I need some quick help with these knives. I'm in a new world here.

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I've never owned a quality knife that work didn't supply or I didn't find in the shop from ten years ago.

I want to EDC one but I want top quality. I'll spend the money because it's a one time thing (until it breaks that is).

I have no clue what companies make good knives, nor do I know how long these knives stay sharp so I have a few questions that I haven't found on here or elsewhere.

I have narrowed it down to a couple of selections from Benchmade and SOG.

Now I've never even held a quality knife so I really don't know how sharp these things are.

I don't know how durable these are. Can they take some wear and tear without needing to be sharpened or replaced all the time?

Those really are my only to questions. How sharp and how strong.

I'm not looking for anyone to tell me exactly which I should choose, I just want to know if they are sharp, going to work and last a while, and if they are worth my money.

Here is what I've narrowed it down to. Remember, I'm a knife newb so anything you guys can tell me is going to help a lot.

SOG:
http://sogknives.com/store/ST-02.htmlhttp://sogknives.com/store/TF-7.html

Benchmade:
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=580
 
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A good knife will last a lifetime, more, even, if you take good care of it (no prying, driving screws, etc).

AUS8 is softer than 154CM. Just because it's a good knife doesn't mean you don't have to sharpen it. It will obviously hold better than really cheap knives, however.

I like Spyderco, Kershaw, and Benchmade. SOG makes decent knives but has a very small selection by comparison.
 
Part of the joy of owning and using a fine blade is being able to maintain
(sharpen) it yourself. No matter how tough the blade is, it will require sharpening from time to time. As an example,just cutting up cardboard boxes will blunt even the finest blades over time.

Now this sharpening might be just a 'strop' on leather or something more drastic if you had a small nick or chip. Factor in a sharpening system in your purchase and you will be off to a good start.
 
I've decided to get the BM based on the harder steel. In a few weeks I'll get the SOG to try it out.

I foresee my collection growing like my lights :)

Now to find a good sharpener and read up on how to sharpen them effectively.
 
Benchmade makes some great knives, and SOGs a good choice as well. I favor Spyderco and Kershaw a bit more for production knives.

I have a Gerber pocket sharpener in my bag, and at home I use the Spyderco Sharpmaker, which takes a little practice to get right, but when you get it right, it's sharp!

I also foresee your collection growing, too, having started in lights, then knives, now I'm lookin' at watches, but can't afford them!

Today's EDC, a custom Emerson CQC10.

good luck with yer wallet!
daloosh
 
daloosh said:
Benchmade makes some great knives, and SOGs a good choice as well. I favor Spyderco and Kershaw a bit more for production knives.

I have a Gerber pocket sharpener in my bag, and at home I use the Spyderco Sharpmaker, which takes a little practice to get right, but when you get it right, it's sharp!

I also foresee your collection growing, too, having started in lights, then knives, now I'm lookin' at watches, but can't afford them!

Today's EDC, a custom Emerson CQC10.

good luck with yer wallet!
daloosh
Click to expand...

Agreed, good choices. I started on knives and then got a flashy bug and I love Spyderco. Have a look at a Manix or Native. Take sharpening into account, the price of a Sharpmaker will make you wince, I don't use one but those that do say only good things. I use a Fallniven DC4 sharpening stone and the pocket Gerber thingy. The Gerber does both sides at once so no good on some knives. Serrations are a real pain whatever you've got.
 
I too have just started getting into knives. From my limited knowledge, but thorough research this is what you want. As an EDC, I assume you want a folder.

Steel: 154 CM or CPM S30V - the latter seems to be the steel of choice lately as it has great stainless properties and holds an edge very well.

Lock: Either a frame lock [$$$] or a liner lock [$$] ... both are very secure, but the frame lock is the shizzle.

Lower Priced Options: Benchmade [BM] makes great knives, but you'll also want to look at Spyderco. I'm not too familiar with BM, but they have a lot of knives that meet the above criteria. Two high-end knives that stand-out for EDC in the Spyderco line are the venerable Military [with 4" blade] and the Para Military [3"+]. Both use G10 handles and S30V steel. The former has a liner lock and the Para has a 'compression lock' - basically a type of liner lock. I have a military and it's one sweet knife, beautifully made ... the para may be better sized for EDC use. Both are highly respected.

Higher Priced Options - you did say 'top-dollar': Chris Reeve, Strider, ZT, Emerson. All make sweet folders and priced accordingly. All employ top-notch steels and titanium frame locks, save for Emerson who uses Ti liner locks primarily. Chris Reeve: it's all about the Sebenza [the new Umnumzaan is very nice too] ... doesn't look like much, but it's a very well-made knife and most would use it as the benchmark. Strider: check out the SMF and SNG. ZT: though big for EDC, the 0300 is amazing for the money, probably better than anything and designed by two of the best names in the business: Ken Onion and Strider. Emerson: lots of good options here, just have to see what floats your boat. Knives from any of these manufacturers will not disappoint.

I hope that helps.
 
I think I've decided to go with the Benchmade Barrage. I'll order it when it is available.

I guess the only way to get a feel for knives is to go ahead and get a top one, then go from there.

I have a lot to learn, mainly sharpening but that's another time and another question.

I'm buying a truck this week, and I've got some stuff to pay for from battery junction this Thursday so I really don't need to spend more money :)

I'll get the Benchmade, get a sharpener, then go from there.

If it's as sharp as I want (given I don't know what to expect from these types of knives) and it is as strong as I need, I don't plan on buying any more.

I might grow a small collection in the future but I'm not attracted to knives more than a growing need for a good knife on you (like having a good light).

I appreciate all of the help. I know I've made a good first time decision.
 
That Benchmade Barrage is a nice looking knife. I beleive it is an "assited opening" style knife. You might want to check into this, as variuos states have various laws. In Maine they are illegal, but a lot of people have them. I don't however, I can get my Spydercos open in a flash!
 
I think you made a good choice. Can't really go wrong with a Benchmade. I had a Benchmade Mini-Grip but I sold a lot of my knives after I bought Sebbie.
 
Benchmade makes great knives but does not always have them very sharp out of the box. It is a hit or a miss, some come wicked and others come pretty dull. My first Mini-Grip came very dull but the 530 that came after it was scary sharp. In contrast, Kershaw and Spyderco seem to always come very very sharp.
 
If auto's are legal in your area how about a Rob Dalton pocket militia with 2.5 inch blade or a CS militia with 1.9 inch blade. The CS can be had for $100 at pvk.
 
I've gotten back into "collecting" knives, got some new fangled stuff, but I'm edc'ing an SAK.

It's nice to have a flash knife, but an SAK suits all my needs. You can get one to suit your particular needs. You can also put new scales on easily.

I also have a Buck trapper in a jacket pocket for heavier cutting chores.

Both work well for food cutting chores.
 
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I love Sog and between those two i would go with the Benchmade as well mainly because the Sog's blade is a little loose (on mine anyway), in fact now that you pointed that one out i want one!!
 
If you've already ordered (or purchased) your BM Barrage, take this with however many grains of salt you wish, but my advice would be to take a trip to your local knife shop or big-box outdoor store (Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shops etc.) or well-stocked gun/hunting/camping store and actually handle some of the knives you've been reading about. There are so many variables to consider when buying a tool that you anticipate using/carrying every day, not the least of which is just plain ol' feel, that to buy based solely on the written word is a recipe for disappointment. Even handling a knife you're interested in isn't a guarantee that it will stay your EDC, but you stand a much better chance of finding one that you'll be satisfied with long-term if you lay 5 or 6 out on a counter and "test-drive" their actions, their handles, the feel of their scales (if applicable), the size, weight, fit and finish etc.

It sounds to me as though you're looking for a useful, reliable tool, as opposed to a good start on a collection of mid-to-high-end knives. If I'm reading you right, you'll be the luckiest knife owner on the planet to pick the perfect-for-you folder on the first go-around if you buy something that isn't even available yet to hold in your hand.

Another stumbling block I see to how your satisfaction with your purchase might be less than it could/shoud be is how you're critiqueing the various steel options you're considering. Yes, 154CM is harder than AUS8, and S30V is harder still and holds an edge better than most steels on the market. The reverse side of that same coin though is that S30V is very difficult to sharpen once it does start to go dull simply because it is such a hard steel, while AUS8 can be easily dressed up using just 50 - 100 strokes on ceramic sticks or a leather strop. Of course how you intend to use your new knife would have a bearing on what the appropriate steel should be, and generally speaking, the harder the better, but also generally speaking, the harder the more expensive, the harder the more difficult to sharpen, and the harder the more brittle, all of which don't make a lot of sense if most of what you'll use it for is trimming calouses or fingernails, or cutting down taped boxes.

After several years of looking for that perfect knife for EDC, I have yet to find it. Don't tell my wife, she thinks "collecting" knives is my hobby. But I'd be happier with one knife that really was perfect for my purposes and fit my hand and aesthetic tastes than I am with the 20+ that I have kickin' around, all of which are perfect in some respects and lacking in others. Of course, it's only after carrying/using a particular knife that its shortcomings (and strengths too for that matter) come to light. It's a trial-and-error kinda thang, there's just no gettin' around it.

So best of luck with your new knife....or new hobby....or new completely irrational obssession, whichever it turns out to be. Use it (them) in good health! ;)

Seekerrr
 
Seekerrr said:
If you've already ordered (or purchased) your BM Barrage, take this with however many grains of salt you wish, but my advice would be to take a trip to your local knife shop or big-box outdoor store (Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shops etc.) or well-stocked gun/hunting/camping store and actually handle some of the knives you've been reading about. There are so many variables to consider when buying a tool that you anticipate using/carrying every day, not the least of which is just plain ol' feel, that to buy based solely on the written word is a recipe for disappointment. Even handling a knife you're interested in isn't a guarantee that it will stay your EDC, but you stand a much better chance of finding one that you'll be satisfied with long-term if you lay 5 or 6 out on a counter and "test-drive" their actions, their handles, the feel of their scales (if applicable), the size, weight, fit and finish etc.

It sounds to me as though you're looking for a useful, reliable tool, as opposed to a good start on a collection of mid-to-high-end knives. If I'm reading you right, you'll be the luckiest knife owner on the planet to pick the perfect-for-you folder on the first go-around if you buy something that isn't even available yet to hold in your hand.

Another stumbling block I see to how your satisfaction with your purchase might be less than it could/shoud be is how you're critiqueing the various steel options you're considering. Yes, 154CM is harder than AUS8, and S30V is harder still and holds an edge better than most steels on the market. The reverse side of that same coin though is that S30V is very difficult to sharpen once it does start to go dull simply because it is such a hard steel, while AUS8 can be easily dressed up using just 50 - 100 strokes on ceramic sticks or a leather strop. Of course how you intend to use your new knife would have a bearing on what the appropriate steel should be, and generally speaking, the harder the better, but also generally speaking, the harder the more expensive, the harder the more difficult to sharpen, and the harder the more brittle, all of which don't make a lot of sense if most of what you'll use it for is trimming calouses or fingernails, or cutting down taped boxes.

After several years of looking for that perfect knife for EDC, I have yet to find it. Don't tell my wife, she thinks "collecting" knives is my hobby. But I'd be happier with one knife that really was perfect for my purposes and fit my hand and aesthetic tastes than I am with the 20+ that I have kickin' around, all of which are perfect in some respects and lacking in others. Of course, it's only after carrying/using a particular knife that its shortcomings (and strengths too for that matter) come to light. It's a trial-and-error kinda thang, there's just no gettin' around it.

So best of luck with your new knife....or new hobby....or new completely irrational obssession, whichever it turns out to be. Use it (them) in good health! ;)

Seekerrr
Click to expand...

Turns out I'm going to have to wait a few weeks to order anyway. I'll have plenty of time to go hold some and get a feel for them.

I wouldn't buy anything from those stores anyway because they overprice everything.

I'm ordering a new light this Thursday and I just bought an 06 F150. Of course I can't justify buying a knife and not knowing how to pay for my Mcdonalds this week :)

This gives me two or three weeks to see how much extra money I'm going to have and get a chance to go to the local stores to get a hand on things, literally.
 
Good move Search. You're right, the stores/outlets I mentioned will likely be much more expensive, but you don't have to buy from them just to look and handle the knives.

While advice on types of steels should be taken with copious amounts of skepticism, I did want to mention one that you should give a serious look at. It's VG10, and for my purposes, is the best balance between durability (holding an edge), HRC (Hardness Rockwell "C" standard) rating (usually high 50's/low 60's), price and aesthetic appeal. The steel originates from Japan and has evolved from traditional Samurai sword/knife making. One of my favorite knives is a Browning Ice Storm like the one pictured below. I got mine a couple or three years ago on eBay for $34.00 bucks including shipping, and it has seen more pocket-time than any other folder that I've owned before or since.

322-397.jpg


I liked it so much that I got another one to keep in new condition, anticipating that it might be worth something one day. While that was totally speculative, they quit making them shortly after I bought them and the only ones available now are old-stock or used, and they are going for around $60.00 bucks. Might continue to inflate in value, might not, but either way, I've got a couple of very well-made, durable, utilitarian knives that I can count on.

Anyway, the blade is made out of VG10 and the knife was made by Mcusta in Japan. I'm sure Mcusta and other Japanese manufacturers continue to import branded knives like Browning that can be found surprisingly cheap for what you're getting.

Moral of the story is that the name on the box or the knife doesn't really mean all that much, except that it can mean that you're spending a good portion of your purchase for it and it isn't contributing to the usefullness of the product.

Another great VG10 blade that I own is the Spyderco Native. A very useful, no-frills design with a very stout hunk of VG10 that will take use, and even abuse, for many years. It is a lockback design, which pretty much means you can't close it one-handed safely, but then again, lockback is at the top of the heap for safe and secure locking mechanisms. The Native is also available in S30V, which is a great steel, but which I find to be more expensive than it's worth for the one or two points of HRC rating you might get over VG10. Plus, S30V really is a pain in the arse to sharpen, and VG10 dresses up to scary sharp comparatively easily.

For the record, I have absolutely nothing against Benchmade, and I'm not trying to talk you out of buying one. The Axis Lock system is among the best in the business, but I could never get used to it, so I currently don't own any BM folders. But they are excellent knives, no doubt.

Oh well, have fun lookin' around and let us know what you finally decide on. Take care.

Seekerrr
 
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