Need opinions on 4 knifes for a newbie

D

Dextr0z

Joined
Jan 25, 2007
Messages
13
Before I dropped my limited money on these 4 knives I wanted to here your general opinions on them. I am going to be carrying one of these around everyday and will use them on a limited basis. These will be my first 4 real knives. For about a $100 think its a good bang for the buck?

Columbia River M16 Carson Design Tanto Pl Edge Locking Liner Fold
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CRM1604

Opinel Locking Blade knife 4" Closed
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=OP7

KaBar Dozier Design Folding Hunter 3" Blade Oval Thumb Hole
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KA4065

Spyderco Byrd Series Cara Cara w/G10 Handle & 3-7/8" Plain Edge Blade
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPBY03GP
 
Overall, a good selection. You can't go wrong with CRKT's M16 series or Spyderco's Byrd series.

Opinel makes a good knife. But the lock requires 2 hands to open and close. The lack of a carry clip might make it a pain in the neck to carry around in a pants pocket.

Not too familiar with the quality of KA-BAR's folders.
 
The Opinel is the very best sub-$10 knife you can buy. Takes a razor-sharp edge and cuts like a champ. I don't know if the model you're looking at is carbon or stainless (Opinel makes both), but I prefer the carbon steel. If you buy at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, they clearly say whether each model is stainless or carbon, and you'll save a couple bucks too.
http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...el&list=50&range=1&order=Default&SKU=OP113070

The Dozier Ka-Bar is OK, especially for the money. The thumb-hole works well and I like the blade shape. But for a bit more $$, the similar AG Russell FeatherLite is a 10X better knife overall.
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_...rliteclip_point_blade_with_aus8_steel__1.html

Can't comment on the other two.

Happy shopping!
-Bob
 
I would recommend the SPYDERCO they are great knives!
I like my ENDURA , can't go wrong for about $45.00:D
 
These are arguably all great choices for the price ranges they're in. I do favor the Byrd line overall, but they're all fine choices, whichever you end up with.
 
The only proposed purchase I would question would be that particular version of the M16. The less expensive versions usually have AUS4 steel, which is good and tough and might be OK depending on what you want the knife for. But AUS4 does not hold an edge well and you might not care for it. The link you posted did not state the steel and it was $29.00. Yes, the text talked about AUS8, but the actual specs for that particular knife did not state it. I would contact your proposed vendor prior to placing the order and confirm the steel on your proposed purchase.
 
I used to be a fan of the CRKT M-16 for the money but I can't say I would buy another one. Check out my thread on the most recently failed M-16 I have owned.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456852

As for the Ka-Bar, I think it is overrated. I know it is not much money but I found it lacking in all respects and couldn't trade it off fast enough. It has one of the worst clips I have seen.

Opinels are great knives and I can't say a bad word about them. Get the carbon steel blade if you can.

The Cara Cara G-10 I ordered is on the way but it looks like it is going to be a winner.
 
I think the Ka-Bar Doziers are an excellent buy, and I've never had a problem with the clip.
 
Nice list.

I love inexpensive knives, so I have two (similar versions) of those you mentioned.

The Kabar Dozier works for me. I have the thumb hole version, and though the clip is a bit small, there have been no problems otherwise. Great knife.

On a side-note, I do find the AG Russell Featherlight intriguing.

I have a Byrd Meadowlark FRN...nice. Better clip than the Kabar, and a great user. No complaints at all.

I considered the Opinel as a lunch-bag knife. The only issue was that moisture can gum up the opening by swelling the wood. There are allegedly remedies, but I tend to be impatient.

I wanted a simple folder requiring minimal maintenance, so I purchased the Victorinox Solo 108mm nylon handle. Cost is $10 shipped, and it is probably the best value I have ever seen.
I have no clue how Victorinox can produce such a fine knife for such a great price. It is a user, and I fully intend to pound the snot out of it.

Edited to add: If you don't have one, and don't require a lock, I highly recommend the Victorinox Soldier. $21.50 shipped, and a LOT of bang-for-the-buck.
 
pedalinbob said:
I considered the Opinel as a lunch-bag knife. The only issue was that moisture can gum up the opening by swelling the wood. There are allegedly remedies, but I tend to be impatient.
Click to expand...

Food grade mineral oil will help protect high carbon blades from rust. Especially good in the kitchen. Drip some around an Opinel's pivot and it will soak into the wood, preventing water from swelling it. Some people do the job more thoroughly by disassembling the knife and soaking the whole handle, which is a more elegant solution. :)
 
knarfeng said:
The only proposed purchase I would question would be that particular version of the M16. The less expensive versions usually have AUS4 steel, which is good and tough and might be OK depending on what you want the knife for. But AUS4 does not hold an edge well and you might not care for it. The link you posted did not state the steel and it was $29.00. Yes, the text talked about AUS8, but the actual specs for that particular knife did not state it. I would contact your proposed vendor prior to placing the order and confirm the steel on your proposed purchase.
Click to expand...

The listing is really misleading. The description clearly says aluminum handle and AUS-8 blade. However, the picuture is of an M16-04 which is indeed Zytel and AUS-4. Looks like it is in fact the cheaper model, and assuming that it's a mediocre bargain at best, and not one I'd particularly recommend.
 
some decent knives listed there, but personally id get one nice folder for 100 bucks--just personal opinion of course=). If it were me id probably go for the benchmade 710 or spyderco military/manix or caly III depending on knife size etc that you like=). Good luck on whatever you decide=)
 
Spyderco Byrd line. Never like my CRKT's very much and reading threads here have kept me out of their lineup. Opinel, you can't go wrong with 9 bucks, if you don't like it throw it away. For a long term knife that sees lots of use though, I would prefer a plastic handle and a lock that doesn't require two hands. Lots of people like them though. Good luck, let us know what you get.
 
I'd replace that M-16 with either a Cruiser or a Crawford-Casper.
Most days i have a cruiser on me. Its the only knife i own multiples of...
BUY ONE!
 
My G-10 Cara Cara performs as well as my Manix for a fifth of the cost. So I say go with the Cara Cara.
 
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