profile, I think that a wharncliffe blade is the ideal box cutter. I'd suggest checking out the FAQ's to learn more about everything.

I do hope you find what you are looking for--and I always love these threads where I can try to brainwash people into thinking like me...:D :rolleyes:

-ZENGHOST (excuse my ramblings--I'm in a mood)
 
Okay, folks, zeroing in here. I've been eyeing the Benchmades, and I think the 720 has me tempted.

One question: when I check actual listings, I keep seeing choices for blade coatings. Two big ones are satin and BT. Can someone let me know what those are?

Again, my sincerest thanks for your help.

Edit: Okay, okay, TWO last questions. In addition to the coatings... what's the difference between aluminum and G10? (I'm talking handles here.) I know what aluminum is; I don't know what G10 is :) Thoughts?
 
i suggest benchmade. Spydercos are great working knives but kinda ugly in my opinion. benchmades can get the job done and look good while at it. any BM with an axis lock is excellent. The 94x series is great so is the 720 the griptilians are nice too if you want something cheaper. g10 is a synthetic material thats very sturdy and nearly industructble. think of it as high end "polymer (plastic" type material
 
Originally posted by vector40
One question: when I check actual listings, I keep seeing choices for blade coatings. Two big ones are satin and BT. Can someone let me know what those are?
Click to expand...
The silver blade in the pic is the satin, the black blade is the BT2 (Black Teflon) coating. Satin finish is like a brushed finish as opposed to a mirror polish.

722.jpg
 
I'm not a Cold Steel fan, and that applies to the recon.

For a typical boxes and stuff guy a Spyderco Delica may be the best choice, it isn't top notch materials, but it's strong, comfortable, and sports excellent VG-10 steel, plus it's only $40.
Almost any Benchmade is excellent too (though more costly).

a couple things we need to know:
1. are you good at sharpening?
and 2. where do you live? (you said you wanted it to be legal, that depends on where you are.)

P.S. BT2 Coating sucks, it comes off waay too easily, leaving your knife looking crappy and scuffed up. BC1 is fine though, however not available on the BM 720 :(
Besides, Benchmade does a great Satin Finish :)
 
1. I'm crap at sharpenin, which is why I suggested I'd get my blade sharpened at a shop, rather than screw it up by hand :) Although I really ought to learn. Anyway, since I'd probably end up living between professional sharpenings, that's why I'm leaning toward something that will keep an edge forever.

2. California. No automatics. Dunno about any other regulations.
 
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