Need opinions on my first knife

I've been really happy with what ZT is producing lately. Its not a bad route to take for a first knife.
 
Also, take notice of the handle length and weight.

I sold my miniGriptilian because its handle was a little shorter for me: 3.87". I would get a Delica instead. About weight, the sweet spot for a folder is probably in around 3-5 oz.

So, try and learn.
 
stevekolt said:
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
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Yep. "Start" is the key word. Hey, you might stop there...find that you love the Case Stockman and decide you cant see any reason to buy anything else. Or you may move down that slope and say "Well, I like a full flat ground drop point lockback with a convexed edge and spalted maple scales." Then you go sink a couple hundred (or more) bucks on it.

Save some money at the beginning and find out what you like...you'll probably need it later. :D
 
I would also suggest the Spyderco Delica and Benchmade Griptillians. Really good knives at good prices. I have a Delica in my pocket now. :D
 
So, perhaps even more important then the knife, how well can you sharpen? What type of sharpening system do you own?

Super steels are super awesome but can easily be super discouraging without the proper tools and skills.

If you are already a sharpening pro then great, jump right in. That m4 CF ZT is a dream. If not then allow me to suggest you pick up a cheaper knife or two in a vg10 or something similarly easy and forgiving on the stone. Delica is always going to be a sure fire winner and you will never regret the purchase no matter how many high end blades you do or don't end up with. My wife prefers the Delica 4 FFG and a mini grip to any other option available to her and there are many options.

Those mega hard steels are a poor choice for a beginner, they amplify each missed stroke and impart both damage to the blade and anguish to the user.

Ask me how I know. :sorrow:

Once you know what you like and how to maintain it properly, to maintain it to the full value and worth of the investment you are making into the knife, then get the $200 steel.

Just my 2 cents, it's worth no more than that.
 
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And while we're at it, give some thought to how you can/will carry the knife. Many knives allow for multiple carry positions (righty vs. lefty, tip up vs. tip down) but some do not. The Delica allows for all 4 positions, just another thing to consider...
 
Funny how nobody recommends the kershaw, huh?


A Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is also a great first knife.

Try not to buy a knife as a first knife that has a really thick blade.
 
ev13wt said:
Funny how nobody recommends the kershaw, huh?
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From what I've heard it's a good little knife, but the RAM is no longer produced. If this is his first knife, why pay 3x the original price for a discontinued blade?
 
Yeah, don't spend that bundle of cash on your first knife. You can always use more than one knife anyway. I recomend that you consider buying more that one knife. Here is the break down:

1. Something small, like a Victorinox Cadet. This knife has a blade less than 3 inches long and does not lock. Fills the need for a dress knife and/or travel knife if you are in an area with blade limits. Very Sheeple friendly.

2. Budget folder for every day carry. Normally a knife like this will have a 3-3 1/2 inch blade. Most of the knives that have been recommended to you fall in this group. Kershaw has many models that will meet your needs. Look at a Kershaw Blur. It has a very strong following. You will never find a better thumb stud than what this knife offers.

Benchmade has the Griptillian series that comes highly rated but I would suggest their HK 14715. Better knife for the money IMHO.

Spyderco offers a wonderfull knife in their Manix 2 line. You own it to yourself to look at that knife along with their Para Military 2.

Also check out the Rat 1 and Rat 2 knives. Great budget liner lock folders. Follow up that with the Zancudo knife and it's brother who's name I can't remember right now. Name starts with an A. Both nice budget frame locks.

3. A heavy duty knife for more serious work. Maybe something just a little bit stronger than your edc knife. ZT makes many knives that fill this role. The ZT 350 is the entry model. Start there. Many people use a full size Bencmade Griptillian in this role with a Mini Griptillian as their EDC. A hard combo to beat.

4. Multi-Tool. Many people like a multi-tool as a back up. May I suggest the Leatherman wave or the Gerber 600.

5. Fixed Blade. I do recommend that you have at least one fixed blade. However, there are people much more knowledgable than myself when considering a fixed blade. I bow to them. FWIW, I use a Benchmade 162.

So what do I use?

1. Cadet/ Vic Soldier
2. Kershaw Zing- US made.
3. Benchmade 551 Griptillian
4. Leatherman Wave
5. Benchamde 162

Please let us know what you end up with.
 
Some with staying power, by maker:

ZT:
0562
0450

Spyderco:
Domino
Paramilitary 2
Manix 2
Delica 4
Endura 4
Dragonfly 2
Native 5

Benchmade:
Griptilian
Mini Grip
940 and 940-1

Perhaps supreme... Victorinox Classic. I have the Wenger equivalent, and it is truly carried each and every day, without fail, no exceptions. The folder riding next to it changes, but the Classic/Esquire is constant.

My suggestion is to pick a few from this or a similar list. These are all popular in the knife community, with good reason. They are generally keepers.
 
^^^^ great list RBid.

Any one of those is a an awesome starting point that you will be very happy for a first purchase. :thumbup:
 
I like both a lot. Really have come to the conclusion that I am gonna go with a ZT knife! Thanks so much for the help!
 
I started going knife knuts about 5 months ago. I did what marcinek suggested. I like to try features unique or different manufacturers. Get a Mora, an Opinel, a Swiss Army knife, Ontario RAT1, Kershaw collaboration knives are fun IMO (I like the Emerson waved knives), try some various traditional patterns, try various handle materials, various sizes, different blade designs, etc... In 6 months you'll look back and be amazed at what you've learned.
 
At Christmas 2015, you'll be asking for Gayle Bradley Spyderco, Benchmade Adamas, Sebenzas, or some traditional patterns you don't have... Good luck... That's the slippery slope.
 
I think you'll be happy if you decide to get a ZT knife. I have 2 of them and love them both. Check out the Hinderer collaborations in their line. IMO, best knives on the market for the price.
 
Do you have a particular blade length you like? Flipper, assisted or not assisted? Carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum, g10?
The new 2015 ZT models 0808, 450 , 900 and 452cf have been been a hit.
 
marcinek said:
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.
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Great advice here. Welcome to Bladeforums. My recommendation would be to look at Spyderco, Kershaw, Cold Steel, Emerson, Benchmade etc. Spend time looking around before buying anything.
 
Knifenewb53 said:
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.
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The RAM cost $60 before it got discontinued. It's not a $180 knife. It's a $60 knife. You're better off getting something else.
 
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