New knife addict,first post :) help me decide which knife next!

[dynamicmoves]

Some may find traditionals boring, but I find them to be functional pieces of art. they cut so well.

I had a big Old Timer (sort of like a Buck 110) years ago also and used it as my "work knife" abusing the crap out of it. Truth is I actually purchased two Schrade USA knives this past weekend. I found a Schrade sheath for my large Old Timer. My first good knife was a Case Barlow (usually 3.25-3.5" closed). I still love the pattern today even though I prefer something a bit larger these days.

This. I find they tend to be much thinner than modern folding blades, which for me makes them easier to sharpen to a razor and hold it there. I not only carry one of those fixed blade I mentioned earlier, but a GEC 66.

 

[Karambit777]

The Swiss Army Knife is a no brainer for a practical down and dirty EDC. I used to carry a variety of different traditional pocket knives until I bought a new Victorinox (Tinker). The rest is history and my old traditional designs are sitting way back in the gun safe somewhere. I find my self using my SAK daily for everything, and I would feel almost amiss if I didn't have one in my pocket at ALL times.

And as far as fixed blades go, I would try a Bark River. Hard to beat a Barky.

 

[steve itm]

How about just freaking your friends out...!!!!! I took my large Cold Steel Espada (the polished one ) out to a friends New Years Eve party....needless to say a few jaws dropped..even the people who don't care about knives wanted to hold it !!! Wait till they see the full serrated XL Talwar i just picked up...Having a few crazy knives is cool

 

[cutter17]

Take a look at the AG Russell modernized traditionals that he has made in China. These are excellent knives, and if you want big blades you can find them in these knives!:thumbup:

 

[Knivery]

"Function"-wise, you might want to go over toward the outdoor/bushcraft knives. You didn't mention that you own anything in that category.

Enter the Beckers, DPx/HEST, Esse and many more.

Good luck.

 

[Jeru]

Just one Spyderco Military It will do everything excellent (best kitchen folder also due to the blade angle) except batoning and chopping. For the latter you could buy a Survive! GSO 10

 

[mrdabble]

As far as a justifying use, I didn't hear self defense! Although many people don't and could land you in trouble in some places for merely saying the knife is used for that purpose but I thought I'd throw it out there if it means you get to buy yourself new steel!

I didn't see any mention of Zero Tolerance, they are the "big brother" of Kershaw both owned by KAI.

I got into this game with Kershaw years ago. I usually carry a ZT with me at all time now. Just my .02 enjoy the forum you are in good hands!

On a side note, many of us here rotate our EDC's as to allow ourselves to get as many knives as we want he he I know I don't speak for myself when I say that

Welcome to the forum!

 

[ozgooner]

On a side note, many of us here rotate our EDC's as to allow ourselves to get as many knives as we want he he I know I don't speak for myself when I say that

You need reasons to buys knives? OK, you need one for Monday, one for Tuesday, one for Wednesday, one for......well, you get the idea.

The SAK recommendation is an excellent one. I carry a Victorinox Super Tinker with me absolutely everywhere and have gifted several as well, always to great reception.

You definitely need to check out Zero Tolerance at some point. Awesome, tough, tank-like knives.

I'll second the Becker BK-5/BK-15 for the kitchen. As mentioned, Becker knives have some of the most comfortable handles going around and their steel is excellent too. I used my BK-15 recently to process five goats after a hunting trip and it never missed a beat.

And of course you need something for the Zombie Apocalypse, which opens up a whole new world for you.

 

[bakergh]

A chrome vanadium Case folder like a large stockman would be a good option to learn good blade care and sharpening skills on.

 

[flatblackcapo]

May I suggest a Graham Brothers Ringed Razel. It would be the perfect work knife. I was a auto mechanic for years and can say that the Razel would be a handy tool to have on your belt or in your pocket. If you like to fiddle with your knives, the Ringed Razel has a ring on the end of the handle , like a kerambit , that would make it fun to spin on your finger. Obviously spinning a sharp blade on your finger is not a very safe thing to do. I would urge you to give it ,and other small pocket fixed blades a try. Scraping gaskets or cutting hoses can put some weird torque on a folder making the small fixed blade a good choice for a person that could loose a few days of work from a bad cut. If you are dead set against a fixed blade, there is a folding version of the Razel. Also if you do not want to wait (Graham's books are full) and spend "custom knife" money, CRKT makes a collaboration version of both the fixed and folding Razel. I had the CRKT folding Razel and used it for automotive repair and it held up fine.

Edit: Here is a link to a thread with some pics of some Graham knives.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/529740-Graham-Brothers-Knives

 

[link2derek]

Just wait until you discover MT's (multi-tools) with all their varying combinations of tools and uses! Checkout the Victorinox SwissTool and the Leatherman Wave for starters...

 

[onojoe]

get a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) in Alox, they are more collectable and look cooler. The pioneer is a good choice. They are a good option when you are in a situation in which you will be using your knife amongst non knife people, like weddings, picnics, parties etc. Also the corkscrew comes in handy.

 

[Surfingringo]

Ha! I can completely relate to the having to have a reason thing. I can't even bring myself to buy a new knife anymore unless I can convince myself I have a legitimate need for it. Of course I get a little liberal with my definition of "legitimate need".

Anyway, do you fish? Spend any time around water or corrosive environments? The spyderco salt line is awesome. They make great work knives too!

 

[mitsuyager9]

How about just freaking your friends out...!!!!! I took my large Cold Steel Espada (the polished one ) out to a friends New Years Eve party....needless to say a few jaws dropped..even the people who don't care about knives wanted to hold it !!! Wait till they see the full serrated XL Talwar i just picked up...Having a few crazy knives is cool

This is a fantastic idea! An XXL large folder category, good fondling knife, and a good conversation piece. Thank you sir :thumbup:

 

[mitsuyager9]

Pretty much everyone agrees that a SAK would be a good idea, so I will look around for those next. And it leaves money for more fun knives . A leatherman could also fit into that category and may be even more useful in my line of work when I'm away from my tool box or under a dash.

 

[mitsuyager9]

Just one Spyderco Military It will do everything excellent (best kitchen folder also due to the blade angle) except batoning and chopping. For the latter you could buy a Survive! GSO 10

I really like the military and have looked into them many times! I always come to the conclusion the my resilience is too close of a knife for the price difference.

 

[mitsuyager9]

As far as a justifying use, I didn't hear self defense! Although many people don't and could land you in trouble in some places for merely saying the knife is used for that purpose but I thought I'd throw it out there if it means you get to buy yourself new steel!

I didn't see any mention of Zero Tolerance, they are the "big brother" of Kershaw both owned by KAI.

I got into this game with Kershaw years ago. I usually carry a ZT with me at all time now. Just my .02 enjoy the forum you are in good hands!

On a side note, many of us here rotate our EDC's as to allow ourselves to get as many knives as we want he he I know I don't speak for myself when I say that

Welcome to the forum!

My self defense knives would be either my Manix2 XL or Navaja depending on occasion. And I do rotate so I don't get bored , my only rotation now would be my Rake and Manx for work use. I really like ZT knives but I always think that Kershaw is better value for money and I have actually gone away from assisted opening since I got into Spyderco. I have been eyeballing the 0560 line though :thumbup: And thank you sir, I'm glad to be here.

 

[mitsuyager9]

You need reasons to buys knives? OK, you need one for Monday, one for Tuesday, one for Wednesday, one for......well, you get the idea.

The SAK recommendation is an excellent one. I carry a Victorinox Super Tinker with me absolutely everywhere and have gifted several as well, always to great reception.

You definitely need to check out Zero Tolerance at some point. Awesome, tough, tank-like knives.

I'll second the Becker BK-5/BK-15 for the kitchen. As mentioned, Becker knives have some of the most comfortable handles going around and their steel is excellent too. I used my BK-15 recently to process five goats after a hunting trip and it never missed a beat.

And of course you need something for the Zombie Apocalypse, which opens up a whole new world for you.

Right? I thought about that but the wallet won't allow it. And as soon as I am in a situation where I think to myself "man I sure could use a fixed blade" I will definitely get one. Unfortunately that occasion hasn't happened yet.

Edit: Thank you sir, I have a 4030 razel on my shipping list!

 

[Ajack60]

Yeah, that's what I thought too when I caught the knife fever, I'd only buy knives that served a function or one that would be used. I was warned about this sickness and did not pay heed to the warning and advice that was given to me: Buy a knife that you would not want to use because of it's appeal, beauty or whatever the reason, NOW. For if you do not, the sickness will spread, and you will become a addict. This one knife you have that is not used only admired will be the one to help control the sickness of knives.
Well guess what, I now have many, many knives in all price ranges and the sickness continues. Never ever thought I'd pay 200.00 for a knife, but I did and then some. SMKW has a good selection of brand name knives and are reasonably priced. I say go shopping first to see what's out there for you.

 

[mitsuyager9]

A chrome vanadium Case folder like a large stockman would be a good option to learn good blade care and sharpening skills on.

I practiced my sharpening skills on my Kershaw Brawler when I first got my Lansky kit. It took a while but I can say that I'm pretty proficient by now.