Picking my next knife

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danielbz

Joined
Oct 8, 2016
Messages
20
Hello,

I was hoping that I would be able to find some answers here! It's time for me to make a big purchase (maximum $200), and I was wondering if it would be okay to ask for advice here? I'm looking for a general purpose knife mostly for opening boxes and other day to day usages. The blade size should be about the size of the palm of my hand, but with the scales it could be a bit larger. In terms of scales, I think carbon fiber would be amazing. I'd actually be willing to pay someone for custom scales, so if I can be directed to the correct sub forum I'd appreciate that.

The trickiest aspect is that I'd like to have damascus steel! Hence the carbon fiber scales would look great with the blade.

I've taken a look at Spyderco, Benchmade, and Kershaw. I actually dislike the look of Spyderco knives (I apologize to those I have offended), and I think Benchmade knives are just beautiful. The gold class damascus steel knifes are $100 above my price range, but they're some of the most beautiful blades I've ever seen. As for Kershaw, I think they have some decent options. I'm considering the Kershaw 1840DAM Shallot Folding Knife Assisted 3-1/2" Damascus Plain Blade knife ($104), but with custom scales.

Any help, tips, pointers, or flame for posting in the wrong place would be very welcome! I'm happy to trade my expertise in Straight Razors, and can offer you a ton of advice on what to buy in that area! Especially for beginners that are curious to try it :)
 
I don't think you'll be able to find a combination of damascus and carbon fiber for under $200. I at any rate cannot think of anything that would fit that budget. However, damascus is exceedingly overrated. It's often extremely rust prone, has a gross rough texture, and has zero functional benefits.

Here are some recommendations for carbon fiber-handled, non-damascus knives:

http://www.bladehq.com/item--EnZo-Birk-75-Linerlock-Folding--30181

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Chapparal-Carbon-Fiber--9125

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Viper-Knives-Dan-2-Wharncliffe--30363
 
Which one has the best ergonomics for you? That is the one to save money and strive for.

Have you consider buying used?
 
I'm not sure if they offer carbon fiber but you might want to look into Mcusta for damascus. Great blades, wicked sharp, and their prices start in the low $100's. The one I have is the Tsuchi MC-114BD and the blade is hammered 33 layered nickel damascus with a VG-10 core.

UqVZtoY.jpg
 
I've got a Mcusta Tactility with cocobolo scales, I believe the damascus is the the same 33-layer stuff as posted above


It's a solid blade, something like 3.5" blade/4 oz. Insane edge out of the box, still have the factory edge on it. Love how it feels in the hand. F&F are good/great, except for one thing - the back side of the knife has some serious grind marks from what looks like a belt and I have no idea how to get them out without ruining the damascus pattern. I've been meaning to post a plea for help with that on here for a while now but haven't gotten around to it because I rarely carry it; I prefer something thinner in the pocket. The Tactility used to get an occasional look-in against a 943 and a Boker Plus Urban Trapper aka folding scalpel, but now it's competing with a small Sebenza... odds don't look good for the Mcusta.

Edit: Blade HQ is offering the damascus Tactility with black micarta scales for what I'd consider to be a more-than-reasonable $133. It's not CF but I think it's a sick look nonetheless.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Mcusta-Tactility-Manual--4522
 
Have to agree with Brancron on the damascus. Far from ideal as an actual blade steel. Only as a backing with a more keen steel as a core.

Carbon Fiber Benchmade champion for your needs is the
940-1 @ $270
Carbon Fiber w/ S90V blade
You'll be so happy.
Lifetime investment w/ a lifetime warranty.
 
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Kershaw skyline Damascus and then buy the CF scales from I think bladehq. Total price around $110.

Or you could grab the Damascus version and the CF version with S30V and have the pretty knife as well as a plain looking high quality option for a total of $160 for 2 knives. I'd bet you could sell the S30V blade in the G10 scales for more than the $50 price difference and have a great alternative if you kept it, while still being under budget.
 
A couple of options that you might love will also break the budget.

LionSteel has a version of the TRE with CF handles but that sells for just a bit over $300.

I know you mentioned not liking Spyderco but the Native 5 is about the sleekest Spydie you can find. There's a limited edition 40th anniversary Native with fluted CF and Thor Damasteel. Great knife but around $350.

Finally, there's a soon to be released Southern Grind Spider Monkey with CF and Damascus, but I imagine it'll sell for something over $350 too.

As others have said, Damascus can pose problems but some high grade Damascus' are true stainless steels. Some of the ladder, spirograph and raindrop patters are gorgeous.
 
Wow, this is a fantastic forum.

Thank you Brancron and Deer for the suggestions. After reading the other replies, I think you might be correct about the damascus steel. It's a pretty blade, but maybe I should shy away from Damascus until I have a much bigger budget. I think Hackenslash is right, and I should wait until I can afford to get a nice $300-$375 damascus knife.

I didn't consider Saber's suggestion of buying used because I don't know how to do that, but I'd definitely consider it.

ShadyMethods and Golden Goal those are both beautiful knives. A Mcusta is now in my top choices. I'm going to consider a few more knives before pulling the trigger, but there is definitely a chance I'll get one.

Benzy2, that's a fantastic idea. Unfortunately I don't like the look of that Kershaw blade compared to the shallot. Would it be possible to put skyline scales on the shallot? Or do I run the risk of them not fitting properly?
 
Ignoring my desire for Damascus steel- Does anyone have a beautiful general purpose knife that they absolutely recommend for my budget of $200 or less? Something I'm heavily considering is a mini griptilian from the Benchmade website. It's a nice looking knife (not huge on the scales options), but I hear its very sharp and holds a fantastic edge. Just a great overall knife, and it looks nice.
 
Take a look in the Exchange, a Benchmade 940-1 with carbon fiber scales and s90v just sold for $180.

I would keep on the same track you are now, doing your research, make a list is 3 or 5 and watch the exchange for one of the knives you have settled on with your $ limit in mind on them.
Say you are OK with $180 for a 940-1 and one pops up for $190, either let it pass by, or shoot the seller a message.
---------
As far as what I personally would look for?
Benchmade 710-1401 or a griptilian in m390, then down the road buy custom scales. Or watch the exchange for a deal on a BM 908bk-1501.
Zero Tolerance has some offerings in Carbon Fiber and have some pretty good steels being used, cts-204p, m390, and s35vn.

Bear in mind, most of the steels will need some higher hardness material to sharpen it with. M390, cts-204p, s30v and s35vn will need diamond, silicon carbide, or ceramic to cut it effectively.

Do you have a sharpening system or can you free hand sharpen?
If you dont, every knife will eventually need sharpening. Well, every knife that is used to cut a material aside from air will...
 
NJBillK said:
Take a look in the Exchange, a Benchmade 940-1 with carbon fiber scales and s90v just sold for $180.

I would keep on the same track you are now, doing your research, make a list is 3 or 5 and watch the exchange for one of the knives you have settled on with your $ limit in mind on them.
Say you are OK with $180 for a 940-1 and one pops up for $190, either let it pass by, or shoot the seller a message.
---------
As far as what I personally would look for?
Benchmade 710-1401 or a griptilian in m390, then down the road buy custom scales. Or watch the exchange for a deal on a BM 908bk-1501.
Click to expand...
I think you might be my twin.


The 940-1 or 908bk-1501 are very very awesome offerings from benchmade currently. I have a 908bk-1501 and couldn't be more satisfied. My go to high abuse blade.

I have 4 other 940 variants and 940-1 is a priority on my list to purchase before theyre discontinued. Along with a 940-1501 ($200). My favorite EDC. Smooth, fast, slick deployment. Disappears in your pocket or waistband and will forget you're carrying it.

Also the Doug Ritter grip/mini grip in m390 is an amazing deal for a very high end blade steel. The 710-1401 is another awesome choice.

So are the Full/Mini grips 551-1 and 556-1 in 20cv.



908bk-1501 for heavy use/high abuse
940-1 for edc


*edit*
Sum up list of options you should check out:
-940-1
-908bk-1501
-940-2
-940-1501
-943
-940
-Doug Ritter Full/Mini grip in m390
-710-1401
-Full/mini grip 551-1 and 556-1

Heres my 908bk-1501 I just got in last week and my current edc a 940-2


 
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How about a ZT0770 in carbon fiber. Not Damascus but a fine choice. Flat in the pocket. Very useable blade profile. Light weight.
 
NJBillK and Deer, I think watching the marketplace is a good idea. However, there isn't a way for me to post a want-to-buy ad is there? Thank you for the suggestions on what to look out for. There are a ton of different steels, so it's going to be a little tough for me to know exactly what I'm getting because I lack the experience/knowledge and don't know if there is a place to look for comparisons.

That benchmade with carbon fiber scales is absolutely beautiful. I think that would be an amazing knife for a daily carry.

kgajewsky, thank you for the ZT0770 suggestion. It's now in my top choices as well!

I think overall carbon fiber scales aren't too important, and honestly the only ones I've liked have been on Benchmade knives or the ZT0770.
 
Thank you for the link. I'll probably use it every day. However, it's light usage. Opening letters or boxes mostly.
 
940-1 in s90v would be perfect. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one around $180-200. And would even recommend holding out for one. It'll be well worth it.


20cv, s90v, and m390 are all premium steels at the high end of edge retention.

s30v would also be a great choice but is a step below in terms of edge retention. But you would still be very happy with. Im actually EDCing s30v currently and absolutely love it. Mostly sees boxes and plastic.
Im trying a new steel each month and this month just happens to be s30v. Huge step up from 154cm in edge retention.
 
Excellent suggestions William my friend!!
The 908-1501 & the 710-1401 are 2 absolutely AMAZING knives!! I have both, carry them often.....have the 908 in pocket today.....and will never sell either!!
Joe
40c6a40f364f3d051ff6634dbe5fc511.jpg

And my 710-1401.
956e08c41778d3b84b31d604876cb319.jpg

24e24eb65ddad06fa5f6fb6a1b388125.jpg
 
Kershaw would be your best bet for Damascus Blades on a budget. Check out the Skyline, they made two different modles with Damascus/G10 and S30V/Carbon Fiber. For $200 or perhaps a little higher you could get both knives, then swap the scales and sell the S30V model and recoup some funds. Or just keep both!
 
Thank you for the suggestion BladeCommander! That's definitely something I've been considering.

I'm really leaning towards an Axis Stryker II. It seems like it does a great job of an EDC (I'm starting to fit in here now right?).
 
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