New to the forum and collecting

[norcalAF]

Yeah, They are definitely on my radar. Do you have any opinions on the hogue ballista or buck 838?

I don't have any experience with either, I have had plenty of hogue products, and they have all performed as advertised. I would still go with protech, OTS autos are their bread and butter

 

[AntDog]

I don't have any experience with either, I have had plenty of hogue products, and they have all performed as advertised. I would still go with protech, OTS autos are their bread and butter

I’d second this. Protechs (or Microtechs) would be far, FAR better than either one he’s considering. However, if he just has to go with that Buck or Hogue I’d go with the Hogue.

This is like one of those “going back in time and telling your younger self some advice scenarios”. *poof!* Dude, get a Microtech and be done with it.

When I had a bunch of TR3s I’d laugh when guys recommended the LUDT over them. Then I got an LUDT.

 

[norcalAF]

I’d second this. Protechs (or Microtechs) would be far, FAR better than either one he’s considering. However, if he just has to go with that Buck or Hogue I’d go with the Hogue.

This is like one of those “going back in time and telling your younger self some advice scenarios”. *poof!* Dude, get a Microtech and be done with it.

When I had a bunch of TR3s I’d laugh when guys recommended the LUDT over them. Then I got an LUDT.

But did you get a Rockeye

 

[AntDog]

But did you get a Rockeye

Never had one, but had several Protechs. My honest opinion is that they’re fine, functionally. They work, and they’re brute tough. They also kick like scalded donkeys - no complaints there. But, they’re clunky and lacking in f/f next to a comparable Microtech.

Like the TR3 compared to the LUDT. Maybe compare the Rockeye to a Socom. You’ll gnometalmbout.

 

[norcalAF]

Never had one, but had several Protechs. My honest opinion is that they’re fine, functionally. They work, and they’re brute tough. They also kick like scalded donkeys - no complaints there. But, they’re clunky and lacking in f/f next to a comparable Microtech.

Like the TR3 compared to the LUDT. Maybe compare the Rockeye to a Socom. You’ll gnometalmbout.

Lol, fair enough, I've owned a few microtechs as well, still have an ultratech. I'm a huge LG fan, so I have an affinity for the protech LGs, if you get a chance, check out a Rockeye, you will be pleasantly surprised. Smooth or textured handle, they are all great!

 

[abraves]

You have stepped into a deep hole. When I first bought a nice knife about a year ago I had only had decent knives. I bought a Benchmade and I loved it. I bought several each going up in price. I then bought a nice fixed blade and WOW! In less than a year I have collected just shy of 50. Yes 50 with only a couple being production knives. I have Carothers, Fiddleback, Warlander, Winkler, WC Knives, Lucas Forge, Unbound Knives and customs from a friend I met on another forum. My productions are Montana Knives, Esee, Bradford which those only account for 5 knives. As you can see my low limit went out the window. I am hooked. I'm not saying you can't get a knife that will meet your needs for a modest amount but I absolutely love these blades. A friend I met on this forum who has a collection of over 4k knives told me pick a few makers and collect those. I like a lots of different stuff so will buy what I like but I do follow the makers I have. I have several of these I will carry and use but lot of them won't be used. I use to think that is the dumbest thing ever but I now get it. I have bought a lot of these from previous owners and they are unused or excellent condition and I could sell for same or even profit if needed. Like I said the knife world is a deep hole just like the firearms world which I am also deep in. Again welcome to the club.

 

[abraves]

Also to show you how deep I'm going my friend I met on another forum who makes custom knives and only lives a couple hours from me has had me over to his shop and worked with me to make 2 knives. I have since with his guidance bought a belt grinder which I haven't had time to set up yet and bought enough raw material to make about 6+ knives. Here are the 2 I made. The bottom on was with much of his help but me doing all the grinding. The top on was basically me doing everything with much less input.

 

[Shorttime]

Pleased to meet somebody else for whom CRKT was the gateway drug!

My opinion is that the Launch 11 is going to be the best everyday choice. Full wharncliffe blades (like the 13), you end up using the front third of the blade, because flat edges don't play nice with human ergonomics. They're also weird to sharpen, same reasons.

Hogue's blade shape puts it out: the steep belly in the front is where you're going to want to do all your cutting, and it's the part that is going to slip out of the cut, most often. At least, for everyday stuff: I can't say for skinning game or any of the other woodscraft.

What about the Buck? What about it? The front of the handle bumps out into what you might want to call an integral guard, but for most of the time, it's just going to get in your way. If your situation merits a guard on your folder, you should consider switching implements.

 

[JB in LV]

Protechs (or Microtechs) would be far, FAR better than either one he’s considering. However, if he just has to go with that Buck or Hogue I’d go with the Hogue.

Strongly second (or third) this^

I'd even wait however long it might take to save and justify the cost difference.

 

[Memento_Mori]

Strongly second (or third) this^

I'd even wait however long it might take to save and justify the cost difference.

The hard part is trying to figure out if i want to save that much and still go for an OTS or another OTF like a hellhound UTX-85

 

[JB in LV]

The hard part is trying to figure out if i want to save that much and still go for an OTS or another OTF like a hellhound UTX-85

True. Not a bad decision to have to dwell on, I have a Ultratech, so would land at complementing it with a preferred OTS. BTW, welcome to Bladeforums.

Also, most recommendation threads commonly include step-up suggestions (even recommend me a good gas station knife -- someone will inevitably say SEBENZA). In this instance, I agree w AntDog, that if you can, you get a much better option for precisely what you appear to be after.

General other disjointed thoughts: all the brands you are considering are solid. Even considered applying to work at Hogue some years ago. I only own a Launch 2 within the Kershaw auto series, it's great.

 

[Memento_Mori]

True. Not a bad decision to have to dwell on, I have a Ultratech, so would land at complementing it with a preferred OTS. BTW, welcome to Bladeforums.

Also, most recommendation threads commonly include step-up suggestions (even recommend me a good gas station knife -- someone will inevitably say SEBENZA). In this instance, I agree w AntDog, that if you can, you get a much better option for precisely what you appear to be after.

General other disjointed thoughts: all the brands you are considering are solid. Even considered applying to work at Hogue some years ago. I only own a Launch 2 within the Kershaw auto series, it's great.

Yeah, I guess ill have to dwell on things.
Im super happy with my Kershaw Livewire, but have always been drawn to the hellhound blade. Both looks and name lol. But im not sure if I want another OTF or if I should throw an OTS into the edc mix between the Livewire and Bugout.

I am looking at the TR3 now too since its only 20 more than the hogue.

 

[JB in LV]

I do not have any hellhound/warhound versions, I think they would be fine and I'd like them, but seemed excessively marked up (simply my opinion) and I have Heretics in that ilk.