new to knives need help

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dmoose

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Jan 16, 2013
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i'm new to the knife world and looking for a basic pocket knife 3-4 inches long. i have been looking at the kershaw black blur and started looking at some spyderco knives. i'm looking for something that will be durable and hold its edge well. wanting to keep it under 80. thanks for the help and let me know if there is any other information that will help.
Dmoose

also if this is in the wrong section please let me know. i couldn't find a specific spot for this.
 
This is the right section, but there are several threads similar to this one.

The blur is a solid choice, but if it were me I'd pick up a Manix 2 in either g10 or the translucent blue version.
 
thanks for the quick responses and i'm really looking at the manix 2 now. saw the kershaw carbine fiber blur. how does that compare to the manix 2. also is there a difference in the black manix compared to the translucent blue manix. thanks again.
 
dmoose said:
thanks for the quick responses and i'm really looking at the manix 2 now. saw the kershaw carbine fiber blur. how does that compare to the manix 2. also is there a difference in the black manix compared to the translucent blue manix. thanks again.
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I have only handled them but I think for EDC (every day carry) a blur would be harder to sharpen but lighter.
the black Manix is like 6oz and the blue is just around 3oz and just so you know they make a black translucent version.
And bolth knives are s30v.
so I think all things considered I'd buy a black translucent manix.
But that's just me
 
dmoose said:
i'm new to the knife world and looking for a basic pocket knife 3-4 inches long. i have been looking at the kershaw black blur and started looking at some spyderco knives. i'm looking for something that will be durable and hold its edge well. wanting to keep it under 80. thanks for the help and let me know if there is any other information that will help.
Dmoose

also if this is in the wrong section please let me know. i couldn't find a specific spot for this.
Click to expand...

What kind of sharpening skills / equipment do you have? What uses do you anticipate for the knife? We could make better recommendations if we know a little more about you and your needs. Kershaw and Spyderco make fine products, as does Benchmade. There are also offerings in other brands that might work well for you.
 
The difference between the two Manix 2's is the handle material and blade steel.
Translucent Blue is a FRCP(plastic like) handle and BD-1 steel.
Regular is G-10 and s30v steel.

So out of the two, I say get the G-10 version. It's better materials and the blade steel is an upgrade for sure.

I also second the Manix 2 as an awesome EDC Knife.

Also, maybe look into the Kershaw Rake - It's a composite blade with a D2 edge. Excellent edge holding ability. Ignore what you've heard about it rusting, it is actually really corrosion resistant and as long as you don't soak it in water you should be fine. =]
 
The Blur is a great knife. The carbon fiber version uses CPM-154 steel, although there are Blurs also commonly available in Sandvik 14C28N and S30V. The Sandvik will be the easiest to re-sharpen (only really matters if you plan to sharpen them yourself). CPM-154 and S30V will hold their edges quite a bit longer. The carbon fiber one will run you a bit over your spending limit (unless you get a blem), and the S30V one runs right up against it.

I don't have experience with the Manix, but it looks similar in size to the Blur. The Spyderco Stretch is another good one around that same size. The Stretch is closer in weight to the lightweight Manix (w/ the blue FRCP scales) and features a VG-10 blade, which is an excellent steel (better edge retention than BD-1 on the lightweight Manix).

A couple of smaller knives (closer to 3-3.25" blade vs. the 3.5" of the ones mentioned above) to consider would be the Kershaw Leek or Skyline. These are a bit more compact than the Blur and Manix and, in my opinion, are easier to carry around in pocket (less bulky). The Leek uses the 14C28N steel in the standard models, but they also come in CPM-D2 and S30V. The Delica is another great knife that's a bit smaller than the Stretch, but also still features the VG-10 steel. The Delica also comes in ZDP-189 steel for right around your spending limit as well. The Mini-Griptilian might be just a bit above your limit, but you can find them on the secondary market for less. That is also a great EDC blade using 154CM steel and Benchmade's exclusive Axis lock.
 
dalefuller said:
What kind of sharpening skills / equipment do you have? What uses do you anticipate for the knife? We could make better recommendations if we know a little more about you and your needs. Kershaw and Spyderco make fine products, as does Benchmade. There are also offerings in other brands that might work well for you.
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i have a basic wet stone from my scouting days. and i don't have much experience sharpening knifes. what i'm planning on using the knife for is just basic stuff really for everyday carry.
 
dmoose said:
i have a basic wet stone from my scouting days. and i don't have much experience sharpening knifes. what i'm planning on using the knife for is just basic stuff really for everyday carry.
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OK... I'd avoid super hard blade steels like ZDP189. Some good blade steels to start with would be 154CM, VG10, AUS8, S30V, S35VN, or 14C28. You might also want to avoid recurve blades until you're more comfortable with your sharpening skills or you spring for additional gear. Benchmade, Spyderco, and Kershaw all make excellent knives that will be good entry-level blades to get you cutting and sharpening without breaking the bank. Spyderco's Para 2 is just about in the middle of your size requirement and it's lightweight. It's a good pocket carry. Blurs are good knives but the recurve blade may be a bit tricky for you to sharpen. Skylines and Leeks seem to be a bit easier to handle n the beginning. The VG10 Stretch is carried and loved by a lot of people. I never warmed up to any of the Manix series knives, but a lot of people carry them. I'd also consider spending $ for a Sharpmaker as soon as possible. That's a good entry into the world of sharpening. You can branch out from there in just about any direction you want to go with your sharpening "education".
 
dalefuller said:
OK... I'd avoid super hard blade steels like ZDP189. Some good blade steels to start with would be 154CM, VG10, AUS8, S30V, S35VN, or 14C28. You might also want to avoid recurve blades until you're more comfortable with your sharpening skills or you spring for additional gear. Benchmade, Spyderco, and Kershaw all make excellent knives that will be good entry-level blades to get you cutting and sharpening without breaking the bank. Spyderco's Para 2 is just about in the middle of your size requirement and it's lightweight. It's a good pocket carry. Blurs are good knives but the recurve blade may be a bit tricky for you to sharpen. Skylines and Leeks seem to be a bit easier to handle n the beginning. The VG10 Stretch is carried and loved by a lot of people. I never warmed up to any of the Manix series knives, but a lot of people carry them. I'd also consider spending $ for a Sharpmaker as soon as possible. That's a good entry into the world of sharpening. You can branch out from there in just about any direction you want to go with your sharpening "education".
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what do you mean by a recurve blade exactly? what don't you like about the Manix series knives? as of right now i'm leaning towards the manix series. i had a friend who had the blur and i really liked the weight of it and the manix is really close to it.

thanks for the help so far!
 
dmoose said:
what do you mean by a recurve blade exactly? what don't you like about the Manix series knives? as of right now i'm leaning towards the manix series. i had a friend who had the blur and i really liked the weight of it and the manix is really close to it.

thanks for the help so far!
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A recurve blade doesn't have a straight cutting edge or a continuously curved edge like a Manix or Paramilitary. The edge on a recurve blade curves back up and in as it approaches the back of the blade. The purpose for a recurve IIRC is to give more cutting power to the edge because you pull the material being cut into the sharp edge as you slice through it, making an easier cut. The problem with recurves is that they're more difficult to sharpen because of the inside curve to the edge. You can do it and you'll eventually develop the technique for it... it just may not be the blade you want to start with. But I do like a Blur. I've had a couple and they were fine knives... just about a perfect size for me for EDC chores.

I've had Manixes from Spyderco since the original versions were new. For the most part, I don't have any interest in a BB lock, and the knives are a little too large, a little too heavy, and a good bit wider than I like to carry and use. They take up too much room and they don't have anything special going for them (ergos, lock, etc) that appeals to me. All this is personal preference stuff. A lot of folks swear by the Manix 2 series and the knives themselves seem to perform well. They just don't appeal to me.

The G10 Manix and the Blur are close in weight, about 1 oz difference IIRC. The lightweight Manix is <3 oz. But how a knife carries in your pocket can make the weight very noticable, or not noticable at all, and the Blur was just more comfortable in my pocket.

Right now, if you can handle any of the knives you're thinking about, that's the best way to decide which one is for you. If you can't, you're probably going to have to take a shot in the dark and pick one. All the knives that have been mentioned are fine knives. There shouldn't be any issue with performance or factory customer support if you need that. And you've got to start somewhere figuring out what appeals to you personally and what doesn't. Between the Manix and the Blur, I'd take the CF & CPM154 Blur that's been mentioned. But I've had all the knives we're talking about and I know what I like. If you're just starting out, you've got a wide open playing field in front of you. Enjoy the ride.
 
dalefuller said:
A recurve blade doesn't have a straight cutting edge or a continuously curved edge like a Manix or Paramilitary. The edge on a recurve blade curves back up and in as it approaches the back of the blade. The purpose for a recurve IIRC is to give more cutting power to the edge because you pull the material being cut into the sharp edge as you slice through it, making an easier cut. The problem with recurves is that they're more difficult to sharpen because of the inside curve to the edge. You can do it and you'll eventually develop the technique for it... it just may not be the blade you want to start with. But I do like a Blur. I've had a couple and they were fine knives... just about a perfect size for me for EDC chores.

I've had Manixes from Spyderco since the original versions were new. For the most part, I don't have any interest in a BB lock, and the knives are a little too large, a little too heavy, and a good bit wider than I like to carry and use. They take up too much room and they don't have anything special going for them (ergos, lock, etc) that appeals to me. All this is personal preference stuff. A lot of folks swear by the Manix 2 series and the knives themselves seem to perform well. They just don't appeal to me.

The G10 Manix and the Blur are close in weight, about 1 oz difference IIRC. The lightweight Manix is <3 oz. But how a knife carries in your pocket can make the weight very noticable, or not noticable at all, and the Blur was just more comfortable in my pocket.

Right now, if you can handle any of the knives you're thinking about, that's the best way to decide which one is for you. If you can't, you're probably going to have to take a shot in the dark and pick one. All the knives that have been mentioned are fine knives. There shouldn't be any issue with performance or factory customer support if you need that. And you've got to start somewhere figuring out what appeals to you personally and what doesn't. Between the Manix and the Blur, I'd take the CF & CPM154 Blur that's been mentioned. But I've had all the knives we're talking about and I know what I like. If you're just starting out, you've got a wide open playing field in front of you. Enjoy the ride.
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thanks for everything. i have found a local shop that should carry them so i'm going to go to check them out today. thanks
 
The Blur is a good knife. You might be able to find one with S30V for your price, maybe a blem from kershawguy.

The G10 Manix 2 seems like a good knife to me too, and S30V is a good steel. This one should be available at around your price range.

Other options could be the Benchmade Griptilian or mini-griptilian.
 
Here are some in the 3-4" blade length that I like that can be found for under $80 pretty commonly. From top to bottom (arranged by overall length, approximate prices at common retailers):

- Spyderco Endura4 FFG - 3.5" VG-10 blade, 8.875" OAL - $60
- Kershaw Junkyard Dog 2.2 - 3.375" CPM-D2 blade, 8.625" OAL - $75 (or $55 for blem)
- Ontario RAT-1 - 3.25" AUS-8 blade, 8.5" OAL - $30
- Buck 110 - 3.25" 420HC blade, 8.5" OAL - $30 (knife shown not the 420HC model, but same size & design)
- Benchmade Griptilian - 3.375" 154CM blade, 8" OAL - $80
- Spyderco Stretch - 3.25" VG-10 blade, 8" OAL - $75
- SOG Flash II - 3.25" AUS-8 blade, 8" OAL - $40
- Kershaw Blur - 3.375" S30V blade, 7.875" OAL - $80 (or $55 for blem) (knife shown not the S30V model, but same size & design)
- Victorinox Trekker - 3.25" 1.4110 blade, 7.75" OAL - $35
- Kershaw Skyline - 3" Sandvik 14C28N blade, 7.25" OAL - $40
- CRKT M21 - 3" 8Cr13MoV blade, 7.25" OAL - $35
- Kershaw OD-1 - 3" Sandvik 14C28N blade, 7.125" OAL - $45 (or $30 for blem)
- Kershaw Leek - 3" CPM-D2 blade, 7" OAL - $65 (or $40 for blem) (also available in S30V for $80)

Over3in_Knives_800x1421.jpg
 
flarp said:
Here are some in the 3-4" blade length that I like that can be found for under $80 pretty commonly. From top to bottom (arranged by overall length, approximate prices at common retailers):

- Spyderco Endura4 FFG - 3.5" VG-10 blade, 8.875" OAL - $60
- Kershaw Junkyard Dog 2.2 - 3.375" CPM-D2 blade, 8.625" OAL - $75 (or $55 for blem)
- Ontario RAT-1 - 3.25" AUS-8 blade, 8.5" OAL - $30
- Buck 110 - 3.25" 420HC blade, 8.5" OAL - $30 (knife shown not the 420HC model, but same size & design)
- Benchmade Griptilian - 3.375" 154CM blade, 8" OAL - $80
- Spyderco Stretch - 3.25" VG-10 blade, 8" OAL - $75
- SOG Flash II - 3.25" AUS-8 blade, 8" OAL - $40
- Kershaw Blur - 3.375" S30V blade, 7.875" OAL - $80 (or $55 for blem) (knife shown not the S30V model, but same size & design)
- Victorinox Trekker - 3.25" 1.4110 blade, 7.75" OAL - $35
- Kershaw Skyline - 3" Sandvik 14C28N blade, 7.25" OAL - $40
- CRKT M21 - 3" 8Cr13MoV blade, 7.25" OAL - $35
- Kershaw OD-1 - 3" Sandvik 14C28N blade, 7.125" OAL - $45 (or $30 for blem)
- Kershaw Leek - 3" CPM-D2 blade, 7" OAL - $65 (or $40 for blem) (also available in S30V for $80)

Over3in_Knives_800x1421.jpg
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thanks where do you find the blem (guessing blemish) versions of the knives?
 
I would recommend a S30v kershaw blur I have a manix 2 as well but I think you would be better off with a blur but you can't go wrong with with both kershaw and spyderco are great companies.
 
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