New To The Boards, Intermediary Knife Experience/Collection, Got A Question

[Ogien]

Hi all, I'm new to the boards. I actually found this board when I was looking for information on a couple of knives I was interested in buying.

I've been buying a lot of knives all of January as it was my resolution to get back into my knife collecting hobby.

I mostly collect pocket and small knives though I do own several hunting fixed blade knives. As far as the large knives go my pride and joy are a F.P. Perez Mexican Eagle Head knife and a second Mexican knife of very similar features that dates back to the late 1800s or early 1900s.

Smaller knives include M Klein & Sons, Schrade, OJH, Hammer, Cold Steel, Pride, Bear MGC and more.

Also, I just replaced my old sharpening stone of many years (worn out and broken) with a Japanese King 1000 Grit waterstone for $24 and I couldn't pass that up.

Now for my question, I purchased a cheap spring assisted knive by "Echo" (Chinese) but I really like to carry it as it has a bit of weight to it (feels solid) and is perfect for when I'm walking my dog at night since I have a leash in one hand and it's really great to be able to reach for my knife and easily whip it open with one hand for whatever task I may suddenly have for it.

Now as much as I like the functionality of this knife "Grey Wolf" by Echo, I also realize in the back of my mind that the blade is likely of questionable quality and it will likely not hold up when I may need it the most.

So here's my question, what affordable knife, similar to the one I just described, is out there but of considerably better quality which will pop open for me like this one? I need it to open easily cause one hand is holding a leash so I've really only got one free hand to work the knife.

 

[Ogien]

I'd like to add that I'm not looking for a "brick" of a knife. What I meant by "heavy" is that I would like one that "just feels good in your hand." I know that's not very descriptive but I think it's one of those things that you know it when you experience it. So I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for the type of knife, by a decent maker, that they would recommend. I'd like to keep things under $75 if possible but if I see something that screams quality then I might jump on it at a higher price.

 

[GLDNDomer]

There are many knives that will fill your requirement of easy one-hand opening and feeling solid in the hand. The only one-hand opening knives I have are the Kershaw Leek, Buck Vantage Pro, and Spyderco Endura. The Endura is very light and plastic, so I wouldn't choose that one. The Kershaw Leek is spring-assisted for about $30 and is all stainless steel, so at 4 oz it's pretty solid. But if I were you I would go with a Buck Vantage model. They come with a lifetime warranty, the blade shape is a great all-around shape, and mine flicks out without any wrist flick just by using the flipper. I have heard Kershaw ZTs are good, but they ARE tanks, so maybe you could look into the Kershaw Blur, which is just a lower-end model at about $30-$40. Most of the Spydercos that don't have plastic handles are above your price range. FYI - all the knives that I listed (except for the Endura) are made in the USA, which is important to me personally, but not necessarily to anyone else.

I think important factors, besides the specifications you already laid down, are knife weight, blade shape, and then blade size.

Welcome to BladeForums, and back to the world of knives! I hope that you enjoy it.

 

[Ogien]

Thanks for the great tips and for the friendly welcome. I've actually been kind of wanting to get a Kershaw for a while, just like the overall design as they look quite elegant and in my experience the more elegant and uncomplicated something is the better it's going to work.

Let me go have a look at the Buck Vantage as I'm not familiar with that one. I know that Buck knives have been around longer than I have but that particular model I'm not acquainted with just yet.

Spyderco have some interesting knives but I'm wondering what exactly am I paying for? Don't get me wrong, I am more than willing to pay for quality but I hate paying for "style over substance." If that makes sense.

Anyway, let me look up the Buck Vantage and thanks again.

 

[EricV]

I'd go with an Endura wave. Its true it doesn't have much heft, but they are darn tough knives and the wave opener makes it very much the idea one hand operated knife.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[unit]

Just take your time and read a bunch. The frequently posted photos help too.

The more time you take, the more you can save toward your next investment, and the greater chance your research will lead you to a better fit for your wants and needs.

 

[Shorttime]

CRKT Kit Carson M-21. Big, solid, under your price point, and comes in a variety of blade shapes.

If the M-21 is too big for D.C., CRKT offers the same basic knife design in at least three sizes.

Unit's advice is very good, too. The best anybody here can offer you is a recommendation based on their own personal experience, and your stated preferences.

 

[Ogien]

Wow, some really nice suggestions from everyone. I don't know for sure what the price ranges are on some of these but if it's doable I might just pick up one of each and just keep the ones I like. Mind you, I'm not rich by any means thus if they are affordable I can buy em up and check them out.

I did just snag a Kershaw 1980 RJ II Assisted-Opening Tanto Linerlock for $25.99 shipped so we'll see how that one works. Just really like the build of that knife and for $26 I figure I can't really go wrong.

Let me try to explain what I mean by "weight." I don't mean how heavy the knife necessarily is but rather how it feels in your hand. It's like when you hold a well crafted object (lets say a Dupont) lighter and the contours and weight and craftsmanship just feels right in your hand. It's just pleasant to hold and fondle (for lack of a better word.) So weight does play into this a little bit but it's not the end all be all.

Unit, great advice and words to live by be it knives or cigars or women. Just great advice all together.

 

[Ogien]

Well, just to update everyone, I ended up buying 2 Kershaw knives. The first one I bought because I just really liked it:
Kershaw 1980 RJ II Assisted Opening Tanto Linerlock knife

The second knife, that I absolutely loved (based on looks and your guys recomendations)
KERSHAW 1660BB Blue Black Leek Plain Edge SpeedSafe Pocket Knife

I guess I should mention that I got a hell of a deal on both knives. Both are new and since I negotiated a package deal I ended up paying $60 for the pair. I think it'd be hard to find the Kershaw Leek for $30 and all this is including shipping.

So I'm rather pleased and it'll be like Christmas when they arrive in the mail, always a special day when knives arrive in the mail.

 

[Joshua J.]

Spyderco have some interesting knives but I'm wondering what exactly am I paying for? Don't get me wrong, I am more than willing to pay for quality but I hate paying for "style over substance." If that makes sense.

That's actually one of the most un-intentionally flattering posts I've ever seen about Spyderco. Most of their in house models are designed with a "in the dark" design philosophy, they make a knife that works and feels good, looks are a secondary concern (and sometimes it seems like looks aren't a concern at all).

Spyderco tends to focus on higher end products, so prices do tend to be higher. Their products are always a good value in whatever price range they happen to land. That's not to say that everything is perfect all the time, you have to look to someone like CRK (Sebenza) for extreme quality control, the price of a Spyderco usually goes toward better materials.
If you think they look good that part is free.

 

[Ogien]

That's actually one of the most un-intentionally flattering posts I've ever seen about Spyderco. Most of their in house models are designed with a "in the dark" design philosophy, they make a knife that works and feels good, looks are a secondary concern (and sometimes it seems like looks aren't a concern at all).

Spyderco tends to focus on higher end products, so prices do tend to be higher. Their products are always a good value in whatever price range they happen to land. That's not to say that everything is perfect all the time, you have to look to someone like CRK (Sebenza) for extreme quality control, the price of a Spyderco usually goes toward better materials.
If you think they look good that part is free.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was wondering, I've heard a few things here and there about Spyderco but hadn't had any experience first hand and to look at the knives isn't really "love at first sight."

So we're likely talking a higher carbon content blade with good tempering and quenching of the steel followed by a good grind. That's in essence where the premium price comes in.

Do you know if Spyderco makes their blades in-house or if they have another company make the blades for them?

 

[like em sharp]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was wondering, I've heard a few things here and there about Spyderco but hadn't had any experience first hand and to look at the knives isn't really "love at first sight."

So we're likely talking a higher carbon content blade with good tempering and quenching of the steel followed by a good grind. That's in essence where the premium price comes in.

Do you know if Spyderco makes their blades in-house or if they have another company make the blades for them?

Mixture of both. Anything that says "Golden, Colorado" in the description is made by Spyderco in their own factory. Otherwise, they contract out with companies and make knives right around the world. Currently they have items from China, Taiwan, Japan and Italy in their lineup, but have had knives made in Germany as well.

Don't be put off by any of that, Spyderco's partner choices and quality control is top notch and their functional designs are always very well done.

 

[cutter17]

Hi Ogien, and welcome to BladeForums. This is a place where you can get all your questions answered, and a very friendly community, well, as long as you own a smatchet that is!

To your question, there are a lot of assisted opening knives to be had, but don't disregard those that are not AO. Many are able to be opened with a flipper, thumbstud, or thumbdisk, as quickly as an AO. I also see some folks come on to the forums really hyped up about the assisted opening knives, only to get tired of them and go looking for the manual opening knives. Course there are plenty who don't get tired of AO knives also.

Kershaw probably has the widest assortment of this type knife, with many in the medium size range, and medium price range. Not sure what size blade you are comfortable with, but you may want to look at the ZT0400. It has a 3 5/8" blade of S30V blade steel, is an AO, has the tanto style blade ( which I really like for a tanto ), and is really sleek looking. At 5.3 ounces it will have that heft you speak of and even though I have never even handled one, I just know that it being a ZT/Kershaw, it will feel quality.

Anyway, lots of great knives out there to be had. Again, welcome to BF's!!:thumbup:

 

[Ogien]

Hi Ogien, and welcome to BladeForums. This is a place where you can get all your questions answered, and a very friendly community, well, as long as you own a smatchet that is!

To your question, there are a lot of assisted opening knives to be had, but don't disregard those that are not AO. Many are able to be opened with a flipper, thumbstud, or thumbdisk, as quickly as an AO. I also see some folks come on to the forums really hyped up about the assisted opening knives, only to get tired of them and go looking for the manual opening knives. Course there are plenty who don't get tired of AO knives also.

Kershaw probably has the widest assortment of this type knife, with many in the medium size range, and medium price range. Not sure what size blade you are comfortable with, but you may want to look at the ZT0400. It has a 3 5/8" blade of S30V blade steel, is an AO, has the tanto style blade ( which I really like for a tanto ), and is really sleek looking. At 5.3 ounces it will have that heft you speak of and even though I have never even handled one, I just know that it being a ZT/Kershaw, it will feel quality.

Anyway, lots of great knives out there to be had. Again, welcome to BF's!!:thumbup:

@ like em sharp, thanks for the 411. I may look into Spyderco in a couple of months, I've been spending like a drunken sailor on shore leave lately and gotta cut that out. It's good to know that no matter where the blades are made that Spyderco has certain standards that the maker has to adhere to instead of making it into a crap-shoot for the customer.

@ cutter17, I'm really digging this place and it's got a really cool and friendly atmosphere with tons of knowledgeable people. Think I'm going to make myself a regular around these parts. Maybe get a "fix" by talking about different knives instead of just researching and shopping for them.

 

[Joshua J.]

So we're likely talking a higher carbon content blade with good tempering and quenching of the steel followed by a good grind. That's in essence where the premium price comes in.

Sometimes. I guess that's not the whole story though. The phrase "economies of scale" comes to mind.
If you look at something like the regular Manix 2 it's pretty clear that Spyderco can tango with the best of them on the "value for your dollar" scale, however, that knife is one of the models they are using to experiment with lower margins (charge less sell more, IIRC the Para 2 is in the same boat).
Products that are produced in lower quantities cost more, that's the case in pretty much any industry, as mentioned, Spyderco specializes in higer end products and volume on those isn't going to be terribly high. I'm pretty sure that no-one is going to be able to keep a high volume sales strategy on a knife that cost $150, so your "value per dollar" on those will never be as good, and if you look at products from the competition that are priced similarly you will find a similar level of value.
It's also worth noting that Spyderco operates on fixed margins, so the end cost of a knife is directly tied to it's production cost. What exactly differentiates a $100 knife from a $200 knife is still a bit of a mystery to me, and part of the appeal to people with an eye for detail.