What knife am I looking for...?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,256
Hi all,

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here. I'm currently looking for my next one or two knives to purchase, but I am having a really hard time finding them. It seems that every time I find a knife which appeals to me visually, I find out upon doing a little research that it has problems. Or the other way around - I'll hear about a really great knife, but the looks are uninspiring, to say the least (IMO).

I realize that function should come before form, but I'm still new enough that I want my hard-earned dollars to go toward a knife that pleases me both aesthetically and functionally!

What I'm looking for:
1) 3.5" to 4" blade.
2) Less-than-tactical appearance (can still be a tactical folder, but I don't want the SWAT teams pulling up when I deploy this knife for simple cutting chores!)
3) Preferably a flat grind, or a very well-executed hollow grind ala the Sebenza.
4) Under $200.

Some of the front-runners so far, and my objections to them
smile.gif

1) Spyderco Military - exceptional cutter, but possibly overwhelming to others.
2) Benchmade 940/942 - looks great. Concerns about BM QC (especially since I am not savvy enough yet to spot a knife that should have been rejected).
3) Microtech Socom Elite - lots of positive reviews. Something about it visually that I am not fond of (yet); also I don't know how large it appears (i.e., is it scary-looking to bystanders).
4) CRKT Crawford/KFF. I really like the look of this knife, but have heard the opinions of other BF members about the lock strength (or lack thereof).

These are some examples of knives I am interested in and possible concerns I have. I'm hoping that I've given enough insight into what I'm looking for that perhaps a few interested observers might be able to suggest something I haven't heard of yet, or to possibly dispel some of the concerns I have about the knives listed above.

Thanks in advance to any and all who take the time to make suggestions.

Matthew
 
You might want to look at the benchmade 730. It has a 3.5" flat ground blade. I've had no troubles with any of my benchmades. I've also got a Microtech SE. Its a great knife but it definetely has a tactical look.

[This message has been edited by samhell (edited 06-14-2001).]
 
Welcome to the forums!!

You have several good choices!
You may want to add the Microtech LCC to the list as well. Not nearly as "tactical" looking as the SOCOM and fits all the criteria you listed . . . awesome knife!

As for Benchmade in general, QC certainly ain't Microtech but it is pretty decent. I also have a 940 and have a 942 coming (Thanks Anklepocket!) They are great knives but cannot touch the MT for toughness!
You might as well accept that if you've found this site, you will eventually have ALL the knives on your list anyway!
biggrin.gif
 
I was also going to suggest the 730 (732, 735) although my personal preference leans toward the 710. 730 sounds more like what you've looking for.
Nothing wrong with the 940, but I don't think it's going to perform as well as the other two I mentioned (or the Military or SE for that matter). I've had no problem w/BM's QC, and recently sent a six year old knife that was beat all to hell back to them to have the blade changed out and the lock inspected (liner lock was failing). They sent me a brand new one to replace it.

You could probably find a Sebenza for around $250 (yes, NIB) on the for sale forum, if you're lucky. It would be well worth adding $50 to the budget, IMO.

I'll take a Axis or frame lock 10 times out of 10 over the liner locks.

Good luck, and welcome to the forums (as a poster)!
 
The SOCOM elite is an awesome knife. It will be at least as overwhelming as the Military, if you are concerned with that.

Jason mentioned the LCC. Excellent alternative. Built like a tank. Tactical, but classy.

The Columbia River KFF is considerably cheaper than the others. Excellent knife at its price point. I have heard some concerns about lockup, but Ive heard others say theirs was rock solid. It also has the LAWKS to help prevent lock failure. I would think a KFF would also garner some looks. It is a big honker as well. Pretty heavy.

The 940 seems to me to be more of a gentlemans knife. A little on the smaller side for me. Benchmades has had some QC issues in the past. I think they are a little exaggerated, and they seem to do a good job of making it right if there is a problem.

I will also agree on the 730. Available in some different colors. Maybe not so tactical looking, but it is all business.

One of my favorite Benchmades is the 710.

Of course, everyone knows that I have to plug the Wegner. Excellent knife. May be ugly, but the design is excellent. Great ergonomics. The Wegner feels like an extension of your hand.

The Al Mar SERE 2000 is also a great knife. Thick liner, VG-10 steel. One tough knife. There were some reports of spine whack failure, but here again these appear to be exaggerated. More people say it locks up like a bank vault than not.

------------------
Dennis Bible

....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
 
The KFF is a real nice folder. (and you have extra money left over so you can get it customised)
(here are a few others that aren't on the list)
Buck 110 auto (if you can leagaly get one)

BM model 42 balisong (again check local laws)

Case Ruslock

And the Microtech Mini-socom (sure is handy, but I don't know if it is or isn't discontinued)
 
Try the Spyderco G-10 Police. Great 4" flat grind with an excellent fit and finish. Check out my short review on it on the Review Forum.
 
Professor,

I'm thinking back...and I can not think of one complaint on the BM940. It's a nice knife for mediun to light chores and it's the only one on your list with the Axis lock.

While I am not a fan of tip up carry and I prefer a frame lock, this is the one I would pick from your list.


Steve-O
 
Wow! That was a bunch of helpful replies pretty quick! I'm going to try and address all of the suggestions here...

Guess I want to add one more thing here, something I should have stated up front - the intended use! As with the only other knife I own (a Spyderco Native), this knife should be a good user knife. Self-defense is a secondary, and almost distant concern for me.

That being said....

LCC - that's actually not a bad looking knife. Seems to be on the heavy side though. Is it a user knife? The name suggests more of a self-defense purpose...

BM 730/735 - what is the difference between the two? This does seem to be a very good choice. Looks like a good heavy-duty knife with a lot of class.

Sebenza - I hate to admit it, but I just recently sold my large Sebenza. I would like to buy another, but not just yet. I think that, because I went straight from the Native (a good knife) to the Sebenza (the best, if the cult-like following is to be believed
smile.gif
), I really did not appreciate the Sebenza properly. Does that make sense?

mini-Socom - This was another one I considered, but I am not going to be able to make it into a decent knife store until around the middle of July. If they have one there when I get there, then great! Otherwise, I will have to look at the others on the list!

I think that's all of them. Thanks for the great responses so far, and keep them coming! I'm compiling a list of knives for when I make it to the store!

Matthew

[This message has been edited by Professor X (edited 06-14-2001).]
 
Professor X -- you did miss one which was suggested -- the Spyderco Wegner. You may have unconsciously rejected it because of appearance. You did indicate that was important to you.

I'd just like to second that recommendation. It feels very good in the hand. And it is quite stoutly built, tho having but one liner.

There are a couple other Spydercos I'm surprised were not recommended to you: The Starmate, and the Lum Chinese. Most everybody likes the looks of the Starmate, and it is highly regarded. The Lum Chinese is definitely different looking than virtually anything else out there. Nonetheless, many find it very attractive. By all reports, it is really a cutter too. Shy of the revered CRKs and the well-liked Microtechs, I doubt you'll find consistent quality to match Spydercos anywhere.

------------------
Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
Hi Professor X,

Do yourself a favor. Put an order in for a Benchmade 710 in M2 steel. You may have to wait. It will be worth it. Do it while they are only $130 each.
 
How about the built-like-a-tank REKAT Pioneer II? I have one, and I think it's an excellent folder!.
smile.gif
.

------------------
Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
<A HREF="mailto:glockman99@hotmail.com
glockman99@yahoo.com">glockman99@hotmail.com
glockman99@yahoo.com</A>
ICQ# 53675663
 
IMHO, of the ones mentioned, except for the Sebenza, Microtech is the best made knife. Both the Elite and LCC are quality users. The Elite is a little large, 9" overall with a 4" blade. As stated by others, it does have a tactical look. The LCC is 8 1/4" overall with a 3.6" blade. The handle is nice looking, but the blade does have a pit bull look to it. The Mini Socom, 7 1/4" overall with a 3.19" blade is a great small knife, if you have small hands. I do, and the handle is still a little small for me except for light tasks. You will not be disappointed with either the SE or LCC, pick the one that appeals to you most.

------------------
Aloha
 
A couple of notes to add:

I have two Microtech Mini Socoms and like them quite well. I concur with previous comments about the high quality of Microtechs fit and finish. My main EDC is partially serrated with the Titanium Carbo Nitride finish. I think if you look at on - line dealers, you can probably find one for around $100. The handle is small for alot of hard knife work, but I find it quite comfortable. You get alot of blade for the size of the handle.

The other knife (or group of knives) I would consider is several in the Kershaw line. Personally, I gave my dad a Wild Wild Turkey, which he has had excellent luck with and again has excellent blade length for size of handle. Also a good sheeple knife - better than the Microtech by far. I've also had very good impressions with the original Ken Onion series, although I am not a big fan of the assisted opening (about cut the heck out of my thumb several times working the action!) from what I have seen and heard, they are very well made, solid ergonomics and top class materials (CPM440V) in the original Random Task series. Again, the reverse tanto blade shape is quite practical without appearing particularly menacing to sensitive passers by.
 
Bugs3x -

I am a fan of the Spydies as well; in fact, I have been so pleased with my Native that my search started with Spyderco. Of the ones you mentioned, I like the Wegner and the Lum Chinese best, but have decided to delay those purchases due to either size (Lum Chinese < 3.5 - 4"), or blade grind.

If I was independently wealthy, however, it would be a different story
smile.gif


Matthew
 
Jeff -

What are the advantages/disadvantages of M2 steel as compared to others, such as 440V?

Matthew
 
Matthew-
Your comments about the LCC & Sebenza
lead me to assume we have similar tastes
in knives. Last week I purchased a William Henry Kestrel in Carbon Fiber. I liked it
so much this week I bought a Evolution Wharncliffe. Take a look at the Carbon
Fiber Series- Spearpoint or Lancet( http://www.agrussell.com./william_henry/index.html ) from William Henry. I have no doubt you'll be totally satisfied.

Excellent service and prices from Bayou Laforche- http://www.knifeworks.com/

roguesoul


Originally posted by Professor X:

LCC

Sebenza
I think that's all of them. Thanks for the great responses so far, and keep them coming! I'm compiling a list of knives for when I make it to the store!

Matthew
Click to expand...
 
Good call roguesoul!

That CF Spearpoint sure does look sweet! Is it a flat-grind? Would like it just a liiitttle bit longer, but I could probably overlook that
smile.gif


I've not heard of William Henry knives before. For that price, I would assume that they make good quality knives, but perhaps others could chime in here?

Thanks,

Matthew
 
LCC - that's actually not a bad looking knife. Seems to be on the heavy side though. Is it a user knife? The name suggests more of a self-defense purpose...

The LCC is certainly up to the task of self-defense but those same qualities make it tough enough for just about any task. I cannot imagine a better knife for the price. Yes, it is a little on the heavy side at first but not bad considering the features.
All the knives mentioned are great but you will probably find the resounding opinion if you search that there is no better knife for the money than the LCC!
( BTW, the mini-socom is great too! Bought one for my father from Mike Turber last weekend. I think he still has a few for about $90! However, it is NOT a large knife and would not fill the hand for larger tasks. )


 
Of the knives being discussed, I'd probably go with the LCC or 735.


I've heard bad reports of the Socoms' & mini-Socoms' liner locks, so I would avoid those. The Socom Elite has a better lock, but is still pretty "tactical" looking.


While the LCC's name suggests combat, it is also well suited to utility. This is one sturdy knife, and very few knives around here are praised quite as much.


I don't know if anyone answered your question about BM's 73X series. The 730 has marroon & black scales, the 732 has black scales (and is harder to find), & the 735 has green & black scales. Personally, I like the 735's green and black the best. I think the complaints about BM's QC are a bit exagerrated and the Axis locks in general have better QC than other BM's.


M2 is a high speed tool steel. It is one of the toughest steels in use for production folders. You would have to try very hard to chip off the tip of an M2 blade. The only downside to this steel is that it rusts more easily than other steels because it is not stainless. All of BM's M2 blades come coated with a black teflon coating that will prevent rust. The 710hs (with M2 steel) is one of the most useful and versatile knives on the market, but it's not very sheeple-friendly. The black coated blade doesn't help there. It is, however, very easy to clean off, so it's also a good blade to use for food.


William Henry knives are excellent quality, but they're definitely gentleman's knives, and you wouldn't want to use one nearly as hard as you would any of the other knives mentioned.


If I were in your situation I'd go with the 710hs if I wasn't as worried about the sheeple factor (it is still only a pocket knife with a 4" blade). Otherwise the decision between a 735 and LCC would be a tough one without getting the knives in your hand first. The LCC will should have better fit and finish, and can be had with CF scales; the 735 is lighter and has the Axis lock. The 94X series are great knives, and I usually carry my 940, but I also carry my 710hs for more intense work.


I don't think we're making this decision any easier for you, but good luck
smile.gif



The more I think about it, the more I'd say go with the 735 because the Axis lock rocks!

edited to add- the KFF is very heavy and tactical looking, will rust easily, and will dull easily. It's a great fighter for cheap, but not in the same class as the other knives being discussed.

440V has excellent stain resistance and wear resistance, but has been reported to be a bit brittle. Some people love it and some people hate it.

------------------
Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault

[This message has been edited by medusaoblongata (edited 06-15-2001).]
 
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