Pocket knife?

I think it is awesome that you come here to ask your question; you couldn't have come to a better place.

First you must decide if you prefer traditional folding knives or modern folding knives.

Traditional knives are built with pins instead of screws. You can not take them apart. They do not have thumbstuds or opening holes; they cannot be opened one-handed. Their blades are thinner, so generally speaking they slice better. They are normally designed used very old and traditional patterns. Most of them are slipjoints (the blade does not lock open), however it is easy to find locking versions. In order of increasing expense I would recommend Rough Rider, Victorinox, Case, Great Eastern Cutlery, and Moki.

Modern knives are built with screws (they can be disassembled), are more likely to made using modern steels, and typically have locking blades. The scale materials are more likely to be plastic (cheaper models) or G10 (premium models). They come with thumbstuds, flippers, or opening holes, so they can be opened one-handed. There are so many decent brands I hesitate to recommend some; but (in order of increasing expense), you can't go wrong with Kershaw, Cold Steel, Spyderco, or Benchmade.

This is just general information to get you started (there are hybrid models that share traditional and modern features).
 
Get s Spyderco Delica and Lansky Turnbox for maintenance. Don't over think this, it's a knife.
 
Hi Norboo,
I have a few suggestions for you, being that youre so new to knives.
First, I recommend you visit a local brick and mortar and handle a couple knives so you can determine about what size you prefer.
Next would be to get yourself a budget knife in your preferred size. Something under $50 that wont beak the bank and you can use to become proficient at sharpening.
Lastly, get yourself a decent sharpening system, and practice on said budget blade. I recommend the Spyderco Sharpmaker. Its relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
Good luck and welcome to the addiction.
 
I have two suggestions for your all-around pocket-knife. The first is to go with the more contemporary design of a "folding" knife, which seems to be the great bulk of what most of us carry.
For a good folder, between $130 and $165, pick Spyderco brand. I have owned many knives, and 95% of them have been Spyderco brand, due to quality of manufacture, blade design and blade-steel, grip materials.
Top choice? Spyderco Sage 2 2nd choice: Spyderco Caly 3 in VG=10 steel
You love either one, or both, of these for a very long time. I know that I still do after yrs and yrs of ownership.
 
teudy said:
Get s Spyderco Delica and Lansky Turnbox for maintenance. Don't over think this, it's a knife.
Click to expand...

This would have been my first thought as well.... its a great starter package, great knife, and well under budget.
 
It's a generic question, guys. We can't expect someone with no prior knowledge to provide detailed information on use, price, etc., when they don't know the difference between a slip joint and a liner lock.

To the OP...first decide on how much you want to pay and how you will use the knife. That's the most basic information necessary.

To get down to it: The simple answer I always give when someone asks about a good, reliable, not overly expensive knife is "Just get the Delica". That's a Spyderco Delica...relatively small (<3" blade) and not impossible to sharpen. If you want something smaller than the Delica, look at the Spyderco Dragonfly--my personal favorite Spyderco and one of my all time favorite knives ever. Both models have pocket clips but the clips can be removed to carry loose in the pocket if you wish. Expect to pay in the $60 range for these knives. If you're interested in a multi-purpose small tool kit, look at the various models of the Swiss Army Knife. It's a versatile tool with a good knife blade(s) and it's very people friendly if you're worried about others looking at your knife as a weapon. Prices vary due to various sizes and tool options for the knife--a good basic model will run in the $20 range.

Those knives will give you high quality and dependability and any of them should last you for many years as long as you don't lose or abuse them.
 
Lee48 said:
It's a generic question, guys. We can't expect someone with no prior knowledge to provide detailed information on use, price, etc., when they don't know the difference between a slip joint and a liner lock.
Click to expand...
He provided a lot of useful info a few posts before yours.
 
Spyderco Delica 4 is a great suggestion. About $50 to $60 and comes with VG10 steel. It's small and light weight and will last through many many years of normal use. You could get this and the Sharpmaker and be set.

If you want to spend a little more, the ZT 0450/0450CF are also great options. They carry very small but pack a great blade.

If you want to go cheaper, I would suggest picking up a Ontario Rat 2. This little knife performs and handles was above it's price. It flicks open with ease and the AUS 8 blade steel in no slouch. Great handling knife.
 
Benchmade Mini Griptilian might be a good choice. Its very lightweight and easy to carry, plus you can get them in a bunch of different colors and blade shapes.
 
A Victorinox Alox Pioneer (about the size you mentioned) or Cadet (slim and smaller) would be great choices and they come in blue, black, red, or silver.

url]


url]


They are nicer than the photos look, believe me.

Also, the Spyderco Chaparral is a great pocket knife too.
sc152cfp.jpg
 
The Vrango is very very new, but, being a Spyderco knife, almost certainly of very good quality. It seems like it would be difficult to maintain an edge on it with the odd blade shape, and I certainly would say that the price point is not in line with the materials being used.

I would recommend looking at the Native 5 in FRN. If you shop around, you can get an extremely well-designed and ergonomic knife in S35VN steel with a full flat grind for about $65-70, which is just a friggin' steal. Also look into the Cold Steel Code 4 in CTS-XHP if the tanto blade shape appeals to you.
 
Norboo said:
This is really good looking knife. Any thoughts and reviews?
Spyderco Verango

What is a good knife sharpener? Two mentioned so far are Sharpmaker and Lansky Turnbox.
Also, what type of oil if any is good?

http://m.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=973
Click to expand...

The Spyderco Vrango is a very new knife. I don't know if there's been much opportunity for in-hand experience. A couple of potential concerns for your purposes might be the tanto blade shape and the recurve. Tantos are neat looking but not always the best for everyday carry (EDC). When you combine a tanto with a recurve (that's the upward swoop in the blade's cutting edge as you move from the point of the tanto toward the handle) you have a knife that could take a lot of skill to keep sharp. It seems to check most of your boxes though.

A couple of posts up someone showed the Spyderco Chaparral. It's also a great option, and probably a little simpler (and cheaper) layout than the Vrango. You could even remove the clip and carry it loose in your pocket.

As has been mentioned, Swiss Army knives in their various forms are always a good choice.

There's a whole world of traditional, slip joint folders just waiting to take money out of your wallet! I kinda think you might like a traditional style. Check out knivesshipfree.com and look at their selection of GEC (Great Eastern Cutlery) and Northwoods folders. They have some really beautiful options!

Be careful though, once the knife bug bites there rarely is a cure!
 
So much goes into owning a quality knife. So much to review and choose from. The more I look, the more confused I get. LOL. I think I like the spyderco Chaparrel and Delica. I think I'm over my head with Verango.

One final question, is this a good sharpener to start with?
Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener 204MF
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Tri-...=spyderco+triangle+sharpmaker#customerReviews

Last, thanks to everyone that replied. This is a great forum and people are very helpful. Thanks again.
 
Kershaw Camber and Blur I really like.
I don't know your budget but those would be your better quality for your money.
Also depends on usage/needs.
For ripping open boxes all day or cutting tasks, can't beat the Cold Steel Ready Edge.
 
socalknifecollector said:
Kershaw Camber and Blur I really like.
I don't know your budget but those would be your better quality for your money.
Also depends on usage/needs.
For ripping open boxes all day or cutting tasks, can't beat the Cold Steel Ready Edge.
Click to expand...

I dont plan on cutting boxes too often, just once in a while.
 
Norboo said:
I apologize for my vagueness. I do not know much about knives at all.
I do want a quality pocket knife, something I can carry with me (small and light). Hopefully, for a very long long time.

Other than that, I have no clue what I should be looking for.
Click to expand...

Hopefully your local hardware or sporting goods store will carry Victorinox (Swiss Army) Knives. These are affordable, entirely meant to be used, scare no one and will easily give you a lifetime of satisfaction.
 
Sharpmaker is perfect. I'm fairly new to knife sharpening myself, but it has almost no learning curve. Watch the included dvd, maybe check out a couple of youtube videos and you'll be able to keep your new knife razor sharp with minimal effort for years to come.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top