lovenhim,Alot of it depends on what particular style of knives you are into. And for use, what uses do you have in mind (examples = general utility, game skinning, EDC, heavy use chopper, etc.)? And for collecting, do you want to collect for fun or profit?As far as learning, some of the best places are right on forums like this. More dedicated knife forums can offer alot. Read the posts dealing with your interests, jump into the conversations, ask questions......build your knowledge base. Look at what's popular with collectors and users. Read the reviews. Look for books and or magazines on the subject. Like anything else there are many ways to get into and understand a hobby.As for starter knives for a newb, as well as must haves for any collection.......it all depends on where your interests lay. There are a ton of quality knives out there from many manufacturers and custom builders, and in nearly every price range for just about every use.The question is what are you interested in, what type of knives peek your interest?2xTap
lovenhim,Ok, that helps narrow things down a bit. So you are wanting to get some folding knives for general use that are pocketable. It sounds as though you prefer locking knives as opposed to slipjoints or other folding types?If the Buck 110's aren't one you'd like to carry every day, I assume due to it's rather large size.....about what size folders are you looking for? And what type of locking system do you prefer, and what price range?2xTap
Alright thanks again for all the great info. This looks like it will be a fun ride to look, learn, and enjoy. Also, I realize this is open to opinions and such, but why for example would a Buck Bones or a Gerber that is in my price range be a poor choice? Is is cheap blade steel, poor blade lock, lesser design?
Zed, you don't have ONE bad looking knife!
Thank you for the advice on carrying an EDC knife. I just looked at state laws and there are limits on throwing knives, throwing stars, nunchucks, etc but I do not see restrictions on a folding knife nor to blade length. I have been told from listening to people talk that we have a 3inch or 3.5 inch blade length, but I see no reference to this in the state laws listed online.
I'm new to knives too, pretty much, and I recently got a Spyderco Tenacious. It is absolutely one of the best knives I've ever owned. Yes, I know, it's Chinese made and all that, but remember, I'm new too, and have never spent more money on a knife than an expensive SAK, $60 - $70 or so...
Thank you for your thoughts on the Spyderco Tenacious. I have been looking at that knife Online as well. What are some thoughts on CRKT knives....the under $50 line? Some of them look rather neat but again looks are not what matters at the end of the day. I like the idea of the Leatherman E33L knife as I think it is USA made and for the $30 price it has 154CM steel, which from doing some looking is a nice knife steel for the money. Thank you all for your patience with me, I am just trying to get the best bang for my limited money and want to buy right the first time rather than learn from trial and error.
154 is a good steel, but a good steel does not necessarily mean a good blade. What makes a blade is the heat treat. For example, Gerber uses s30v steel in some of its knives which could be really good, but all reviews of the knives say theyre junk. I don't know much about the leatherman knives so I can't say anything. Just wanted to point out that 154 is a good start but you can't go by steel alone, user reviews / a company's reputation for heat treatments is also important.
Quote154 is a good steel, but a good steel does not necessarily mean a good blade. What makes a blade is the heat treat. For example, Gerber uses s30v steel in some of its knives which could be really good, but all reviews of the knives say theyre junk. I don't know much about the leatherman knives so I can't say anything. Just wanted to point out that 154 is a good start but you can't go by steel alone, user reviews / a company's reputation for heat treatments is also important.You bring up a good point and also another thought to think about. This knife hunting stuff is getting fun. LOL