Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
My fascination with shiny, glowy things is well documented, but I like sharp, pointy objects just as much. It's a fine day for friendly knife chatter, so tell us about your edged matter separation implements. Why did you choose them? What makes them exciting for you? Did you buy them? Inherit them? Sound off if you love cutlery! Following is my humble collection in chronological order by purchase date.
1) Spyderco Endura. Purchased circa 2005. Blade steel: VG-10
I bought this at a local gun shop during my days of supervising security guards overnight. Despite being a large knife, it's quite thin and rides well in my back pocket. At the time, I liked the 4" blade, the strong lock, and the robust saber grind. Today, I prefer blades with thinner, slicier geometry.
2) Chris Reeve Knives Inkosi. Purchased April, 2019. Blade steel: CPM S35VN
The goal was to invest in one high end knife and marry it. Subsequent purchases reveal the self deception, but this remains my every day knife. I respect the maker and love the overall aesthetic, especially with the insingo blade. I won't argue with those who don't see the value, but this thing gives me a rush every time I touch it. For me, the main selling points are the simple construction, easy disassembly, the large sharpening choil, over sized pivot and stop pin, and the ceramic lock bar interface. It manages to be elegant without being flashy. Muggles hardly notice it.
3) Benchmade "Super" Freek. Purchased May, 2019. Blade steel. CPM M4
It's just sick, isn't it? My photos don't do justice, but the color, texture and ergonomics are awe inspiring. This was my first super steel. The thin blade stock and full flat grind combine for slicing nirvana. Because of this knife, my wife has a new reason to laugh at me: I break down cardboard boxes with giddy enthusiasm. It flies right through.
4) Spyderco PM2. Purchased June, 2019. Blade steel. CPM S110V
This knife and I got off to a slow start. I bought it because of the blade steel, flat grind, and compression lock. Sharpening this knife is a form of medieval torture, even with diamond abrasives. After three attempts, I finally carved out a razor edge. The factory edge was not impressive.
5) Bark River Knives JX6. Purchased September, 2019. Blade steel: Elmax
The craftsmanship is exquisite. I wouldn't wear this sheath on my belt, but it works well as a pocket slip. This knife makes me wish I had more things to cut! The convex grind is still a question mark for me, but it responds well to stropping. I bought it because I'm exploring small, pocket sized fixed blades. This is the only knife I've ever bought that was snobbishly sharp out of the box.
6) Benchmade Hidden Canyon: Purchased October, 2019. Blade steel: CPM S30V
I've wanted one of these since I first saw one. The wooden handle scales and leather sheath have a classic, rugged appeal. I'm no hunter but this serves well in a utility capacity. There were two quality control issues out of the box. First, the knife cut deep into the leather welt when taking the knife in and out of the sheath. Second, the edge grind was so uneven that I thought the tip was bent when I unboxed it. Even my wife noticed it. One side was ground at about 18 degrees, while the other was at roughly 30. I was shocked that it passed QC. After thoughts of returning it, I decided to fix both problems. I removed about 1/4" of material from the welt and reground the blade to 17 degrees per side with a lovely polish. It is now a fine cutting tool.
1) Spyderco Endura. Purchased circa 2005. Blade steel: VG-10
I bought this at a local gun shop during my days of supervising security guards overnight. Despite being a large knife, it's quite thin and rides well in my back pocket. At the time, I liked the 4" blade, the strong lock, and the robust saber grind. Today, I prefer blades with thinner, slicier geometry.
2) Chris Reeve Knives Inkosi. Purchased April, 2019. Blade steel: CPM S35VN
The goal was to invest in one high end knife and marry it. Subsequent purchases reveal the self deception, but this remains my every day knife. I respect the maker and love the overall aesthetic, especially with the insingo blade. I won't argue with those who don't see the value, but this thing gives me a rush every time I touch it. For me, the main selling points are the simple construction, easy disassembly, the large sharpening choil, over sized pivot and stop pin, and the ceramic lock bar interface. It manages to be elegant without being flashy. Muggles hardly notice it.
3) Benchmade "Super" Freek. Purchased May, 2019. Blade steel. CPM M4
It's just sick, isn't it? My photos don't do justice, but the color, texture and ergonomics are awe inspiring. This was my first super steel. The thin blade stock and full flat grind combine for slicing nirvana. Because of this knife, my wife has a new reason to laugh at me: I break down cardboard boxes with giddy enthusiasm. It flies right through.
4) Spyderco PM2. Purchased June, 2019. Blade steel. CPM S110V
This knife and I got off to a slow start. I bought it because of the blade steel, flat grind, and compression lock. Sharpening this knife is a form of medieval torture, even with diamond abrasives. After three attempts, I finally carved out a razor edge. The factory edge was not impressive.
5) Bark River Knives JX6. Purchased September, 2019. Blade steel: Elmax
The craftsmanship is exquisite. I wouldn't wear this sheath on my belt, but it works well as a pocket slip. This knife makes me wish I had more things to cut! The convex grind is still a question mark for me, but it responds well to stropping. I bought it because I'm exploring small, pocket sized fixed blades. This is the only knife I've ever bought that was snobbishly sharp out of the box.
6) Benchmade Hidden Canyon: Purchased October, 2019. Blade steel: CPM S30V
I've wanted one of these since I first saw one. The wooden handle scales and leather sheath have a classic, rugged appeal. I'm no hunter but this serves well in a utility capacity. There were two quality control issues out of the box. First, the knife cut deep into the leather welt when taking the knife in and out of the sheath. Second, the edge grind was so uneven that I thought the tip was bent when I unboxed it. Even my wife noticed it. One side was ground at about 18 degrees, while the other was at roughly 30. I was shocked that it passed QC. After thoughts of returning it, I decided to fix both problems. I removed about 1/4" of material from the welt and reground the blade to 17 degrees per side with a lovely polish. It is now a fine cutting tool.
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