First real knife

[springnr]

However, it is often true that the most popular items are not the best and/or there are better lesser known (and cheaper) alternatives, and that levels of expertise vary.
____________________________
I was not going to reply to this thread as my recommendation is not flashy, nor serrated, and is boring except for the blade metal. It is quite functional, and does offer a lot of quality for the $$. Heck of a first knife.

Fallkniven U2

 

[carrot]

The Endura and Delica get so many recommendations for many reasons. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and well designed. What is not readily apparent from the online descriptions and photos is just how well they fill the hand, how comfortably they carry, and how well they work in day to day usage. They are solid, reliable and have very, very good steel, especially for the price. Benchmade's best at that price is the 556 Min Grip with 154CM, which is a good steel but not as good as VG-10, and Kershaw's best at that price is actually $6 more (based on Knifecenter.com's prices) is the Composite Leek and is D2, which is a very good steel but with some drawbacks (D2 is harder than VG-10 so holds an edge longer, but cannot get quite as sharp and is far less rust resistant -- D2 is in fact not considered stainless).

Spydercos may not be the prettiest knives around but I find they are a very, very suitable alternative to my Sebenza, which I consider "the best knife ever" for many reasons.

Some important things to consider for a knife for me are: (roughly in order of importance)
1 -- Does it carry well?
2 -- Is the lockup good and solid?
3 -- Does it feel nice to hold?
4 -- Is it easy to open one-handed, even under adverse conditions?
5 -- Does it cut well on a variety of materials?
6 -- Is the blade versatile, or (not too specialized)?
7 -- Are potential sharp edges rounded or chamfered where there shouldn't be any?
8 -- If it has a stainless steel, does it resist rust well?
9 -- Is it comfortable to use for long periods of time, for tasks such as peeling fruit & veggies, whittling, or breaking down boxes?
10 -- Does it look good? (You won't carry it if you can't stand the way it looks)
11 -- Is it unlikely to get me arrested for "illegal knife" possession?

Generally, IMHO
Spyderco does well on all of these, except maybe 10. They are especially good at 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9
Kershaw also meets most of these, but has some problems on 1, 8 (stupid bead blasting makes rust more likely), and maybe 10. In NYC, most completely fail 11 due to SpeedSafe, which is often viewed as being akin to automatic knives. They are excellent at 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
Benchmade also does pretty well, but I find some models fail at 3 and 4. They ace 2, 6, 7 and 10.

6 is very model-dependent. Best is to just find out for yourself.

For what it's worth I have owned 6 Kershaws (two of which I absolutely love -- Zing and Shallot) and handled quite a few more, 4 Benchmades (and handled dozens more... none of which I felt compelled to buy), and
at least 48 Spydercos (and handled the entire 2009 lineup including the just-released Sage II and Chokwe), as well as owning a few custom folders and fixed blades and also handling many more.

 

[carrot]

Also, yes, I do agree that Cowon is a leader in PMP/DAP. But you just said yourself, when you ask enthusiasts, many will suggest Cowon. You are asking enthusiasts here, and you see what we here are suggesting.

 

[ZMZ67]

The Endura and Delica get so many recommendations for many reasons. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and well designed. What is not readily apparent from the online descriptions and photos is just how well they fill the hand, how comfortably they carry, and how well they work in day to day usage. They are solid, reliable and have very, very good steel, especially for the price. Benchmade's best at that price is the 556 Min Grip with 154CM, which is a good steel but not as good as VG-10, and Kershaw's best at that price is actually $6 more (based on Knifecenter.com's prices) is the Composite Leek and is D2, which is a very good steel but with some drawbacks (D2 is harder than VG-10 so holds an edge longer, but cannot get quite as sharp and is far less rust resistant -- D2 is in fact not considered stainless).

Spydercos may not be the prettiest knives around but I find they are a very, very suitable alternative to my Sebenza, which I consider "the best knife ever" for many reasons.

Some important things to consider for a knife for me are: (roughly in order of importance)
1 -- Does it carry well?
2 -- Is the lockup good and solid?
3 -- Does it feel nice to hold?
4 -- Is it easy to open one-handed, even under adverse conditions?
5 -- Does it cut well on a variety of materials?
6 -- Is the blade versatile, or (not too specialized)?
7 -- Are potential sharp edges rounded or chamfered where there shouldn't be any?
8 -- If it has a stainless steel, does it resist rust well?
9 -- Is it comfortable to use for long periods of time, for tasks such as peeling fruit & veggies, whittling, or breaking down boxes?
10 -- Does it look good? (You won't carry it if you can't stand the way it looks)
11 -- Is it unlikely to get me arrested for "illegal knife" possession?

Generally, IMHO
Spyderco does well on all of these, except maybe 10. They are especially good at 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9
Kershaw also meets most of these, but has some problems on 1, 8 (stupid bead blasting makes rust more likely), and maybe 10. In NYC, most completely fail 11 due to SpeedSafe, which is often viewed as being akin to automatic knives. They are excellent at 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
Benchmade also does pretty well, but I find some models fail at 3 and 4. They ace 2, 6, 7 and 10.

6 is very model-dependent. Best is to just find out for yourself.

For what it's worth I have owned 6 Kershaws (two of which I absolutely love -- Zing and Shallot) and handled quite a few more, 4 Benchmades (and handled dozens more... none of which I felt compelled to buy), and
at least 48 Spydercos (and handled the entire 2009 lineup including the just-released Sage II and Chokwe), as well as owning a few custom folders and fixed blades and also handling many more.

Very worthwhile post :thumbsup:Illustrates your preferences/choices well but also provides a good method of choice for anyone looking to buy a folder.I have a feeling your post is going to cost me $$ though :laughing:

 

[Prat]

I was not going to reply to this thread as my recommendation is not flashy, nor serrated, and is boring except for the blade metal. It is quite functional, and does offer a lot of quality for the $$. Heck of a first knife.

Fallkniven U2

Well I thank you anyway, even though I must admit your recommendation is not what I'm looking for.

BUT, yes, that does seem to be a nice knife. It's just not what I'm interested in is all. I gots to have my serrated edge for one thing.

The Endura and Delica get so many recommendations for many reasons. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and well designed. What is not readily apparent from the online descriptions and photos is just how well they fill the hand, how comfortably they carry, and how well they work in day to day usage. They are solid, reliable and have very, very good steel, especially for the price. Benchmade's best at that price is the 556 Min Grip with 154CM, which is a good steel but not as good as VG-10, and Kershaw's best at that price is actually $6 more (based on Knifecenter.com's prices) is the Composite Leek and is D2, which is a very good steel but with some drawbacks (D2 is harder than VG-10 so holds an edge longer, but cannot get quite as sharp and is far less rust resistant -- D2 is in fact not considered stainless).

Spydercos may not be the prettiest knives around but I find they are a very, very suitable alternative to my Sebenza, which I consider "the best knife ever" for many reasons.

Some important things to consider for a knife for me are: (roughly in order of importance)
1 -- Does it carry well?
2 -- Is the lockup good and solid?
3 -- Does it feel nice to hold?
4 -- Is it easy to open one-handed, even under adverse conditions?
5 -- Does it cut well on a variety of materials?
6 -- Is the blade versatile, or (not too specialized)?
7 -- Are potential sharp edges rounded or chamfered where there shouldn't be any?
8 -- If it has a stainless steel, does it resist rust well?
9 -- Is it comfortable to use for long periods of time, for tasks such as peeling fruit & veggies, whittling, or breaking down boxes?
10 -- Does it look good? (You won't carry it if you can't stand the way it looks)
11 -- Is it unlikely to get me arrested for "illegal knife" possession?

Generally, IMHO
Spyderco does well on all of these, except maybe 10. They are especially good at 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9
Kershaw also meets most of these, but has some problems on 1, 8 (stupid bead blasting makes rust more likely), and maybe 10. In NYC, most completely fail 11 due to SpeedSafe, which is often viewed as being akin to automatic knives. They are excellent at 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
Benchmade also does pretty well, but I find some models fail at 3 and 4. They ace 2, 6, 7 and 10.

6 is very model-dependent. Best is to just find out for yourself.

For what it's worth I have owned 6 Kershaws (two of which I absolutely love -- Zing and Shallot) and handled quite a few more, 4 Benchmades (and handled dozens more... none of which I felt compelled to buy), and
at least 48 Spydercos (and handled the entire 2009 lineup including the just-released Sage II and Chokwe), as well as owning a few custom folders and fixed blades and also handling many more.

I got you, thanks for the education! It is as I suspected though, and I actually agreed with/did not dispute all of that before (what I knew at least). I still think those two Spyderco knives are over-hyped, but no, I have not handled/used them (although I read reviews of how they cut and such, one at a very through site you and others probably know of...forgot the name) so I can not thus judge as definitively as others who have of course.

Your scale is quite comprehensive, but many factors on there I am unconcerned with, namely 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 11. Again, this will be just for carrying around (for a bit of peace of mind, I don't like not having the security of having a knife for protection if needed in my pocket, although I'm going to use my mace first anyway) and holding/looking at (I like how knives look!), not really for using. I'd use it in an emergency, otherwise it's just sitting in my pocket. Or around the house, just a "nice to have if needed" type of item that right now I feel a little naked without lol (although I have my baseball bat, axe, hatchet, machete, mace, kitchen knives...etc.).

Perhaps I will (as said) buy one knife more for looks/edc and another for a more "beater" type as it would be nice to have a knife for camping/around the house. But most of the time I'm not camping (unfortunately! lol) and around the house I use dull beater scissors for cutting just about anything lol.

Also, yes, I do agree that Cowon is a leader in PMP/DAP. But you just said yourself, when you ask enthusiasts, many will suggest Cowon. You are asking enthusiasts here, and you see what we here are suggesting.

Good point. Mine was that some "experts" really aren't (or they are fanbois of some brand/product and dismiss other contenders) so their recommendations aren't the best, but yes I can tell the ones here know what they are talking about! :thumbsup:

Does anyone like the Byrd Meadowlark?

 

[Prat]

Just registered on Bladeforums, same user name. Need to do more research so I'm going to read around there.

Sure I could just pick and buy a good knife or two right now from the suggestions made and my own choices, but that's not how I work. Any purchase over about $20 I make I look at several options, and if it's a technical item (like a knife), I research it.

Just this weekend I looked at about 5 different options for some casual twill pants. I know my size and what color I want, but instead of just ordering the L.L. Bean Camden ones I saw online, I got some Arizona brand ones on sale. Saved $15 and like the looks better (and having had several Arizona brand jeans I know they hold up as well or better than other jean brands I've had like L.L. Bean and Levi's). It's not a big purchase item, but why not shop around? I got the superior product (to me at least) for less money that way.

So don't be surprised if it takes me a few weeks before I decide on a knife (or two or three)! There is much to learn! :thinking:

 

[carrot]

Byrd meadowlark is nice, but feels somewhat "unfinished" compared to the Delica. Even still a great knife with solid lockup, and the steel holds up decently.

 

[JeffInChi]

So Prat have you bought a knife yet, and if so, what kind?

 

[Prat]

Byrd meadowlark is nice, but feels somewhat "unfinished" compared to the Delica. Even still a great knife with solid lockup, and the steel holds up decently.

Ok...

So Prat have you bought a knife yet, and if so, what kind?

Lol, are you kidding? See above...


I'm finding on BF that I'm not the only one not so impressed with Spyderco's, especially their odd and boring looks. They, Benchmade and Kershaw seem to be the overall high rated ones there though (at least what I'm looking for).

However, I've seen both BM and Spyderco called "good" or "solid" (and even just Spyderco called just "ok"), but twice Kershaw called "great" (in the same thread http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677028). And Kershaw is compared to Spyderco and BM when they are well regarded by the same user. Seems Kershaw might be the lesser well known (but still well known) maker that is just as good or better than these two makers who are ALWAYS recommended.

 

[Ny0ng1]

I used to be exactly like you, aiming for somewhat mid level quality with the best price/performance ratio and suit my needs the best.

But i've changed slightly now, still interested to read and fondle those mid-but-above-average quality, but for personal purchase, i usually go straight to the high end.

Why? because I know my personality, I wont be satisfied and keep comparing my item with the best there is out there . Always thinking I now appreciate the price factor of the more expensive product, trying to save more $$ to buy the better quality product than I have, and in the end, spend more $$ overall

So now... if i want to buy something new, if I can afford the high end, I'll go for it, of course with some research knowing that all the enthusiast recommend it if you can afford it.

So back to the topic, i have a Small Sebenza Classic on my way now. By the way, its my first knife purchased by me, ever. . Cant wait for it to come.

Before buying it, I was looking for Spydercos and Kershaw, didn't really like benchmades and its model actually. After some readings, I lean more to Spidercos, thinning down the choices to Paramilitary, Delica ZDP, Manix, Pacific Salt, and Caly3.

Cheers
Eric

 

[springnr]

Well I thank you anyway, even though I must admit your recommendation is not what I'm looking for.

BUT, yes, that does seem to be a nice knife. It's just not what I'm interested in is all. I gots to have my serrated edge for one thing.
_______________________________________
< I knew that when posting. The U2 really falls more into the category of a 14th 18th 21st .... choice versus a first selection for most users.

 

[Prat]

I used to be exactly like you, aiming for somewhat mid level quality with the best price/performance ratio and suit my needs the best.

But i've changed slightly now, still interested to read and fondle those mid-but-above-average quality, but for personal purchase, i usually go straight to the high end.

Why? because I know my personality, I wont be satisfied and keep comparing my item with the best there is out there . Always thinking I now appreciate the price factor of the more expensive product, trying to save more $$ to buy the better quality product than I have, and in the end, spend more $$ overall

So now... if i want to buy something new, if I can afford the high end, I'll go for it, of course with some research knowing that all the enthusiast recommend it if you can afford it.

So back to the topic, i have a Small Sebenza Classic on my way now. By the way, its my first knife purchased by me, ever. . Cant wait for it to come.

Before buying it, I was looking for Spydercos and Kershaw, didn't really like benchmades and its model actually. After some readings, I lean more to Spidercos, thinning down the choices to Paramilitary, Delica ZDP, Manix, Pacific Salt, and Caly3.

Cheers
Eric

I know what you're saying, but I know myself too and I'm really am a guy who's satisfied with mid-level; in fact I find many mid level products to be more than enough and much of the time budget/economic is just fine with me!

So while I don't buy junk (because that is a waste of money in the long run), I won't go high end either. I go right to the mid line and stay there, satisfied for years.

For instance, as I mentioned above, I'm into audio gear, "hi-fi" stuff. But I am more than happy with my "mere" $2,000 dollar stereo system and have been for years. Sure I could buy a $20,000 system (or $200,000 system if I really wanted to), but I never will. Mine sounds 90% as good as one of that cost (or more, and yes I've heard several very expensive ones) and I think it's ridiculous to spend that kind of money on anything other than a house (including a car; I've never spent more than a $15,000 on a car and never will).

This is just how I am, I save my money and I just don't see the need for having better material things than I do have, as they are more often than not more than enough to satisfy any reasonable person. And when I do feel like upgrading or simply getting something I have never have (like a "real" knife or flashlight), I go to the mid level and stay there.

So $50 - $80 for a knife or flashlight is more than enough for me (and really, I can't justify even that much: I don't need to spend that amount on either, or strictly even need either!). I'm now looking at only Kershaw and Benchmade (too many models to list), Spyderco is out. I realized that I've never liked how they look; with their weird triangle shaped blades they look made more for cutting cheese than anything else! I know they are good knives, but they just don't appeal to me.

So I'm narrowing it down!

 

[jzmtl]

You know you want one.

Kidding aside when I saw spyderco for the first time I thought they are ugly as sin, now most of my knives are spyderco (well 2nd if you count swiss army knives). You'll understand once you have one, perfect ergonomics and pure functionality.

 

[Prat]

You know you want one.

Kidding aside when I saw spyderco for the first time I thought they are ugly as sin, now most of my knives are spyderco (well 2nd if you count swiss army knives). You'll understand once you have one, perfect ergonomics and pure functionality.

Lol, yea, they're aren't ugly, I just think they aren't as cool looking as some other knives of the same general quality, so, in the interest of narrowing down my list, I kind of arbitrarily scratched them off it.

Speaking of a list, here's what I'm working with now (in no real order):


Kershaw:

blur

storm/stromII

blackout

ram

cyclone

whirlwind

avalanche

eneg2

lahar

scallion

zing


Benchmade:

vex

barrage

grip

pika

snipe

ambush


H/K Benchmade:

14650

ascender

tactical folder


Gerber - firestorm, torchII


And of course many of those have many different versions, like the blur and grip.

Getting there...much further along and more knowledgeable than when I liked the CRKT Thunderbolt! (I still think it looks cool and is of decent quality, but nah...)

 

[jzmtl]

I have two assisted openers from kershaw but I ended up not using them, because of the reaction they get from people. Think about this before you do.

I played with energ in store, the flipper is very neat and works well (no wrist flick needed). It's a separate piece from blade and hides in handle when blade is out. From your choices, they are all good, just pick one that looks good to you.

 

[carrot]

I'll tell you right off to forget the Blackout. Handles feel way too light and plasticky. No opinion on most of the others, but the Grip is a nice knife besides feeling a bit hollow (hollowed out handles) and the Vex is supposedly not always nicely finished. Seems Benchmade has been having a QA issue lately? More people are complaining about Benchmades coming dull out of the box than any other manufacturer right now? I don't remember where I read it, probably on Bladeforums.

Also, forget the Pika... get the real thing instead, the Spyderco Delica and Endura

 

[carrot]

jztml I am drooling at your picture of the Stretch FRN. I loooooove mine!

 

[jzmtl]

jztml I am drooling at your picture of the Stretch FRN. I loooooove mine!

Thanks! I love it too, very comfortable handle and extremely sharp blade!

 

[luckybucket]

Chris Reeve... Their fixed blade lineup is nice but nothing special, especially when many custom makers offer fixed blades cheaper and not a bit inferior.

i have been wanting a clip point project II knife for several years,but something just keeps coming up (usually flashlight builds). i spent two months looking for a decent knife with a hollow handle, which is a must for me. when u say custom makers have comparable fixed blades for cheaper are u talking about regular handled knifes that are just as sharp and well built? if not, then please point me to a hollow handled version that i can compare with because right now this is the only well built option i can find.

 

[carrot]

For hollow handles, CRK is the only one. I was referring to the others since the hollow handle lineup is now discontinued and is no longer being manufactured.