Newbie first post: the story of the three bears....

T

TickDoc

Joined
Jun 11, 2005
Messages
15
Bear with me here, this is my first post, and I am new to knives.

A friend of mine who is an FBI agent carries a Microtech that he obtained in training at Quantico, and I was blown away by it when I first saw it. (sorry, don't know exact model, maybe UTX 70?) I have tried to do some online research, and have decided that that would be a bit too intimidating for me to use on a daily basis. I don't want to scare anyone, I just want to open the occasional UPS box, mainly.

I recently purchased two new knives, and have found that while I like them both, they represent two ends of a spectrum, and neither fulfill my intended purpose.

the first is a benchmade Minimite, a cute little auto folder that is every bit as fun to operate as it looks.

I thought I would use it for daily carry, but have found that it is too small for that, unless attatched to a keyring, which I don't want to subject it to.

Here's a pic of it alone, and then one of it in action.....
benchmitebackviewqtropen.jpg

openaction1.jpg


Knife number two is a CRKT M21-14. I bought it because I liked the look of the blade and the overall balance of the knife. I should clarify that I like the balanced look of the knife, and not the balance of the knife itself.

I love this knife as well, but besides being too big for me to carry, it is a bit too "special ops" looking. I'm more khaki's than jeans, if you know what I mean.

Here's a somehwat blurry pic of it with a few other toys...
Untitled-18.jpg


So, back to the three bears story, I am looking for the one that is "just right", and I thought I would seek professional help before plunking down for another. I am a watch guy, not a knife guy, and before I go head over heels into another hobby I cannot afford, I thought I would pose the question to the group and see what ideas are offered up.

I think my criteria are this:

I want something thin, and easy to carry either in the pocket, or discreetly with a clip.

I would like something more like a gentleman's knife, but rugged enough to handle the abuse of everyday care.

auto would be cool, but easy to open would suffice.

I would like to keep the cost around $100.00.

Any suggestions?
 
Thanks for the welcome, and the suggestion!

That looks nice, price is right, and the logo integrated into the clip is cool. Looks like a great suggestion. Can this one be had with a combo blade?
 
TickDoc, don't think so, but if you handle one, you'll see it's really a fine made knife. If this one does not suit you, (if you look at it), then check out the Twitch II, it too is a sleek little knife, thin and low carry clip.

The XL is as sharp a knife I have ever handled, I mean sharp as in razor......... :D

Both models have locks to prevent opening in pocket if you choose to use them. I have almost all of SOGs assisted openers and I never use the locks. But beware...........they are addictive.

Twitch II.... http://www.sogknives.com/twitch.htm

Robbie Roberson ;)
 
Combo Edge doesn't have enough of either type of edge IMHO. I'd go with the BM 960 or the 690. THe 960 is D2, which is one of the best, edge holding wise. Grab either one and a Sharpmaker, read the millions of threads on how to use it and you'll be fine =D
 
It would be hard to go wrong with a Spyderco Calypso Jr. They can be had for around $40.
 
Two knives come to mind that I suspect would suit you. Both are slim and elegant looking, but also large enough to do serious work (3" and 3.4" blades).

Kershaw Rainbow Leek


Benchmade 940


--Bob Q
 
CRKT's Tighe Tacs. Either small or large version. Combo or plain edge. Looks sharp, clean and dressy. Price is very reasonable.
 
I will second the 940 (or the 941 942 943, depending on shape and handle color)
And I will second the Calypso Jr. Both are great knives.
I think the spyderco Military is too big, but consider the para-military. A step up from the calypso Jr and with a whole lot of cutting capability, but not too gentlemanly. As far as fun, the 940 is great. It flicks open as easily as an assisted opener (just hit the stud hard), and you can flip it with the axis, i would take it over an auto or assisted.

The Leek, is very gentlemanly, but it might not be up to the tougher tasks, the handle doesn't fill the hand well. Basically, the 940 is going to be fun and nicer looking, but the Spyderco's will have better ergonomics.

just so you know what I have experience with, of what I have discussed, I have:
940
Leek
Calypso Jr

To be honest I have not had the 940 long enough to really see how it cuts. But so far I really like it.

I hope this helps.

P.S. I have heard good things about the SOG knives but have absolutly no experience with them.

EDIT P.P.S. Keep blade steel in mind, it is not a huge deal, go for what fits you best, but out of some of the steels involved in knives recomended here is a little ranking of edge retention and the like (this is only semi accurate):
440A, AUS-8, 440c, (and the rest are close and sometimes disputed, but this is how it goes IMHO), 154CM, VG-10, S30V.
 
Great suggestions, thanks to you all.

The SOG and the Seki look promising. I love the look of that Mcusta with the Damascus and the burlwood, and the SOG looks sleek and discreet.

I haven't gotten past looks and feel yet to discover the importance of type of steel, but I'm sure that will come.

Looks like I'm in for another purchase, and far worse......another hobby!
 
TickDoc said:
.....I am a watch guy, not a knife guy, and before I go head over heels into another hobby I cannot afford.....
Click to expand...

Been there, done that.

It's already too late for you - the fact that you're asking for advice proves it! All you can hope to do now is learn how to do a graceful cartwheel. ;)

My vote would also go to the Kershaw Leek or the BM-940. Welcome to the madness. :D
 
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