New Knife Fanatic!

[radar_ridr]

Hello, new here! :thumbup:
Ive always been a "gun nut", but a while ago I got a really good deal in a discount catalog for a SOG Seal. I've always had a few Buck knives I liked, the traditional ones, but the SOG started getting me hooked on knives, esp. the new tactical developments. I think I'm starting to like them better than guns; they have the same "aesthetics in metal" appeal, but are simpler, cheaper, less work, more reliable, less legal hassles, and just have a different appeal of design.

Anyway I've started to buy a few along the way...the count goes up fast once you're addicted! what do you think of the brands I've been getting: Buck (US made models only), Gerber (US), Kershaw, SOG, and KA-BAR. I wish the SOG's were US made. Without going to expensive customs, am I getting quality knives, or just low-quality manufacturers going on their name reputation? Which are the best? Are the SOG's OK even though they are foreign? Thanks & Regards, Paul

 

[dman62]

Those are good knives. People have their favorites just like guns and cars. Some can get a little snobbish about it to. Kershaw makes some pretty innovative blades with the edge being different from the rest of the blade. Bottom line, get the knives you like and have fun.

 

[jackknifeh]

Hello, new here! :thumbup:
Ive always been a "gun nut", but a while ago I got a really good deal in a discount catalog for a SOG Seal. I've always had a few Buck knives I liked, the traditional ones, but the SOG started getting me hooked on knives, esp. the new tactical developments. I think I'm starting to like them better than guns; they have the same "aesthetics in metal" appeal, but are simpler, cheaper, less work, more reliable, less legal hassles, and just have a different appeal of design.

Anyway I've started to buy a few along the way...the count goes up fast once you're addicted! what do you think of the brands I've been getting: Buck (US made models only), Gerber (US), Kershaw, SOG, and KA-BAR. I wish the SOG's were US made. Without going to expensive customs, am I getting quality knives, or just low-quality manufacturers going on their name reputation? Which are the best? Are the SOG's OK even though they are foreign? Thanks & Regards, Paul

Hello. I got into knives about 5 or 6 years ago so I'm no expert. These forums have a wealth of information. I have a few SOG products. Their multi-tools are my favorite multi-tools. Two SOG knives I really like are the Trident and the Tomcat. I also have several Spyderco knives. There are so many good brands and models of each brand it really gets confusing on what to get next. I'm not a collector so I only get knifes with the intent of using them. In my limited experience Spyderco has a very broad selection of knives for EDC. Very good quality and dependability. A lot of SOG products lean toward tactical/combat use it seems. That's about all I can speak of from experience. Hope you have fun with a new hobby. I have. Oh yeah, you will probably get into sharpening your knives and that is a different subject altogether. Lots of great sharpeners available and methods including sharpening by hand which takes the most practice and experience. I'd have to say I learned quite a bit just reading about "how to sharpen" knives but most of what I've learned has come from people on forums. I don't have any close by friends who are into knives and not even one knife store where I live. I really wish there was a knife store in my town but not yet. Maybe in the future.

Jack

 

[Quick Steel]

I appreciate your desire to favor American made knives. As you know it is now common for some U.S. companies to have various models made off shore. They have to do this, as I understand it, to remain viable. So, in that case I favor those companies that continue manufacturing the majority of their knives here.

There are some fine quality knives being made outside of America. The Japanese and others do impressive work. No need to deny ourselves. But there are some companies that specialize in importing large quantities of junk. I would like to see an advertising boycott of these in the knife publications.

We are fortunate in having an abundance of well made knives to choose from. Enjoy and take your time as you enter this fascinating world. As you learn and experiment your tastes may develop in unexpected directions.