Which is the BEST

P

Pog

Joined
Apr 12, 2002
Messages
5
I have recently joined the army and i have found that being without a knife is quite a disadvantage. I was wondering which is the best manual or automatic folding knife, no matter the cost. I would be glad of anyones opinions and a top 5 list of knives would be great.
 
There is no such thing as best, only best in the opinion of the owner. What matters is not what someone else likes. What matters is what you like. I'd suggest finding some knives that appeal to you and the asking some specific questions here. People here can tell you about personal experiences, quality, performance etc. As an example, I received a return yesterday of a high end knife. The customer said he didn't like the balance of the knife. The knife is, at least in my opinion and the opinion of many others, one of the two best balanced designs in the industry. Obviously not in his opinion. Buying somebody else's favorites makes less sense to me than buying what you like. Take care.
 
If you are looking for something that will take more abuse, Try one of the Strider folders, or even the Buck/Strider folders.
 
Help us out a little Pog. Do you need a hard working field folder, or just a handy pocket knife. We will be able to help you better if you give us soom more info. ;)
 
Ok sorry about lack of info, i need something that is durable, can be opened one handed (so possiabley a automatic), keeps its edge, offers great anti rust/corosion resistance, can be clipped to a belt and can be used for a vast range of tasks. i heard the microtech socom range was quite good, i just want peoples opinons on their best knives so i can check them out and see if they would suit me. Cheers.
 
>"I have recently joined the army and ... I was wondering which is the best manual or automatic folding knife, no matter the cost."

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You're in the army and cost is no object? One question: WHOSE ARMY!? They must be paying more than they used to.
 
Depending on your specific uses, a stout TOPS CQT Magnum or Thunderhawke, a Strider folder, and/or a Greber or Letherman multitool. The mulit-tool will most likely come out into use more often than anything.
 
Buy the best you can afford to replace.

On a soldier's budget, and with a soldier's needs in mind, I'd select a Benchmade Griptilian (great Axis lock and a very rust resistant 440C blade for <$60) and a Victorinox SAK Soldier (<$20 and a good selection of handy tools).

If you can afford more; check out other Benchmade Axis lock models, the Al Mar Sere 2K and Microtech's LCC.

Don't forget the SAK.

Mike
 
If you can afford it go for a Microtech LCC DA, or an Al Mar SERE 2000 DA conversion. Both are excellent knives, yet expensive. If you can't afford the auto versions try to get the manula ones, as they are still great knives to use.


Erik
 
Buy what you can afford to lose or replace, something you won't mind using HARD, and something that holds its edge and/or is fairly easily sharpened. My suggestion for a folder would be Emerson Knives, with your choice of blade style (depending on intended use). Check this out -> Emerson - Mil Testimonial

If you could do a fixed blade (I know, I know, you said auto or manual folder), I'd take a gander at
Busse Combat Knives and never have worry about buying another unless you lost it. Their warranty/guarantee will cover everything else you could possibly do to it.
 
>"I have recently joined the army and ..."

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Don't buy anything before basic training. The army tells you exactly what to bring with you and a knife ain't on the list. Wait to see if you survive basic before buying something. (I recommend forgetting an expensive, high-end knife and instead getting a Buck 110 or Spydie Endura and spending the rest on a tattoo, a case of beer and a hooker, but that's just me ;) )
 
I'd recommend a Swiss Army Knife or some kind of Leatherman tool (the Wave comes to mind). You will probably use the tools a lot. If you're just looking for a knife, there's a couple roads you can take. The Spyderco Native will do, it's got CPM-440v steels and is easily replaceable. Another low cost knife would be the Benchmade Griptilian series. If you're looking for something in the $100 range, you can't go wrong with an AFCK (plus you can get it with the axis lock). Or the Emerson CQC-7 series is good too. For extremely high-end, 300+ knives, the Chris Reeve Sebenza is good. Strider's folders look pretty solid too.
 
I'd recommend the 551 Griptilion. It's tough, takes and holds an edge, and can be replaced for $60-70. If you want a more "Tactical" type of knife then a BM710HS. I own a 551, the 710 is my next purchase. The Axis lock is NOT hype.

Throughout my years in the military loss was more of a problem than any kind of blade performance issues.

THis comes from my personal opinion that knives are for cutting. If you need a pry bar, break your bayonet or e-tool. You'll never get an edge on those anyway.
 
Cheers guys, you' ve been really helpful and given me a lot to research and a some good new ideas.:) But is there still no King of all blades you would all agree on; Just kidding.
 
Well, based on your guidelines and if price is really no concern (I am betting it might be after you price this one) check out a Mayo TnT. They will never rust and the talonite (stellite now?) will hold an edge for very long. You are also looking in the neighborhood of $500 if you can find one, and it takes a while to get them from Tom.
 
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