New Enthusiast Looking for Folder Advice

W

WOWitsREAL

Joined
Aug 7, 2004
Messages
3
Hey, I'm new to blades, and I was wondering what your opinion is on a good folder, price under or around $150, EDC, blade at or under 4 inches, and PE.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
 
Benchmade
Microtech
Spyderco
Al Mar
Emerson
Kershaw
William Henry
Camillus
Buck/Mayo
others I can't think of at the moment.

All these brands make extremely good knives that will last a life time, with a warranty that follows suit. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Finding a specific model for you without knowing your preferences (blade style, grinds, locking mechanism, thumb vs stud opening, steel type, handle material, etc) would be difficult (hundreds of different knives).

Go to www.1sks.com (the vendor affiliated with this forum), www.newgraham.com or www.888knivesrus.com and have a look around.

And welcome!
 
First of all welcome to BFC. ;) Secondly, I think Planterz covered it pretty well but let me add that before you order a knife via the "Net" you may want to examine it in person either at a brick and mortar knife store or at a gun/knife show. That way you can order a knife with which you are already familiar and comfortable. ;)
 
thanks for the welcome.
as for more defined preferences...
blade style, not much, as long as it's plain edged.
Grinds: i have no clue. i don't even know what grind is... :(
Locking Mechanism: Axis
Opening: Stud
Steel: whatever is good. i'm not to well educated about steel yet.
Handle Material: anything is fine with me.
 
Well, if you like the AXIS lock, that narrow it down to Benchmade. :p The flagship Benchmade thumbstud AXIS lock knife is the 710. It has a blade just under 4", and is available with both 154CM (stainless) or M2 tool steel (harder, but more prone to rust/tarnish without the black coating). The only issue is that there's a slight recurve (it's not straight) in the blade which makes it difficult (or impossible) to sharpen with an ordinary bench stone. The handles are G-10 (a type of fiberglass), which is very stiff, grippy, and warm to the touch. The 710HS (highspeed--the M2 model) with BT coating is one of their best sellers, and is a benchmark for quality tactical folders.

There are a bunch of other BM AXIS lock folders made. Most have 154CM steel, some might still use ATS-34 (which is pretty much the same, just Japanese), which is very high quality. Beyond that, whichever handle and blade style happens to float your boat. There's drop points, clip points, tanto points, reverse tanto points, wharncliffes, and spear points. Find one you like and get it. Benchmade has one of the best warranties and customer service in the business, plus lifetime free sharpening (just $5 for return postage).
 
There are so many choices, help us narrow it down. What do you want to do with your knife. Is it for camping, do you want a dress up knife, do you work in an office or a factory?
 
hokay, here are some suggestions:

(1) buck mayo TNT (the best EDC in the under $150 price range (aftermarket)) for urban use. Solid construction, Paul Bos heat-treated S30V, framelock, very nice design

(2) spyderco military, or, paramilitary (on my watchlist currently) S30V

(3) camillus dominator - ti frame, framelock, robo-assisted (or manual), S30V

(4) swamp rat folder (coming out soon) - 4 inch S30V

(5) William Hency Monarch/Kestrel - as long as you're not going to abuse your knife, this knife's fit and finish is above all others

(6) Wegner Pro-hunter G10

(7) Buck-Strider (if you're gonna use your knife as a pry bar)
 
The purpose for this knife is just a general EDC. I do go camping occasionally, but only about two to three times a year. It's just going to be for random tasks and such. I'm currently in college, and my job would not require the use of a blade (I'm a paraeducator working with autistic teenagers). So there is really no direct purpose for the knife. It'll just be my first knife, which will be used for anything that comes up that requires a little cutting or slicing.
 
Griptilian is probably the best bet for entry level w/ an Axis lock. That or an 805 TSEK if you want a bit bigger. Get yourself a swiss army knife too. Cheap and really handy, most prefer Victorinox.
 
My suggestions for a first knife would be a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. They are cheap, easy to sharpen and definate multi-taskers. If one handed opening is important to you get a One Hander (I think it is also known as a Trailmaster?) otherwise look at something like the super tinker. Better yet, get them both! :D
 
If your into Axis locks...

Higher Priced
BM 710 or 705 depending on what size you want
BM 806 D2
BM 805

Lower Priced (but still quality)
Any of the Benchmade Griptillian line

I would also recommend the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary, both are tough, hard-use, EDC folders that would serve you well.

Also, IMO, I think opening holes are better than studs :p

...and welcome to Bladeforums!
 
Spyderco ATR?? It has an opening hole, and the Cobra Hood.
Benchmade 940's and varaints.
Benchmade Switchback. 2, 2 knives in one.
Plenty of choices out there.
Welcome to Bladeforms!!


Blades
 
I'd concur on a Victorinox Swiss Army model...they don't have black blades and are therefore more sheeple-friendly (college/paraeducator environment). I'd advise finding a local shop where you can see/handle some of the various models offered as well as studying some of the great websites for info on options.
This idea of seeing/handling before buying is well applied to any future knife purchase! Also, just read this forum for a WEALTH of info!

Good luck and welcome to BladeForums!!

Larry S.
 
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