Beginners Folder

[cerbera147]

I've got some Leathermans, got some new flashlights, I've dipped into the wonderful world of SAK and now I've got Maxped gear on the way. I thought it was about time I took a look at a folder

Ideally I don't want to spending a fortune; I'll probably keep a look out for a used one or a trade.

It doesn't need to be UK legal as it will stay in the house. Although I am open to suggestion for UK legal EDC as well.

Also why are Spyderco's so damn expensive? I understand with a multitool, it is more complex. The Spyderco UKPK does look great though

So where should I start?

[Benner]

If you are just wanting a taste of a tactical folder and don't want to spend silly money, I'd recommend giving the Benchmade Red class or the Spyderco Persistance or Tenacious a go.  Both of those offer a lot of knife for the money IMO.

Spyderco's aren't that expensive IMO.  Take a look at all of the top brands and the prices are often in that range.

[hawkchucker]

My advice is simple. I am subscribing to GG lifestyle of having a couple nice instead of a bunch of others. So my sugg is to just go big. Emerson, ZT Spidies, or any other really nice productions. I havent gone GG totally because of cash issues, but still look into Benchmade Gripptillians in D2. Great blades , great knife.

[Benner]

Whilst I can see where John is coming from, for someone who is looking for a first folder to "play" with I wouldn't suggest spending the money on those just mentioned.  Those are all great manufacturers, but Emersons and ZT's are over £120 here, a lot for a folder you aren't even sure would see much use.

Both the Red class and the Spydies I listed are good quality knives at sensible prices.  They will give you a good taster of better quality blades IF you decide you want more afterwards.

[hawkchucker]

Well you could allways go the route of the Weger Rangers. That way it is a Sak and cheap. I use my Ranger I got from Def 2 years ago a ton.

[Benner]

Good knives, but a bit "meh" though.  I'd take a Spydie or Benchmade over one anyday.

[hawkchucker]

OK lets make him buy a Spidie delica, or endura.

[Benner]

OK lets make him buy a Spidie delica, or endura.

Let's poke him until he gives in 

[hawkchucker]

Now we have to decide if he is getting PE or serr.

Isnt it Great spending other peoples money?

[Benner]

Gotta be PE. 

[cerbera147]

OK lets make him buy a Spidie delica, or endura.

Let's poke him until he gives in 

I'm still here ya know

Thanks for the advice guys  I'm looking into the first ones you mentioned right now

BTW I think he want PE too 

[hawkchucker]

OK so the Endura PE and I say he will spring the extra cash for the Foliage Green.

[Benner]

Might as well make it the Waved version as well. 

[hawkchucker]

OK lets make him buy a Spidie delica, or endura.

Let's poke him until he gives in  

I'm still here ya know

Thanks for the advice guys   I'm looking into the first ones you mentioned right now

BTW I think he want PE too  

OI (is that how the brits spell it)
We arnt talking to you!!

We are just spending m\your money;)

[Pacu]

Kershaw makes some good folders. Great knives for the shrapnel.

[Freudian Frog]

The Leatherman knives are pretty good bang for the buck. They're kind of a mix of sport, utility, and tactical too.

[Benner]

LM knives (although I am told the newer ones are better) always fell into that bracket for me where they were decently enough priced, but for the money so many better options were available.

[Pacu]

The Leatherman knives are pretty good bang for the buck. They're kind of a mix of sport, utility, and tactical too.

x2


my c33 was a right decent knife....my dad now has it

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Got to be a Waved Delicia, or if you can get one, a Cold Steel Voyager

Or you could look into the gorgeous Spydie ''Big, Little'' range

[Benner]

The CS Voyager is one of my best knives (one in my pocket as we speak) but they aren't cheap over here.

Cerbera, do you have a budget in mind?

[hawkchucker]

Just a quick thought. I dont know Brit law, but if it isnt leaving your home would you also look at assited openers?

[DaveK]

LM knives (although I am told the newer ones are better) always fell into that bracket for me where they were decently enough priced, but for the money so many better options were available.

Which ones did you see Ben?

I reckon I can change your mind at the meet

[Benner]

LM knives (although I am told the newer ones are better) always fell into that bracket for me where they were decently enough priced, but for the money so many better options were available.

Which ones did you see Ben?

I reckon I can change your mind at the meet

It's actually you that is the one that told me the newer ones are better.    Not sure on the models, but the ones around the era and before of that e306x knife.  Remember seeing some of those and really wasn't impressed and with all the other bargain knives out there would have chosen a lot of other things over those.  Having said that, I am genuinely keen to see the one you reviewed Dave. 

[cerbera147]

The CS Voyager is one of my best knives (one in my pocket as we speak) but they aren't cheap over here.

Cerbera, do you have a budget in mind?

Tbh Ben, I have no budget in mind at the minute. I'm just fishing to see what's good and at what cost. Ideally no more than £50 -60; is that possible or laughable?

Just a quick thought. I dont know Brit law, but if it isnt leaving your home would you also look at assited openers?

Assisted openers; sounds good to me  Never had the pleasure of one as yet.

Leatherman knives look good but as you said Ben they are really costly this side of the pond  What LM do you recommend Dave?

[hawkchucker]

I love my Kershaw Blur Tanto. It cuts like a razor, and has the fastest opening blade I have ever seen.

[Benner]

Nope, £50-60 is pretty good.    Put it this way, the folders I said were half that (ish).

AO's are cool too.  Personally (and Dave will disagree with me again here) I'd steer clear of SOG AO's as they seem sluggish to me.

Do bear in mind that anything "tactical" will pretty much have to be bought over here due to customs.  It sucks, but you will still get a decent folder.

[DaveK]

LM knives (although I am told the newer ones are better) always fell into that bracket for me where they were decently enough priced, but for the money so many better options were available.

Which ones did you see Ben?

I reckon I can change your mind at the meet

It's actually you that is the one that told me the newer ones are better.    Not sure on the models, but the ones around the era and before of that e306x knife.  Remember seeing some of those and really wasn't impressed and with all the other bargain knives out there would have chosen a lot of other things over those.  Having said that, I am genuinely keen to see the one you reviewed Dave. 

The newer ones are better IMO, but also, some of the old models are a world apart from the e306x too.

I totally know what you mean, but there are a few well kept secrets in the old range.

This beauty for example:



I promise you'll be surprised when you handle this one - it's a world apart from the e306x. Rock solid lockup, nicely shaped 154CM blade, comfortable handle. You'll see

[cerbera147]

Nope, £50-60 is pretty good.    Put it this way, the folders I said were half that (ish).

AO's are cool too.  Personally (and Dave will disagree with me again here) I'd steer clear of SOG AO's as they seem sluggish to me.

Do bear in mind that anything "tactical" will pretty much have to be bought over here due to customs.  It sucks, but you will still get a decent folder.

I assume it's scanned and anything knife shaped get pulled, is that how it works?

[Benner]

No, not at all. 

Custom searches are a random process it seems so some get lucky.  However, anything that can be opened with inertia alone can and will be classified as a gravity knife and will be conviscated.

Don't go thinking everything sharp will be taken from you.  Just be careful when buying folders that can be opened with inertia alone. 

[jzmtl]

Duno about british customs, but canadian custom aren't allowed to "modify" the knife in anyway, so if the pivot is tightened, or even if a ziptie used to keep the knife shut, they aren't allowed to touch those. At least that's what I read.