Need opinions on my first knife

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Knifenewb53

Joined
Apr 15, 2015
Messages
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I am looking to spend between 200-400 dollars on a knife. I have looked at the Kershaw RAM 1910 and some Emerson super commandos as well as some ZT knives. Can't decide on what to get. I'm fairly new to this hence my name on here haha.
 
Welcome. Unless you are rolling around in excess cash, don't spend that kind of money on a first knife. Learn what you like. What kind of lock, blade grind, blade thickness, steel, handle shape and material, etc etc etc.

You can do that relatively inexpensively and with excellent, well-made knives.

Find out what you like, then maybe spend a couple bucks on it. Money does not guaranteed "good", nor does it guarantee a knife that serves your needs and wants.
 
Me? I'd get a Buck 110, a Victorinox Classic, a Case Stockman, an Opinel, a Spyderco Delica, a Mora, and a Kabar USMC knife. All "classics" and for good reason.

That's a pretty broad base to get a sense of what you like. Probably cost around 200 bucks, tops. Go out and use them, and see what you like. See how they work, see if you can sharpen them, see if they feel carry-able, etc etc etc
 
Alright I will definitely check those out. I think the knife that I was drawn to the most of all the ones I've looked at is the Kershaw Ram 1910. The knife is 180$ on eBay. Do you think it is worth that price tag? The reason I started this thread is to look at a wider variety of knives in that price range that are quality knives.
 
Marcinek nailed it and almost killed the thread because his answer is so spot on... There are so many splendid knives at very low prices (understand around and under 50 $), why would you spend more ? I talk using not collecting or displaying, of course...
 
Yep, marcinek really served it up in his post. Definitely a great way to start. BUT...be warned it is a VERY slippery slope :D
 
Yeah he did. I really appreciate the helpful feed back. I definitely want to start collecting knives. Getting opinions on the best ones to have from people who have been doing this for a longtime help so much. I'm always open to feedback and looking at different styles of knives.
 
Meaning that once you get started down the knife collecting "slope" it's very difficult to stop! Take it from one who knows ;) And there are MANY of us here!
 
A good way to brake on the slippery slope is to actually use the knives you buy. I was amazed recently by a cheap buy which turned out to be one of my favourite users...and kicked out some pricey contenders !
 
What are you going to use the knife for (besides "collecting")? Your price range covers a lot of ground and you can get really good knives for under $200 too. I would start with one of the ZT's or middle range Spyderco's.

Many people use the word "collect" when it really just means accumulate.
 
Best 'intro' knife for me was the Spyderco Delica. I chose it over the Benchmade Mini-griptilian (556) when initially deciding, and chose correctly. I bought the 556 shortly afterwards, and it didn't stack up. Some people feel that the opposite is true, however, I don't think you can go wrong buying either one.

With that, I guess I would throw those two in as good 'beginner' knives. I've found a nice 'sweet spot' between about $60-120, and staying on the lower end of that budget will allow you to try different brands, materials, locks, etc. That's the approach I've taken, and I definitely feel like less is at stake when spending more money now. I have a much better idea of what I like/dislike.
 
I am partial to the ZT 0770CF (elmax) which is a thinner ZT that I carry often. It is just about the same size as a Spydie Delica but better steel. I am not really into pocket rocks, but I do carry a 4.25" (closed length) traditional often which I like very much (Northwoods Madison Barlow or GEC #42).

I believe the ZT 0566CF (M390) is another ZT that I am partial toward. It is one of the Hinderer collaberations. This one is in M390 which is high end steel.
 
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