need some help on what to buy

O

orange1872003

Joined
Oct 25, 2004
Messages
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I'm looking to buy two knives. I need a good fixed blade combat and a dependable folding utility, and I need to be able to afford these knives.
I would like to get a combat that has a tanto blade and is easily concealable. Also, I would like to find something that can rest horizontally on my belt. As far as a utility goes, I would like to buy something that is tough and is easily accessible.
I've done a little research and I think I like the Emerson Commander for a utility, but the price is high. Does anybody know where to get a good deal on one. The search for a decent combat fixed blade has left me puzzled. I really want to find something that isn't too big to be concealed, and I would like to be able to keep in on my belt horizontally. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
for fixed blade
1. CRKT Corcum First Strike $45-$80 depending on size
2. small kraton handled tanto point ka-bar with kydex sheath
For folder
1. Buck 110
2. CRKT point gaurd
3. CRKT m-16
 
"Fixed blade tanto combat"...How about a Cold Steel Kobun?
"Dependable folding utility"...How about a Benchmade 556 or 551?
 
Tanto combat knife that's concealable - well, tanto knives aren't particualarly good "combat knives" IMHO, but if that's what floats your boat, Cold Steel is probably what you want to look at. If you want a really good, thought out combat/utility knife, check Benchmade's fixed blades. The Nimravus is amazing! The Fecas Gamer is cheap, good sized, and very easy to conceal.

Folder... get a Benchmade! A Griptilian might be your ticket. If you want to go a bit higher, an AFCK or TSEK is the ticket. For a cheaper option, I would recommend a spearpoint model of CRKT's M16 series. The new M16 Compact is a truly excellent value in my opinion.
 
I wouldn't recommend you start with a Commander if you don't have that much experience with knives for a few reasons. Firstly it is a chisel edge, some people like it, others don't. Personally I don't like it all that much as a utility blade. I find a standard blade to be better for this, as do many others.

Secondly they don't have the best track record for QC, especially over a long period of time there knives sometimes wear prematurely. I am not bashing the compnay, heck I have a Commander and like it, but it developed some lock problems. I sent it back to them and they fixed it up giving me a new blade, and new liners in less than a month. I just think that if you are worried now that it is expensive, and it gives you anything less than 100% satisfaction you might be frustrated.

I can't recommend the Camillus EDC highly enough as a good all around utility blade. You get a frame lock folder, 154-CM blade and all for about $50. I used one very roughly, and abused it daily, for close to a year as my all around tool while working in retail. I used the thing for anything and everything from cutting boxes to steel. Used it to pry, and as a screwdriver. It finally died on me when I was trying to take apart a display and the blade snapped while I pried a weld apart. Now I didn't realize I was prying steel, as it was all covered with cardboard, but it turns out I was prying apart a welded steel frame. My only real gripe with it would have to be that the blade is only 3", and I prefer a 3.5" - 4" blade.

Spyderco also makes many lower priced knives that are great users, such as the Delica or Endura. These are time proven designs and designed to be working knives, and offered at a good price.
 
I'm not a fan of tanto blades, but I do have a recommendation for you there. Check out Spyderco's specials page and look at the Lum Tanto. At $75 it's a steal! Have a horizontal kydex sheath made for it and you'll still be around $100 total.

Personally, I'd go with Spyderco's Perrin Bowie instead.

Or you could combine the two and just carry a Camillus Maxx Bowie. It makes an impressive fighter, a tough utility knife, and it actually feels less bulky in the pocket than an Emerson Commander.

--Bob Q
 
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