Need opinions on my first knife

Hey Knifenewb53,

Lots of great advice already, so I'll just add that it would go a long way if you could fine a shop and actually handle the knives many have mentioned. I bought and sold many, many knives over the last few years trying to figure out what fits and works for me. Lately I've mostly settled into a few knife companies and various models that really help me get things done. For traditionals, I love Great Eastern Cutlery; for folders, Emersons have become my favorites; fixed blades... Beckers and Busse (and kin) are my go to's. Such results came after many purchases and sales of excellent (and not so excellent) knives that ranged from inexpensive to very pricey.

Get your hands on as many as you can--knife shops, gun shops, some sporting goods/ camping stores, etc... then have fun using what you decided to buy!

Oh yeah... and post pics!
 
I recommend an avispa or rat 1/2 to start with. I really like the delica 4 but I prefer the mini griptillian, and I have large hands..
 
Wow - I must be under a rock - when the heck did the RAM shoot up that high? anyways, one you might want to consider getting since you willing to spend $200-$400 and you like the Ram is look for what I used to consider the RAMs BIG Brother, the ZT Mudd. Its discontinued, but you can still get one on ebay and on the forums once in a while.

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Knifenewb53 said:
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.
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I may be looking at the wrong knife but the Ram 1910 is about $60 not $150.1 I personally would follow the early advise and buy a $50- $75 EDC that not 5-8 oz and carries easily. say a Delica to a Stretch or any number of Kershaws in that range. I would get a modern folder rather than a slip joint or traditional nail opener. IMO and FWIW
 
Thanks so much for all the great options and replies. I have checked out all the knives you guys have recommended and so far ita between the ZT0566CFM390 Hinderer Carbon Fiber or the ZT0770CFM4 Assisted Carbon Fiber M4 Tool steel both from knivesshipfree. Which do you think of the two would be the best to go with?
 
There are some sweet inexpensive CRKT folders too. Use them for a while and save some more, upgrade to a high end one when you had beaten to death the less expensive one
 
That's crazy Wavester I like the look of the mud a lot but you can find it on eBay for 300$ instead of its original 150$ price tag.
 
For a first knife, I would really recommend getting something that is easier to sharpen that Elmax, M4, M390 (same as 204P), or other high-carbide steel. You will love the performance, but you will not be able to really get the edge back yourself.

If you do decide that you want to stick with something from ZT, and you really do want to spend this knid of money on a first knfie, I would personally recommend one of ZT's most recent models for you if you want a ZT.
These include the 0450, 0452cf (if you like a bigger blade), 0900, 0808, and the 0630.

All of those nives have S35VN steel for the blades, which will be relatively easy to sharpen, and will still give you very good performance in terms of edge retention and most other qualities. I would then take the extra money that you have left over from getting one of those, and buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker, and extra fine diamond rod for the Sharpmaker, and a good leather strop for yourself with some green compound.

All of that together will give you all of the tools you really ever need for maintaining your knife, and a good knife that will last you for a very long time with steel you can still maintain once you learn how to use the tools to sharpen it, and all within your budget.
 
What would you think about getting the mudd Charr? I really like the knives that are G&G hawk collaborations they look really nice. On eBay there is one going for 300$ would you say its worth it or would I be better off buying the other ZT listed? I really like the look of it a lot.
 
Knifenewb53 - I assume you are a righty as most people are, but by chance are you a lefty? If so that may make you change what you are looking at.

Also, are you looking for any knife or folders specifically? I can attest to Moras being awesome for the price if you are looking for a fixed blade.

Just curious and welcome to BF
 
About eight years ago, my first one-hand opening folder was a Spyderco Military. Since then no other knife could kick it out of my right back-pocket, except for other Millies. And whatever Millie you buy, you'll have plenty of money left to buy two Opinels, two SAK's and an Ontario RAT 1 with it.










 
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