Suggestions for my first folding knife?

M

MarkZ

Joined
Oct 3, 1999
Messages
6
I carry an old Gerber multi tool thingy that I use a lot, but I think my fingernails are sharper than the flimsy blade that doesn't really lock. So I'm in the market for a quality knife. My fiancee's brother collects knives and suggested a few brands, but nothing specific. Knowing my personality, one of the suggestions was Benchmade - I'm not sure what that says about me.

I'm looking for a very solid, durable everyday carry around, indestructable folding knife that I can use for non knife things (like when I don't have a screw-driver). I don't want to limit my options by limiting my price range, especially if the knife I'm looking for is actually $40 and not any of the $100 ones I'm looking at.

I've been looking at the Benchmade knives, and the ones I really like so far are the Axis, and the Ascent. I like the ATS-34 - but all I've been able to read is the hype. Same for the BT2 coating - sounds great, but how is it in practice? What are the cons? Keep in mind that I know very little about knives, except that I cringe whenever I have to use anything besides Wusthof or Henckels in the kitchen. What's the consensus on the combo blades? I don't know if I like it or if I need it. I don't think the knives I've mentioned fit what I'm looking for, but I really like the way they look. I'm also a little worried about the quality control problems that I've been reading about at Benchmade.

I looked at some of the Spydercos too, but none of them really appealed to me - appearance wise. I'm completely open to any suggestions.

Finally, can anyone recommend a good store in the Boston area?

Thanks,

-MarkZ
 
Knives are for cutting; and shouldn't be used for non knife things (such as screw drivers). If you need a screw driver, buy one. If you want to buy the best production knife, buy a Sebenza. Why buy the best knife? It's like buying shoes. I'd rather buy a good pair, that will last me 5 years than have to buy a pair of cheap shoes, every year.

I also suggest you get a better multi tool w/ blades that lock, like a Leatherman Wave.

Happy Trails...

ROMANS 10:13
 
Hey MarkZ,

Wow, you’re asking a Q that may generate so many responses that you will be *more* confused in a few days! I agree w/Hansen about the screwdriver thing; the most expensive knife will perform worse than the cheapest screwdriver in the hardware store specials bin. Besides, you already have a multi-tool.

I don’t agree w/Hansen’s “buy a Sebenza,” however. (And I say that as someone who also carries a Sebenza and believes it’s the best folder around... If you haven’t seen one, it’s a $300+ folder made by Chris Reeve Knives.) If you’re like the overwhelming majority of forumites, the important part of your thread title is “FIRST folding knife” -- being part of this forum will encourage an addiction for sharp objects that will puzzle or alarm nearly everyone in your “offline” life. Stick to your price range, get what appeals to you. Some folks eventually start to shell out more cash for higher-end knives (like me and Hansen), others stick to below $100 knives and remain perfectly happy. “True believers” (again, me and possibly Hansen) can argue the virtues of the Sebenza because we “know” (fanatically believe?) it’s “the best” by measuring it against the prior folders we’ve owned. I don’t know of any Sebenza owner for whom it is/was the “first folder.”

There is indeed a lot of hype (which seems to be a big topic currently), but most of the big-name manufacturers you see routinely mentioned here make quality folders. Cold Steel, for example, is currently getting roasted by some forum members (okay, I plead guilty), but the majority will agree that CS makes very good knives at very affordable prices. I don’t care for Cold Steel, but if you like their designs, go for it. I believe that, of all the major manufacturers, Spyderco’s designs are the best from the standpoint of utility; but if they don’t appeal to you, don’t worry about my opinion, and pay attention to those who talk about the designs which attract you. Pay attention to criticisms (esp re: quality control), but be a little wary of comments like, “don’t get a Benchmade -- it will fail you!” Again, the more notable manufacturers, all hype aside, make quality items, and it will take *alot* to make any of them fail. If you really start to push your knife *that* hard, *then* you might start thinking of the higher end knives (Sebenza, or beyond to handmade folders, etc.)

Check out any of the big web distributors (Knifecenter, Skylandscutlery, Northwest cutlery, others advertised in banners here) and see what you find appealing in terms of general design: e.g., drop point or tanto? Blade and handle length? Is a Kraton handle OK or would you prefer the “indestructability” of G10? What kind of lock? Etc, etc. Thereafter, start looking at the models which fit that description. Of those, each will have its particular strengths and limits. If you want feedback on a particular knife (or knives), just post a Q here. Generally speaking, the more specific your Q, the better your responses.

Anyhow, happy hunting -- and welcome to the forum!

Glen


------------------
"What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding?" -Elvis Costello
 
Mark, I too spent a lot of time deciding on my first folding knife. I did a lot of research and decided on the Benchmade Ascent 845, plain edge and couldn't be happier. It's hard to beat for the price, I got mine for $46 at abc-direct.

Seriously, you need to ask yourself how much you want to spend before deciding. I sure as hell didn't want to spend $300 on a Sebenza or other ridicuoulsy expensive knife as my first folder.

------------------
Tigershark __/\_
 
Hey MarkZ,

Welcome to the forums!I'm going to keep this very simple for you. SPYDERCO MILITARY!!! This is an awesome knife.Great steel,Great Lock-up,this is the best "feeling" knife I own.You won't be dissapointed.IMO of course.Let us know what you finally get.

Later,

Bobby
 
Storyville has given you some solid general advise. I would say buy what you like, spend what you can afford and keep a screwdriver handy!

As to your specific Benchmade questions, Quality Control is the issue. You can get a perfectly made BM folder with great heat treatment on the ATS-34 steel. You can also get a real POS that won't hold an edge. For your first folder, I would recommend going to your a good retailer (sorry, can't reccomend one from 3000 miles away) and handling every knife you find appealing. Drive the counter guy nuts, if you like a model ask to see every one they have in stock and spend some time inspecting them individually. Pick up and handle those models you have heard good things about but find unappealing, including those Spyderco's. What your eye hates your hand might love, and who is doing the cutting, anyway?

So take your time, enjoy yourself, make a day of it. And remember, it might be your first but it doesn't have to be your last.

------------------
James
San Francisco, CA


 
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I should probably clarify my 'screwdriver' statement. I was emphasizing the toughness quality that I'm looking for - of course a $.20 screwdriver would work better at driving screws, but I find it hard to believe that no one here uses their daily carry knife to poke at things, clean out things and pry at things - none of which are 'knife' things explicitly, but something that a knife can do, and part of the reason for carrying one. I don't plan on carrying specialized tools around with me. Yes, I carry a multi tool, but it's big and bulky and heavy and I can't carry it _everywhere_, and I'm sure I couldn't get the same quality that I can in a single blade. A more specific, accurate example would be using the knife to open a watch with a snap back case. You have to use a knife for this, but it's not cutting, it's prying - I don't want a wussy knife that'll break or dull or bend from this. Yes, I have a snapback watch case opener, but I don't carry it around with me, since it's a specialized tool that wouldn't come in handy very often.

As for design - I already know I'm not a big fan of drop point blades, I'm partial to G-10 (which pretty much puts me over $100 it seems), but I couldn't even tell you what kind of locks there are, much less what kind I want. I've been trying to figure out different styles, but am having a hard time. I need to get me to a knife store - hence my last question in the original post. What do I look under in the yellow pages? Would most gun shops have knives?

The Sebenza is nice, but definitely out of my price range right now. As a collector of watches and cars, I can appreciate spending money on quality craftsmanship when something 1/1000th the price will _work_ equally well, or better. I'm in the market for a knife I can really USE - I'd be afraid to cut butter if I bought a Sebenza at this point.

I'm currently leaning towards the Ascent (quite a few on Ebay) - it seems a quality cheap intro to knives.

The Military (from Spyderco) is also very close to what I'm looking for, but I now know why I'm not a Spyderco fan - it's those dumb holes.... Sorry - thumb holes.

Thanks again,

-MarkZ
 
MarkZ, I with you on the holes, if only Spyderco didn't make such high quality stuff...but I do love a drop point!

Try looking under Cutlery, Military surplus, camping and sporting goods, and yes, even knives. I just did a yahoo search in their Yellow Pages for cutlery in Boston, MA, and got a list that Chesapeake Knife and Tool (3 S Market St Boston, MA 02109 (617) 367-3260 ). I purchased a William Henry from them, and although the first knife had a problem they went out of their way to make sure that I was happy by sending me a selection of samples to choose from. Give them a call, check their stock.

Have fun.

------------------
James
San Francisco, CA


 
Mark,

I'm going to echo the above sentiments and say don't buy a Benchmade that you can't handle first. Benchmade makes some of the finest production folders in the world... sometimes. Other times they don't lock up, hit their spacers, or have obvious cosmetic or mechanical flaws. A one-minute inspection should reveal these (which is why there is no excuse that their WQC lets them slip past); don't be shy about asking a store to show you several of the model you want and letting you pick the exact one you'll bring home.

If you're SE of Boston, the Emerald Square Mall has one of the only good MA knife store outside of the city. I believe it's "On The Edge", on the top floor, opposite end from the food court. Most of the staff is knowledgeable and they carry a good selection from Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, CRK&T, and others. Also usually have a Sebenza and a few other upscale pieces.

Don't sell thumb-holes short - once you use one, you won't go back
wink.gif
. It's probably the ugly "hump" that's got you turned off, right? (I see you like the Ascent). Have a look at the Spyderco Goddard series. In my opinion, the Goddard Liteweight clobbers the Ascent - it's easier to sharpen, has an even nicer integral guard, better lockup, and doesn't suffer the quality-control problems that have plagued the Ascent series. It's tip-up, but that's about the only bad thing I can say about it.

-Drew
 
Ive got to stick up for the thumb-hole as well.
personally, i like it a lot better then either a thumb disk or thumbstud. I find it a little easier to open, especiall by holding onto the hole and snapping the handle down.
also, the thumb holes dont collect much gunk/lint/muck, and when they do its real easy to clean out. studs and disks on the other hand seem to collect it quite easily, and i find it kinda difficult to clean it out from right around it without difficulty.
plus the thumbholes dont snag on anything, like pockets or whatever your cutting.

i dont think i can offer to much help as to suggestions, my first was an old koncept liner lock, then after that a spdyderco delica, then an EDI genesis, and now a benchmade 710 axis lock. liked all of them, i love the recurve blade and lock on the axis.
also, spyderco is coming out with a multitool, and its probabally one of the only ones to have a decent blade steel. i think its going to run around a hundred, give or take, and may be backordered for a while.
theres also the leatherman wave, but it doesnt use a great knife steel.
I'll second what corduroy said, handle the knives, several if possible. ive seen some models where i really loved they way they looked, but couldnt stand the way they felt in my hand.
good luck


------------------
AKTI member #A000911
 
Mark,

How about an M2 AFCK from Benchmade. G10, durable rust resistant coating, great steel which holds an edge better and is much less brittle than ATS 34.

Another good option for about half the money would be a CRKT Carson Design such as the M16-04.

I have to admit that I start most of my buddies out with a Delica or Endura from Spyderco though. They really are hard to beat for the price.

I would definitely go with and AFCK over an Ascent as there have been some inconsistincies in the ability of the Ascent models (I have an 845 which will fail the test every time even after return to BM) to pass the spine rap test and the G10 and M2 will make for a much nicer knife which can be used harder and longer w/o damage.

My .02,

Waldo

[This message has been edited by Waldo (edited 03 October 1999).]
 
If you want a pocketknife that you are going to use hard, check out the voyager series from Cold Steel.They may not hold an edge forever but the tip won't break if you look at it hard and they hold an edge well enough.
Most of the other manufacturers compromise blade strength for Rockwell points.
m
 
For your first...I'd go with a 710S Axis lock, or a 750S Pinnacle. Now, if money's no object...I'd get a Sebenza in either large, small, plain, or decorated. Though it took me a yar to warm up to the idea of a $300 + knife. Here's mine...maybe this will help.

SebDec.jpg



[This message has been edited by Jackyl (edited 03 October 1999).]
 
I'd better quit whoring this pic all over the forum.
wink.gif


-AR

------------------
- AKTI Member ID# A000322

- Intelligent men, unfortunately, learn from fools, more often than fools learn from intelligent men.


 
If you really want a knife you use for non-knife things, why don't you get a large SAK? It's not tactical and the blade steel would not be as good as a Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw etc. but it is good and much less bulky than a multitool. SAKs are cheap too. You could get one and an inexpensive one hander like an Endura, Delica or Benchmade Mel PArdue 350 and only be out of $75 or $80. I guess you can see why knife nuts end up with so many blades. We can always see where we should get two instead of one.
 
Mark,

While I'm not a fan of the Accent series, here is my suggestion. Do what I did and get a Delica--or something similar--then jump right in and get a sebenza.
smile.gif
Skip the high-end productions and get a real knife. Most people move up the ladder slowly, but you'll save a lot more money if you just jump to the good stuff.

------------------
Johnny
[]xxxxxx[]=============>

 
Get a Sebenza. Then you won't have to spend $$$ to find out what the rest of already know.

------------------
LD
"Every Dog Has His Day"
BFC Member Since October 2, 1998

 
Mark,
In my honest opinion and if I had to do it all over again, I would select the Benchmade 710BT Axis lock. Why......????

1. The lock is extremely reliable.

2. It has agreat utility type blade.

3. It is ine of the most comfortable knive to work with out there.

4. It is 3.9" long

5. It is ATS34.

6. The clip is ambidexterous

7. It can be had at www.discountknives.com for $110.00. (You will spend much more as many of us have searching before this knife came out.)

If I coud have only one and not spend much more, this would be it.

ACK
 
Don't forget the REKAT pioneer II series they can be found for sub $100.00 and have a rolling lock design,various blades available.

And yes if you want something you will probably cherrish a life time at least check out a CRK Sebenza or one his fixed blade offerings they are unique.

good luck!
Mike
 
Mark,

It sounds like you are on the right track. The Ascent is a good knife, although there have been well documented problems with the 4" models undergoing lock failure.

What you have to keep in mind while reading these responses is that this group is REALLY into knives. They are interested in the best of the best; the most well made knives you can buy. Their search for perfection naturally causes them to look at high-priced knives. If you go to a wine newsgroup and ask for a red that goes with pizza, people will likely recommend wines that cost between $30 and $100. In reality, there are plenty of good wines for around ten bucks. The dudes on BladeForums are connoisseurs too, but you certainly don't have to spend $300 to get a quality knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top