On Last Knife - At least until I retire

KBA

KBA

Joined
Apr 27, 2014
Messages
4,449
Good day knife enthusiast and knife nuts,

I’m looking for a LAST knife recommendation. :eek:

Before you laugh and say good luck.

My wife and I have decided it would be best that she become a stay at home mom and home school due to several reasons, mostly due to my daughter’s rare blood disorder and the school system here. I myself am a teacher so my family of 4 will be living on one teacher’s salary. We are out of debt but it will be rice and beans tight for years to come.

I will not be able to buy any knives once this goes into effect. Now, I am 99% a traditional folder kind of guy. I enjoy the feel and history of those. I have had several high end productions and a few customs. However, I have tried all the ones I want to try from Opinel, Sak, to customs and certain brands. I also enjoy learning about steel and appreciate the modern. Since I will not be able buy anything later on I am looking for that one modern that I will not be able to afford later, basically this is my last opportunity to try it out.

I have a small Damascus Sebenza 21 on the way. I’ve never owned a CRK and I am pretty excited about that. I have had Benchmade, ZT, Spyderco and steels such as elmax, m390, cpm154, s35vn, and others. The only other modern I have is an elmax ZT0566 that has never been used and I am contemplating putting it in my GAW (See signature)

Here is what I am looking for:

Folder of Heirloom Quality $400 and under.
Around 4” closed.
Clip or Drop Point
Edge grind doesn’t really matter though I do like convex
NON Tacticool
Something that would be considered classic or able to wear with a suit. I have my hard work knives.
Something that I could use on a daily basis. (This why I am not considering a fixed blade)

Here is what I am leaning towards:

CRK Mnandi with Cocobolo inlay
Lionsteel TRE Titanium
Lion Steel TS-1 TiSpine w/ Damascus and Titanium
Open to suggestions.

Let me know what you would grab if you were in my shoes or any suggestions. I know I could grab more than one with this budget, but this is my last chance to try something in the modern realm with this budget. Let’s try to keep it to one knife, one that could be paired as an heirloom to the Sebenza. (One to each daughter kind of thought.) I’m in no rush to pull the trigger.

Thanks. And sorry for the book of a post.
 
I'm not a fan of liner or framelocks which tend to dominate that price range, so I would be inclined to look at the Shinola exclusive Benchmade Valet. M390 steel, very handsome wood scales, deep carry clip, Axis lock and quite compact and lightweight.
 
Have a look at Fallkniven GP model. I enjoyed mine. Classy looking, good ergos, great steel IMHO. I'm totally impressed with the lam CoS steel that Fallkniven is using. Takes a wicked edge, holds for long time and is not a beast to sharpen. Their other folder offerings are nice as well.
Good luck with the search and your other endeavors as well
 
The Mnandi would be my choice for a gent's knife. You can carry it in a suit or even in the shirtpocket.
It won't frighten people and can be so usefull, since it's there when you need it.
Kudos to you decision.
red mag
 
Thank you for the thoughts and suggestions. :thumbup:

I haven't looked into the Fallkniven GP yet. I'll have to do that. I have looked at the Benchmade Valet. I like the size and steel but I'm not a big of Dymondwood. It does look like great knife though.
 
Hey bud, sounds like you're making a good choice for your family and situation.

Congrats on the Seb you have on the way! As for the next one, I'd go with the Mnandi. After you get your 21 in hand I think you'll feel the same.

I just got my first Sebenza and I'm already wanting another one and/or a Mnandi, lol!
 
Real, honest question here. Having been in tight spots like that before I completely understand where you're coming from. I found that I was able to justify a new purchase, if I sold one of my existing collection to fund it. That way no new money was being spent on the hobby. It was self sustaining. Is that something that you'd consider? If so, you may want to consider going for a knife right now that will be able to re-sell for the highest relative value down the road and fund a future purchase. Something like a used Sebenza in excellent condition that you can flip without losing money may be an interesting idea.
 
19-3ben said:
Real, honest question here. Having been in tight spots like that before I completely understand where you're coming from. I found that I was able to justify a new purchase, if I sold one of my existing collection to fund it. That way no new money was being spent on the hobby. It was self sustaining. Is that something that you'd consider? If so, you may want to consider going for a knife right now that will be able to re-sell for the highest relative value down the road and fund a future purchase. Something like a used Sebenza in excellent condition that you can flip without losing money may be an interesting idea.
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Oh, it has already been a practice I have used countless times. However I have already sold most of what I have expect the ones that really mean something to me. I have a couple more that I will probably let go of or gift but as far as letting a large number go Im pretty much tapped out.

Im trying my hardest to not impulse buy on this one so I will not sell it later for another. I would love to hold onto what I have and the last one as an heirloom piece. Plus, I need to nip the buying habit in the bud and quit to help fight against the temptation to try for "just one more." :D

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Flint Hills said:
Hey bud, sounds like you're making a good choice for your family and situation.

Congrats on the Seb you have on the way! As for the next one, I'd go with the Mnandi. After you get your 21 in hand I think you'll feel the same.

I just got my first Sebenza and I'm already wanting another one and/or a Mnandi, lol!
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Good to hear from you my friend. Thanks on the kind words. Hope all is well with you and yours as well. I'm not in any hurry so I will probably wait to do what you just suggested in waiting to see/feel the Seb.

All the best
 
Congratulations on making such a life changing decision. My wife and I made a similar choice two years ago and our only regret is not doing it sooner. I would also go with a CRK, maybe a graphic that means something to you.
 
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I'm afraid I don't have much to recommend as my modern tastes don't fit your criteria. That said I do like the three you listed. Good luck!
 
craytab said:
I'm afraid I don't have much to recommend as my modern tastes don't fit your criteria. That said I do like the three you listed. Good luck!
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No worries. Thanks for the luck and the donation as well. I really appreciate that. :thumbup:

fishiker said:
Congratulations on making such a life changing decision. My wife and I made a similar choice two years ago and our only regret is not doing it sooner. I would also go with a CRK, maybe a graphic that means something to you.
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That is encouraging to read. I appreciate the post. :thumbup:

I'm really leaning to the Mnandi. The lines on it are just incredible. I haven't looked at modern knives in a couple of years so I wasn't sure if there was anything out there that I might be overlooking.
 
perhaps a dozier folder,$400 is tough,but i do see them around $425-450,different models,different steels. i may think of something else. best of luck to you and yours ,i'm a stay at home dad because i'm on disability for chronic nerve pain(degenerative spine probs) and bad knee problems and my wife is currently a nursing student,so things are always tight here. better times are always there you just have to recognize them.
 
It's been said before already, but yeah, a CRK (specifically the Sebenza 21 plain, since it's easy to take care of and carry without any concern about scratching or damaging it), or something with a similar design methodology, like perhaps a Hinderer 3" XM-18 if you could find one on the exchange.

You would really want something that can be taken down, cleaned, sharpened, and used, without having to worry about it too much. I love my Sebenza 25, not because it's a knife that can hold an edge forever (which it will not), but because I can take it apart, clean it, re-lube it, and then sharpen it up quickly, and it will work like it did the first day I got it, every single time.
 
I don't see any reason to worry about heirloom knives at your age, but that's fine.
Right now, you're at the age where YOUR father might be passing down something for you.
Whatever works for you is great.
At your income level...sell the 566 and use the money for a better, new knife for yourself. Thanks, anyway; it's very nice of you.
For dress carry, I'm very comfortable with a Caly 3 or 3.5 or VG-10 or ZDP. Perhaps a BM 710, although I'm not a fan of their 154cm blades.
I happen to love the Sage 2 and it's probably my favorite of all times...although I've had a lot more PM2's that Sage models. Of course, I love CRK's and have had quite a few.
Why not just get a nice knife and carry it for two yrs or so, and then sell it here on the Exchange and buy something else. You're too young for those heavy-duty restrictions you place on yourself.
My opinion.
 
Of your top choices, I would go with the the Mnandi.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about a knife that may one day become an heirloom. Just get whatever you will like, carry and use for your own benefit most of all. There is never any guarantee that your children would even want a knife as an heirloom in the future, even a nice one.

Jim
 
What about a stockman, canoe, Barlow, peanut, or a 2 or 4 blade SAK (Recruit or office knife) or some other traditional pattern that you like?
No clips, 2 hand opening so your co-workers will not panic if you use it to slice an apple at lunch.

I don't know if you are familiar with the 'BABY CAN READ' and 'BABY CAN ADD' series of DVD's. They work. My nephew/God Son, is 8, has been home schooled his entire life, and is in the 12th grade. His favorite subjects are Geometry, Advanced Algebra, and Physics.
At age 3, he could spell words like "cat" "horse" "college" "cardiovascular" and tell you the definition.
Both his parents are former teachers.

Home schooling is a lot of hard work, but it is worth it. There are programs at the YMCA and others for sports.

Good luck in your endeavor.
 
Mnandi is definitely in the heirloom realm. Makes a perfect EDC, as well, and won't raise a lot of eyebrows like most ZTs and other large folders will.

I'll also put a plug in for the Ti-Spine. Tactical Elegance. I have a limited edition in gray-out configuration, and it's a perfect little folder, as well. Fancied up, and you're talking pure beauty. Can't go wrong with this one.

Rooting for you and your endeavors. I have a good friend who did the exact same thing. She was elementary and he still is a high school teacher. He says it was one of the best decisions he's made. She later got a job at our church part-time, and they are no longer on the rice, beans and potatoes diet. :D
 
Daniel Dorn said:
Mnandi is definitely in the heirloom realm. Makes a perfect EDC, as well, and won't raise a lot of eyebrows like most ZTs and other large folders will.

I'll also put a plug in for the Ti-Spine. Tactical Elegance. I have a limited edition in gray-out configuration, and it's a perfect little folder, as well. Fancied up, and you're talking pure beauty. Can't go wrong with this one.

Rooting for you and your endeavors. I have a good friend who did the exact same thing. She was elementary and he still is a high school teacher. He says it was one of the best decisions he's made. She later got a job at our church part-time, and they are no longer on the rice, beans and potatoes diet. :D
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Thanks for the encouragement Daniel. My wife will probably have to start babysitting or get a part job when the kids are older but it's good to read others have made it work.

Thank you on the suggestions and confirmation that the ones I am leaning towards are worthy of heirloom status.

Sonnydaze said:
I don't see any reason to worry about heirloom knives at your age, but that's fine.
Right now, you're at the age where YOUR father might be passing down something for you.
Whatever works for you is great.
At your income level...sell the 566 and use the money for a better, new knife for yourself. Thanks, anyway; it's very nice of you.
For dress carry, I'm very comfortable with a Caly 3 or 3.5 or VG-10 or ZDP. Perhaps a BM 710, although I'm not a fan of their 154cm blades.
I happen to love the Sage 2 and it's probably my favorite of all times...although I've had a lot more PM2's that Sage models. Of course, I love CRK's and have had quite a few.
Why not just get a nice knife and carry it for two yrs or so, and then sell it here on the Exchange and buy something else. You're too young for those heavy-duty restrictions you place on yourself.
My opinion.
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Man I wish my dad had a knife to hand down. First generation knife user here. :) I suppose I am a bit of sentimentalist but most of what I have ties into family somehow or another. Production dates, serial numbers, etc all align to family. As for the selling part, Im honestly tired of trying new ones and moving on. I want to grow old with my users, build up character, and then hand them down. If my kids see them growing up and associate it with me, great. If they just want to sell them off, that's fine. Plus an heirloom can be at anytime none of us are promised tomorrow but that's off topic. :D

neal70 said:
perhaps a dozier folder,$400 is tough,but i do see them around $425-450,different models,different steels. i may think of something else. best of luck to you and yours ,i'm a stay at home dad because i'm on disability for chronic nerve pain(degenerative spine probs) and bad knee problems and my wife is currently a nursing student,so things are always tight here. better times are always there you just have to recognize them.
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Perspective is powerful isn't it. I haven't had the time to look up the dozier, but will. Thank you for the suggestion. I understand bad knees as well. :o

RevolverGuy said:
After reading the recent thread below, I'd be inclined to get one of these custom 5160 steel Buck 110 folders. Affordable enough that you could get another knife and make it your last TWO knives instead of just one.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1333898-New-5160-steel-110-and

Never say it'll be your last. You might run across a real gem priced cheap at a pawn shop someday.
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That one was on my list for a while but after having a few buck 110s I just have always found them to big for my taste. Love the knife though.
 
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