need help with a good first knife

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rodonkey10

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Apr 18, 2014
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Hey im new to buying knives and I just want a good knife. Im 16 , on about $150 budget and I preferably want an axis folder. I make side money working on friends cars and I need something that can handle continuous use cutting wire, hose etc., ive tried doing my own research and decided to post a forum, any postive help would be greatly appreciated :)
 
If it has to be benchmade, and fulfill all the requirements you listed, I would recommend a 710. They are fantastic knives. They will do anything you want, and more.

But, let's be realistic youngblood - if you just want something that can handle continuous cutting of wire and hose I would just get a retractable razor blade. It would do fine for that and run you about 3 bucks max. If it dulls just snap it off and keep on cutting.

If you really want to use a knife for things like that I would recommend an Ontario Utilitac II. They are inexpensive, but brutally tough. Trust me - you will dig it, and it will work fine for your intended use.

Good luck to you whatever you choose.
 
I would say to keep a open mind and look at all your options. If your going to be using it for cutting wires and hoses on cars it's probably going to get dirty, greasy, gritty, and gummed up so I personally would not buy a $150 knife for this kind of task. Not saying don't do it if you wan't, but just think about your options. You could spend $50-$75 on a folder that would do just as good a job cutting and you wont be as pissed off if it gets damaged. Given the more expensive knives will most likely have better blade steel. If you do spend less on the folder you could also buy a multitool which (depending on the model) usually offers a straight edge and serrated edge knife along with a metal file and saw, plus the pliers and all the bit drivers as well. I can't see a multitool pared with a folder not being a good option for working on cars or just being prepared for any tasks in general. For folders check out the Spyderco Endura 4 or the Spyderco Delica 4. For a multitool give the Leatherman Rebar a look or the Leatherman Wave. If you really want to spend $150 on a folder and it must be a Axis lock then the Benchmade Griptilian is always a popular option. Hope this helps. :thumbup:
 
Sound to me like you want a Leatherman Charge TTI sir. Has all the utility you described plus a high end steel for great edge retention (S30V). Not to mention wire stripers.
 
Welcome to the forum.

The Captain nailed it. I wouldn't use one of my better knives for working on a car. For that you need a beater; one that you don't mind getting oily and taking a lot of abuse.

A Leatherman Charge (or Surge) is a great recommendation. If you really insist on a knife I'd look at a Spyderco Delica. The FRN gives you a good grip and would be easy to clean. And the VG-10 steel would give you good edge retention.

Or on your budget maybe both? When you're holding a part in place you won't be able open that Charge one-handed. Piece of cake with the Delica.
 
Let's see, an AXIS lock knife for around $150...

-710
-Griptilian
-Mini-Onslaught
-Triage
-AXIS Stryker

If you want something smaller, then the 300 Flipper, Mini Stryker, 707 Sequel. If larger hefty knives are more your style, then go for an Adamas.

For general EDC use, I like the Griptilian. Good size, great design, excellent steel and light weight. Plus, it's affordable (for a Benchmade).
 
Thank you guys for all the great recommendations, ant dog I dont think I could use a razor blade because I know I said it would need to meet my mechanical need but i would still like it to be an edc knife but thank you all
 
And it doesnt have to be an axis lock, to be honest I started thinking and was wondering if its just a something that really make a big difference?
 
You guys said a cheap beater and I starter looking, what do you think about schrade? I looked up reveiews and saw a schrade 304 and just wanted to know if you guys know anything about that knife
 
I wouldn't buy a Schrade personally. Look into the Spydercos or Kershaw if you want something cheaper, but still very good. A great cheap knife that you can beat on is the Ontario RAT-1. Very good performance to price. They can be had in the $30 range if you look. Actually I can tell you where to get one for under $30 shipped to your door if your interested. I think you might like the Ontario RAT-1.
 
Capt. Spaulding said:
I wouldn't buy a Schrade personally. Look into the Spydercos or Kershaw if you want something cheaper, but still very good. A great cheap knife that you can beat on is the Ontario RAT-1. Very good performance to price. They can be had in the $30 range if you look. Actually I can tell you where to get one for under $30 shipped to your door if your interested. I think you might like the Ontario RAT-1.
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this...all of this
 
It's worth taking a look at the Svord Peasant and Mini Peasant. They are very basic and non stainless but the steel they use is tough and holds a great edge. They are also easy to disassemble for cleaning and are cheap so you won't be too upset if you somehow ruin it. Also consider spending some of your budget on a decent sharpening setup. If you go the way of an inexpensive knife I would suggest you do some reading on sharpening with sandpaper over in the maintenance and tinkering sub forum.
 
If you want an axis lock Benchmade then I think you would like the 940. If you want to go cheaper then there are tons of good ones! Kabar Dozier, Kershaw Scrambler, Thermite, Clash, Leek, ECT. A Spyderco Delica or Endura or a Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 or Voyager. There are plenty so you just need to look them over and decide what is best for you. Good Luck! Kevin :D:thumbup:
 
rodonkey10 said:
Spyderco tenacious?? And if its a decent knife, what would be better for the price? Spyderco or rat 1?
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The Spyderco Tenatious is a GREAT knife. I have one clipped to my pocket as I type this. I forgot to mention it in my last post. I would buy the Tenatious over the RAT-1 personally.
 
Yeah because I started looking around and found one for about 40 dollars, is it a bad thing to buy a knife from amazon? And I would still have enough for that sharpmaker and like a 50 or 60 dollar multi tool, unless you know of a better or cheaper sharpening system, amd I can pull some more money together if there is another little more expensive multi tool
 
I would not hesitate to buy the Tenacious from Amazon, but give me a sec and I might be able to find it cheaper for you.

Glad your thinking of a multitool. That could be a long discussion, but i'm a multitool nut so its one I would be glad to have with you to find your ideal MT.
 
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