New and interesting designs???

[J. MacDonald]

There does seem to have been a lack of new and interesting affordable knives lately. There's always plenty of expensive customs to be ordered, except a lot of the more popular makers are so busy that their waiting list exceeds a year, so there's not much to talk about there. As far as better production knives go, Microtech, Al Mar and Benchmade have been a little light on new designs lately. I guess Benchmade has some new more affordable Chinese made offerings, but after what I saw of them this past weekend, I'm not inspired. At least they keep introducing limited edition versions of popular models, although that can only go so far.

The Buck Mayo is the only new model production knife I've purchased this past year. All the others purchased this year were things like a Microtech Amphibian M/A that is a great knife, but was bought on the secondary market and the same for a Vector. I also got an Al MAr Shrike, but again on the secondary market in as new condition, and well after it's introduction.

I'm not "knifed out" as I still have a passion for knives, but I've decided to take my knife lust in a different direction. I'm building a shop and want to try my hand at making a few sharp & pointy things. I certaily wouldn't classify myself as a knifemaker yet, just a knife enthusiast that want's to get more deeply involved.

jmx

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Have fun. Just remember that the better you get, the worse the low level offerings out there will look You don't have to start from scratch though. You could try customizing some tired old knives or get kits or just buy good blades and handle and sheath them yourself -- you can find good Scandinavian blades at reasonable prices.

There are plenty of good new knives out there. You've just gone beyond that level. I am searching desperately for a knife that really matters to me, and I've started selling off good knives that don't, anymore.

Actually, about $1500 would outfit me with the Strider, Mission, and Extrema Ratio knives I've got an eye on!

 

[Manji]

I think as you get more and more knives that are more and more expensive the number of new knives that interest you get smaller and smaller. There are plenty of new knives that come out it's just that once you hit a certain point there are not many knives that can excite you anymore.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

You're right. When a new knife comes out and you immediately think of the one or two or three you already have that do the same thing the same way, it seems pointless to buy it. I think the Griptilian is beautiful, but am I really going to put my Sebenzas away and carry that instead? I never even carried my 710, or my SOCOM Elite, and those are great knives.

 

[jayharley]

Originally posted by Esav Benyamin
You're right. When a new knife comes out and you immediately think of the one or two or three you already have that do the same thing the same way, it seems pointless to buy it. I think the Griptilian is beautiful, but am I really going to put my Sebenzas away and carry that instead? I never even carried my 710, or my SOCOM Elite, and those are great knives.

You are very correct. After buying my large Sebenza (with leather inserts), most of my other folders simply no longer get carried. The Sebenza really spoiled me. At first it seemed a bit bland looking to me. But after a while I found the simple appearance makes the knife much more appropriate for more occasions. Plus, I can use it and not have to worry about a lengthy wait to have it refurbished when it needs it. In this regards, the Sebenza actually saved me lots of money. I simply don't buy as many other folders as I used to.

 

[thombrogan]

I'm very excited about Extrema Ratio's offerings as well as Spyderco's new wares. Many of these are in the $40-350 range, so they're priced above the Kershaw Vapor and below the Reeve's Large Sebenza.

Benchmade is still making a huckabucka knives in the USA as well as Taiwan and their variants on existing models are pretty snazzy. I'm sure that the owners of the 941TI-01 are, how do you say?, phreaking psyched. With the 921 Switchback being offered in black or blue, it'll probably catch on even more.

Xikar made a great-looking range of framelocks recently, too.

There's a whole world of impressive new knives upon which to spend your money. The problem is that some of the knives discontinued last year and some that are due out next year were/are even better.

For me, the Extrema Ratio line of folders was an enjoyable revelation.

 

[J. MacDonald]

Oops!I just realized that last night I started this thread when I was actually trying to post a reply in the "knifed out" thread. Looks like I hit the wrong button. must have been tee many martoonies. Ah, the holidays.

As far as the 941Ti-01 goes, I do have the hots for one of those and am hoping that the wife gets me one for Xmas, however, it's not exactly a new design, just an awesome one executed with new materials.

Hey Esav, If you're not carrying your Socom Elite, it's probably getting lonely. You should send it to me where it will have a locing home and see some pocket time. It would go great with the one I've been carrying all week. BTW, for a little less than you mentioned you need for your next three picks, I got a Bridgeport mill for my shop. That should be a good step towards making some sharp stuff!

jmx