Refining my tastes

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Wolf1775

Joined
Apr 6, 2014
Messages
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So I've had limited experience with knives, and I think I've figured out what I like.

I've found that I like a knife with:
-Drop point or clip point with a small "clip"
-Fair amount of cutting surface
-No recurve
-Plain edge
-Finger choil
-Small finger guard created from the blade stock
-Jimping or thumb ramp
-Wider and thinner handle
-Non reflective coating
-Good edge retention
-Easier to sharpen
-Able to withstand fair abuse without chipping or cracking
-Good balance between utility and defensive design
-3-4" (4.25" at most)
-9" overall length, though I'd be ecstatic if I found something closer to 8"

I've found a few designs that I like that that flesh out all those things a little better. I really like the Benchmade 375 Adamas fixed blade, but wish that there weren't any serrations on the back of the blade. I also like the upcoming ZT 0180 and am anxious to see how it'll turn out once it's released. Lastly, I really like the RaidOps CQB F4D. I really like the look of Grayman's Suenami and Ground Pounder for their aggressiveness, but I think Rick Hinderer's and Kim's designs would have more practical use for me.

The biggest limiting factor is always money, and none of the knives I've listed are exactly cheap. Building an AR-15 and loading more ammo comes first before a new knife, so for now I'm only able to afford $125 ($150 hard limit). However, I should be able to afford more by August after the AR-15 project is done and I've gotten some extra pay squirreled away.

Currently my LGS has the Benchmade 375 available for $125 out the door, but I'm holding off for now and seeing if it's the best bang for my buck and if I find something similar without the serrations. I'm also trying to see if the ESEE-3 will grow on me a little more since it'll suit just about all my needs; I just don't find them all that appealing, even though I know they're excellent and very functional. Are there any knives similar to the three I've listed that are still within my price range, or have I pretty much whittled it down pretty well and should just suck it up and be patient?

Note, this isn't a huge necessity right now. My CRKT does fine so far, but I'd like to start investing in tougher more durable tools for both general day to day use and being able to double as a part of my field kit. The hard part is balancing between EDC and the field, though I'm not a secret squirrel sneaking off at zero dark thirty [insert more tacticool jargon here].
 
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Take a look at a Spyderco Native 5.
Belly
Choil
Small guard after the Choil
Jimping
3 inch blade
Wide at base thin at tip

Or is it fixed blades exclusively?
 
ZT 0121 fits most of your criteria. The recurve is very usable and sharpenable. It has enough belly and enough straight edge going to the tip so it doesn't hinder any performance. 4.25 blade in an 8in package.

Next to a Street Beat and Izula. Sorry for the poor lighting.
2014-01-10005958.jpg
 
I was looking for fixed blade suggestions for now, though most of the same applies to folders. I actually like a lot of ZT/Hinderer's/Kershaw collaborations so I've been eyeing those for a replacement folder down the road.

I looked at the 0121 and wasn't sure what to think about it, truth be told. I wasn't sure how secure the grip was since it looked quite short, and I wasn't sure how it would balance or feel. I also wasn't sure how easy/difficult it would be to sharpen the recurve since I'm awful with those sections. I do like how short the OAL is though, and the smaller handle makes it easier to carry as long as the weight isn't a big deal. My solution to that is wear a good belt.
 
The grip is plenty secure. It may be a little short, but it makes up for it in girth(phrasing lol). Its about the same size grip as a 0350 just thicker. The balance is perfect imo. The recurve isn't too bad to sharpen. Easier than the 0350 was for me. A good belt is a must for it. Although I have worn it with athletic shorts with a g-clip, carryable but not ideal I guess.

If I could only keep one of my fixed blades, it would be my ZT 0121.
 
Do I sense an Archer fan?

I'll take a look around for an 0121. The shorter OAL is definitely appealing and I like the ample cutting surface.
 
Oh Archer... So now that they're out of cocaine, what's Pam going to do? And how long until we see Lana in her Fiocci knockoffs?

Thanks for the tip on checking out he knifemakers market. I've been looking around to see what's out there, and there have been some really tempting posts. I've also noticed that anything involving ZT, Hinderer, and Strider tend to keep their value pretty well.

So now it's on to hunt for a ZT 0121, while still looking forward to the ZT 0180, hoping Benchmade will release something like the 375 without serrations (I can hope), and praying that something from Raidops may pop up that's affordable. This is looking like it's going to get more expensive than shooting.
 
What about the Bark River Bravo 1 or the Bark River Gunny? You should check them out, plus you can't beat the no-nonsense warranty.
 
I have looked at BRK's and have chatted with Mike Grasso some on the S&W forums too. He got me away from "tactical" looking knives and to be more realistic about what compromises I'd be making with the uses I want and price range. I like the Necker knives more, oddly. I think I like Blackjack TacOps more, though the blade and overall length are longer than what I'm looking for.

If I were looking for something strictly for the woods and bushcraft they'd be closer to the top of my list, especially with the steel and grind used. On a side note, I'd love to see one of the Bravo Gunny turned drop points that he's done. We were both saddened that he didn't have any at the time.
 
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I too have moved from the tactical to the practical! I find that when I pull a more traditional fixed blade out people are much less shocked! Also just better usable blade shapes.
 
I think you can do both "tactical" and "practical". Blade and grip geometry can make for a good utility and defensive knife, and there are a few designs that I think pull it off (my newb may be showing). I think something like the ZT 0180, Hinderer Flashpoint, or Spartan Phrike pull it off. The only things I wish were different bout the 0180 or Phrike are the lengths, but those are the shapes I find functional in everyday tasks and doubling well as part of my field kit. I actually really favor the Flashpoint but couldn't afford it with other projects going on. The overall deign is a lot of what I'm looking for though.

That being said, if I wanted something strictly for a few specific purposes I'd choose a knife better suited for just those purposes. I'd pick something specifically for skinning with a hunting knife, or a longer blade with a convex grind and drop point for the woods, or something specifically designed for fighting ad utility second to keep on my flak jacket.
 
I think the grip could be a little longer (not by much) and it'd be perfect. A is, I really like it. I also found some ZT 0121s for around $195, so I'll have to save up some more before pulling the trigger on one. If I ever find a Flashpoint at a price I can afford before having enough for a ZT then I'm probably going to grab one of those.
 
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