Newbie with a few general questions

V

Vito Andolini

Joined
Nov 20, 2019
Messages
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Hi,
I am really new to the world of knives and it can be overwhelming. I’m looking for some suggestions for a good EDC that would be a decent place to start for a newbie. Also, can I have some recommendations for reliable online knife companies? Any tips are very much appreciated.
 
Hi and welcome to Blade Forums.
You can usually feel comfortable doing business with any of the Blade Forum paid dealers.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/paid-dealer-members-list-updated-10-13-2019.1089879/

Personally, I do most of my business with BladeHQ, KnifeCenter, USAMadeBlade, DLT Trading and KnivesShipFree.

It's hard to make a recommendation for an EDC when we don't have any idea how you use a knife, what limitations you might have in carrying a knife and what your budget is.

That being said, the Ontario RAT Model 1 or Model 2 is usually a good place to start with a folding EDC knife.
okc-ontario-rat-model-1-8867-BHQ-36924-jr.jpg
 
I’d start out goin to a sporting good store and just test a bunch of models. See what size you like, flipper or thumbstud or a spydiehole, weight, material.. it’d be worth your time and save you money
 
Welcome. I would read a lot before making my first purchase. Decide what you want in a knife. How, when, where, why will you use it? Belt or pocket carry, folder or fixed blade? Budget?

If you just can't stand not having a knife, get a Victorinox Pioneer as cheap as you can find one and go from there. Have fun.
 
Welcome on the forums

I think you should start to think about what you want to do with your EDC, This can help to choose between:
locking or non locking blade
knife or multi tool
with or without pocket clip
one or two hands opening
metal or plastic/g10 handle

Then think about what min and max sizes may fit your needs
legal limits?
around 3”, 3.5” or 4” of blade?
weight limit?

Then to define a budget

Some brands to recommend for having a look at:
Kershaw, Spyderco, Benchmade, Civivi, Keizer, WE
These can be some basic entry point to browse some designs and refine your taste when it comes to shape and material
 
Like biochemdog said. Go check out your local knife store. I've been collecting knives for a few years now. And even though company's list the dimensions. I still can't always picture if it's the right size for me.
Seeing it in person really opens my eyes.

Buy what speaks to you. Everyone has different tastes. Just stay away from the no name gas station junk. Spend at least $50. And you will get something decent.
 
welcome bother, when i got on board with BF I did a lot reading hear/learning about knifes sharping in general its a grate place to learn, before you buy, like others have said try some knifes in hand and clip it your side or in pocket to see how it fits you and your needs, when time comes to order stay with dealers or you can buy 2nd hand hear, best of luck to you.:)
 
Welcome! Trying to find out the features you like is a good first step. Unless you already have some ideas, go handle some different models at a local retailer or sporting goods department. If you want to try carrying and using different knives, you can do that with cheapies but you also want to avoid junk.

Kershaw makes a bunch of affordable knives in 8Cr13Mov that could be good for a beginner. Many use a mechanism for assisted opening called "SpeedSafe" but there are manual models as well. Quality tends to be decent. Avoid the ultra-bargain models in 3Cr13Mov though. I wouldn't go lower than 8Cr13Mov on the Chinese numbered steels if you can help it.

If you are shopping online, I've had good luck with Tangram Knives. They are the budget line from Kizer and offer pretty good quality for around $20-40. The Amarillo and Santa Fe models are probably the most popular. I'm not sure if you want to spend more than that to explore but the Civivi Knives from WE are fantastic. I've been using and carrying knives for decades and I'm happy with a Civivi in my pocket.
 
Don’t overthink your first knife. You could end up with the perfect knife right off. How much fun would that be?

Start with one that appeals to you, and figure out what you like and don’t like. Meanwhile, buy lots of Moras and Opinels.
 
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Somebody recommended the Rat 1 or Rat 2 and those are both excellent suggestions.

Another knife similar in size to the Rat 2 is the Ka-Bar folding hunter #4062. Personally I like the 4065. Only minor differences between the two models.

Another knife that somebody has suggested is a Swiss Army knife. I wholeheartedly agree. No matter what other knife you purchase, a SAK is always a good choice and reasonably priced. Well, most of them are reasonably priced.

I would recommend a Swiss Army knife no matter what other knife you decide on. They are great to have when you travel or wear dress clothes. Nobody ever seems to give them a second thought.

By the way, welcome aboard.
 
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