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Odin40

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Aug 3, 2015
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Hello everyone. Just joined today and I'm interested in getting started on collecting knives. I've been carrying a Gerber folding knife for a few years for work and whatever else comes my way. I don't use it for anything specific but it comes I handy when I do need it. I've decided recently Id like to upgrade and start making a hobby out of collecting them. If I could bet advice on good mid range companies and where and how to buy them it would be greatly appreciated!
 
The exchange forums here are a great place to buy/sell/trade all kinds of knives and try stuff out to find out what you really like and what you don't. There are good brands in all price ranges so start browsing.
 
Welcome aboard! There are a number of dealers that support this site with paid memberships. I personally recommend Knifeworks, BladeHQ and GPKnives.

That settles where and how to buy, but what to buy gets a little more complicated. What kind of money are you willing to spend on a new knife? How large a knife do you prefer to carry? And what are the most common things you do with your knife?

Once we know that we can really help you zero in.
 
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I prefer a lighter knife that I don't even notice it's in my pocket. From what I've discovered in the forums so far it's good not to settle for a $30 or $40 knife so I'm looking more in the $100 dollar range.
 
Odin40 said:
I prefer a lighter knife that I don't even notice it's in my pocket. From what I've discovered in the forums so far it's good not to settle for a $30 or $40 knife so I'm looking more in the $100 dollar range.
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Welcome to Bladeforums.

You don't have to pay $100 to get a quality knife. Do a bit more reading and you'll find that many people on this forum are served very well by knives that cost less than $50.

I have a Buck 110 that cost $25 and is still going strong after 30 years of service. Of course, the folder in my pocket right now (my daily carry and construction job folder) cost $300. But again, knives don't have to cost three figures to be quality.
 
The one I have now is 3" and fits perfectly so I'd say 3" - 4". I use it for random stuff at work from opening things to cutting boxes and also like to have it for self defense. I'm also looking to build a collection eventually so I'd like something that would hold a little value.
 
Odin40 said:
The one I have now is 3" and fits perfectly so I'd say 3" - 4". I use it for random stuff at work from opening things to cutting boxes and also like to have it for self defense. I'm also looking to build a collection eventually so I'd like something that would hold a little value.
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I would take a look at the Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight, the Buck 830 Marksman and the Cold Steel Code 4. Another candidate for super light and slim would be the Boker Urban Trapper.
 
Welcome aboard! Lots of great people and info here. Just ask and you'll get an answer. Also, be sure to use the search feature.
For a lightweight 3-4" blade under $100, I'd recommend Spyderco Manix 2 LW or the already mentioned Spyderco Native 5 LW.
 
Odin40 said:
Hello everyone. Just joined today and I'm interested in getting started on collecting knives. I've been carrying a Gerber folding knife for a few years for work and whatever else comes my way. I don't use it for anything specific but it comes I handy when I do need it. I've decided recently Id like to upgrade and start making a hobby out of collecting them. If I could bet advice on good mid range companies and where and how to buy them it would be greatly appreciated!
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Just look around, read the forums. You are in the middle of the best place for information. It's all at your fingertips. Just start to read.
 
Welcome to BFC Odin40, enjoy your stay!!!!!!

Well, there's a couple ways to attack a new hobby. Like Rev says, read until your eyes are blurry, take a break and read some more. Then, you can decide which knife/knives are best suited for your needs.
Or, just see what the exchange has to offer in your price range and start buying knives, try them out and sooner or later you'll get The One for you.
However you decide to tackle your new adventure, have fun and enjoy what you are doing.
 
I am still in love with Spyderco knives after all these years so do check some of them out.
 
I, personally, would recommend Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, and Zero Tolerance. There are LOTS of other brands out there, but those four have everything covered from inexpensive $25-30 knives, all the way through a few hundred bucks.

From Spyderco, check out the Stretch, Delica, Endura, or ParaMilitary 2 (often abbreviated as PM2). From Benchmade, a Griptilian would serve you very well, as would a 710, a Presidio Ultra, or a Barrage. The Grip is kind of the gateway Benchmade.

From Kershaw, there are too many to list! The Leek and Blur are both excellent folders.

And from ZT, a ZT0350 is a good place to start, as would a used 0560/0561 if you snag a used one.

PLENTY of other options from these companies, however.

A real sleeper for me, though, was the RAT-1 folder. I bought a used one off the Exchange a few years back, an it's the smoothest, most amazing $20 knife I've ever owned. Highly recommended if you also want a little beater knife!

Whatever you go with, welcome aboard, and hide your billfold!!! :)
 
Odin40 said:
Hello everyone. Just joined today and I'm interested in getting started on collecting knives. I've been carrying a Gerber folding knife for a few years for work and whatever else comes my way. I don't use it for anything specific but it comes I handy when I do need it. I've decided recently Id like to upgrade and start making a hobby out of collecting them. If I could bet advice on good mid range companies and where and how to buy them it would be greatly appreciated!
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HI!

As a new guy you are obligated to try at least one or two benchmades! LOL not really but, it would probably be a big step up from your gerber. I believe
this will give you a good basis for comparison to branch off into other brands from.

good luck!
 
Odin40 said:
The one I have now is 3" and fits perfectly so I'd say 3" - 4". I use it for random stuff at work from opening things to cutting boxes and also like to have it for self defense. I'm also looking to build a collection eventually so I'd like something that would hold a little value.
Click to expand...

Regular production knives don't necessarily hold their value very well, especially if you plan to use it at all. So, I'd just plan on finding one that fits your other preferences (excluding monetary value retention).

Some of my EDC favorites for under $100: Blur, Skyline, Leek, CQC-5K, CQC-6K, Delica, Endura, Mini-Griptilian, RAT-1.
 
Fortunately for me I just noticed the knife show in Toledo this weekend which is about 20 miles from my house. The knife that's really been catching my eye is the spyderco pm2. Hopefully I can find one their so I can take a good look at it.
 
Can't go wrong with a PM2. Be sure and price check from reputable dealer like Blade HQ. In my experience knife dealers at gun/knife shows
mark up their stuff a ton, to catch people who don't know any better.

Blade HQ has two flavors of PM2 right now. Our Price: $119.95
Good luck at your show!
 
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