Newbie, starting from scratch, finally bought Fallkniven A1

[Carl in CT]

Hi, brand new to the forums and hoping to get a little help. I hope I don't annoy you guys with this kind of long post, thanks in advance for any advice. I promise I will try to contribute if I can but my knowledge on knives if extremely limited.

I have always had cheap knives and I'm sick of that. I basically need to start building my knife collection from scratch. The budget is tight so this will be a long journey but I need to start somewhere and while I don't want to spend a lot I don't want any more cheap crap. Here are my needs, I won't be buying these all at once. I will probably be looking to spend $100-$150 for right now and go from there. I'm looking for any advice or alternative ideas:

EDC concealed carry - thinking of a RAT or RAT II folder or something similar in similar price range ($25-$35ish). Doesn't need to be tactical, just able to do everyday tasks discretely.

Belt/all purpose/utility knife - While not looking for it to be for edc, I don't want it to look like a Rambo knife so if it's still on my belt when I go to Home Depot or Tractor supply it won't draw attention. I might not use this knife every day but when I do it will be abused so warranty is important. It will be for when I'm out in the barn, in the woods with my chainsaw, light to moderate hiking, light duty camping. I am looking at an ESEE 4hm (I have large to XL hands and I think the regular ESEE 4 handle will feel too small to me).

Survival type knife - this is probably just for fun because I don't think I will be doing any real wilderness adventures any time soon. That said, I want something strong and that I won't be embarrassed to have on my belt or my pack. Thinking ESEE 6 or Becker BK22 or Tops Brakimo. The Brakino is around $135 which would be the top of my budget here. Since I'm probably not going to ever be in a real survival situation where my life depends on my knife would a Tops Bob suffice as a small survival style knife?

Bushcraft knife (I guess?) - Again, I am not really a bushcrafter but I like fiddling around with some very basic wood carving if I'm just sitting around a campfire. Was thinking the new Mora Kansbol but probably more than I need. Maybe a Mora Basic or 511 or Companion?

Lastly, what about warranties? I am attracted to the ESEEs for their warranty. I really like the Tops Bob but I am afraid I will ruin it, if not completely break it, as my belt knife because like I said, it will be abused.

The Beckers seem kind of indestructible, especially the BK22 so warranty isn't as big an issue, is that a reasonable assumption?

 

[Lapedog]

I have a Tops BOB fixed blade. i highly doubt you could break it. However honestly I find it abit thick for a bushcraft knife.

 

[Kulrich]

As with any collection, buy what you like, that way you won't be disappointed. Try going to a gun/knife show and look at a wide variety of knives, hold them in your and an see how they feel. If you intend to use the knife, check out the warranties (I owned a retail cutlery store for 17 years) some warranties are better than others and some companies are great at honoring those warranties and some are not. You will never be disappointed in buying quality, if budget does not allow then know up front you may have to compromise on some aspect of the knife. There are lots of great knives and knife companies out there, just do do some research---sound like you are headed in the right direction. Best of luck and good hunting!

 

[Todd21969]

I don't want to be "that guy" but if you are that new to knives there are two things you should be aware of here in Connecticut.

One, it is a felony to carry a knife which has a sharpened edge 4" or longer unless it's for hunting, fishing, or trapping.

Two, it is a separate felony to have such a knife in your vehicle. Unless it's for hunting, fishing, or trapping.

So be careful what's on your belt when you head out to Home Depot or Tractor Supply.

I like your choices. Hope you enjoy whichever you choose.

Welcome to the disease. [emoji6]

 

[Brad "the butcher"]

For starters get a Kabar large bowie....discontinued but still available for 50 bucks
One of the best large blades for cheap

Rat1 or rat2 folders and the Kabar dozier series are great affordable folders 20 to 40 bucks

Mora companion 15 bucks and woodwork handled

All 3 choices for 100$ total

 

[gazz98]

Hello and welcome to the forums! It looks like you've done some research. You picked some great options.

EDC concealed carry : The Rat 1 is a great choice (I wear a 2xl glove, the Rat 2 is on the small side for me). I'd highly suggest the Rat 1 in D2 steel if you can add a few bucks to your budget. I just bought one from Knifeworks for $40.90 shipped.
http://www.knifeworks.com/ontariora...orangehandle-limitededition.aspx#.WJ4Po_IjqnY


Belt/all purpose/utility knife + Survival type knife: I'd just get a ESEE 5 and cover both situations with one great knife. The handle is over 5 inches so you shouldn't have a problem. A 5.25 inch blade is a good size blade for this category imo. Not too big, not too small. The Becker and Ontario also have some great options too.

Bushcraft knife : A Mora will do just fine and you could carry this as a smaller, light(er), and backup option to the ESEE 5.

One good, solid fixed blade like an ESEE + Mora should cover your bases and help your budget.

I almost hate to mention this but we have a For Sale section here and you can great deals on LNIB or used knives at great prices. Good for you. Bad for your paypal account. Enter it at your own risk.

 

[Carl in CT]

I don't want to be "that guy" but if you are that new to knives there are two things you should be aware of here in Connecticut.

One, it is a felony to carry a knife which has a sharpened edge 4" or longer unless it's for hunting, fishing, or trapping.

Two, it is a separate felony to have such a knife in your vehicle. Unless it's for hunting, fishing, or trapping.

So be careful what's on your belt when you head out to Home Depot or Tractor Supply.

I like your choices. Hope you enjoy whichever you choose.

Welcome to the disease. [emoji6]

Thanks for the heads up. I had done some research into CT laws, they can be a bummer. Originally I was thinking the ESEE 3hm specifically to get under 4" and that may still be the easier option. Then I heard you can carry over 4" if you have a hunting or fishing license, which I always do.

In reading the CT knife statute it is a little unclear to me if you actually have to be in the act of hunting, trapping or fishing to carry over 4" or if you simply need to hold a hunting, trapping or fishing license. It's worded poorly like most weapons laws, especially in CT. Maybe I'd rather not have to argue with a police officer over how the law is written and have to go to court to prove my case.

 

[Carl in CT]

Hello and welcome to the forums! It looks like you've done some research. You picked some great options.

EDC concealed carry : The Rat 1 is a great choice (I wear a 2xl glove, the Rat 2 is on the small side for me). I'd highly suggest the Rat 1 in D2 steel if you can add a few bucks to your budget. I just bought one from Knifeworks for $40.90 shipped.
http://www.knifeworks.com/ontariora...orangehandle-limitededition.aspx#.WJ4Po_IjqnY


Belt/all purpose/utility knife + Survival type knife: I'd just get a ESEE 5 and cover both situations with one great knife. The handle is over 5 inches so you shouldn't have a problem. A 5.25 inch blade is a good size blade for this category imo. Not too big, not too small. The Becker and Ontario also have some great options too.

Bushcraft knife : A Mora will do just fine and you could carry this as a smaller, light(er), and backup option to the ESEE 5.

One good, solid fixed blade like an ESEE + Mora should cover your bases and help your budget.

I almost hate to mention this but we have a For Sale section here and you can great deals on LNIB or used knives at great prices. Good for you. Bad for your paypal account. Enter it at your own risk.

Would the ESEE 5 be a little big/heavy for wearing around the barn/woods/yard all day while working outside or is the talk of its bulk overblown?

 

[Boxer .45]

Op buy you a Spyderco Tenacious and an ESEE 3, both will cover your needs and can be had together for around $150. The Tenacious is a great value with good size and decent steel. I think the ESEE 3 is the perfect sized fixed blade and has great steel that is easy to sharpen. Many bushcrafters use them too. I had three of them and used my oldest one everyday in construction and it took whatever I threw at it.

Both blades are customizable if you desire with aftermarket scales and sheaths, etc.

 

[Stubai]

Lots of good suggestions for you. Why not try the Buck 119? Price isn't too bad and the quality is decent. The Mora line of blades offers great performance at a lowered price point. And then, a bunch of us here favor Opinels and SAK renditions.

Careful: this hobby can be VERY expensive unless you know when to apply the brakes.

 

[aleforme]

Would the ESEE 5 be a little big/heavy for wearing around the barn/woods/yard all day while working outside or is the talk of its bulk overblown?

I would say yes. It's heavy!

 

[Dfunk1210]

It does seem you want to spend more of your budget on the fixed blade area. Have you thought about going the other way around and spend more on your folder? Keep in mind the afore mentioned laws in your state. Maybe the folder is what you will be carrying more. You can honestly settle for something like a schrade schf36 for the bushcraft (maybe survival) area for a measely $30 and still have a knife with enough performance for your needs. An schf55 would be good for the belt. Just a thought.

 

[Boxer .45]

Lots of good suggestions for you. Why not try the Buck 119? Price isn't too bad and the quality is decent. The Mora line of blades offers great performance at a lowered price point. And then, a bunch of us here favor Opinels and SAK renditions.

Careful: this hobby can be VERY expensive unless you know when to apply the brakes.

Or the 110. Good point on the mora.

OP you could have a Mora and a Buck 110 for about $60 for both which would leave you some money for another knife or two.

 

[gazz98]

I've hoofed my ESEE 5 around during a day of hiking, I don't find it a problem. Weight on a knife isn't a huge concern for me. I'm almost 6'8" and 285 lbs. I gain 1 lb just eating lunch, a few ounces here and there for equipment isn't a big deal for me.

If you really think it is too much, the ESEE 4 would save a few ozs. Other cheaper and lighter options include the Gerber Strongarm or Cold Steel SRK. Condor knife and tool also makes some great budget blades too. A Becker/Kabar is about the same weight as a ESEE 5.

I'd start with a Mora HD. You'd be surprised how sturdy they are for $20.

 

[Carl in CT]

It does seem you want to spend more of your budget on the fixed blade area. Have you thought about going the other way around and spend more on your folder? Keep in mind the afore mentioned laws in your state. Maybe the folder is what you will be carrying more. You can honestly settle for something like a schrade schf36 for the bushcraft (maybe survival) area for a measely $30 and still have a knife with enough performance for your needs. An schf55 would be good for the belt. Just a thought.

Yup, I saw some really good reviews on the Schrades, the Gerber Strongarm as well as a Chinese SS blade called the Steel Will Druid 205. Not sure about the Bucks for taking abuse, maybe.

Honestly the Druid is perfect at just under 4", with a think SS blade so I don't have to worry about rust and a it has a really nice leather sheath. That said, it will be abused and I will kick myself if it breaks and I wasted half the price of the ESEE for it. I'd love to buy American if I can with the exception of a Mora.

I may consider spending more for a folder if it makes sense. I just threw out the RATs because I bought one for my buddy for his birthday and I liked it and they seem to offer a lot of bang for the buck. Was kind of liking the looks of the ESEE Avispa or Zancudo folders too.

The survival knife is probably the last thing on my list because it's not something I really need so it makes sense to spend a little less as long as it's reliable. In fact I may just skip it altogether and put the money towards knives I will use more. The edc folder and the belt/utility knife are the priorities because I will use those and a Mora is cheap enough to grab while I'm at it.

I'm not dismissing anyone's ideas. They are all great suggestions and everything is on the table. I am just thinking it through. You guys rock though, I really appreciate this great info!

 

[Todd21969]

In reading the CT knife statute it is a little unclear to me if you actually have to be in the act of hunting, trapping or fishing to carry over 4" or if you simply need to hold a hunting, trapping or fishing license. It's worded poorly like most weapons laws, especially in CT

Have to agree there...

My general outdoors, survival, bushcraft and around town fixed blade is a Fallkniven F1. Has been my go to fixed for a decade.

Great knife, but some who have large mitts say the handle is a tad slim. I have medium hands and find it very ergonomic.

My larger blades see use only on private land. Except for an Ontario 498, 7" blade Marine Fighting/Utility that lives behind the seat of my truck. Inside a tackle box, next to a rod and reel. [emoji6]

 

[Knicked Digits]

Kershaw blades are good starter blades. The 8cr13mov is a decent steel, you may have to sharpen it a little more often then the higher quality steels but it's not bad for normal edc. They have higher quality steels too (even a couple s30v knives, oh la la). I'd start there.

Side note: I don't know how much you know but I'd start with researching steel quality and characteristics as that's going to be one of the more important factors in your knife quality. Just an FYI

 

[Carl in CT]

Kershaw blades are good starter blades. The 8cr13mov is a decent steel, you may have to sharpen it a little more often then the higher quality steels but it's not bad for normal edc. They have higher quality steels too (even a couple s30v knives, oh la la). I'd start there.

Side note: I don't know how much you know but I'd start with researching steel quality and characteristics as that's going to be one of the more important factors in your knife quality. Just an FYI

I know very little. I have been researching knives and have picked up some of the steel differences but I start to get lost in all of the numbers and letters. Seems like 1095 is very popular right now for larger knives because it's strong but relatively easy to sharpen without losing an edge too awfully quick. It has little if any rust/corrosion resistance though and that concerns me as it does get very humid in the summer in CT at times. I guess a little mineral oil or special knife wipes take care of that as long as you don't forget?

I'm less than a novice when it comes to sharpening so I will need to also get some sharpening equipment and study up on that too but I'll worry about that once I actually get a knife.

 

[Carl in CT]

There is a Cabelas not too far from my church so maybe I'll stop in Sunday afternoon and see if they have anything I can lay my hands on to get a feel for. Probably won't buy anything yet, prices are to high there.

 

[Velitrius]

I know very little. I have been researching knives and have picked up some of the steel differences but I start to get lost in all of the numbers and letters. Seems like 1095 is very popular right now for larger knives because it's strong but relatively easy to sharpen without losing an edge too awfully quick. It has little if any rust/corrosion resistance though and that concerns me as it does get very humid in the summer in CT at times. I guess a little mineral oil or special knife wipes take care of that as long as you don't forget?

I live next to the ocean in Washington State. Been using knives made from 1095 for years, no mineral oil so far. Clean 'em and dry 'em, corrosion is never a worry. Ever.

I approve of your idea of swinging in to a Cabelas store. Check them all out. Handle every one that you think might fit the bill.

And if the sales associate starts rolling his eyes after the fifth or sixth knife you've asked to handle, ignore him and keep right on with your selection process. Your dime.