(want a good knife) Help me decide, please...

Volk

Volk

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2007
Messages
2,110
or throw in a few more choices.

Ok so here is the deal, I mostly used knifes under $100, and they have served me as well as a 100 dollar knife can. Now I may see some extra cash, and am going to buy a good knife.

My requirements are
-first and foremost is that it should be between 250 and 400 bucks
-second, quality
-third ability to carry it concealed, yet being able to take out a tank with it.

now, I know there are quite a few knifes in that price range out there, i need to pick one.

now within that price range I've found 4 knife companies that will suit me, they are.
-Microtech
-Strider
-Relentless
-Mercworx

-While the design wise I love Mercworx, they are bit more pricey, and minor design advantages don't really justify the purchase of that knife (plus I'm not sure about the warranty on those knifes, if anybody knows please let me know).

-Then there is Microtech, really love their HALO III, it fits nicely into price range, and what i want from the knife, it easily concealable, can be used as a tool and as a self defense weapon (before anybody goes mouthing of about knifes being a poor choice for self defense, and especially auto's, I want to say I respect your opinion, and 90% it holds water, however I feel a lot more comfortable with a blade then with a gun even though I'm an excellent shot, matter of fact I feel comfortable with what I can do without any weapon. plus as always i hope it never comes to that anyway) Now for the down side here is their warranty, not that its bad, its just it isn't as great as the two remaining choices. Plus there is a decision to be made here too, which steel to use, S30V is the one I'm leaning to.

Now Strider, after watching that video on knifetests.com I'm even more impressed with their work. The first thing that got me attracted to them is their warranty, no matter how i use the knife it is covered, plus it goes from owner to owner so I can buy a used one. I like their MT knife, but the draw back here is the size, it can't be concealed as easily, however, i do need a knife like that only less often, and therefore its not the first choice but still a close second. Then there is strider PH which would fit nicely into what I need, the thing is I can't find one (there is one on Ebay right now, but I need more time to make a choice and make sure I actually get the money and that thing will be sold in less then 2 days).

And then there is relentless, same kind of warranty, but a bit cheaper then MT. I like their M1 commander. Although the drawback here is its also not that small, and I'm not sure about that handle, I mean I like to use reverse grip with the blade pointing down, and turned towards me with the edge, (therefore i don't really like complex handles with finger groves.) plus here I also got a choice of steel and there is a $100 difference between 5160 steel and S30V, which looks kinda pointless with that kind of warranty. Still I don't feel like having to send in the knife for warranty work often.


Ok those are my choices, which is a better one? That warranty is really important to me. I'm also not very knowledgeable in the knife world as far as manufacturers are concerned. So if you know of any that would fit the bill, please give me more choices, especially if they offer a warranty like strider, and fall in that price range please let me know.

So far I'm leaning toward Microtech HALO 3, with s30v plain blade, just because its more versatile (and I just plain like it), and I can't find any Strider PH's. (i was thinking of making my own fixed blade knife, that would suit me perfectly by using http://hossom.com/tutorial/jonesy/ that guide, so thats why I'm leaning a little bit closer to Microtech.)

Also if you got one of those for sale new or in top condition let me know how much you want for it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

p.s. sorry for the long read.
 
MIcrotech has a very strict policy about shipping autos to non law enforcement types. They won't do it. I have four of their autos and all but one have given me problems. OTF knives by their very nature are more fragile than almost any other type of knife. They don't like to get dirty and aren't the easiest mechanisms to keep clean or get clean. For stopping a tank I don't think you can go wrong with a Strider. They are built like a tank. Your other knife I'm not familiar with. Happy Hunting

Brian
 
Of those 4 Relentless in 5160.
Do you want fixed or folder. Personally I prefer a small 4 inch blade fixed for SD and EDC but sometimes like at work or in shorts a folder is more practical.

The Swamprat Ratmandu with the G10 handles is awesome also consider some Fallknivens.

Everyone who has had one loves the Bark river knives.

Striders are well made ,have a great warranty but are a bit pricey and I think they are hideously ugly.

You can't go wrong with Chris Reeves. either a Classic Sebbie or a smaller A2 one piece fixed blade would be ideal. These would be my first choice by far.
 
Out of your choices I would go with Strider. I have had many Microtechs and while they are nice knives, the out the fronts will strip out the frame screws after a few thousand openings since they are very fine threads screwed in to aluminum. Believe me just playing with a HALO you will achieve a thousand openings in a week or two. Also I find Strider's to be quite attractive so looks are subjective. Then again I would take a Jeep over a sports car any day. So I like a rugged look rather than a sleek design.
 
Thanx for the heads up on the microtech, I never had one, just seeing the price tag of over 300 dollars and their popularity, I thought its quality and a good for life time knife.

I actually prefer fixed blades to folders, because they can a take a bit more abuse. But as Unsub said said there are times, however the folder i want is out of me price range.

I don't mind the looks of strider, matter of fact i like the form because its rather functional for me (not all but the ones I like) And I'm more then willing to pay a little extra for that warranty of theirs.

I really love the design on Mercworx, on their Vorax (this is exactly what i like in a knife form vise) and Orion (great shape, but in a smaller more easily concealable package). But the extra 50 bucks for S30V puts them out of my price range and I'm far from being an expert on steels and don't know much about 154CM. I found one Vorax for $366 thats about the cheapest, they are 100% hand made according to the manufacturer, by a single person. Still I want to know what kind of warranty they got

Relentless has a nice warranty and they can custom made a knife for ya, so I might just ask him how much it would be to copy the mercworx for me, or just make me a different handle and guard for the M1.

looking at Chris Reeve knifes, don't particularly like the design (personally I think its ugly), but I can firmly see and understand the function, and its a valid choice for me, whats their warranty like?

Garth, taking on a tank is on the bottom of most important thing, right above the looks, but its a nice feature to have, and as they say seek and you shall find, my governor I believe has one, right next to his collection of Hummers. If not, then I don't really need a knife to take out a tank, just good enough to take on a dozen of hummers or so driven by the terminator.
 
From fixed to autos????? Not to be a jerk, but what do you want?

Sounds to me like a strider SNG or SMF would be for you. They are though, but to me they don't feel tougher than a Spyderco Mini Manix or normal Manix. The thing is if you do something dumb with your Spyderco you get it fixed on your dime. If you break a Strider they fix it on their dime.

That said, I had a Mini Manix and beat the snot out of it, I sold it. I now have a Strider SNG. I like it better, it is a lot lighter, and the warranty is "THE BEST". If your looking for the toughest production folder, I think the Manix is for you. If you want a super tough, very pocket friendly knife with "THE BEST" warranty than the Strider SNG or SMF is for you.

Manix is $100 vs SNG is $400

To me I think the SNG is a great knife, but fit and finish is not equal to the price tag. BUT the knife plus "THE BEST" warranty is worth the added cost.

Hope this helps you choice a little. ;)
 
hmmm...yeah, I know, I made it sound a bit confusing, sorry about that. what I meant to say is I need both knifes. but can only buy one. On one side a reliable EDC on the other and Mercworx Equatorian kind of combat/survival/camping/multi function-tool with a great warranty (basically this SOB: http://www.badlandsforums.com/forums/pp-classifieds/data/3/3051KIF_2316-large.JPG)

From strider folders I really like the RC, but for 600+ it's not only got to be a good knife it also has to give head at least twice a week.

Now I got an O.K. EDC, but in a SD situation I wouldn't even think of pulling it out, I would use my hands much more effectively with nothing in them.

The second kind as a survival tool in the meanest conditions, is a more likely the one my life is going to depend on so the quality here is a far more important question, but those situations are rear (at least for now), and I don't need to carry a 7+ inch blade everyday.

So here I'm at a cross roads, where my choice depends on the knife.

As far as microtech is concerned, I'm pretty much turned of it by now, the reason I threw it in there was that the only good knife i had so far was an Auto, it was home made and given to me as a present. It lasted about two years then the blade was useless, i was thought about getting it replaced, but had to move and customs were a real bitch about it.

For now I'm leaning into strider direction, at their PH knife
but mercworx is eating away at me.
 
I've heard good things about ZT, I like the Ranger, but i think the ranger folder would be more comfortable, I often use the knife with the reverse grip, and the blade facing towards me (just my preference) and that finger grove will bug me. How is their warranty?
 
Have you considered the Busse, Scrapyard, and Swamp Rat line of knives at all?

All great knives, with the best warranty I've ever seen . . . ever.

Busses are higher end, followed by Swamp Rat and Scrapyard.

Also, this forum is FULL of great custom makers who can build you exactly what you want. Some makers are VERY reasonable with their prices.
 
It sounds to me like you're convinced that spending $250 to $400 will ensure a higher quality knife. I'd suggest that it will only ensure that you'll spend between 250 and 400 bucks.

At your high-end pricepoint, you can pretty much buy any knife out there....pretty much. I believe what we pay for at that pricepoint is aestehtics. Oh there may be a case or three where the finest tolerances achieved by man somehow slipped into that particular knife, but that would be a fluke. I own Benchmades, Spydercos, Bucks, etc (folders) and just three weeks ago I got to spend an evening with a Chris Reeve Sebenza. A fine knife, no doubt. Is it better made than any blue or black class Benchmade? Nope. Not a dimes worth of difference (workmanship-wise).....but a hundred or more dollars more price-wise!

I'd say just pick a knife that suits your fancy. ANything from $65 to $400 ought to be relatively equal in terms of craftsmanship, although the higher-dollar folder might be a little shinier.
((( :D )))
 
After starting this thread I have also looked at Some swamprats as been suggested, all great knifes, I'm not sure about their warranty, (and oh god how I hated their company shop website because I couldn't figure out how to look at knives when the picture was enlarged) good knifes, all work and no play kinda things, and by looking around these forums they seem to keep people happy with their quality, I'm also considering one of them, never seen one in person though and haven't even seen one on video.

the question for me always remains that warranty, cause I destroy my knifes, if their waranty is as good as strider's, they are are replacing microtech on that list.

As for custom manufacturers, it comes down to the warranty, I can make my own fixed blade, and my father since he stopped working does restoration of antiques, and he used to do carve stuff out of wood before, can make them look great, I have a couple of home made knives (for kitchen, and a few as tools, they are somewhat brittle but very hard and hold an edge nicely), so I'll make a nice knife with a very functional and personalized design, but it will last until the first missed branch or log and the first rock. Now I bet guys who do this for a living know their stuff, and the knife will slice through rock without even as much as chipping, however after 10 rocks if the knife doesn't break it still will require some warranty work, and here is where I see the problem.

Strech, completely agree with you on that 100% the only reason I'm willing to pay 400 for a knife is that warranty, I also own a BM push dagger in 440C while I'm not a fan of that steel, for that size knife its ideal, and the design comfort functionality are flawless, I also got a kershaw splinter as an EDC, I got it on sale for 29 bucks, and i couldn't be happier with it, solid knife with no blade play, nice blade, sharp enough for most day to day tasks, and fits nicely in my pocket, but, i wanna be able to drive it through something without having to worry about buying a new knife after I'm done with the job, I have probably spent over 1.5 grand on my knifes, its not much but considering the only thing I got to show for it beside those two is a leatherman wave, total value of 120 bucks or so. I just want to keep some of my money, you know.
 
Actualy, badger attack on http://www.bussecompanystore.com/knives.htm, looks very nice, hmmm... can anybody give a link to their warranty? or explain it to me.
Also he makes custom knives? for example I want that badger to be double edged, with more of a dagger look, is that possible?
 
Volk said:
Actualy, badger attack on http://www.bussecompanystore.com/knives.htm, looks very nice, hmmm... can anybody give a link to their warranty? or explain it to me.
Also he makes custom knives? for example I want that badger to be double edged, with more of a dagger look, is that possible?
Click to expand...

Have you been to the Busse website, or the Busse forum?
EDIT: the website you have is a retailer of Busse, but is not the actual Busse website. Go to the Busse forums on here. The link is at the top of the page.

Like I said before, Busse has the best warranty I've ever seen . . . and I know what Strider's warranty is. Jerry Busse will stand behind his product, even if you slam it into a cinder-block and then use a pipe to see how far it will bend.

Look through the recent "ganza" threads on the Busse website (Bladewestganza, for example) for some custom Badgers that have shown up recently.

If you want a custom Badger, it will cost you.

As for custom knives/makers: most offer an unconditional lifetime guarantee, but you won't know what they offer until you ask them.
 
To tell the truth I'm hopelessly confused with the Busse, I have never seen one in real life, and i can't find a catalogue or anything like that where I can just point Pick and buy, that combined with the fact that for now I got about 2 free hours a day makes this research endevaur even harder. That badger looked nice, with that kind of warranty its cheaper then a strider and looks more comfortable.

For now it down to Busse and Strider (their sniper model).
I'd love to have custom, but I have no idea where to even start my search (all things concidered I want a simple knife, about 4 and a half inches double edged, slightly more then an inch wide, thik, slightly recurved front, maybe a small hand guard, maybe serrated on one side, a very simple handle without complex finger grooves)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top