New to knives. need advise please

T

Tyler Durden

Joined
Feb 17, 2015
Messages
12
Hello there everyone!

I'm in the mood to learn a little bit today. I'm a machinist by trade, and know a bit about metallurgy. But not much. I'm new to knives, and am wondering where a good place to start is. The internet kept linking me to the forums here, so I thought I'd hop on and get some first-hand advise. I'm looking for something to carry everyday, but that won't get in the way. (If that makes sense?)

My Dad (and the Google) told me to go with a full tang blade. I'd also like a blade that won't need to be sharpened each time I'm done using it. I'm not good enough at sharpening yet. I was told to stay away from stainless for this very reason, it tends to need sharpening often.

So. A fixed, full tang blade. I do realize that I'll be getting what I pay for. My tax return is coming, so I'll be able to buy something to use and not sorry about having to buy again.

If you have any experience with particular brands of blades, I'm all ears.

Thanks
 
Hey welcome to the forums. You're about to be inundated with knowledge about all things pointy. You may be surprised just how many good brands and knives there are out there, so we will need a bit more info.
First, what do you plan on cutting and using your knife for? This will determine what you need.
Second, can you give us an idea of price range? There are seriously knives to fit every budget.
Third, do you have any style preferences? Do you like old timey stuff like stag and timber or do you prefer modern materials and styles?

Also it's not true that stainless steel is inferior. I think this myth probably came about as a result of some truly awful stainless steels out there once, while basic carbon steels are easy to sharpen to a nice edge. While the rubbish is still around these days we are spoiled for choice in quality stainless steels which take and hold an excellent edge. Some are even pretty tough.

Similarly modern folders do an excellent job in a lot of circumstances.
 
Folders are "broken by design" according to my old man. Hehe. No offense.

To answer your question, it will be a do all knife? Literally. from envelopes to car doors (?) Lord forbid I need to use the thing to pry a car apart.

Anyhow. Realistically I'd be using it as a "survival knife" should the need arise. I'd hope that there is a handle material out there that's both rubbery and trippy, but will hold up well to solvents and stuff like that.

I'm seriously looking for a "this, that, and every single other thing under the sun" knife. So, since I'll only be buying it once, I'd say that 3 to 4 hundred is not out of the question as far as pRice.
 
What size are you looking at? It sounds like you want something in the 3 to 5 inch blade length size?
 
If you get a short fixed blade thick enough to pry car doors, it won't perform well as a slicer. It'll work, but you'll lose some functionality. By the same token, a thinner blade that excels at many knife tasks won't be a pry bar.
 
Prying car doors off?

Sounds to me like you might want to take a look at Esee Knives.

Carbon steel. No nonsense, no questions asked warranty. You break it, they replace it. Period.
The Izula or Izula II is definitely an "out of the way" knife.

I'm sure there are plenty of other companies out there offering similar things but for around $60, definitely worth taking a look at.
 
I'd suggest considering the kinds of things you need to do daily. Think about what size blade would work best for those needs, the places you go frequently (what are the knife laws there), the way you dress and how you'd need to carry the knife, the kinds of environmental settings (wet, dry, cold, etc.) that you'll be in... that sort of thing. Then give us some guidelines about the knife's size and weight that would work best for you.

I understand that you're new to this and may not have a lot of prior experience to fall back on. Carrying a FB every day is something that a lot of people do and they're available in a wide range of sizes and carry options. Man of us prefer something in the 7" OAL range with a 3" to 3.25" blade. I find that to be about perfect for the daily home and warehouse chores that I have to deal with. Others like a 4" or longer blade and don't mind carrying it. There are also many steels available including some excellent SS that will hold an edge for a long time. And there are some pretty good carbon steels that will be easier to sharpen but may need a bit more care in damp settings.

Tell us more about you and your tasks and we can give better direction.
 
All of the above advice is fantastic. Since they took care of that I'll give you some brands I personally enjoy. For an EDC fixed blade you can't go wrong with Survive! Knives GSO 3.5. IF you want something more personaly or custom check out the custom fixed blade section. Bladeforums has many many talented knife makers. Personally I've been a fan of Big Chris work in the small personal fixed blade department. Good luck.
 
I like fixed blades also...for general use, I'd reco the SurviveKnives GSO series of knives. You can get the length you wish, and should be able to buy for about $200. I've had several; they are great. Would reco their 20CV steel or CPM-3V. The 20Cv holds an edge longer; the 3V is much tougher but can rust without care.
There are LOTS more out here to look at.
Welcome.
:thumbup:
 
Tyler Durden said:
I'd hope that there is a handle material out there that's both rubbery and trippy, but will hold up well to solvents and stuff like that.
Click to expand...
Sounds like ResC...ScrapYard, a few from SwampRat, and the Basic series from Busse. Depending on what size blade you want, the selection gets limited pretty fast.
There are also some makers that use horse stall mats for handle material (I forget what the stuff is called).

You can also add rubbery, grippy material to the handle yourself (grip tape or inner tube); so the options are wide open if you're open to that idea. Esee, Becker, Bark River, Survive, customs, etc.
There are a number of knives suited to cutting through/out of some heavy duty stuff...but as has been mentioned, they aren't necessarily the best at day to day stuff. There are always compromised. Let us know the blade length you want, and what you expect you'll really use it for...I'm sure specific recommendations will start flying.
 
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Tyler Durden said:
Folders are "broken by design" according to my old man. Hehe. No offense.

To answer your question, it will be a do all knife? Literally. from envelopes to car doors (?) Lord forbid I need to use the thing to pry a car apart.

Anyhow. Realistically I'd be using it as a "survival knife" should the need arise. I'd hope that there is a handle material out there that's both rubbery and trippy, but will hold up well to solvents and stuff like that.

I'm seriously looking for a "this, that, and every single other thing under the sun" knife. So, since I'll only be buying it once, I'd say that 3 to 4 hundred is not out of the question as far as pRice.
Click to expand...

You don't need to spend anywhere near $300-$400 to get what you're looking for nor does a knife need to have a full tang to take anything you can throw at it. Click this link:

http://www.cliffstamp.com/knives/reviews/howling_rat.html

Then drop by here:

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/knives/

PS: Welcome to BladeForums. There's a ton to learn and the learning's never over. Dig in and have fun! :)
 
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Your post didn't lay out many requirements so I'll just recommend the best fixed blade I purchased last year. The Gryphon M-10 is a very good all-round knife---full tang and would fullfill your wish for a good, grippy handle--very good steel (VG-10) and at a very reasonable price.

This is probably the grippiest, comfortable-to hold-in-any-position, most secure feeling handle of any fixed blade I own. it's a great knife with a great sheath for comfortable carry.


If you are wanting something higher dollar, the GSO knives mentioned are very good.
 
I don't know whether you want to spend the time, but consider a custom (there are many reputable makers who are members of this forum). With your budget, you can easily afford one and they don't all take "forever" to make. One of my favorite knives (out of literally hundreds) is one I sat down with pencil and paper and started drawing MY concept of what would be the perfect all around knife FOR ME. It took several days of looking at various knives which I liked the look of, but were not exactly the length, handle material, thickness, overall appeal, etc. and then drawing out what I wanted with measurements for ALL sections and any details such as shape of handle and blade, kind of steel, choil or no, and anything else you want. Choose a maker after talking with one or more and send the drawing with specs. He will quote you a price and time and, when you get it, I believe you will be VERY pleased. It will truly be YOUR knife :cool:. One caveat, you will still want some you found along the way-such is the knife world ;). Good luck.
 
Everyone has their favorites that they are gonna recommend and I'm no different. Have a look at Fallkniven knives. The kolt is a phenomenal knife in a very pocketable size in a solid performing steel(Lam CoS). 3.5 " blade and under 7.5" overall. Here a list of their / my popular offerings. A1, S1, H1, F1, NL 5, NL 4,
SK1, PHK, PRK, TK 1, TK 2 and H9. All are solid performing fixed blades in excellent quality steel. Their folders are pretty damn good too. Good luck with the search and the upcoming information overload you are about to get.
 
Tyler, like has been posted, we need to know about you. How do you normally dress? Is the knife going be worn concealed? Were do you work and what kind of environment do you work in? It all makes a big difference. A small pocket fixed blade covers a lot of ground.
 
Tyler Durden said:
Folders are "broken by design" according to my old man. Hehe. No offense.

To answer your question, it will be a do all knife? Literally. from envelopes to car doors (?) Lord forbid I need to use the thing to pry a car apart.

Anyhow. Realistically I'd be using it as a "survival knife" should the need arise. I'd hope that there is a handle material out there that's both rubbery and trippy, but will hold up well to solvents and stuff like that.

I'm seriously looking for a "this, that, and every single other thing under the sun" knife. So, since I'll only be buying it once, I'd say that 3 to 4 hundred is not out of the question as far as pRice.
Click to expand...


dun dun dun sounds like resoprene handle..... maybe try looking at scrapyard knife co...or busse if your feeling spendy. Personally id just get an esee
 
I hadn't expected such friendliness! Thanks everyone!

Well, I work in a big (300 or so employees) machine shop. IM Left to my own devices most of the day. I'd like a bigger blade because "it's easier to do small things with a big blade than big things with a small blade."

I'd be using this for camping and hunting mostly, but I'd have it as close to me as possible ALL THE TIME. so I guess the best combo for me would be in the 5-7" blade range. It wouldn't have to be SUPER slicey, but a bit sliced would be good.
I'm guessing that this falls I to the .25"thick blade range.

I've seen a bunch of stuff about different grinds on the blade? I'm totally lost there. How do I figure out what blade steel to go with? I'm literally drowning in information here fellas....

GaH! Thanks again!
 
Tyler Durden said:
I'd be using this for camping and hunting mostly, but I'd have it as close to me as possible ALL THE TIME. so I guess the best combo for me would be in the 5-7" blade range. It wouldn't have to be SUPER slicey, but a bit sliced would be good.
I'm guessing that this falls I to the .25"thick blade range.

I've seen a bunch of stuff about different grinds on the blade? I'm totally lost there. How do I figure out what blade steel to go with? I'm literally drowning in information here fellas....

GaH! Thanks again!
Click to expand...

.25" is very much on the beefier side. It would pry doors, but it will feel like a sharp prybar. Many people are happy with a max thickness of 3/16" and a fair amount like their outdoors knives to be even thinner.

Check out how far and how hard this guy has to bend this .188" Esee Junglas before it breaks.
[video=youtube;8BWZKIla9bU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BWZKIla9bU[/video]
That should be plenty of assurance for a survival knife, and it's made from basic 1095. Choosing steels, imo, should take a back seat to the reputation of the maker. And knowing that common steels can still be really good keeps your options open.
 
A 5-7" knife can quickly become a pain in the butt to carry daily and at work. Just be sure that's what you really need. Now it sounds like you're wanting to EDC a hunting knife.
 
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