Newbie Question - Everyone's Favorite Thread!

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zenon

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Aug 17, 2005
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I'm looking for a great folding knife that is very versatile and can get most any job done without much wear and tear to the blade. Something that is durable and will last a long time. A great lock is a must, as well as a good sturdy handle that's highly grippable and steady. As I don't know much about blade materials, something that will hold up over many years of use. I'd prefer a non-serrated edge. For size, something large enough to get a job done but small enough to fit in your pocket. I'd love for it to be durable enough to get wet and/or dirty without damaging the knife, but I can see where there may be problems with this.

Price range would be under $150.

Any recommendations based on this would be extremely helpful!


I had another question based on something I saw... There was a company that had a "Cera-Titan" blade that was supposidly pretty durable and held a sharp edge for longer than steel. The downside I believe was that it was somewhat flexable. It may be worthless, but again, I don't know what I'm talking about, so expect that from things I mention! :P

Thanks in advance!
 
Spyderco Manix. This knife is the best production hard use general utility folder I've found so far, in that price range.

The Spyderco Military comes in a close second, depending on your specific usage. It's easier to clean (although the Manix is also very easy to keep clean), and is much lighter. The linerlock is very well done, but I prefer the lockback on the Manix.

You also have the AXIS-lockers from Benchmade to consider. I absolutely love the locking format, but I've yet to find a design that I like as much as the two Spydercos mentioned above. They are also somewhat harder to keep clean, from my personal experience; others don't seem to have any trouble, however. Of the AXIS lockers, the 710HS and the 806D2 seem to be the favorites for full-size folders.
 
...and small enough to fit in a pocket....

I was thinking rather a Paramilitary from Spyderco. Personally I prefer the Manix but it is a bigger knife. My first pick would be the Lil'Temperance though, also from Spyderco. It is discontinued, but there are still quite a few available.

If you are talking about "excessively wet", day and weeks in a wet environment and never a drop of oil, you should be looking at the Salt line from Spyderco with H1 steel. Quite a few have tried (yes, intentionally and they tried hard), but nobody I know of managed to get them to rust. They have a plastic handle that doesn't have the greatest "feel" but are sturdy enough to be used by many as working knives and are a lot cheaper (around $40-55).

Make sure you also take a look at the BM lineup. Personally I find fewer knives in their lineup interesting, but its more a matter of personal preference and they use a great lock on their knives (axis) and some of their models are real classics. Again personally I would take a very close look at the AFCK (very large knife but quite slim) or its smaller brother the mini TSEK (a mini-AFCK with thumbstud instead of oval hole, too small for me though). The Ares, which may not have the most useful bladeshape, is one of the most beautiful knives around, and lastly the Griptilian especially the Ritter Grip (sold I believe exclusively by Aeromedix). Again the Grip is about half the price of you upper limit but a very sturdy and proven design.

And finally I guess the Al Mar SERE 2000 requires mentioning. Again I am not too fond of the blade shape, but fit, finish, reliability seems to be through the bench unquestionable. Again a very heavy, large knife. Not quite as big as the Manix but even heavier IIRC.


A very personal and biased recommendation: Stick to steel (for the blade I mean) and forget about all the Titanium this Ceramic that crap. They have some advantages, but in the end a good topend blade steel is still your best choice.
 
Can anyone go into some details of why the Manix is such a great knife for this purpose compared to others? I'd just like to learn more about these things. :)
 
5 Spyderco Manix vs 2 Benchmade 710 McHenry and Williams

Bladeforums Battle Royale!
 
zenon said:
I had another question based on something I saw... There was a company that had a "Cera-Titan" blade that was supposidly pretty durable and held a sharp edge for longer than steel.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I purchased a Boker "Cera-Titan" in a small folder and was absolutely UNDERWHEMED. It wasn't that sharp, didn't want to take an edge, and the tip broke off almost immediately.

Now my favorite knife that you are describing would be Cabela's Benchmade Griptillian in D2 Steel. It holds an incredible edge, and even though it is not "stainless" I've never had any problems with it staining and/or rusting. I occassionally wipe it with Tuff Glide. The smaller version, the Mini Grip is generally my EDC.

I think it's online at Cabela's for around $ 80.

Tim
 
Thanks Tim,

I actually came across your review just a few minutes ago. I don't know much about knives in general, so I was pretty curious about the material.

I have to say I'm amazed at many of the things I've seen on these forums so far. Some knives are just absolutely amazing.

I hope I get some more replies, but I know not everyone likes newbie threads. :)

The more suggestions, the better, even if its for the same knife that others have suggested.
 
Not a thing wrong with the Manix except the size for some people. I sure like my BenchMade 420 though. Nothing wrong with that one either.

I must say the Manix blade shape is a big plus.
 
I have not used the Manix or even handled one, but the BM 710 is a solid knife. I own two and they have given me years of good use.

My experience with the Spyderco's has all been good. The difference will be your preference.

Try to get to a Brick and Mortar knife shop and handled some different models. This will help you out a bunch.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

PS, don’t even ask about Sebenza :D



Steve
 
The Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 was mentioned earlier...

Can anyone compare this knife to the Manix? It seems to be quite a bit lighter, but the blade is made of the same steel.

Thanks!
 
zenon said:
Can anyone go into some details of why the Manix is such a great knife for this purpose compared to others? I'd just like to learn more about these things. :)
Click to expand...
Funny you should ask... http://bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357061 ;)

Keep in mind while reading, I'm one of those Benchmade fans who thinks the McHenry & Willams 710 is just about the most perfect folder ever designed.

Besides the 710, there's the recently-discontinued, but still available if you look hard enough, Benchmade 805 TSEK. Definitely bigger than the 710, with a handle that's even more secure in the hand. Kinda big in the pocket, but not too bad. I carry mine in jeans and even dockers.

Personally, I don't think the Manix is all that huge, really. I own several 4" bladed folders, and the Manix carries in a pocket easier than most.
 
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