Need first knife advice!

X

Xacto

Joined
Jan 31, 2002
Messages
16
Hello all!

I am pretty new here and need opinions on my first (real) knife. All I have now it a cheap and trusty little Techna folder. I am looking for a Microtech Socom Elite to start. Can you advise me which blade to get? So far I prefer a satin or anopeen or beaded blade, probably partially serrated. I am limited to a manual for legal reasons.

Would you reccommend the "Brend" grind or regular production grind? The photos of the Brend seem really thick, so is it stronger and not as sharp? The regular grind seems more user friendly for cutting but not as strong. I plan to use the knife daily, but not abuse it. What is your opinion?

Thanks!:)

Xacto
 
What are you going to be cutting? My personal opinion is that unless you need serrations it is better to go plain edge. Also, IMO there are better EDC utility knives. As far as the balde goes the standard would be my choice.
 
I'll be cutting the usual rope, paper, no specific tasks really.

What's EDC?

It seems most knife buffs like plain edge rather than serrated. Why is that, other than being easier to sharpen?
 
EDC = Every Day Carry
 
If you cut a lot of rope then it might be worth it to go with serrations. However, if you really cut a lot of rope it might be better to get a fully serrated knife for rope and a plain edge for other tasks. You could get a good plain edge and a good fully serrated for the price of a SOCOM.
 
Xacto, if you are going to be cutting through LOTS of rope (especially synthetic) and LOTS of heavy duty cardboard,the I suggest you should get a serrated blade. If these are things you do occasionally, I strongly recommend a plain edge for EDC and then a second knife for serrated. I use a Spyderco Harpy, serrated, for those time when serrations are really necessary. You will find a hawkbill shape to be uniquely effective for this type of cutting.

A properly sharpened plain edge knife is just as effective for cutting these things, they just won't stay sharp quite as long as the serrated configuration.

The other compromise is to go with a combo edge, although I am not a proponent of this approach.

No advice on the Brend vs. regular grind, as I have never handled one.
 
I just realized something. If you are going with a SOCOM definately go plain edge, as this knife is probably a poor choice for heavy rop cutting.
 
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