Who has the best prices on the web for SOG & Gerber? (more)

C

c_meisenzahl

Joined
Dec 27, 2001
Messages
51
Let me start by thanking everyone who responded with the warm welcome and the great info!

I'm looking to buy a relatively cheap/simple folding pocket knife, preferably with a locking blade for everyday use.

Looking at some of these:
SOG Specialty Knives S30S Serrated Magnadot Folding Knife
Gerber 06410 Chameleon I Small Fine Edge
Gerber 06069 Gator/Gator Mate
Gerber 06501 E-Z Out Junior
SOG Specialty Knives S36 AutoClip Folding Knife
Gerber 06050 Ultralight L.S.T.
SOG Microdot

What's the word on serrated vs. non-serrated? I imagine that serrated blades are much harder to sharpen?

Are the qualities of these 2 brands similar? Should I avoid the Taiwan made Gerber models?

How do people like the Gerber Chameleon series? The design is starting to grow on me, as well as the SOG autoclip series.


***** Now for the big question :) *****
If you could only have one folding pocket knife, and it had to be one of these 2 brands, which would you pick?
 
You might check SMKW (www.eknifeworks.com). About 5 or 6 wk's. ago I bought two of the knives you've mentioned from them: the Gator Mate w/nylon pouch, in ATS-34, for $16 - excellent knife value, and one of the International series (Taiwan) for $20, decent knife for the money. I've never owned a Chameleon, but have'nt heard positive comments. Concerning serrations: I like'em, but would advise getting the med. and fine grit DMT tapered diamond rods to maintain them, and they are kinda pricey. I must defer to others on the SOG line of knives, I've never owned one. As an aside, I would suggest you not limit yourself to Gerber and SOG. Spyderco, Timberline, and CRKT also offer great knives for the money.
 
I don't know if you've seen/held these knives in person, but the Chameleon is a pretty thick handleed knife. I happen to like the design, the lock is very secure (bolt action), but the steel used is less than ideal.

From among the list you've given, the SOG Autoclip is BY FAR the best quality. SOG quality is far above that of Gerber. Gerber is good, but entry-level, Wal-Mart good. For most folks, it's as good as they want/need. SOG is definitely not your average KMart shopper, and you will not be disappointed.

The Tiawanese Gerber's (the AR3.00) have gotten suprisingly good reviews here. The LST is a classic, you won't go wrong. I would stay away from the EZ out. I have the larger one, and for the money you can do better.

A lot of this depends on what you want to spend, do you want to clip it or drop in your pocket, how large do you want it, etc. i suggest you go to www.eknifeworks.com and check out the CRKT offerings. If they still have the Mirages on sale, they are a great deal at $10. The Commander series from CRKT is good, but heavy in the pocket. The Buck Lightning is sharp looking, I've given them as gifts with good results. Also take a look at Spyderco. SMKW has a full-line of Spyderco now, at good prices. I should not neglect to say that Spark is the guy who provides us with this playground, and he owns the 1 Stop Knife Shop, at www.1sks.com or just click "store" at the top of this page. he carries an extensive line at good prices, and the info and web presentation is second to none.

Happy Hunting!
 
Always check out 1SKS. They will match anyones price if they do not actually have the lowest price already, and you are supporting Bladeforums at the same time. I can think of no better reason to shop an on-line knife dealer.
 
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