What knife to save to buy

[Ccnati]

I am a 15 year old knife collector. Got my first knife when I was born. However, currently my highest quality knife is a CRKT badger given to me by my dad because it didn't work as a replacement for his Flash Tanto. I am looking to get one or two higher quality knives as well as an auto. I would like a practical size (less than 5" blade) as I like to carry my knives when I'm not at school. Any suggestions for a good knife would be appreciated.

 

[HwangJino]

What you can do is visit a large online knife retailer and scope a bunch of designs you like, pick out a few and there are tons of reviews here.

Also, how much can you save? Budget and your style would help. What it's used for etc.

 

[dr_fosg8]

Less than 5 inch blade AND practical? Budget would be an important factor to supply suggestions.

 

[Ccnati]

Because I'm looking to save I'd say around the $80 per blade mark for budget, I use mostly for the standard daily tasks when I carry (opening packaging and such) as for my style I prefer longer thinner blades, as well as knives (regardless if blade size/shape) with a contoured grip.

 

[Klok]

a couple of blind suggestions Mora, opinel, kabar bk11, kabar bk 14, Cold steel voyager series, ontario utilitac, Rat 1, rat 2, cold steel tuff lite, cold steel american lawman, kershaw Cyro.
this list + Google should help out.

 

[Junglegend]

I would take a look at cold steel/sog/ontario if your in to tactical type folders, or buck/case if your looking for something more traditional. I really like my benchmades, but most of those are out of the price range your looking for. Happy hunting.

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

I would suggest a Spyderco Delica. (plain edge) A great, classic knife that won't break the bank.

 

[csisland]

Mora, and than put the rest towards college.

 

[Aleous]

Great knives that won't break the bank: Kabar Dozier, Ontario Rat, Ontario Utilitac, Kershaw Cryo. If your gonna save up for something look at ZT.

 

[k1ssthecook]

The spyderco native is one of my all time favorites. Great knife in a very reasonable size. Stay away from cold steel, never handles a cold steel knife that I would recommend.

 

[slg98]

I've purchased a few knives for my son, all decent quality, some of which are mentioned here. He 'liked' all of them but he loved the kershaw cryo.

 

[dishcore]

Spyderco has a lot to offer in that price range. The first quality knife I ever received was a gift from a friend, a Spyderco Manix 2. You could find one of those in that range.
Here's the new Black Lightweight version, right at your price range:
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Manix-2-Knife-Translucent--14688

Happy hunting my friend, and keep your options open!

 

[A Justice]

If you like a contoured grip, check out the Benchmade Griptillian. It's a little more than 80$, but not really that much more. If you move your budget up to around 150$, it really lets you move up to another level of knife. You could get a PM2 for 120$, or a ZT 550 for around that. That 100$ mark is terribly limiting in my opinion; it's not that there aren't good knives under 100$, but I've found a lot of knives that have become favorites right over that mark. I think the smartest thing you could do is visit a real knife shop and handle some in person. If you get the chance, there is a huge national retailer in Sevierville TN (I know a lot of people from KY and Ohio go there for vacation) and you could handle just about every knife ever made. For a closer shop, the owner of this forum has one in Louisville I believe, and I'm sure he has a lot of the most popular models around 100$. I would set your limit at 150$ and just buy half as many knives - it's really about quality, not quantity.

 

[whitty]

Just above your budget but I would recommend a ZT 0350! Check them out when you get the chance.

 

[link2derek]

Take a look at the Spyderco Endura 4 FFG -- its VG10 satin steel blade is long and thin and very capable. And the FRN handles (available in several color choices, btw) are grippy and comfortable. Roger at KnifeWorks sells them for about $65, and they're worth every penny!

 

[Fred Sanford]

Sorry. Wrong thread.

 

[Cereal_killer]

Mora, and than put the rest towards college.

He's 15, collage is a lifetime away!

Seriously tho pick up a spyderco native and a benchmade mini-grip.

You say <5" but I'm pretty sure you'll end up preferring ~3" blades once you start to use them. There's not much a 4"+ modern folder can do that a 3" blade can't and its so much more practical in pocket the 90% of time your not using it.

 

[Ccnati]

My current common carry when not at school is a CRKT badger...not sure of length on that.

 

[K.O.D.]

Spyderco dragonfly or delica in ZDP-189. Can't miss. For a little bit more a Benchmade Griptilian or 530 Pardue are really nice.

 

[Cap’n Smudge]

If you are in Cincinnati, look up knife stores in Newport, Ky. There is a good one not far from you. It is always better to handle knives in person before purchasing.