So, what's "the knife" right now?

Pathetic as it sounds, whatever I bought last. The lust wanes after 2-3 days of handling it. I still appreciate it, but the heat is off. It is nice though to dig into the tub and take something out that hasn't been touched in half a year. And sometimes it's not always a knife, but hatchets, saws, axes, new scales for a nice old blade, new sheath, etc.
 
snooka said:
I still see de Delica or the Minigrip as a can't going wrong first knife...
But they've been also around like forever :)
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:thumbup: these are common reccomendations. Ive heard more of the zt 0562 recently, sages are close; but still i seen alot of people saying pm2. Maybe not a tidal wave of pm2 suggestions but still its out there.
 
I say this is a tough question because different folks will have different opinions--ALL REASONABLE. Everyone needs to decide for themselves. That said, here are my thoughts.

In the under $40 range, I like the Tenacious--very nice fit and finish for a relatively inexpensive knife. I talked with Sal (owner of Spyderco) about the knife when I was writing my book (more below). As I mention in my book, he told me that if you are careful, you can get really good product from china. The Tenacious is an example.

In the $100-$150 range, you have a lot of good options. The PM2 is a nice knife--I own three of them (don't ask). One problem I find is that some of the PM2's have a very sticky compression lock, so I would only buy this knife if I could try it out first or be able to return it.

In the $150-$200 range, my CURRENT favorite is the Zero Tolerance 0770CF. I love carbon fiber--it is very light and very strong. The ZT0770 is assisted, which I do not like, but I deassisted my knife and it works just fine. This is a sturdy knife but is thin and easy to carry at only 3 ounces. It comes in a variety of great steels, such as Elmax, M390 and CPM M4.

In case you are interested, my book is called "A Primer on Folding Knives." I wrote it for both NEW and EXPERIENCED knife users. You can check it out at www.knifeprofessor.com.
 
Really???

So the Slysz Bowie, Nirvana, Mamba, Rubicon, Tighe Stick, Southard, K2, Burch Chubby, Myrtle, Vrango, Valloton, etc, etc, etc... Are now magically made in the US?

Me thinks you have no idea what you're talking about. Spyderco's top end knives are indeed made in Taichung Taiwan.

okto said:
Noooope. Spyderco's top-end stuff is made in Golden, CO.
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I stand corrected. I must confess I haven't looked too closely at what I think of as the "unusual blade shape" Spydercos. I'm in it for that long straight drop-point. :P
 
Oh, and we've got to mention the Kershaw Leek as "the knife" most recommended to and loved by non-knuts who want a real knife.
 
I am surprised the ZT450 hasn't been tossed into the discussion. It seemed like it had (has?) all the steam of the PM2 and was the most popular of the 2015 ZT additions.
 
okto said:
I stand corrected. I must confess I haven't looked too closely at what I think of as the "unusual blade shape" Spydercos. I'm in it for that long straight drop-point. :P
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Theres a long straight drop point Spyderco that's made in Golden,CO?
 
In my offline life it's mostly spyderco of some flavor. PM2, Manix, Tenacious mostly and the RAT 1 and 2. In fixed blades everyone I know is buying a thick large Schrade of some flavor and abusing the heck out of them.
 
I would think it's a Swiss Army knife of some sort; out of any brand they seem to have the best (or most favorable rather...) global recognition.
 
Sounds like just arguing for the sake of arguing now, which is boring.

The spine drops towards the point relative to the axis of the blade. Doesn't have to be curved to be a drop point.
 
Why wasn't this thread in "Poll" format? Perhaps this threads discussion and poster's choices would have been better served if it were separated into.

What is "the budget knife?"

What is "the mid tech knife?"

What is "the high end knife?"

Budget: Kershaw Leek

Mid tech: PM2 or Griptillian

High End: CRK Sebenza

The PM2 rocks as my one choice!! But I have very little else to compare it to. I would have said the 940 because that knife's looks are just killer. But its so flimsy feeling in the hand (at least to me it is). Still cuts and operates just fine, but for the materials and price, the knife should have some heft to it. Heft plays a big part in my knife world. Therefore the 940 gets pushed of my list of choices.

Pay no attention to the naysayers. needler420 thinks Gerber is still on top of their game. LOL
 
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Probably a Lion Steel model like the Ti Spine, the Ti Dust, or the T.R.E.
 
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