Noob Needs Some Help!!!!!

R

razamataz

Joined
Feb 14, 2006
Messages
34
Hi all,

This is my first post so I hope I am putting it in the right area.....

I just picked up a Kershaw Nak(?) the fancy wood handle one. Looks like a nice knife but after reading as much as I could I think that maybe I would be better off with something else (seem's like a lot of spyderco fans on here!)

What Im trying to figure out is how does the kershaw I picked up compare to other folders in the same range? I want a knife that is durable...really durable. Was also Wondering If there is a Place that reviewed this knife and somewhere where noonbs like myself can go to lean about this cool hobbie!!

I Look forward to hearing all your responses......
 
Use the advance search, and in titles only, otherwise you will bog down and get nada.
 
razamataz said:
... What Im trying to figure out is how does the kershaw I picked up compare to other folders in the same range? I want a knife that is durable...really durable. ...
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As others have said... welcome to the forums!

I would be cautious in interpreting opinions about X folder is more durable than Y folder... I am by no means as knowledgeable as many people here, however from what I understand if you're looking for absolute durability in a folder than maybe it's more appropriate to explore small fixed blades. The strong and quite varied opinions that you'll see about the strongest lock and the best steel suggest that there are many considerations involved, and none is unquestionably the best! :)

Personally, I don't have an opinion of Kershaw vs. Benchmade vs. Spyderco etc.; to me, they are all dedicated companies that work hard to put out what they feel is the best product, and the choice becomes more of what looks and feels right to you... or, if you're like most people here, you get one of each and rotate between them, convinced that the latest one you've bought is also the last one you'll ever need. :)

Anyways... more informed opinions will follow! Again, welcome!
 
Thanks for all the replies! I think what I was more wondering is compared to the kershaw that I have now, Is there something like a spyderco or what ever that would offer me a bit more in terms of durability? I really dont know my azz from my elbow yet so trying to learn all this is quite a undertaking. From what I have read on here, spyderco seems to be a much finer blade in terms of overall satisfaction and durabuility. That and dispite my best attempts I can not find any kind of "real" review of the nakamura, I have read a little that its ok but thats about it. Sorry for the rant all just that I have till friday to take this back and get a spyderco.

before I get asked, I looked at the spyderco's and they look nice but I dont have the expearience to know what to look for. Again sorry for the long winded post but i hope that clears everything up.
 
your best bet is to find a local shop that actually *sells* the brands you're interested in, go down and try them out to see how they feel, fit and balance, you'll know when you found the right knife, as far as the brands go, it's all personal preference (as long as it's not a taylor cutlery knife-like metal object, that is, taylor makes Smith and Wesson knife-like metal objects, many (almost all) of them are low quality, cheap knockoffs of other knifemaker's designs, taylor is almost universally reviled here....)

you really can't go wrong with any of the big name companies, Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, Buck, high end CKRT's, etc...
 
MacTech said:
your best bet is to find a local shop that actually *sells* the brands you're interested in, go down and try them out to see how they feel, fit and balance, you'll know when you found the right knife, as far as the brands go, it's all personal preference (as long as it's not a taylor cutlery knife-like metal object, that is, taylor makes Smith and Wesson knife-like metal objects, many (almost all) of them are low quality, cheap knockoffs of other knifemaker's designs, taylor is almost universally reviled here....)

you really can't go wrong with any of the big name companies, Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, Buck, high end CKRT's, etc...
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OK, well Than assuming I like both the kershaw and the spyderco is there one thats better than the other? I mean in terms of blade strenth and what have you? I see tons on spyderco but almost none on the nakamura. Just wanting to be sure theres not something I need to know that may sway me one way or another.
 
MacTech said:
your best bet is to find a local shop that actually *sells* the brands you're interested in,
Click to expand...

That's an incredibly rare situation for probably 75% of the members of this forum.
 
The Nakamura is an elegant little knife, a gentleman's knife, really. I'm sure it is as durable as ordinary use requires a knife that size to be. Spyderco tends towards the utilitarian and the ergonomic. It's more a question of how much you like the knife you've got. :)
 
Esav Benyamin said:
The Nakamura is an elegant little knife, a gentleman's knife, really. I'm sure it is as durable as ordinary use requires a knife that size to be. Spyderco tends towards the utilitarian and the ergonomic. It's more a question of how much you like the knife you've got. :)
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In terms of its looks, I think its a fine looking folder. But that is not what is most important to me. The most important things to me are...

1) durabuility- I will use this as my one and only EDC and will use it for all sorts of things..I know, I know its not a hammer but you know what i mean

2) Ease of use- I dont want to have to send it to some speciality shop to get it shapend.

3) Looks and long term value- something that, should I get more into this hobby, I can get decent value for.

What really concerns me is all the spyderco reviews I have found on here but next to nothing for the nakamura wich is why I thought it be i my best interest to creat this post. I figured y'all would know better than me. :D
 
Something else I just thought Id mention...

I dont know if this makes a difference or not, but I would rather have avery plain looking knife where the money has been put into the blade craftsmenship than one where the money has been put into making it look nice. hope that helps and or makes sense.
 
Durable enough for what? Opening mail or repeatedly punching holes in cans of soup? Hacking down small trees and making impromptu wilderness shelters?

All depends what you're going to use it for.

Chances are, yes. That Nakamura should serve you well for a good long time.

Undoubtedly, someone will argue this, because that's what we do here on BFC. But if all you're ever going to do with your knife is mundane tasks like most of us do on a daily basis, deciding which one was "best" would make for the most ridiculous and boring comparison test ever devised. "Kershaw vs. Spyderco in the Battle of the Envelope Opening!"

The point is, most of the knives people here will recommend to you will be just fine for whatever you need it for. And, if you do have a special interest like self-defense, camping, field dressing game, etc. there is plenty of info on that stuff as well. It all begins with "what are you going to use it for?"

A lot of us though, don't require all that much from any of the knives we own, we just buy them because we like them. It's pretty simple in that regard. "Hey, that's kinda cool, I might have to check one of those out." String a series of experiences like that together and your own individual tastes will begin to form.

Become a master of the search function and have fun.
 
razamataz said:
What really concerns me is all the spyderco reviews I have found on here but next to nothing for the nakamura wich is why I thought it be i my best interest to creat this post. I figured y'all would know better than me. :D
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Don't be too concerned or read too much into that. Spyderco does make great stuff by and large, but so do lots of other companies.

Consider also:

-Spyderco has a massive product line and a visible presence on these forums. They have lots of fans, rightfully so, due in large part to a great reputation for high quality and a product line so deep and diverse that just about everyone can find a Spyderco they can afford and enjoy owning.

-Kershaw doesn't have an active presence on the board currently, and just didn't have the number of rabid fans like Spyderco. Everyone has an opinion as to why that is, my personal opinion is that the products of the past just weren't that exciting and the quality of the materials used weren't what they could have been in some cases. But, and this is a big BUT...Kershaw has exploded with really nice new stuff in the last year and a half, and it looks like 2005/2006 is the year Kershaw makes a big name for itself around the forums and in the enthusiasts' wallet. Some of their most recent models are truly worth looking into, your Nakamura included.

My opinion is that you'll be happy with your Nakamura. But do check out Spyderco, Kershaw's entire line, Benchmade, and all the other big names people talk about regularly.

Your biggest issue won't be finding a knife that fits your needs and wants, it'll be choosing which one.

And you'll ultimately do what the rest of us do. Buy them all. :D
 
Man, right when I think I know what im gonna do, I end up getting flip floped around again, LOL

In terms of what do I want to do...everything! (dont we all) but I just want a well rounded knife thats a bit of a jack of all trades. I thank you all again for all your imput and keep it comming...
 
razamataz said:
In terms of its looks, I think its a fine looking folder. But that is not what is most important to me. The most important things to me are...

1) durabuility- I will use this as my one and only EDC and will use it for all sorts of things..I know, I know its not a hammer but you know what i mean
Click to expand...

That all depends on what you need a knife for. If you work in an office and your cutting chores are opening the mail and peeling the occasional apple, then you're set with the Nakamura. The blade shape is very utilitarian and will surely stand up to some heavier use. I've never had a problem with a Kershaw and their customer service is top notch.

2) Ease of use- I dont want to have to send it to some speciality shop to get it shapend.
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If you plan to use your knife, you need to invest a little money and a little time in learning to sharpen. A few stones will set you back $25 or so. Spend some time learning and you'll never have to rely on someone else to keep the knife sharp.

You'll also need some cleaning supplies, and they're readily available at your nearest supermarket or Wal-Mart. Keep it oiled and keep the screws tight and you'll be set for a long time.

With proper care, any quality knife will outlast its owner. It makes me sad to see knives that aren't even 20 years old have blades sharpened down to nothing.

3) Looks and long term value- something that, should I get more into this hobby, I can get decent value for.
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The Nakamura is a beautiful knife, and from what I've seen, they sell pretty well on the secondary market. But, for the most part (with the rare exception) user knives don't fare too well on the secondary market. If you plan to use the knife, plan on keeping it. You can always save more money to buy a new knife (harvest organs from your friends to sell on the black market).

I've only ever sold one knife, I said I never would, but someone offered me $50 more than what I paid for it to begin with. That's rare though, so don't count on people flocking to a used knife.

The Nakamura is a great knife. It's on my must have list. The examples that I've handled were solid knives. You can't go wrong with Kershaw, and I'm very excited to see them entering the realm of Spyderco and Benchmade.

That said, there are other great knvies out there. Play with a few and see what you like.

And above all else, have fun and learn something doing it. This is a wonderful hobby with a long history (I lose all track of time reading about knives) and a unique group of enthusiasts willing to help you out at every turn.
 
Wow, lots to digest. can you tel me if you can sharpen the lamanent blade the same way as a normal blade? I guess I was just a bit fearfull that I had a "wussy" pretty boy knife.
 
Between you and me, the Manix, although in my opinion worth 98% of the hype, is not a good EDC choice for the vast majority of people.

The nak is so much more people friendly.
 
The Nakamura is a very pretty knife that is also pretty stout. If someone wants a gentlemen's folder that is strong enough to be used hard from time to time, the Nakamura is great.

But it seems like you want a bare-bones, no-frills, VERY heavy-duty knife. The Manix fits that bill perfectly. It is all about performance and ergonomics, not about looking pretty. It is a very strong knife, and the money you spend on it is for the blade, handle, and durability, not how pretty the scales and bolsters are.

Be aware, though, that the Manix is big. I find it the perfect size for EDC, but many do not. So also consider the Mini-Manix, and the somewhat similar Military and smaller Paramilitary. There are other options, too. Al Mar SERE 2000. Benchmade Skirmish, Mini-Skirmish, 710HS, AFCK806D2, 610 Rukus, Kershaw Spec Bump, Lone Wolf Harsey and Harsey Ranger, Buck Striders, or you can go more expensive with CRK Sebenza, Strider SMF or SNG, Extrema Ratio MPC, Airkat Tripwire, Darrel Ralph Gunhammer, Rick Hinderer Firetac etc... etc... etc...

The Nakamura is a great knife, but from the sound of what you want, the Manix would be better, if not perfect.

If you like the Nakamura (and you should), then don't be in such a rush to replace it. There will always be another knife out there that you want. Few knife knuts are happy owning *ONE* knife. You will buy more. Enjoy what you have right now and be looking for your next knife as you save up for it.
 
I have a Nakamura and it is a wonderful knife. It has great steel and holds a great edge, sharpens well, excellent fit and finish. The metalworking and Quince scales make it a beautiful knife.

That being said it is not a knife that I would choose for whacking tree branches, field dressing a deer, etc.

It is a very classy EDC and as Esav mentioned a gent's knife.

IMHO, you did not make a bad decision in purchasing the Nakamure.
 
It is a beautiful knife!! Kershaw makes nice stuff!! Your Nakamura should serve you well!
 
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