Which knife should I buy first? (first purchase)

G

gary777

Joined
Dec 15, 2000
Messages
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<font color="#004000">As a person new to knives, should I buy
knives in a certain order? In other words, should I start off
with a good folder?(<strong>Microtech LCC</strong>) Fixed knife?(<strong>Ka-Bar
Next Gen</strong>) Bowie(<strong>Aitor</strong>)? Or just buy
what I want? My mind is racing! </font></p>

<font color="#004000">

I am on a budget and it will be some time between purchases, so
I'd like to make my purchases very strategic, if that makes any
sense. That's why I'm wondering if I should start off with a good
folder first, that way I could at least carry it around, as
opposed to a bowie, which can't really be carried around. </font></p>

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[This message has been edited by gary777 (edited 02-04-2001).]
 
For a good quality folder look at this three.

Spyderco Military.

Benchmade 710 Axis in M2 steel.

Large Classic MM Sebenza.

The last one is VERY expensive, so I would go for the 710 or military. The 710 is tougher so probably go for that! The Military is a more special blade however.

If you go for a large fixed blade the Ka Bar Next Gen Fighting in D2 I repeat D TWO steel is the KING for the cash IMHO. MAke sure it is the D2 model now!

W.A.

------------------
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
Of course you should buy what you like. Any opinions of people here are just Their opinions. Buy what you like and you will be happy.

I started collecting custom blades. I don't necessarily suggest you jump right into that area yet, but if you buy what you like, and buy the best that you can afford, you will probably not go wrong. Forget about resale value unless you like trading knives more than possessing knives (some apparently do).

Paracelsus
 
You can buy what you want, or you can buy what I want
biggrin.gif

I want an Al Mar SERE 2000, which just happens to be the most awesome folding knife that has ever been or ever will be made
biggrin.gif


------------------
mikemck@austin.rr.com
 
Al Mar SERE 2000. I listened to everyone brag about how great they are. I continued to buy a variety of other makes. Finally I bought one, and everyone who bragged was right.

However, it is very difficult to tell someone else what would be the correct choice for them. Shop around the internet. Read some articles and try to narrow down exactly what you want to do with your first knife. Then you can make the correct decision for yourself.

[This message has been edited by jayharley (edited 02-04-2001).]
 
Gary, buying a good folder first makes a lot of sense, especially if you don't have one. What to buy is up to you, where to buy is another matter. You can go to 1stopknife and look at what people are buying right on their front page. Or you can go to the For Sale Forum and see what people are selling, usually at a loss.
wink.gif

If I were you I would find a knife that you like, even if it's not NIB and get yourself a bargain user, to start with.
Since you said that knife purchases are going to be few and far between that will give you a lot of time to do your homework before your next purchase. What you might try is just collect pictures of the knives you'd like to have in your Dream Collection, and then take it from there. It will save you a whole bunch of money over actually buying the knives and later having to sell them at a loss to buy something else. You will be surprised as to how much your tastes will change the longer you hang around here. But in the end it does come down to your taste, what you like and dislike. Enjoy the journey.

------------------
"Will work 4 Knives!"
My PhotoPoint Site
 
Buy the knife you like the best, that you can afford, first. Any of the ones you mentioned, or one of many others, would make a grat choice.
When you do decide, tell us what you think of the knife you chose.

Keith.
 
What are you buying? Why are you buying?

Art knife?
Work knife?
Collector knife?
What budget do you have to work with?
How quickly do you need to purchase the knife?

Buy the knife you want or the knife you need, depending on the response to the above thoughts. There are a lot of good knives to choose from with very few wrong answers.

For good affordable users, Gerber ATS-34 blades, Spyderco and, some Benchmades are a good choice for everyday users in the low to mid-range price class.

Mid-range (size) fixed blades are a good choice for many. Fallkniven F1/S1, Kabar D2 Impact and, the Gerber Yari to name a few.

A big fixed blade is admired by many and used by some but, for many not a practical everyday carry knife. D2 Kabar's, Mission A-2 MPK and similar knives offer good value and performance.

There are many more to choose from then this random cross section.

Stay Sharp,
Sid
 
Definitely buy what you like. I also think it makes sense to buy a general-purpose folder first, so you'll have something you can keep with you and use.

Everyone has a recommendation so I'll give you mine.
smile.gif
I would start your collection with a mid-range Spyderco if you can find one you like. Spyderco offers a rare blend of smart design, quality materials, precise construction, and reasonable price. You can get a nice one for less than half of what you'd pay for most good "starter" knives.

My personal favorite, and a lot of people agree with me, is the Native. Get the Native Lightweight because it has a more secure grip and comes with far better steel (440V instead of AUS8).

Other classics to check out are the Endura and Delica models.

Whatever you do, make sure that your first purchase is a knife you want to carry around.

--Bob Q
 
I don't think there is really an "order" when purchasing knives as they are very subjective and depends on individual needs. Some people primarily collect folders, some fixed blades, and some swords. Some collect all types.

Even between categories, there are divisions. Some people only collect art knives and one of kinds. Still others collect user knives. You must look at your needs.

The only constraint is if it is for hard, outdoor use. Look for a good fixed blade as your primary knife, and don't skimp on quality. It doesn't have to be expensive -- although most good knives don't come cheap. However, it should be well built.

If you are getting a knife for day-in/day-out utility use, a good folder -- like the MT LCC you mentioned -- should take you a long way.
 
In a folder, get the Spyderco Native because it doesn't cost very much, if fits the hand, offers true ambidexterity in the hand and in carry, travels through airline security, has a high tech steel, and it does everything a folder should do and does it reasonably well.

In a fixed blade, get one of John Greco's smaller (cheaper) knives, or any of Fallkniven's knives.

The Greco's represent a semi-custom knife, inexpensive, indestructible, and able to do it all.

For the same or a little more money, the Fallkniven's offer a more conventional design and a premium stainless, aggressive cutting, superior edge-holding and tough steel.
One should pick the Fallkniven one likes for whatever reason.
I have my eye on purchasing the H1, although I would like to hold one first since the handle seems so short.

------------------
Luke 22:36, John 18:6-11, Freedom
If one takes care of the means, the end will take care of itself.
 
For your first good knife I would get a user. A knife you can carry around with you all the time, one with good steel that you can practice sharpening unitl you can get a razor edge with no problem. Spyderco's are pretty good for this role. The Native, Calypso Jr. Lwt., and Delica are great carry knives with good steel that will make you appreciate knives as tools. After carrying one for a while you will not want to be without one. There is plenty of time to lust after Sebenzas and LCCs and Military's.

Rick
 
I would say go to the Exchange here with a handful of mid-size folders that you really want in mind. Either look for them already for sale or post in the 'Wanted To Buy' and see what happens. The only thing better than getting the knife you are looking for is getting it at a great price. Hundreds of knives go up through the exchange that are previously purchased then sold for a discount without having what I would call any 'wear' to them. Get that one knife, carry it every day and start to learn from it and apply that knowledge to your future purchases. Just cause your first knife is a folder does not mean carrying it can't tell you a lot about fixed blades and your uses for them. If you're on a budget you will be blown away at what you will find available at the Exchange guaranteed!

Shawn

------------------
"I didn't do it! Nobody saw
me do it! You can't prove a
thing!"

-Bart Simpson
 
Gary,

Its time to find a good knife store. The knife to buy is the one that fits your wallet, your hand , and your fancy.

Have fun.

N2S

BTW dont forget to check out our very own 1SKS.
 
Dude, first of all an apology.

Don't think I am bullying you to buy a D2 Ka Bar! Just because I think it is soooo much better than any knife you have suggested does not make me right
wink.gif


I do love this knife however and if you are considering getting one here is NOT what to look for

Next Generation Fighter KA-1272
Length, Overall: 12.875"
Blade Length: 8"
Blade Material: Sandvik 12C27
Handle Length: 4.875"
Handle Material: Kraton G
Weight: {Weight}
Sheath Material: Kydex


See the blade material... Sandvik 12c27 NOT D2. 12c27 is similar to 425 stainless. Not a great steel by any standards.

THIS is what you want!


http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?KA1281


Good luck and buy what feels right to you!

W.A.

------------------
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
If you'd carry a folder more than a fixed blade, then I would recommend buying a folder. The best thing to do would be try to find a knife store in your area. There are a lot of excellent quality knives out there that just do not fit my hand. And I wouldn't have known that from the pictures or recommendations I see on the internet. Go to a knife store with 10 or 20 folders in mind, keep open to other knives they have there, and see what fits. The right knife could just jump out at you, and the wrong ones will definitely make themselves known. If you stick with Benchmade, Spyderco, CRKT, MOD, MT, and the other brands/models that you hear a lot about here, you should be assured a quality piece, so the next consideration should be what you like. What's your budget? and what do you want to use the knife for? And what is legal in your area (blade length)? I really like Axis locks, try those out and see if you do too. Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

------------------
Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"To give is a need, to receive is mercy." - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
 
I would love to hear what you go for in the end and what you think of the knife. I must admit, a good folder is the best first choice.

*whispering with a conspiratorial look on face*
Get the Benchmade 710 Axis with M2 tool steel with a plain edge.

*Looks around to see if anyone heard!*

It is a great first knife, one of the three best made in the world IMHO, without spending silly money!

W.A.

------------------
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
Forget the Microtechs for now. Go with the SERE 2000. You will love it.

------------------
Peter Atwood

email:fountainman@hotmail.com
 
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