new here and want some opinions

D

dakota1820

Joined
Nov 20, 2011
Messages
96
Hello my names Dakota, I'm glad to be here. I love knives and want to know as much as possible. I had a bucks pocket knife for the last 4 yrs it was a pretty good knife just regular 440 blade but it did a decent job . I believe it fell out of my pocket or someone took it. It had a clip so it couldnt just fall out but it doesn't matter its gone. I saw a gerber scout folding knife the one bear grylls ponders and it looks neat. I don't want to spend more than 40 bucks. What do you guys think of that knife pros and cons ? Where's it made and what steel does it employ. I appreciate the help . Thank you for allowing me to be apart of the forum and have a good one.
 
Hearing is one thing. Have you ever held one or used it? Opinions mean more backed by some kind of experience.
 
Hi Dakota,

Welcome to Bladeforums! It might help people if you told us what you want to use the knife for? Is it every day carry (EDC); such as cutting string/paper or do you need it for other tasks such as camping chores. The only thing I would add about the Gerber Bear Grylls series is that they are bright if you want to carry a knife inconspicuously and often (not always) when a piece of equipment has a "celeb" endorsement it can cost more than something just as good!

So let us know what you want to use the knife for!

hth, John
 
I will be using the knife for everything. Cleaning fish , cutting hose on cars , spinning deer, rope opening boxes everything you can think of.
 
If its an everything knifr you'd probably be better off with an offering from frost mora. Incredibly inexpencive but amazingly high quality blades. They come in 1095 carbon and 12c27 steel. They're easy to learn how to sharpen on because of the huge level. And if you lose It not too big a deal. Plus they also come In bright colors. forgot to add, the one downside is the sheath will probably lose its retention within the year. Everybody I know has had that happen. But I'm sure with the money you saved you can buy a better quality one
 
I think you'll be fine with a gerber, I'd recommend the gator model over Bear's knife just for the great grip. I carried one for years and it never let me down but you will definitely learn how to sharpen a knife well!
 
Why a kershaw? Anyone know any good stores that have a good selection of knives in the st Louis mo area
 
There are tons better blades out there for $40-$50.. even spending just $20 more gets you a VASTLY better blade.. it will be money well spent.
Byrd
Spyderco
Benchmade Red Class
Kershaw
Buck Vantage Series

Keep your eye out for used blades too.

Read the next 30 pages in this section.. you'll see lots of posts on "What's a good $40 blade".
 
Last edited:
Buck!

Can't be beaten and 100% lifetime warranty (and an excellent sub-forum here)! I carry a Buck 301 stockman everywhere, in the UK we can't EDC a locking blade.

There's loads of options if you want a folder; 110, THE outdoor folder or there's the smaller cousin 112, if you want man made handle there's the ecolite range. If you want a modern design; Vantage range.

I've never had a Buck fixed blade. If you want a fixed blade, I'd go as recommended by brets-ftw, you can't go wrong with a Mora, it's what we use on our bushcraft courses, cheap, fairly rugged and very versatile.

hth, John
 
Last edited:
Get a Spyderco Tenacious. Its around 40 bucks on a really popular online auction site and is way better than the bear grylls folder.
 
I'd say take a look at the Spyderco Tenacious, Kershaw Skykine, or maybe Buck Vantage Avid. IMO you would be better off with one out those over the Gerber. The Gerber isn't a bad knife, just not as good.
 
the old style US made schrade is pretty good stuff, also 1095 carbon, the new chinese stuff is pretty mediocre. even after convexing my sharpfinger it barely held an edge. Case is fine if you get the chrome vanadium steel or CV, the tru-sharp isnt all that inspiring
 
I'm going to go shop for one tomorrow. I don't really know where to go that has any decent selection of knives
 
honestly online shops will be cheaper then stores and hold a larger variety unless they're are a specialty store. there are many threads talking about the pros and cons of shops vs online.

the main ones ive found are

Pros for shop - you get to handle the knife in person, manage any defects at the shop, instant gratification
Cons for shop - higher prices, generally lesser variety

pros and cons for online - complete opposite

as for stores, try googling, army navy stores, army surplus, any major hunting/sporting good stores (include wally world)
 
^However, if you want to check out some used knives, thrift shops, pawn shops, and antique shops often carry knives that you cant find anywhere else... And the prices for second hand goods often cant be beaten by new merchandise.

Just make sure the knife is in good working order if it is used.
 
I recommend that you spend a little extra on your knife, there like most things where if you put a little extra money into it, you have a better experience. These guys will steer you right. I do more of the EDC type of single blade, but what I’ve been getting interested in lately are those 3 blade folders. I need to post some questions about them myself, but I see the brand name “Case” a lot. Good luck with your search, there are tons of great choices out there. Ooh yeah, be sure to check out Youtube, some of the guys here swear Youtube will show you how to use a knife, Heh’ Just kiddin’
 
brets-ftw said:
honestly online shops will be cheaper then stores and hold a larger variety unless they're are a specialty store. there are many threads talking about the pros and cons of shops vs online.

the main ones ive found are

Pros for shop - you get to handle the knife in person, manage any defects at the shop, instant gratification
Cons for shop - higher prices, generally lesser variety

pros and cons for online - complete opposite

as for stores, try googling, army navy stores, army surplus, any major hunting/sporting good stores (include wally world)
Click to expand...

+1 ^^ I'd like to add that you can hold and check out a knife you're interested in at a B&M store, then if you decide you like it, price it online.

I'd also suggest looking for any local knife show's that might be coming around.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top