Newbie needs advice on a high end folder

[Double Edge Dave]

I'll cast another vote for looking into Darrel Ralph's knives. He is a master at combining functionality and beauty. The best thing is to get some of these knives in your hand, either at a show or at a brick and mortar store. It is a lot easier to weigh in to the custom/semi-custom stuff when you can hold the options in your hands. What may seem perfect on a website may be disappointing in reality, especially when starting out. FWIW, YMMV.
Dave

 

[RogerP]

Hi Mike,

I had to chuckle at the "I'm not spending 500+ on a knife..." line. I remember when I said that about watches, and I'm guessing you've said the same as well. Just be warned - it's dangerous to your bank balance to start down this path.

You've been given a lot of helpful info so far, so I just thought I'd share with you my two folders, both of which fall in the "gent's" category.

The first is by John W. Smith - damascus blade an bolsters with gold inlay, pearl handles. Indescribably smooth action.

<center><img src="http://www.fototime.com/{3C03067A-0CED-4167-B885-1F6F63B6DBD7}/picture.JPG"></center>

The second by Al Dippold - mosaic damascus blade and bolsters, walrus ivory handles, citrine cabochon thumb stud.

<center><img src="http://www.fototime.com/{61D97635-7D69-42A7-93C5-2C7F85A0C8C6}/picture.JPG"></center>

 

[truck]

Magnificent!

 

[bquinlan]

Since you like the desing of the Sebenza, but want something a little more interesting-looking, and you want something a lot less expensive, take a look at the Spyderco Salsa in titanium.

The Salsa has an interesting design, great ergonomics, and top-quality materials. Spyderco's integral compression lock is comparable to the simple, tough, and reliable integral lock on the Sebenza.

Give it some thought. The Salsa is not a "generic" knife, but it doesn't sound like that's what you're looking for.

--Bob Q

 

[ejt]

Think of what your response would be if I (who wear drug--store digital watches) asked you what kind of watch I should buy for a "high end" watch? Would you think I would appreciate what I bought? Or would you start me out with a reasonably good watch, at a moderate price, and tell me if I reaaly got to appreciate it, there was a whole next higher level to go to (and next, and next...)

I think if you spend more than $100 on a first one you will be buying something blind. Buy a $50 Spyderco, Camillus, CRKT, Gerber, Kershaw, etc., see what you like about it or dislike about it, and buy the next one based on your opinion of the first. Hell, buy one of each! (Save yourself time that way....)

You have seen the wide range of suggestions you have been offered. You will find so much varying functionality, so much art, so much craftsmanship, and so many different personal satisfaction points in some of these knives, that if you want to know what to buy, try e few yourself. You'll be back for more. You just don't know it yet.

 

[SIFU1A]

if i was gonna spend sebbie $$ i would save my $$ and get a crawford/ralph/mayo myself, sebbies are ok, i have one, but they arent as cool as a crawford/ralph/mayo imho - spend a little extra, and ya will be happy ya did,


sifu

 

[Daniel Koster]

Here's a Sebenza with Damascus:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=199982

Dan

 

[PWork]

If you find the plain Sebenzas boring, take a look at the graphics, inlayed, and damascus models. The William Henry line is nice too.

Paul