New Guy Here

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wvknifeguy

Joined
Feb 11, 2015
Messages
144
I am a newly confirmed knifeaholic. My addiction took hold about a month ago. I really don't have an allegiance to one brand, my only real stipulations are that the knife looks cool to me, is well made of quality material, and made in the USA. My first purchase was a Kershaw Camber, which is a real nice knife IMO. Next up came a Kershaw Skyline and a Benchmade Mini Grip 556. Most recently (actually arrived yesterday) a Spyderco Manix 2. I like each and every one of them, and they all get carried. Overall though, if I had to rate quality, I would have to say that even though the Benchmade and Spyderco were the more expensive of my limited collection, the Kershaw's win out. Not to get off topic, but for $40 what you get with a Kershaw Skyline is tough to beat. That's a real quality knife for that price. Anyway, both Kershaw's came sharp, perfectly centered, smooth function, and solid lock up. The issues I have with the Benchmade and Spyderco are nit picky, but if I spend $100 on a knife I think that buys me a little nit picking. The mini grip functions great, smooth as butter, and solid lock up. My issue with it is out of the box not only was it not sharp, I would say it was dull. A little work on my Spyderco Sharpmaker (yeah I bought one of those too) whipped it into shape, but again for almost $100 I expected some sharpness out of the box. The Manix 2 I really like, its my first Spyderco, but doubtfully my last. The one issue I have with it is the blade is not at all centered. This doesn't effect the function, but again it was $100. If Kershaw can center a $40 Skyline, I expect a $100 Spyderco to be centered. Anyone know how to correct that?

Anyway, I'm definitely hooked. I'm already eyeing the Manix 2 XL and full size Grip 550HG for future purchases. I usually do my window shopping at bladehq and gpknives, anyone use those or have other suggestions? I'm also always open to any purchasing suggestions.
 
wvknifeguy said:
I am a newly confirmed knifeaholic. My addiction took hold about a month ago. I really don't have an allegiance to one brand, my only real stipulations are that the knife looks cool to me, is well made of quality material, and made in the USA. My first purchase was a Kershaw Camber, which is a real nice knife IMO. Next up came a Kershaw Skyline and a Benchmade Mini Grip 556. Most recently (actually arrived yesterday) a Spyderco Manix 2. I like each and every one of them, and they all get carried. Overall though, if I had to rate quality, I would have to say that even though the Benchmade and Spyderco were the more expensive of my limited collection, the Kershaw's win out. Not to get off topic, but for $40 what you get with a Kershaw Skyline is tough to beat. That's a real quality knife for that price. Anyway, both Kershaw's came sharp, perfectly centered, smooth function, and solid lock up. The issues I have with the Benchmade and Spyderco are nit picky, but if I spend $100 on a knife I think that buys me a little nit picking. The mini grip functions great, smooth as butter, and solid lock up. My issue with it is out of the box not only was it not sharp, I would say it was dull. A little work on my Spyderco Sharpmaker (yeah I bought one of those too) whipped it into shape, but again for almost $100 I expected some sharpness out of the box. The Manix 2 I really like, its my first Spyderco, but doubtfully my last. The one issue I have with it is the blade is not at all centered. This doesn't effect the function, but again it was $100. If Kershaw can center a $40 Skyline, I expect a $100 Spyderco to be centered. Anyone know how to correct that?

Anyway, I'm definitely hooked. I'm already eyeing the Manix 2 XL and full size Grip 550HG for future purchases. I usually do my window shopping at bladehq and gpknives, anyone use those or have other suggestions? I'm also always open to any purchasing suggestions.
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Welcome, WV knifeaholic. This is an awesome forum; there are some very great deals, on the sales forums. Blade HQ & GPK, are both GTG! :thumbup:

FWIW- February 14th, is Valentine's Day...don't forget about the Mrs. ...if you expect to enjoy this hobby in peace! ;)
 
wvknifeguy said:
I am a newly confirmed knifeaholic. My addiction took hold about a month ago. I really don't have an allegiance to one brand, my only real stipulations are that the knife looks cool to me, is well made of quality material, and made in the USA. My first purchase was a Kershaw Camber, which is a real nice knife IMO. Next up came a Kershaw Skyline and a Benchmade Mini Grip 556. Most recently (actually arrived yesterday) a Spyderco Manix 2. I like each and every one of them, and they all get carried. Overall though, if I had to rate quality, I would have to say that even though the Benchmade and Spyderco were the more expensive of my limited collection, the Kershaw's win out. Not to get off topic, but for $40 what you get with a Kershaw Skyline is tough to beat. That's a real quality knife for that price. Anyway, both Kershaw's came sharp, perfectly centered, smooth function, and solid lock up. The issues I have with the Benchmade and Spyderco are nit picky, but if I spend $100 on a knife I think that buys me a little nit picking. The mini grip functions great, smooth as butter, and solid lock up. My issue with it is out of the box not only was it not sharp, I would say it was dull. A little work on my Spyderco Sharpmaker (yeah I bought one of those too) whipped it into shape, but again for almost $100 I expected some sharpness out of the box. The Manix 2 I really like, its my first Spyderco, but doubtfully my last. The one issue I have with it is the blade is not at all centered. This doesn't effect the function, but again it was $100. If Kershaw can center a $40 Skyline, I expect a $100 Spyderco to be centered. Anyone know how to correct that?

Anyway, I'm definitely hooked. I'm already eyeing the Manix 2 XL and full size Grip 550HG for future purchases. I usually do my window shopping at bladehq and gpknives, anyone use those or have other suggestions? I'm also always open to any purchasing suggestions.
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Hi and Welcome!

Just to address a couple things you mention. As for sharpness out of the box, any company can fail to sharpen a knife properly. I have had $200 and $40 knives not come sharp. The Skyline I bought was way off center. I don't know much about how the Manix 2 lock works but have you tried adjusting the pivot screw? You may try searching for an answer. Thsi is what I came up with quickly: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/805427-Manix-2-Blade-Centering

As for other places to buy knives, we have a list of very good paid vendors that support Bladeforums. List here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1089879-Paid-Dealer-Members-List

The place that I buy most of my knives now is right here off the exchange: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/672-The-Knife-Exchange

Also, as a new member I would encourage you to be familiar with the rules, FAQs, and some tips:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/faq.php
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/announcement.php?f=746&a=98
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1177581-Consolidated-Sticky-List

There is lots of info here in tons of subforums. Take a look around and read a bunch!
 
KELAMA said:
FWIW- February 14th, is Valentine's Day...don't forget about the Mrs. ...if you expect to enjoy this hobby in peace! ;)
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Welcome aboard,

If you have a Mrs. (or a future Mrs.) get her involved here on BF if you can. My wife has gone from feeling that no one needs to carry a knife to owning a few of her own. It has been a slow process but worth it. I was shocked when she stopped at a knife table at a local gun show and informed me that she wanted a knife for on her keys.
 
sabre cat said:
Welcome aboard,

If you have a Mrs. (or a future Mrs.) get her involved here on BF if you can. My wife has gone from feeling that no one needs to carry a knife to owning a few of her own. It has been a slow process but worth it. I was shocked when she stopped at a knife table at a local gun show and informed me that she wanted a knife for on her keys.
Click to expand...

You're the man! :thumbup:

We could start an entire sub-forum on this subject. ;)
 
Welcome to the forum! :thumbup:
Be sure to READ THE RULES! There are pretty detailed rules compared to some forums and you WILL break them if don't read them first (and the mods will give you infractions).

We have some great knife makers here in the USA. Remember though, not all knives from American brands are necessarily made in the US. Spyderco, Kershaw, and Benchmade are actually good examples.

Kershaw definitely makes great knives for the money. I was given a Spyerco Delica (which is a sweet knife) but my old Kershaw Storm II that spent -$35 is built like a tank and has served me well for about 7 years now. Much of this time was when I working odd jobs, mowing lawns, landscaping, etc.

If you don't have any sharpening stones or oil yet, make sure you look into it. You have to take care of your tools.:cool: They even have sharpening systems that take make it a lot easier to get even, consistent edges. I use a Lansky sharpening system.

Be careful with your spending though, as it is easy to go over budget when you see knives you like.:o
 
wvknifeguy said:
I am a newly confirmed knifeaholic. My addiction took hold about a month ago. I really don't have an allegiance to one brand, my only real stipulations are that the knife looks cool to me, is well made of quality material, and made in the USA. My first purchase was a Kershaw Camber, which is a real nice knife IMO. Next up came a Kershaw Skyline and a Benchmade Mini Grip 556. Most recently (actually arrived yesterday) a Spyderco Manix 2. I like each and every one of them, and they all get carried. Overall though, if I had to rate quality, I would have to say that even though the Benchmade and Spyderco were the more expensive of my limited collection, the Kershaw's win out. Not to get off topic, but for $40 what you get with a Kershaw Skyline is tough to beat. That's a real quality knife for that price. Anyway, both Kershaw's came sharp, perfectly centered, smooth function, and solid lock up. The issues I have with the Benchmade and Spyderco are nit picky, but if I spend $100 on a knife I think that buys me a little nit picking. The mini grip functions great, smooth as butter, and solid lock up. My issue with it is out of the box not only was it not sharp, I would say it was dull. A little work on my Spyderco Sharpmaker (yeah I bought one of those too) whipped it into shape, but again for almost $100 I expected some sharpness out of the box. The Manix 2 I really like, its my first Spyderco, but doubtfully my last. The one issue I have with it is the blade is not at all centered. This doesn't effect the function, but again it was $100. If Kershaw can center a $40 Skyline, I expect a $100 Spyderco to be centered. Anyone know how to correct that?

Anyway, I'm definitely hooked. I'm already eyeing the Manix 2 XL and full size Grip 550HG for future purchases. I usually do my window shopping at bladehq and gpknives, anyone use those or have other suggestions? I'm also always open to any purchasing suggestions.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forums. Great knives you have, all of them. I suggest you get yourself a good torx driver set. Play around with the tightness of the pivot screw on the Manix 2 and it should center fairly easily. I have a "sprint run" with CTS-XHP steel and I love it.

If and when your budget increases, check out Kershaw's big brother, Zero Tolerance knives. I personally have the 0801, 0770CF, and 0561 models by them.

As always so to new members: Welcome to Bladeforums; Prepare to open your eyes and empty your wallet.
 
wvknifeguy said:
lThe Manix 2 I really like, its my first Spyderco, but doubtfully my last. The one issue I have with it is the blade is not at all centered. This doesn't effect the function, but again it was $100. If Kershaw can center a $40 Skyline, I expect a $100 Spyderco to be centered. Anyone know how to correct that?
Click to expand...

Welcome to the addiction!

If you're comfortable doing a little patient DIY adjusting you can align that blade yourself. I've done it (had to do it) on a total of 6 knives and all are perfect now.

**Assuming you do not just have a loose pivot that will align the blade by just tightening it properly, here's what you can do.....

1. Loosen but do not remove all of the screws in the handle.
2. Loosen the pivot screw slightly.
3. By pushing one scale up toward the pivot and the other down away from the pivot you will be able to move the blade in the direction you desire.
4. When you get the blade where you want it, hold the scales firmly and tighten the frame screws.
5. Appropriately snug down the pivot screw just enough that there is no blade play but also no excessive friction.

**Note** if snugging the pivot moves the blade out of center, re-loosen the frame screws, adjust the blade over enough to account for the amount the pivot will move it and try again (this is the patience part of the job). With some careful attention you will not only center your blade perfectly, but you will also feel good knowing you have the knowledge to handle this in the future.

**TIP** most frame screws are installed at the factory with a dab of Blue Loctite. If you do not heat the screws a little before trying to remove them you might strip the screw or your torx tool....be careful (and don't mess up your knife with excessive heat either). Usually when I do this I remove the pivot screw after I get everything perfect and apply a small dot of Blue Loctite to it and re-install it.

**TOOLS** You will need a MINI Torx set. You can get one at Home depot for about $5. It works, but I suggest sourcing a higher quality hardened set if you can.

Good luck! Have fun with your new toys!!
 
K.O.D. said:
Welcome to the forums. Great knives you have, all of them. I suggest you get yourself a good torx driver set. Play around with the tightness of the pivot screw on the Manix 2 and it should center fairly easily. I have a "sprint run" with CTS-XHP steel and I love it.

If and when your budget increases, check out Kershaw's big brother, Zero Tolerance knives. I personally have the 0801, 0770CF, and 0561 models by them.

As always so to new members: Welcome to Bladeforums; Prepare to open your eyes and empty your wallet.
Click to expand...



I am becoming a big fan of Kershaw knives myself. They have great customer service too. I recently requested some replacements screws and not only did they send those, they also included a Torx driver set with their name on the side as well.

It will be fun to watch our new guy grow and learn here on BF.
 
Welcome, wvknifeguy! Sounds like you've got a good start on your collection! Picking up a Sharpmaker was an excellent investment as well... :thumbup::)

-Brett
 
wvknifeguy said:
I am a newly confirmed knifeaholic. My addiction took hold about a month ago. I really don't have an allegiance to one brand, my only real stipulations are that the knife looks cool to me, is well made of quality material, and made in the USA. My first purchase was a Kershaw Camber, which is a real nice knife IMO. Next up came a Kershaw Skyline and a Benchmade Mini Grip 556. Most recently (actually arrived yesterday) a Spyderco Manix 2. I like each and every one of them, and they all get carried. Overall though, if I had to rate quality, I would have to say that even though the Benchmade and Spyderco were the more expensive of my limited collection, the Kershaw's win out. Not to get off topic, but for $40 what you get with a Kershaw Skyline is tough to beat. That's a real quality knife for that price. Anyway, both Kershaw's came sharp, perfectly centered, smooth function, and solid lock up. The issues I have with the Benchmade and Spyderco are nit picky, but if I spend $100 on a knife I think that buys me a little nit picking. The mini grip functions great, smooth as butter, and solid lock up. My issue with it is out of the box not only was it not sharp, I would say it was dull. A little work on my Spyderco Sharpmaker (yeah I bought one of those too) whipped it into shape, but again for almost $100 I expected some sharpness out of the box. The Manix 2 I really like, its my first Spyderco, but doubtfully my last. The one issue I have with it is the blade is not at all centered. This doesn't effect the function, but again it was $100. If Kershaw can center a $40 Skyline, I expect a $100 Spyderco to be centered. Anyone know how to correct that?

Anyway, I'm definitely hooked. I'm already eyeing the Manix 2 XL and full size Grip 550HG for future purchases. I usually do my window shopping at bladehq and gpknives, anyone use those or have other suggestions? I'm also always open to any purchasing suggestions.
Click to expand...


If I could give you one piece of advice... (this will be blasphemy on this firum, but...)

Buy one or two blades youd really like, and take a break on buying for a few weeks. A lot of guys on here (including me..) were attracted to the website because of our new found lust of knives.

Most of us rapidly mature our tastes in knives, and want to get the "next best thing" that catches our attention. After a while, youre going to order knives, then when you get them in the mail, its not exciting; its become mundane and is no longer special.

Awesome to have you here! But once you get a couple nice blades, take a few weeks off buying, and just enjoy your new acquisitions. Give them some love,carry them, use, or abuse em, before they wind up in the back of a drawer.
 
stonproject said:
If I could give you one piece of advice... (this will be blasphemy on this firum, but...)

Buy one or two blades youd really like, and take a break on buying for a few weeks. A lot of guys on here (including me..) were attracted to the website because of our new found lust of knives.

Most of us rapidly mature our tastes in knives, and want to get the "next best thing" that catches our attention. After a while, youre going to order knives, then when you get them in the mail, its not exciting; its become mundane and is no longer special.

Awesome to have you here! But once you get a couple nice blades, take a few weeks off buying, and just enjoy your new acquisitions. Give them some love,carry them, use, or abuse em, before they wind up in the back of a drawer.
Click to expand...


I concur. Within the first year of my membership, I probably spent $3-$4000 on knives, mostly folders. I've sold almost all of them, and am down to 3 fixed and 10 (working) folders.

I also suggest getting a Spyderco Sharpmaker and learn how to sharpen your knives. Because mass produced aka production knives are initially sharpened using power equipment, the factory edge can often get superheated, causing issues with the initial edge. I've found this to be especially true with Elmax and S30V.

Best of luck!
 
Thank you all for the reception & info. My recent run was basically blowing Christmas money, and I'll probably take a break until some tax return money shows up. This is definitely a hobby that requires discipline!

I do know that several USA companies (Kershaw, Spyderco, etc.) have models that are made overseas, but I specifically look for the made in USA models. Not trying to make a statement about anything, just personal preference.

I will definitely look into adjusting the pivot on my Manix 2 to fix the centering. Its not off terribly bad, but enough that it bugs me. Will definitely look into mini torx too.

The Sharpmaker is a dandy little setup. I'm not at all a seasoned sharpener, but I'm able to put a real nice edge on with that thing.
 
wvknifeguy said:
Thank you all for the reception & info. My recent run was basically blowing Christmas money, and I'll probably take a break until some tax return money shows up. This is definitely a hobby that requires discipline!

I do know that several USA companies (Kershaw, Spyderco, etc.) have models that are made overseas, but I specifically look for the made in USA models. Not trying to make a statement about anything, just personal preference.

I will definitely look into adjusting the pivot on my Manix 2 to fix the centering. Its not off terribly bad, but enough that it bugs me. Will definitely look into mini torx too.

The Sharpmaker is a dandy little setup. I'm not at all a seasoned sharpener, but I'm able to put a real nice edge on with that thing.
Click to expand...

I know you are primarily looking at USA models, but the Taichung, Taiwan Spyderco's beat out the USA models in many, many peoples opinions, including my own. In particular, the Gayle Bradley stands out. Love mine.
 
K.O.D. said:
I know you are primarily looking at USA models, but the Taichung, Taiwan Spyderco's beat out the USA models in many, many peoples opinions, including my own. In particular, the Gayle Bradley stands out. Love mine.
Click to expand...

In my opinion the taichung knives are WAY better than the american spydercos... heck, my civilian was made in seki japan and it has better fit and finish then some militarys i have seen.

Dont avoid knives that arent american made. China, and japan have been making blades for centuries longer than america has even been in existance.
 
Welcome to the forum wvknifeguy!

wvknifeguy said:
I am a newly confirmed knifeaholic. My addiction took hold about a month ago. I really don't have an allegiance to one brand, my only real stipulations are that the knife looks cool to me, is well made of quality material, and made in the USA. My first purchase was a Kershaw Camber, which is a real nice knife IMO. Next up came a Kershaw Skyline and a Benchmade Mini Grip 556. Most recently (actually arrived yesterday) a Spyderco Manix 2. I like each and every one of them, and they all get carried. Overall though, if I had to rate quality, I would have to say that even though the Benchmade and Spyderco were the more expensive of my limited collection, the Kershaw's win out. Not to get off topic, but for $40 what you get with a Kershaw Skyline is tough to beat. That's a real quality knife for that price. Anyway, both Kershaw's came sharp, perfectly centered, smooth function, and solid lock up. The issues I have with the Benchmade and Spyderco are nit picky, but if I spend $100 on a knife I think that buys me a little nit picking. The mini grip functions great, smooth as butter, and solid lock up. My issue with it is out of the box not only was it not sharp, I would say it was dull. A little work on my Spyderco Sharpmaker (yeah I bought one of those too) whipped it into shape, but again for almost $100 I expected some sharpness out of the box. The Manix 2 I really like, its my first Spyderco, but doubtfully my last. The one issue I have with it is the blade is not at all centered. This doesn't effect the function, but again it was $100. If Kershaw can center a $40 Skyline, I expect a $100 Spyderco to be centered. Anyone know how to correct that?

Anyway, I'm definitely hooked. I'm already eyeing the Manix 2 XL and full size Grip 550HG for future purchases. I usually do my window shopping at bladehq and gpknives, anyone use those or have other suggestions? I'm also always open to any purchasing suggestions.
Click to expand...
 
K.O.D. said:
I know you are primarily looking at USA models, but the Taichung, Taiwan Spyderco's beat out the USA models in many, many peoples opinions, including my own. In particular, the Gayle Bradley stands out. Love mine.
Click to expand...

I do like the looks of the GB.
 
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