Another knife thread....

[tjiscooler]

After reading all these threads about knives, my KAD kicked in. I thought id be nice and start my own thread. I just bought a nice fixed blade but have been itching for a really good folder for a really long time. I was thinking and I have no clue what to get. I want something really tough and sturdy, that will last along time and be good for for work and carry. I 've been hearing good things about spyderco, benchmade, kershaw and the like but which models? Anyone have any really good knives to reccomend that they have tried? Id like to not have to go far past the 200 mark as far as cost goes. Any help would be very apprreciated. Thanks.

[LX_Emergency]

Before I say anything I'd like to know what you're planning on using it for? Regular and heavy use? Cutting eletricity wires? opening boxes? Or just having one on you in case you need one?

I carry mine for the last named purpose and in that case a fairly simple straight (as in no serrations) knife will do just fine as long as it's sharp.

However if you're looking for something in heavy use I'd suggest serrations and indeed something like Spyderco, Coldsteel or CRKT. Maybe a CRKT snap fire? (I've always thought they look cool.

To be honest though I'm only just getting into knives myself so I don't know a lot.

[Mike Blue]

And, how capable are you of doing your own maintenance, e.g. sharpening etc.

Any knife with S30V steel is likely to be the best choice for someone who doesn't know how, nor wants to sharpen a blade.

The other recommendations as to intended use are very valid. Also look at Kershaw.

And, if you can, fondle as many knives as possible. It really does work better if it fits your hand better.

[DwarvenChef]

And, how capable are you of doing your own maintenance, e.g. sharpening etc.

Any knife with S30V steel is likely to be the best choice for someone who doesn't know how, nor wants to sharpen a blade.

Just be ready to hear the screams of anyone that you hire to sharpen it when it does start to dull. Thats some mean steel

[murph]

Here we go, you'll be trying to sell him on a plain old carbon steel blade next, DC.

[inawe]

my 2 cents:

benchmade. i have an axis model that i really like-

http://www.benchmade.com/products/pr...aspx?lock=AXIS

truely one handed open and close. i wonder why anyone would want/need an auto. very smooth and easy to use. you should be able to handle one locally, definitely go and give them a try.

cheers,
ryan

[DwarvenChef]

Here we go, you'll be trying to sell him on a plain old carbon steel blade next, DC.

Who Me??? Would I steer someone to a better steel... oops!!

Haha I'm not about to push anyone to a carbon steel pocket knife unless they knew how to care for it. And not just any carbon steel would do I'm just not into folders anymore, I'll stick to fixed blades as best I can.

I've been tempted by a few custom folders in AS steel though. Lucky for me they sell so fast that I don't have to worry about it. Someday I'm sure one will bite me and I'll have to buy it though.

[sensei_kyle]

Mike is dead on the money. Fondle as many knives as you can. I was thinking about picking up an Emerson Karambit, but I got to play with one in person and decided after about 10 seconds it wasn't for me, just based on how it felt in my hand. I really like my Emerson CQC-7B with the wave opener. You've named a lot of the big players in the game already.

[Sharp&Shiny]

Spyderco are good knives my sharpening preference For SV30 is spyderco medium hone & a light stropping which will give you a medium edge with a bit of grab which will last longer when cutting all sorts of materials without needing to be touched up so much. Also look at lagouiles 12C27 ect ,ect.

[dennisthemenace]

Spydercos are great knives. I love mine. I've a Calypso Jr. in my pocket and an Endura in the clip holder of my Smartcarry holster. I also have a Swiss Army knife on my belt. Best bang for the buck though, are the Opinel French made folders in the carbon steel. When I used a knife daily on a job, this one out-performed all my more expensive ones, and at under $10 per knife these are an incredible bargain. Also the Opinel knife #8 is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as one of the 100 most beautiful manufactured items. See www.ragweedforge.com for these and other great knives; mostly Scandinavian. You CAN find Opinels cheaper, but I don't think you can beat Ragnar for just dealing with a heckuva nice guy.