Newbie with a knife question

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Fishin6061

Joined
Oct 20, 2010
Messages
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First let me introduce myself. My name is Chris and I live in Reno Nevada. I joined this forum to get some questions answered that I felt could not be addressed by anyone other than hardcore knife users and aficionados. I am looking to purchase two knives for two specific purposes. First, I am looking for a medium to large folder to carry when I can’t carry my concealed handgun. Maybe up into the $200 range? Second, I would like to finally invest in a dedicated capeing/skinning knife that is unique, fixed blade, and has a secure well made sheath. Same price range of up to $200. Thanks everybody.
 
I can't be much help on the folder, but there will be a ton of others here that can help you there...

As far as the fixed blade goes, you can get a phenomenal knife and warranty from ESEE. Here is most of their lineup. The knives are tough as hell. Very well made, very capable, and made to be used and used hard.

You won't need all of that $200 either...

esee-group-photo.jpg
 
I have and love the Spyderco Military G-10 S30V steel. A superb lightweight slicer.

For people who don't appreciate the eye-appeal of the Military then usually the other, and equally superb production folder, is the Benchmade 710.

I rate them dead even. :thumbup:

Welcome to Blade Forums! :D
 
+1 to everything already said.

I have to throw in the Combative Edge M1 and upcoming Zero Tolerance 551... AND just about any knife from ZT that you like...

Take a look at ESEE and/or Bark River fixed blades, choose the one you like the most and go from there. Also, Swamp Rat Knife Works has a few Ratmandu's and Howling Rat's in stock still, and that is another awesome company (just keep in mind you'll have to buy a sheath separately). Break any knife from any of those guys, and you get a replacement.

Adding pics of M1:
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ZT 030X or 0350 for a medium(0350) or large (030X) folder. I have many knives and the 0301 I have is the most redily carried. It is a tank of a knife. It is a bit over 200 but is well worth it. A BM griptillian with wilkins grips upgrade will set you back 250 and is another fantastic knife. My EDC are the ZT and a BM mini Griptillian with wilkins grip if I cant carry over a 3" blade.
 
With you being a newbee to knives, you're probably better off getting a stainless skinning knife to start with. Maybe the Entrek Badger? Good looking knife & secure, easy to clean kydex sheath.
Once you've got some experience of caring for your knife, then by all means move onto a carbon steel blade.
 
I have an extensive firearm collection and always have a lightly oiled rag around so carbon steel should not be a problem. Good observation philbro:thumbup:
 
philbro said:
With you being a newbee to knives, you're probably better off getting a stainless skinning knife to start with. Maybe the Entrek Badger? Good looking knife & secure, easy to clean kydex sheath.
Once you've got some experience of caring for your knife, then by all means move onto a carbon steel blade.
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I don't think the OP comes across as a knife newbie at all. He's just new here. He's seeking a recommendation for a defensive folder and a caper/skinner fixed blade, and I don't see anyone here addressing those.

For the caper/skinner, I would recommend Bark River Pro Caper or Blind Horse Bird & Trout. Both come with deep pouch sheaths. There are also some superb knife makers here that offer very specific designs for sale and might be a better value. I'll defer to someone else on the folder.
 
My experience with quality knives is limited to my benchmade mini griptillian that I have carried for about 5 years. I really appreciate the input. This is a great forum and will let my shooting and hunting buddies know about it.
 
With respect to a folder, I'll second the Combative Edge M1. It is top-shelf in all areas that matter.:thumbup:
 
You could probably get a ZT 030X series from eBay for about $180, or a used one here for less. The titanium framelock is nice and solid, opening is buttery smooth, and as Ankerson showed, zero blade play develops even with hard use.

As far as a skinning knife goes, the only knife I have that I would consider suitable for the role is my Dozier Buffalo River Hunter that I snagged on eBay for just around the $200 mark. It's D2 tool steel which is sometimes called "semi-stainless". I use it for cutting produce including citrus. I've been diligent in wiping it dry after each use, and it hasn't gotten so much as a patina. Given that the heat treat is the best available, the steel can easily hold its own against some modern steels like S30V.
 
If you want a unique fixed blade you should contact some of the makers on this forum. There are some that will make a knife according to your ideas or drawings. Most do great work at reasonable prices and are hunters so they will understand your needs.
 
If you're looking for a folder as a substitute for your handgun we're all assuming that it's first purpose will be SD, then other chores as necessary. It seems that weight, balance, and ease of opening would be the main concerns in that case.

Some good suggestions have been offered so far. Several people have mentioned Spyderco's Military (light weight, 4" S30V blade). That would probably be my first choice as well. I've found that in stressful situations (not SD, however), I can grip and open a Spyderco (round hole opener) a good bit quicker than thumb stud knives. The Military is also set up for RH TD carry which I like. It lets me carry IWB where the knife is more accessible than in a pocket.

There's a thread here on BF from a few months ago where someone used a Spyderco Manix 2 in a SD situation and it performed very well. The Military should work as well as the M2 if you have to use it.
 
In the folder arena don't forget to take into consideration tip up or tip down carry, the military is only tip down and you may or may not like the fact you can't switch also look into lock variations: liner, axis, lockback, frame, triad.... do your home work, go and look ,feel ,handle, open. Access and deploy various models and make your own decision... on your gut feeling man. Good Luck! (edit) oh yea take this advise, if you go with tip down or tip up, every knife you get from there on should be the same when talking self defence cuz muscle or motor memory will have you pulling it out from reflex reaction and ya wanna access and deploy it the same way over and over to develop that muscle or I like to call it motor memory.....food for thought man.....
 
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The chinook 3 has 4 carry options RH/LH TU/TD and it is a robust and solid knife with a 95mm(3.75 or thereaboouts) long FFG S30V blade. Lots of belly for cutting and slicing and a sharp but robust tip for excellent penetration.
 
ZT 0350 is a great folder. It is perfect for Self Defense, assisted opening with a flipper so you can deploy it quick. S30V steel, G-10 scales, grip is designed to be comfortable held in two positions. Jimping is well thoughout and placed. It is built extremely well and is priced just over 100 bucks. Oh and it isnt too heavy. It can be carried Tip up/Down, Right or Left...pocket clip can be configured all ways. This is one of my favorite knives. I believe it fits the Self Defense carry very well and the price is right. Remember blade length, make sure you know your state law. I usually use the 4 finger test if I dont know the state law. Lay the blade across your open hand, if the tip goes past the 4th finger it is typically too long. The ZT 0350 is slightly longer then my 4 finger measurement, you could probably get away with it just about everywhere, it is close. Generally anything over 3" can give you some trouble from the police.

ZT0350%5Blarge%5D.jpg


Also consider the CS American Lawman, tank and one of the best locks ever designed. I just wish it had an assisted opening...for Self Defense I like Assisted opening (And not illegal).
 
singularity35 said:
The chinook 3 has 4 carry options RH/LH TU/TD and it is a robust and solid knife with a 95mm(3.75 or thereaboouts) long FFG S30V blade. Lots of belly for cutting and slicing and a sharp but robust tip for excellent penetration.
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It is all you said for sure, but you have to be a spydie guy to appreciate it - it''s one ugly mofo and I like Spydercos! :D
 
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