A little over a year ago I wandered in here and after reading a bit ordered a Kershaw Skyline. At the time, $38 seemed like an awful lot to spend on a knife, but my only regular pocket knives before that were SAK (tinker mostly I think), and during many years commuting to a business/office setting, that had evolved (or devolved) to a classic on my keychain and a Leatherman PST in my glove box. I am not so much a collector as an experimenter trying to find out what I like and what works for me. I am not a hunter/trapper, woodsman, backpacker, or even a car camper, so my blades mostly see paper, cardboard, blister pack, string, paracord, some rope, and some food prep. My interest was and remains mainly EDC, and I don't use a knife any more at work than at home. I don't have any tactical requirements, and in fact, I've noticed that just playing with the black Skyline sitting in my living room can make guests uncomfortable. It is now many dollars and many knives later, and the fever has subsided somewhat; my last significant purchase ($375 for a CRK Cocobolo Mnandi) was about six months ago. I thought it might be useful to share a few thoughts about my experience for newer newbies.
Alan
- While there is lots of YMMV and the right knife choice depends quite a bit on task(s) and personal sensibilities (aesthetics), there is actually a surprising amount of consensus on the forums here. In a given price range, for a given task, you will see the same knives mentioned again and again. One of those candidates will be a reasonable choice to try, both in terms of suitability and value. If you are new to this, don't cheat by picking something that seems similar or a related model by the same manufacturer, there can be a world of difference. You may save money buying something cheaper, but you are less likely to waste money if you buy a top pick. Also if you buy a "consensus" top pick, it will tend to hold its value better and be easier to resell if it's not for you. As you gain more experience and know more about what you like in a knife and are willing to pay for it is easy to branch out.
- Hold on to your wallet, decide what price range you want to sample, and put that near the top of your criteria. Usually you can find similar utility in a variety of price ranges, but there are differences between best in class knives costing $40, $100, and $400. Those differences may or may not be important to you, but they are quite real and for many they add to the enjoyment of using and/or collecting. OTH, there are great knives in each price range. After the Skyline, I decided I wanted to go crazy and see what a $100 knife was like. I figured I could try it, not really carry it around, and resell it losing only a small fraction of the investment. I've yet to sell or trade a knife, though I have given a few as gifts. Oh, and I did wander up into the $300-$400 range that seemed insane when I was first looking. Did I mention to hold on to your wallet?
- Size does matter, both in terms of carry, use, and legality. To my surprise, I found that often smaller was better for me depending on the social situation, location, and likely tasks. I bought a Case Peanut out of curiosity because it had so many admirers, and I am amazed at how much pocket time it has gotten and how capable it is for a small knife (2 1/8" blade + pen blade). For me, 3" seems to be about the right EDC blade length. I've also found I do have preferences in blade shape, handle material, and type of lock. And yet, even though I don't work all day with any of my knives, I really enjoy the variety and rotate pretty regularly.
- Some personal preferences: Small Sebenza Insingo is "The One," if it had to be just one; Sage I is a sweet spot, good value, outstanding ergonomics, very good materials, fit and finish; Mnandi is extremely elegant, yet quite strong, an excellent gentleman's knife; Peanut is my little overachiever; Skyline is fun to play with (gotta love the flipper) but it doesn't get much pocket time.
Alan