Recommendation? Opinions on first knife

[comis]

Sorry for the delay. I had several more listed in the original post, not sure why a Mod removed the Spydercos. Those were Manix2, Para3, Native 5, Chaparral.

I have no real purpose for them (at the moment). Budget under $150. For reference my hand size is 5 1/2" x 7 1/2"

Does the hand size measured from base of thumb to the edge of palm? It sounds like a XL size in Mechanix glove.

If no purpose for the knife (for the moment), maybe some preference of material/style/look? With so many knife enthusiasts on BF, the suggestions will literally be endless.

 

[Cliffr39]

Does the hand size measured from base of thumb to the edge of palm? It sounds like a XL size in Mechanix glove.

If no purpose for the knife (for the moment), maybe some preference of material/style/look? With so many knife enthusiasts on BF, the suggestions will literally be endless.

Sorry type (3 1/2") that being width of palm, so L size in that glove. I would mainly be cutting rope, cardboard boxes, if I get bored cut some fruit/veggies. Maybe handle wiring jobs as well (to strip them not cut in half). This would really just be a fun toy than a needed tool, as I'm sure everyone here can understand

 

[Peter Hartwig]

buy a Sebenza 31,..leave this place,..never look back... with money still in your 401k

This-expanding to CRK of your choose. Buy it. put it in your pocket and don't come back to the forums unless you need some help. You will save a lot of money trying this and that as you move up and have a real nice knife for life.
It may not make much sense now and seem like a lot more money then you planned to spend, but likely will save you a small fortune in the end
IMO

 

[Dr Heelhook]

You'll like the Cold Steel Code 4 I think.

 

[comis]

Sorry type (3 1/2") that being width of palm, so L size in that glove. I would mainly be cutting rope, cardboard boxes, if I get bored cut some fruit/veggies. Maybe handle wiring jobs as well (to strip them not cut in half). This would really just be a fun toy than a needed tool, as I'm sure everyone here can understand

Instead of recommending a particular model, I would recommend a knife with good handle size(3.5"+) with a decent steel(like S35VN) to start with. I think most knives on your list are pretty good, and I am sure there will be supporters for each one of them. Personally, I own the Para3 and Manix2, and I would recommend the Para3 lightweight for ease of use and classic features.

On a side note, I am a big fan of SAK, and I would wholeheartedly recommend a basic 91mm model(Spartan or Tinker) for all your non-cutting tasks.

 

[jdmvette]

Just starting to learn about the different types of knives, from steel type to blade form factor. Looking for some opinions from you seasoned owners. I've got my eye on a few.

From Spyderco:

Since your Spyderco choice was left blank might I submit the Civilian as your first blade from them.

 

[Earl1]

I've never owned a cold steel or zt,I know they make great knives.
The manix 2 and native 5 I can both speak too. I've always carried buck and case knives. Still carry a traditional as well as modern. But I beleive that spyderco makes some of the best knives on the market. I own a manix 2 lightweight and had a native 5 lightweight. What you get with those 2 knives is incredible. Either would fit your hand well but the manix 2 might be a touch better . They feel the best in hand of all the knives I've ever handled or owned.
They look odd to alot of people. But once you hold a spyderco in hand and actually use it,if you are like me spyderco has become the brand I compare all others against.
I still love buck case Kershaw and other knives,planning to another buck vantage,which is a great knife, but it's gonna be hard for anything to replace the manix 2 for me. But as others have said,need to go look hold them in your hand and see what feels best for you. For me the manix 2 fits my hand great,I have medium to large size hands. Good luck and remember the more you are on here the more money you will spend lol

 

[22-rimfire]

You can't go wrong with a Spydie Native 5. The Native was my first Spyderco and the first thing I noticed about it was the precision involved in manufacturing it. My second was the Endura (have 2) and I decided it was too large for me, and third was the Delica which I consider perfect sized, but the Native 5 is a bit better knife in my opinoion. The Native 5 is not an auto or assisted, but can be opened and closed one handed if you like. I generally use two hands, but that's me. With one handers, for me just knowing that they can be easily opened one handed is enough for me. But I am a confirmed SAK person and any time I carry a larger knife if is usually because I think I will need it for some task rather than just carrying it. (I consider the Native 5 a medium sized knife.) This is just where my knife carrying has evolved to after years and years of carry and use.

My first assisted openers and flippers were a lot of fun and then I gradually moved to more manual knives. Nothing against them.

I have average sized hands and the knives I've mentioned all fit me quite nicely. I don't like pocket swords or auto knives.

The Delica became my reference knife size when I'm looking and considering a knife as the size is just about perfect for me. That is how I decided on the ZT 0770 CF as it is about Delica sized and quite easy to carry.

 

[Cowboyfromhell666]

You will eventually end up buying most if not all of the choices you stated, and then some. You can't go wrong with spyderco, they were the brand that turned me into a knife nut. I would get a native 5 first and go from there...good luck and enjoy the ride!

 

[TheTourist]

C'mon, guys, we all know what a "knife collector" is going to do. He'll buy his first knife, admire what his buddy is carrying, and then buy that knife. But that's a folder, and he might go camping, so he'll come back here for advice on a fixed blade...etc.

Soon his drawers will look just like ours! That's what we should tell him.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think what the TheTourist said is about right in terms of knife volume if you begin to become a knife knut. The first knife may be important, but the evolution of your preferences continues with more knife purchases. Some you buy just for fun like the switchblades above (have a couple), but they are generally not a knife I use.

 

[Cliffr39]

Thanks to the many that replied here. For those that may be curious I broke down and ordered a Hogue Doug Ritter RSK MK1-G2. Wasn't even something I was looking at until a few mentioned griptilian or Doug Ritter.