Please critique my budding folding knife collection

B

blade_guy

Joined
Jan 7, 2006
Messages
95
This is not much of a collection, as I really only have 1 nice knife - the Benchmade 720S axis lock.

My EDC is the Gerber EZ-Out, has been for the last 3 years, love it as it has never failed me.

The S&W are purely for back-up purposes, should I be unable to find my Benchmade knife or the EZ-Out. These are disposable pieces for trips where I may fear losing my knife while camping ,etc.

The Humvee crap is for leaving in the car, and for opening packages/mail/cardboard boxes if I forget my EDC.

I am planning to add to this collection quickly - Spydercos, maybe a Chris Reeves, more Benchmades.

Please critique, and suggest the knives you think I should have in my collection.

Click on thumbnail for full image. Thanks!

 
CRKT M16-SF with the double flippers would be fun, I got one.
You got it pretty well covered already.
(Fixed-blades would be my next kick.)
 
No specific knives to add just my 2cents- only buy what YOU like- no matter how much others rant about knife X- see if it works for you before buying. Knives that feel odd rarely work their way into use. Do not be daunted by what others think about what you have as long as you are happy with it. My first EDC was a EZ Out as well and after a couple hundred other knives I bought it again (original was lost). When getting a new knife I make myself find an aspect of the knife that I do not have in other knives (ex. my first colored g-10 knife).
But that is just me
 
The two larger production companies are Spyderco and Benchmade You have a BM so I'd say grab any Spyderco that catches your eye.
 
It's a good start.

Next:

(Keep in mind these are puely subjective based on my POV)


-Spyderco Native in S30V. 40 bucks if a Wal-Mart near you has them. (Only certain Wal-Marts have them.) This is a great intro to Spyderco on the cheap, not to mention it's a screaming bargain. A lot of knife for the money.

-Try and find a Benchmade AFCK variant. This is a must-have IMHO for any folder "collector". It's just one of those notable pieces. They can be hard to come by, but they're out there. 806D2 is the daddy, and priced like it, bbut see if you can score a an older mini AFCK. (812 round hole or 814 oval hole.)

-Spyderco Delica, Endura, Calypso. You "need" at least one.

-Check out some of Kershaw's latest offerings. They represent some of that company's best work to date. Don't hesitate to buy if one catches your eye and is priced right.

-Benchmade 710. Like the AFCK above, a real classic, first with the AXIS lock. Or 705/707 if 710 is too big.

-Maybe a couple of SAKs? Usually inexpensive and pack a nice gadget factor.

-If you can get a deal on a Microtech, that would also be worth looking into. Any of the SOCOM variants are very, very nice as is most of their stuff.

-Buck Mayo (the original...172 I think?) is an outstanding choice.

-Ultimately, you'll also want a Sebenza as well. But that can probably wait awhile. :D

Really, there is SO much nice stuff out there, that it's hard to go wrong with nearly anything other than no-name flea-market style cheapies. Stick with the known names and above all, buy what appeals to you personally.
 
I agree with CUTS that you should buy what you like. But I think you are in the same situation as I am (or was).

Of course I buy what I like, but I also wanted to build a good collection. That meant getting certain knives because they are "must-haves" for a collection. Now, I won't get a "must-have" if I don't like the knife, but being a classic or modern classic is a bonus. So I think I understand what you are asking. I am into variety, so while my main interest is big, beefy modern folders, I still have some fixed blades, butterfly knives, switchblades, slipjoints, SAKs, gentlemen folders, etc... I try to cover it all. And I try to get a lot of flagship models. But don't buy a knife if you don't like it. For example, the BM 710 is a modern classic, but it doesn't interest me. The Skirmish, Griptilian, and RUKUS do interest me.

First, here are some different types of knives you can look into if you want to expand your collection beyond typical liner lock and lockback folders:

Fixed blades (The Buck 119 is an inexpensive classic so is KA-BAR's fighting knives)
Switchblades (The Protech Godfather is a modern classic. A Boker AK74 is a less expensive option, or find an Italian Stiletto)
Butterfly knives (The BM42 is the standard, but expensive. Jaguar makes some BM rip-offs for cheap)
SAKs (Cheap and high-quality. The Soldier and Tinker are two classics)
Opinel and Frost or Eriksson Moras are cheap, good, and traditional classics.
Lastly, a traditonal slipjoint or two. Buck makes some good ones for cheap. So does Boker.

As for more "normal" stuff (i.e. modern folders)...

The Buck 110 is a classic. You need one for a collection.
Endura, Delica, Native, Salt, or Calypso. Classic FRN Spydies.
Kershaw Leek
CRKT M16
Kershaw Random Task
Kershaw Spec Bump
BM 710
BM AFCK
BM Skirmish
Al Mar SERE2000
Spyderco Military
Spyderco Manix
BM Griptilian
Chris Reeve Sebenza
Strider SMF or SNG
 
That is a nice looking collection. I would recommend the Spyderco Manix. It is a tank when you need serious cutting done.
 
Rethink using crap knives when camping just so you dont lose any good knives.Imho camping is an excellent time to use and enjoy quality knives,and you naturally will tend to not mis place them because youll be proud of them.The junk is a safety hazard,not enjoyable to use.Make your back ups quality also,just find good prices.
Stay focused.I found a remington fixed blade at meijer a month or so ago half off.I thought this would be great to throw in my backpack just to keep my good knives nice.Well I got in the car, open it up an this thing was indescrible.It was made in china.I new I had just spent twenty dollars that could have gone towards a real one.I got my money back and vowed not to waste any more of my Knife money.I remember that every time Im tempted.
 
Buy what you like, and like what you buy.

For some people the pleasure of owning knives is simply owning them, and for other people it is having excellent cutting tools to use every day/everywhere.

Learn everything you can about knives from this forum, and apply that knowledge to build a collection that you love. We’ll all enjoy hearing about your knife experiences and decisions for knife purchases.

For me, a CRK Sebenza or a Busse SFNO are the things to have and use, but that doesn’t mean you will want to own either.
 
Like everyone says, don't buy knives you don't like.

That being said, I'd also encourage you as a new knife buyer to branch out and experience the wide range of bladed tools available. I know the knives in your photo are all different, but honestly, at the same time it appears as if you have nine of the same knives. Black plastic is over-represented in your photo.

Do any other sorts of knives appeal to you? Hunting knives with natural materials. Traditional pocket knives. Swiss Army Knives and multi-tools. Military bayonets. Vintage knives. Knives from other parts of the world. Etc., etc.

Not picking on you, just wanted to make sure you haven't narrowed your collection focus too soon.

Very Best Wishes,
Bob
 
P.S. If you have decided to fucus on collecting "tactical" black plastic knives, here are a few that you might try. Based on the knives you've purchased so far, these are in your price range and within your area of interest:

- Featherlite One-Hand Knife from AG Russell
- Endura or Delica from Spyderco
- Lev-R-Lock from Camillus (if you can find a good one)

-Bob
 
Hmmmmm..... I don't see a Benchmade 910 Stryker with satin finish and plain edge. Nope, I don't see one. There should be one. They're gonna quit makin em ya know.

:)
 
The Gerber EZ Out in ATS34 was my first real pocket knife. The Spyderco-like hole and pocket clip and light, plastic handle really made for a nice knife. I loved it.

But I eventually wore it out. Recently, I purchased the Endura Gen 4 and compared it to my old EZ Out. I was amazed. The Syderco has lots of screws holding it together, rather than one pin. The lockup is better. There is a metal liner. So when your EZ Out wears out, check out the Endura.
 
I see lots and lots of blade real estate there, but not a whole lot of sharpening gear. A knife is only as good as it's edge.

Maybe look into some sharpening gear, and learn how to really use it well. I've discovered the fun of taking a decent edge (hair popping) and making it scary (hair splitting). And when your knives are really sharp, cutting is a pleasure.

Also, having good stones and a lot of practice will make even cheap cooking knives cut MUCH better.
 
I agree. It is more important to have a few decent knives in great shape than a couple really good ones that are dull, rusty, and have grainy action.

Getting knife care products can be as fun as getting knives. Not only do they give you peace of mind by letting you know that you can take care of your knives if they ever dull, rust, get dirty etc... and prevent those things from happening in the first place, but they give you new ways to enjoy your knives at home. Sharpening and caring for knives is much of the fun. Otherwise, they usuallu just sit there.
 
Thanks for all the informative replies!!

I've learned so much in just the few days I've been browsing here.

Not sure why the image posted above is not showing up, so here's a link to it if anyone cares to view it later.

Here's what I've done since yesterday:

(1) I went to Wally World and picked up 2 new quality knives - Spyderco Native S30V (straight edge) for $40 and Kershaw Storm II (with the serrated edge) for $30.

SP-C78PBK-small.jpg


KE-1475ST-small.jpg


I'm amazed at the quality of these knives - for around $30-$40 they are outstanding pieces.

I was never a fan of the Spyderco design (looks), but boy do they function beautifully!! The Native is sharp as a razor, light, and just a fantastic tool.

The Storm II is quite interesting as well. I love the recurved blade, which adds so much more useful cutting surface than most other pocket knives I've owned. The serration looks strange, but it cuts even better than my EZ-Out!

I was opening a package of diapers (kids :p ) and tried the Smith & Wesson knives - not only were they hard to cut, but the serrations were just useless!! I tried with the Kershaw Storm II serrations and it cuts like a hot knife through butter. The quality of the Storm and the Native are 10 times better than the Smith & Wessons at just double the price.

I also compared the knives to my EZ-Out and Benchmade 720S. My Benchmade 720S doesn't "feel" very sharp, but it cut up the diaper bag as if it was nothing at all. My EZ-Out has been hand sharpened by me, and it cut okay, but not as smooth as the Native or the Storm II.

So I'm in love with the Native and the Storm II. :D

(2) I've tossed out all of my Smith & Wesson cheapies. I've given them away as gifts. I refuse to buy any more cheap crap like that again. Now that I know what quality is, I can buy with an eye for good steel / designs. :thumbup:
 
I wanted to address a couple of other things, but didn't want to make my previous post too long. So here is the continuation:

Bob W said:
Like everyone says, don't buy knives you don't like.

That being said, I'd also encourage you as a new knife buyer to branch out and experience the wide range of bladed tools available. I know the knives in your photo are all different, but honestly, at the same time it appears as if you have nine of the same knives. Black plastic is over-represented in your photo.

Do any other sorts of knives appeal to you? Hunting knives with natural materials. Traditional pocket knives. Swiss Army Knives and multi-tools. Military bayonets. Vintage knives. Knives from other parts of the world. Etc., etc.

Not picking on you, just wanted to make sure you haven't narrowed your collection focus too soon.

Very Best Wishes,
Bob
Click to expand...
Bob - I very much appreciate the input. I do like other knives, but I focus on folders, because of today's "sheeple" environment, I won't get as much use out of other knives as much as my folder.

I do have a small Swiss Army knife, and several Leatherman tools. They are just that though - tools. I get more satisfaction out of using a folder, because of the artistry, and the blades tend to be more well built, sharper, and just better.

I have bought fixed knives before, but again, due to the "sheeple" mentality, I find that those knives mainly stay in my safe (to prevent my young ones from hurting themselves), and not to alarm "sheeple".

I do want to branch out, but my focus, at least for now, will be pocket folders - they are the tools I use day in and day out.

the_mac said:
I see lots and lots of blade real estate there, but not a whole lot of sharpening gear. A knife is only as good as it's edge.

Maybe look into some sharpening gear, and learn how to really use it well. I've discovered the fun of taking a decent edge (hair popping) and making it scary (hair splitting). And when your knives are really sharp, cutting is a pleasure.

Also, having good stones and a lot of practice will make even cheap cooking knives cut MUCH better.
Click to expand...
I absolutely agree with you and Hair.

However, I'm kind of clueless in this department. I will spend more time looking / researching the knife care forum, but so far I've spent 2 days (:eek: ) just browsing the general forum doing research on the various knives that have been recommended. I'd very much appreciate sharpener recommendations.

My current sharpener is a tri-surface stone sharpener that came with the EZ-Out. I think that's why I bought the EZ-Out, to have a cheap sharpener. :o
I was just lucky that the EZ-Out turned out to be such a handy knife.

Thanks to all for your suggestions - I've been researching them and will be using your experience to guide me very closely.

Here are some other knives/brands I am thinking of buying, as have been recommended here - CRKT, BM AFCK (Firebat my wife can blame you for my splurging :D ), Spyderco Delica, Endura, Calypso, BM Griptilian, Chris Reeve Sebenza (I drool over this exquisite knife), Camilius EDC (I like its looks and it's inexpensive), Benchmade 910 Stryker (need at least one decent tanto blade in my collection).

Please continue to add recommendations here. I've already acted on the first bits of your recommendations!! :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
I also have a couple of other questions:

-A friend recommended the Kershaw Tactical Blur. Do you guys like this knife? I am interested in the rescue model, with the window breaker at the tail.

-A Gerber Fast Draw Serrated for $47.86 caught my eye at Walmart last night also. But I chose the Storm II over it. Anyone like the Gerber Fast Draw?

-I also read that some people who shop for knives ask to look at all of the stock on hand, and hand-pick out the best one.

In your experience, if you have done so, have you noticed a lot of variation in quality for the makers noted here - Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, CRKT, etc??

It never occurred to me to ask to look at the entire inventory of the model I'm buying, as it seems to me the knives that have been shown to me seem to be well built. Maybe I should start asking to see the entire stock on hand and go through them all?
 
blade_guy said:
... I'd very much appreciate sharpener recommendations....
Click to expand...

If you want to read up a bit on the different sharpening techniques, first, you'd then be able to choose a sharpener that's best suited to you. That's because there's different sharpening systems; from freehand to jig-types that hold the angle for you; and different materials from stones to ceramics, etc. Different people have different preferences.

The other thing that helped me, in both understanding sharpening and knives themselves, was learning about the different types of steels.

In both cases, this forum has really helped me a lot.

Here's some places that have helped me (most of these, I learned about here on BladeForums):

Sharpening:
http://www.randallknives.com/knifesharpening.htm (one page)
http://forums.egullet.com/index.php?act=ST&f=108&t=26036& (one long page, good illustrations)
http://users.ameritech.net/knives/knives.htm (many pages, detailed)

Steels:
http://www.nakededgecutlery.com/knifesteels.htm (many pages, detailed)


Looks like you got yourself a couple of beauties there, in that Spyderco and that Kershaw! Congratulations, and enjoy! :thumbup:
 
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