What knives are a MUST for a collection?

B

Balisong187

Joined
Jul 24, 2011
Messages
15
Hello. I am kind of new to knives. I own a little over 20 knives currently. I would like to know, what knives are a great addition to a collection? You can recommend me anything (OTF, Automatic, Balisong, etc.). I am not big into folding knives. Unless its really cool or unique, I have no interest. I really like fixed blade though, and balisongs. Some knives I already have are: USMC Ka Bar, Cheap Balisong, SOG Seal Pup, Throwing Knives, a few cheap folders, and an AKM Bayonet. Please recommend me some cool and unique knives! And a nice balisong please! One more thing, I won't spend over $120 on a knife.
 
Quite the morbid username you got there buddy.

Since you're new to the knife thing I'll give you one good warning..... don't go ape crazy buying anything that looks cool, because there are a lot of inexpensive "cool" looking knives out there and you might just find yourself later with a bunch of crappy knives that you regret getting.
 
As far as Balisongs under $120 I'd recommend a Bradley Kimura, for fixed blades look at ESEE, Bark River Knife and Tool (not too many under $120 though), Scrapyard Knives (just released one under $120 that will only be available for a couple weeks to purchase), Swamp Rat Knife Works, Fallkniven F1, Becker Knives.
 
One of each?

There are no knives you MUST have for a Collection. Some people collect Swiss Army Knives, some people collect the stockman pattern, some people collect Beckers.
Decide for yourself what you like to collect. :thumbup:

Welcome to Bladeforums!
 
well, even if you're not huge into folders, a Buck 110 still is a must have IMO. for a really unique folder, the Kershaw E.T. is very cool. I regret getting rid of mine.
 
If you lean towards fixed blades (I'm with ya) and you're trying to diversify your collection, make sure you have a double edged dagger and a Bowie. These are 'must haves'. At your price point, I would suggest the Boker Applegate for the dagger and the Cold Steel Recon Scout for the Bowie.
 
There no such things as must haves. You should collect what you like. If your collect items based on what people tell you must have, then you might as well collect stamps. Capping your spending limit at $120 is fine, but know this is not a cheap hobby.
 
One day you'll find yourself spending $900 on a Burn stiletto.
 
Just letting everyone know my name is not supposed to have an "morbid" meaning. It's just that I thought the username was simple to remember! But thank you for your suggestions everyone!
 
The Logical One said:
Quite the morbid username you got there buddy.

Since you're new to the knife thing I'll give you one good warning..... don't go ape crazy buying anything that looks cool, because there are a lot of inexpensive "cool" looking knives out there and you might just find yourself later with a bunch of crappy knives that you regret getting.
Click to expand...

Or he might end up with a bunch of knives that he thinks are super cool and absolutely loves!

It's a tough call. Keep in mind, Balisong, that you are talking to hard-line knife fanatics here, most of whom value functionality over coolness.

If you like stuff...buy it. There is no "must"...in the end it's all about what makes you happy.
 
I'mSoSharp said:
Get a large Opinel, a Mora Classic & a Svord Peasant (then finish it off!) & still have change from $120.
Click to expand...

Sure...maybe I'd say do that....but if the OP doesn't like those...then what's the point of him buying them? If they don't "do anything" for him, he's going to get no pleasure out of it and move on from knives entirely.

It's like saying a 4 star chef makes the finest steak on the planet. If person X doesn't like steak, there's no point in recommending the chef's steak to person X. Person X isn't going to enjoy it. Person X isn't going to think the chef is good. Now...if the same chef also makes the finest lobster on the planet and person X loves lobster....its a whole different thing.
 
Collecting is such a broad hobby, I'd recommend OP hang out here for a while, get to know more about the knives, and the breadth of what is out there. I know my tastes have changed over the years, as I learn more and gain experience. If I were to go about building a collection now, it would look vasty different than if I bought a bunch when I first signed up here
 
A Buck 110 is a must! Also, I've been EDC'ing a Case Peanut for a week and am loving it. It disappears in your pocket and is extremely functional, screw tactical stuff :D
 
3 words. kiridashi, kiridashi, kiridashi. i personaly love these things, i own 32 to date and still coutning. they come in one basic shape (even though many companys make them into other super-cool shapes I.E. tactical) but there are many diffrent sizes. the fun of them is that the real ones from japan are like, RIDICUlOUSLY sharp. i have never been able to sharpen any other knife as sharp as these things came. probably because i dont have a stone and dont sharpen knives for a living like the people who make them. below is the websitei got mine from. but there are many other websites to buy them from if you look! :D must have or any "collection". depending on how broad you want your collection to be! lol

kiridashi- http://www.330mate.com/product/216

knife section from same website- http://www.330mate.com/product-list/9

they also come with and without wooden handles, or in damascus, white, or blue steel. look around and im sure you can find better prices.
 
Charlie Mike said:
One day you'll find yourself spending $900 on a Burn stiletto.
Click to expand...

Why did you have to say that?! You're right though... I'm 2 years in, recently bought a Microtech Combat Troodon and it's rare that the blades I buy now are below the $150 mark.

To the OP: Dude, save your cash and get 2 or 3 really awesome blades over a drawer full of just okay. On fixed blades, you'd be hard pressed to beat an ESEE. Balisongs... be careful with those CCC's (Cheap Chinese Crap). I had the handle of one of those snap off near the blade in mid flip and nearly sliced my leg open. The Bradley Kimura II is a great bali in your price range, but personally, I think the Benchmade 51 is better. Also, (at least for me) a Microtech OTF is a definite must. Just my 2 cents!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top