not just another "top 5" knives thread - GAW Winners in Post #1

DallasSTB

DallasSTB

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Had some time to catch up on some football this weekend, and during various pauses and time-outs I had time to read and consider several recent "top knife" threads here on the BF. I became curious about subjectivity and perspectives with regard to our favorite knives.

So take a couple of seconds and list out your current favorite knives and the top one or two reasons why they are personally appealing to you or why you've kept them and let other go - not just the catalog specs if possible. Here are the top 5 in the front of my knife drawer right now...

1 - Zero Tolerance 0562cf - Outstanding quality, blade shape, excellent aesthetics
2 - Benchmade 940 - Great blade/handle design, super smooth, excellent quality
3 - CRK TiLock - Perfect quality, cool/innovative design, slim profile
4 - CRK Sebenza 25 - improved ergos, perfect quality, better blade shape than 21
5 - BM 440 - slim and light, fast deployment, useful blade shape

I'd love to hear from you all on the "why" as well as the "what".

edit - because I really am curious about various perspectives, I'll do a giveaway to people that post a response here. Your post # is your entry. Minimum 100 posts please on any forum or sub-forum on BF's; Gold+ get 2 guesses (you don't have to respond to the question above as your second entry). I'll do a randomly generated number drawing with the total # of posts this Thursday night at 8:00pm CST. The winner can choose a between a Case Amber Bone stockman (SS) or an Ontario RAT 1 (Satin blade, OD Scale). Both are LNIB. Shipping to CONUS is included of course.

OK?

First Winner - Post #56 - keroscene! PM to you for pick of two knives above - the RAT 1 or the Case Amber bone Stockman

Second Winner was post #31 - which was me :o oops. Okay then...

Second Winner was post #16 -Murphenstein44 - you can have the other knife after keroscene chooses

Thank you all very much for your participation and input. It gives me, and I hope some of you, a lot to ponder for future purchases. It seems there are some clear areas of commonality along with a few surprising omissions. For example, I saw few choices being made simply based on the materials incorporated into a knife. That was surprising given the effort that the larger companies put into developing the latest and greatest. To a far greater extent it seems that a knife has to "feel right" to the user and be highly durable (ie good quality) to be kept very long. Good stuff!

Lot of interesting and potentially expensive options here. I hope you all have enjoyed this as much as I have. The Winners will be getting a PM or Email from me for shipping instructions shortly. Thanks again everyone.

-Steve
 
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I'm taking a more budget friendly approach to this as I dont own high end knives. So here we go:
1) spyderco PM2 - it's a pm2...nuf said. The ergos, blade shape and lock all work perfectly for me. Plus I like the variety of blade steels and handles
2) spyderco manix - tough as heck with awesome ergos. I love the ball lock and the overall feel of the knife
3) spyderco techno - my little tank edc. Rock solid knife in a small package
4) spyderco dragonfly g10 - perfect edc little big knife. does everything I need it to do in a very small package
5) spyderco Southard - was my "grail" knife. I love flippers and this one just looks and feels so right

There's lots more favorites but this will do for now.
 
1) Terzuola ATCF, a true grail knife made by one of the godfather's ofntactical folders. Perfect in every way

2) zt0777m390, super light futuristic knife with superb ergos and a super functional blade shape

3) Sebenza Insingo. Its a Sebenza and its their best blade shape

4) hinderer xm18 3in non flipper. This one it hard to explain. Perfect ergos for my hand, perfect size, perfect workhorse

5) Kirby Lambert Scorpios. Very similar in size and shape to the Hinderer just a little dressier and less of a workhorse.
 
Added a giveaway to participants. I'm really interested to read about what specifically appeals to people carrying popular knives - aesthetics, components, overall value, usefulness?? I want to make this worth your while.
 
So for me its

1 - ZT 0562CF - lightweight for its size, deep carry, can tackle any task, high quality
2 - ZT 0770CF - very slim and light, deep carry, looks great
3 - Northwoods Fremont Jack - quality, beautiful knife, 1095 blade, easy to sharpen straight edge, non "intimidating" option if necessary
4 - Kershaw 1600 Chive - I have the damascus - great option when only the smallest knife will do, even better with a short lanyard fob
5 - ZT 0550 - i have the 0550BLK. Its virtually indestructible, carries deeply, something you dont have to take great care of but still expect it to work

honorable mention - Kershaw 1555TI Cryo - Budget option if worried about something happening to a more expensive knife, still looks great, locks up tight, carries deeply
 
Very nice of you to do this giveaway.

For me:

1. Spyderco Manix 2 - perfect jimping, finger choil is an added safety measure, fit and finish is superb on every model I've looked at
2. Benchmade Bone Collector 15020 - discontinued, get one, it's beafy, D2 steel, beautiful coloring on the handle material
3. Buck Marksman - Made in USA, I love the lock, it's got a great profile and it's the only aluminum frame I have
4. Victorinox Trekker - I couldn't live without my Trekker! I carry it every day at work, it's not scary to the masses and has any tool I may need
5. Spyderco Southard - closest I will likely get to a custom folder. The design sits like a glove in my hand. It's really perfection in every way.
 
I am also a budget knife kinda guy, so here is my top 5 of inexpensive knives:

- victorinox classic sd: it's on your keychain but it can slice like a regular knife. You can always have a knife on you as long as you have your keys

- victorinox camper: corkscrew (mandatory for a frenchman), woodsaw (useful for light backyard work) plus all the usual vic stuff. This is the one i'd carry if i had to choose only one sak.

- opinel: cheap, solid, sheeple friendly, and customizable even with just a SAK.

- crkt drifter: slim, solid frame lock and easy to sharpen

- byrd cara cara 2: Great steel and sharp as hell for that price range.

Note that i work in an office setting, which is why i don't have heavy duty users.

EDIT: to answer the second question, i keep those because knives are my friends:o . Plus i don't have many knives as i started the hobby recently, and i'm kind of a hoarder.

The knife that surprised me most was the vic classic sd. So solid for a keychain knife! And he cuts like a big boy too.
5QSaZkQ.jpeg


Thanks for the gaw!
 
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1- kershaw 1660st leek- decent steel (2006 model), pretty slim in the pocket, (personal reason) tired saving the life of one of my pets that sadly didnt make it.
2- kershaw skyline 1760- again pretty slim in my pocket, fits well in my hand, and its not heavy compared to some others.
3- cs mini tuff lite- small, pretty light weight, feels good in my hand, and can take a nice edge quickly.
4- crkt minimalist bowie- love the compact size as well as the deep finger choils, not too excited by the steel though.
5- esee 3- handel size fits my hand well, love the steel, as well as the warranty, just wish i had gotten a plain edge instead.

Thanks for the opertunity.
 
What a great thread.

As a new knife enthusiast/ budding collector these threads are great for getting ideas for that next knife to hunt down.
I don't have a long history on my side here, but I have researched quite a bit on all the knives I have bought so far, and feel I have acquired some really nice knives for a Budget minded newbie.

5. Kershaw Leek - This is about a slick of a little knife as you can get, super low profile, quick deployment pocket space efficiency at its maximum.

4. Ontario Rat 1 - It is hard to imagine a better budget "heavy duty folder" for the money. This knife is extremely solid it just oozes quality.

3. Kershaw Burst - I love this little assisted folder, the blade fires out like a rifle and there is no play whatsoever. It feels great in the hand, I love the ergonomics. It is remarkable how Kershaw produces such high quality knives for such low prices. I bought this one three weeks ago, lost it somewhere in my house, and bought another one because I couldn't stand not having it! when the first one turns up I will gift it out.

2. Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 - I love the design of this knife, very solid knife, very light, feels great in the hand, and Super efficient packaging...This is definitely a gateway knife to a more expensive Spyderco for me, I just don't know which one yet.

1. ZT 0550 - Holy cow this Knife is undeniably another level when compared to my other knives. When I bought it I thought I would just be trying it out while I waited for a good deal on a 0562...but now I don't know how I could ever part with this knife...Stunning Quality, So smooth, So solid, So great in the hand...LOVE this knife.

Thanks everyone for suggested knives...I cant wait to add to my small collection.
 
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Sweet deal

1. CRK Sebenza 25 -Nice new Ergos, (unfortunately there are no lefty versions yet)

2. Spyderco PM2 S90V (non laminated) -Awesome steel on an awesome knife

3. Benchmade 940 -Wicked fast, Great reverse tanto blade shape, Light

4. Spyderco Manix 2 -Great lock up, nice forward choil, light

5 -Ontario Rats/Utilitacs -Great values, I can thump on them and not feel bad ;)

THANKS!
 
Here's my top 5 most carried as of late and why: (in no particular order)

1) Caly 3 CF/ZDP-189--Great office knife with slacks etc. Very classy. Edge retention borders on ridiculous. Really shows the mail who's boss.
2) ZT0801--Fun to play with, laser sharp, great heavy duty, multi-purpose knife.
3)Manix 2 CTS-XHP--fits my large hands well, great grip, ambidextrous lock and clip, steel keeps a great working edge, still really sharp after six months of owning it without sharpening or stropping. Probably my favorite knife. Kind of a jack of all trades with the leaf shaped blade.
4)Brous Bionic--nice size and blade shape for office work, flips nicely. Only detractor is the pocket clip. Too much wiggle, never can seem to get the screw tight enough.
5)Gayle Bradley--Nice knife, works well with everything I've used it for.


Sadly, I'm carrying my PM2 less and less. As I have mentioned in other posts, I'm having a major problem with the S30V blade chipping. The edge looks like a hockey players smile. Guess its time to break out the sharpmaker.
 
Here's my top 5. #1 is my favorite, but the other 4 are in no particular order.

1) CRK Lg. plain 21- It is hands down the nicest knife I've handled.
2) PM2- I've never liked Spydercoes, but now that I own this, I get it. I still don't love the cosmetics, but this knife is almost perfect in every other area.
3) Leatherman Rebar- I use this thing everyday, probably more so than which ever folder I am carrying.
4) Vic SAK- I'm pretty sure It's my oldest knife I own. I think my dad probably got it for me at some point.
5) Buck 102- It was a toss up between this and the 110. However, the 102 was the first knife I ever dropped more than $30 on. This knife goes with me every time I go fishing and practicaly lived in the kitchen knife drawer for a while. It's the perfect steak knife.

Well there ya go. I've really been interested in case knives lately and would love to try one out.
Thanks for the chance.
*EDIT* I just read your other question about why I keep what I keep, and the quick answer is because I don't like selling my stuff unless I absolutely have to. Also my knife collection is still somewhat small with only a couple others that aren't listed. I do believe that I'm about at the point where I'm ready to get rid of a couple, but I'll just wait until I've got a new knife in mind.


*EDIT#2* What if I have a heart of gold? Can I get 2 entries?
 
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If I could only keep two folders, they would be my ZT 0566 and my spydie chaparral cf. Between these two, my knife needs could all be met.

However, since you asked for a top five list, I would have to say

ZT 0566- because it's just about the perfect larger folder for me. Love the looks, steel, pimping potential, strength, smoothness, etc etc. just a great all around knife
Chaparral cf- the best gentlemans folder I've ever encountered. If I had to carry something smaller than the 0566, this would be perfect. I love everything about it, but what originally caught my eye was the way the clip side looked when the knife was closed...... Mmmmm perfection
0770cf- great larger, but still classy, knife. I use it for when I'm going somewhere I might want something classier and lighter than the 0566, but also think size might be important. Plus it's just damn sexy....
BM 707- the perfect Edc knife. Small, light, thin, fast, smooth, versatile, etc. It's a little plain, though. That's why I usually carry something else these days.
Pm2- great woods folder. I carry it whenever I'm hiking, camping, etc. Works well as a smaller knife to pair with my fixed blades. This knife is one that I would trust my life with.

And I predict the 0801BLK I have in the mail will replace something on the list......
 
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You guys are really getting the point of all this - why do you keep the blades you keep? Are they just cool? Do they work well? Did they surprise you into liking them with features you didn't expect? Did you like them on day 1? Why?

Thanks for the great input. I think I'll just give away both knives if this keeps up.
 
1) Benchmade 300-1301. It feels built for my hand, has beautiful scales, and is a fun flipper with the smoothness and closing of an axis lock.
2) Kershaw Skyline BW. Blackwash just looks amazing, is a lot of blade in the slimmest and lightest package I own, and has a flipping action that's a joy to play with.
3) Spyderco Persistence. Great leaf blade shape, perfect sized handle with a smaller, sub-3" blade for legalities, and the spyder hole.
4) SOG Vulcan. Great aesthetics, and the same flipping/axis lock fun as the 300. Too big for me, but this one is in here because it was my very first "quality" folder. Opened my eyes.
5) Benchmade 51. I've spent a lot of free time flipping with this knife, and if it were legal, I would carry it a LOT. And would invest in a 32 for carry. Light, slim, and sexy.

Thanks for the gaw!

Edit: To answer your new question of why I keep them, they're all fun to play with and they all feel great in hand. The Persistence is a little less fun, but that one's just a great practical little knife.
 
Overall best knife imo is a fixed blade, the Fällkniven S1. It's not that an ESEE can't outperform it but....I mean look at that thing
810j9poV7FL._SL1500_.jpg


For my top 5 I'm listing folders:

1 ZT0550
The looks, the functionality, the build quality, the everything knife for me.

2 Spyderco Endura ZDP-189
Such a functional design and quality steel.

3 Spyderco Goddard lightweight
Tremendous cutting power with that beautiful 3.7" blade at just 2.9 ounces.

4 Benchmade Adamas
The only folder I'd take to war.

5 ZT0888
The only reason this is at 5 is because I don't own it. I think it's hands down the sexiest folder ever designed. If the law would allow it I would declare it my undying love and marry it.
 
1) Al Mar Eagle. AM is an expensive brand but you pay for excellent F&F. The Ultralight (AUS-8) and HD version (ZDP) both have their own different merits.
2) Spyderco Military. Light, functional ergos, great thin grind. Perfectly executed linerlock.
3) Sebenza. Classic for a reason. F&F, sharp and perfect grinds. Steel and heat treat perhaps not ideal but for the price and other benefits it's acceptable.
4) BM 710. Another classic like the Military. Very different feel but you get to see why the Axis is now the flagship feature for BM. Great, slim like the Eagles too.
5) GEC #72/73. In 1 or 2 blade, slipjoint or lockback, 440C or 1095, it's the best example of classic revival traditional workmanship. Hand it down to your kids.
 
Okay, I'll take a crack:

1. ZT 0560. Fits my hand perfectly. Great EDC as I like a larger blade.
2. BM 810 Contego. Again, ergonomics are great. Strong large EDC blade. Love the M4.
3. PM2. Perfect lite EDC. This is also my perfect camp pocket knife. The Compression lock is my favorite of all the one hand opening/closing knives.
4. BRKT Bravo 1. Great belt knife. Nice size for general tasks. Ergos, grind, materials are excellent. Compliments the PM2 Nicely.
5. Esee Junglas. Wood processing machine! I have beat the snot out of this thing and it has yet to disappoint.

The last three are my camp trio. I could probably get by with them for the rest of my life. Add in the 0560 & 810 for in town EDC and again, I could be just fine with these 5 knives.

Oh, and thanks for the Chance!
 
1: Spyderco Native: it truly feels like an extension of the hand. Great steel and grind too. Also lots of sentimental value.

2: Spyderco Chokwe: A great combination of a simple comfortable handle, sturdy dependable lock, and long thin blade.

3: GEC 65 Ben Hogan Spear: super carryable for its size, nice long blade, great frame, and sentimental value.

4: GEC 15 TC Barlow Sheepfoot: just an all around classic knife, super useful and useable in public, my first GEC

5: ZT 0560: just a beast of a knife, extremely ergonomic and carryable for its size, good steel and blade shape, sturdy reliable lock
 
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