Please help me pick my first mid grade/high end knife

[lovenhim]

Hello everyone.  I am returning to what is a great forum to ask this question.  I asked this question on a knife forum and got laughed at and picked on and the info was of no help....just making fun of me for not knowing much about knives.  I want to treat myself to a high quality knife.  I own some knives from SRM that cost $7 and my most expensive knife is a Kershaw Skyline and Spyderco Tenacious.  I am willing to spend over $100 on a knife so I can see and feel the difference that quality makes in a knife.  I know that there is all this talk about S30V steel but I am not sure what that means in reality.  What makes a knife worth $100-$150?  I will not be buying right now, but rather in November....I am looking and learning now so when I buy I will have all my research done.  I want to carry this knife, use this knife....not just look at it in a case.  Feel free to ask questions as I have not given much info here....not sure what info to give as to what I am looking for. 

[Sparky415]

Michael Morris

No one will ever laugh again 

[2xTap]

Are you looking more for a non-traditional style modern folder, a locker of some some type.....or would eye a Slipjoint?

2xTap

[edcgear]

Maybe Strider, or CRK... A lot of options out there...

Though I'd stick with high end Spyderco, Kershaw or ZT...

[AimlessWanderer]

The two things that put the price up in simplest terms are materials used and quality of manufacture (including how long it takes to make and how much the employees are paid).

If you're going to choose a knife you're going to carry, you need to look at what jobs you want that knife to do, how rust resistant you want it, is it better to have a long lasting sharp edge or be easy to sharpen, how heavy/light should it be, locking or not, what kind of lock if locking, looking traditional or modern, utilitarian or tactical, will you use it while wet needing good grip, does it need a sheath or a clip ... blah, blah, blah

The more info you can give on what you want from a knife, the better others can help you pick something that'll put a smile on your face 

[RSJake94]

Hello everyone.  I am returning to what is a great forum to ask this question.  I asked this question on a knife forum and got laughed at and picked on and the info was of no help....just making fun of me for not knowing much about knives.  I want to treat myself to a high quality knife.  I own some knives from SRM that cost $7 and my most expensive knife is a Kershaw Skyline and Spyderco Tenacious.  I am willing to spend over $100 on a knife so I can see and feel the difference that quality makes in a knife.  I know that there is all this talk about S30V steel but I am not sure what that means in reality.  What makes a knife worth $100-$150?  I will not be buying right now, but rather in November....I am looking and learning now so when I buy I will have all my research done.  I want to carry this knife, use this knife....not just look at it in a case.  Feel free to ask questions as I have not given much info here....not sure what info to give as to what I am looking for.

I'm sure others will chime in and do their best to help  But do you think or plan on using your future knife for more than a run through the ringer? Maybe you'd like something that works great in a EDC role or tactical role? Is there a particular blade length and/or weight you want to carry? Even the type of steel factors and the aforementioned are just a few questions one should as themselves when it comes to purchasing a new blade.

Personally, I think that if you're willing to spend some money on a EDC Knife, first brand I would look at is Benchmade. But that's just me, there are plenty of other great knifes out there if you're willing to look for them 

[lovenhim]

I am thinking a modern-ish folder that locks.  Not sure if I want thumb hole, thumb stud, assisted opening, etc.  I was looking at the Spyderco Millitary, but for looks...it looks a lot like my Tenacious.    I think I do want the blade type/style of my Tenacious.....is that hollow ground?.....where the blade looks like one piece of solid steel without several tappering down steps?  Is what I am thinking about a full flat grind?....I dunno what I am talking about.  LOL  I prefer tip up carry but that is not a deal breaker for me.....it is just something I like. 

[theonew]

If one hand opening isn't important to you I'm going to suggest a Fallkniven U2 in SGPS.

[2xTap]

Well, in those regards, in modern locking folders of exceptional quality outside of custom made pieces two brands come to mind instantly that I would highly recommend......Benchmade and Zero Tolerance.

Of the two, Benchmade offers the most variation in patterns, blade styles, blade steels, and sizes. If you don't mind larger framed folders, while Benchmade does make some rather large pieces, Zero Tolerance is the one to look at.

On the higher end side, production level at a more premium price but also premium quality....especially for a EDC piece....these are my two choices right out of the gate. Of the ones I own I can't speak highly enough about them.

2xTap

[jekostas]

Generally what makes a knife cost more is:
-Materials:  Higher-end blade steels like S30V, 154CM, VG-10, D2 and BG-42 cost more to manufacture.  They also cost more to machine because they're so hard.
-Quality of workmanship
-Technology:  Some locks require significantly more precise machining.  The Axis lock and Compression lock come to mind.
-Country of manufacture

Oh, and hype.  Hype is definitely a large part of it for a *lot* of knives.

Before we go much further, you need to specify a couple of things.  Do you want a one-handed opening knife?  Do you want a larger or a smaller folder?  How much do you want to spend?  What will this knife be used for?  If you're looking for a knife that you can carry around and use everywhere, a Spyderco Military might be a little bit too big, but a Spyderco Paramilitary might be a good one.

Finally, do you want a knife from a larger manufacturer or are you willing to look at smaller/lesser known manufacturers or even semi-custom knives?  With the state of machining these days, you can get a quality mid-tech or semi-custom knife with good materials for well under $100 now.

[lovenhim]

OK, lets answer more questions.  I do want a one hand opening knife....I bite my finger nails....bad habit.  I am willing to spend up to $200 in the knife as I do not make a purchase like this...and have never done so.....so I want to treat myself.  It does not have to cost $200....but I am willing to go that high.  I am looking for value for money and not hype/marketing.  I am fine with custom/small manufactures as well.  The knife will be used for cutting rope, string, cardboard, Styrofoam, food when cleaned properly, and God forbid as a last resort self defense.....which is not the point of a knife. 

[Sparky415]

Michael Morris friction folder half way down the page   

http://www.michaelmorrisknives.com/current.php

 

[lovenhim]

also law is a blade no longer than 3.5 inches is legal....so I am thinking a 3 inch-ish give or take might make a good edc

[jzmtl]

Once you go above $120 or so you are mostly paying for the name/hype/fancyness etc.

If you like a heavier knife try spyderco manix 2, if a compact/light knife try caly 3.5. Former is about $80 and up and latter is about $120.

CRKT ripple is neat too if you don't mind steel handles.

[lovenhim]

ok so $100-ish is the sweet spot then?  I do not care about a pretty knife, impressive looks, hype, etc.  I want a good quality tool that I can be proud of owning......do not care about "showing off".

[asupernothing]

It seems to me that you have a lot of options when you get into the 100-200 price range.

If you are set on the 3 inch blade the caly3 cf is a good way to go, great steel, premium handles, smaller size. The only drawback is that it is a traditional backlock mechanism. This doesn't make it bad or inferior, just not a "marvel of modern engineering".

Other knives to consider:
Benchmade 940/950
Spyderco Paramilitary2/Sage1/Sage2

If you want to play with assisted openers you could go with:
Benchmade 890/790/470

IMHO ZeroTolerance knives are a bit overbuilt for EDC and I'm not such a big fan of large recurves.

[papa_mcb]

I know you stated you want one hand opening because you bite your nails. However if you are open to the idea you can get a really nice slipjoint for the price range you are talking about. I can speak from experience (as a fellow nail biter) you will have no issue opening one up, in fact most single blade slipjoints can be pinched open. Also these will be knives of quality and beauty and will last a lifetime so your grand kids will be able to carry them as well.

If at all interested I would look at Great Eastern cutlery, Schatt and Morgan or even a Case Peanut with  Damascus blades. You would be surprised at all you can get done with a nice slippy. As we speak I have a Lloyd custom in my front right pocket and I love the fact my boys will fight over it when I am dead 

[jzmtl]

ok so $100-ish is the sweet spot then?  I do not care about a pretty knife, impressive looks, hype, etc.  I want a good quality tool that I can be proud of owning......do not care about "showing off".

To me it is, other may disagree. At say around $120 you won't get absolutely top of line material, but what you will get is probably in the top 10% of quality knives out there, and will last you lifetime.

[lovenhim]

I realize that this is all in my head but I can not get over the fact that a slip joint knife has no lock and that the blade could come back and bite you.  Then again you must use your knife correctly....and that would not happen...also the lock on any knife can fail....so it is in my head. 

[papa_mcb]

I realize that this is all in my head but I can not get over the fact that a slip joint knife has no lock and that the blade could come back and bite you.  Then again you must use your knife correctly....and that would not happen...also the lock on any knife can fail....so it is in my head. 

May I suggest the Great Eastern Cutlery 72 which is a beautiful lockback :-)

[lovenhim]

I realize that this is all in my head but I can not get over the fact that a slip joint knife has no lock and that the blade could come back and bite you.  Then again you must use your knife correctly....and that would not happen...also the lock on any knife can fail....so it is in my head. 

May I suggest the Great Eastern Cutlery 72 which is a beautiful lockback :-)

You are right about that.....that is a nice looking knife.    Is this Sog a quality knife or is it overpriced?  I like how it looks.  http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_159&products_id=34528

I like this one
http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_165&products_id=27877

[jekostas]

You are right about that.....that is a nice looking knife.    Is this Sog a quality knife or is it overpriced?  I like how it looks.  http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_159&products_id=34528

SOG makes good quality knives.  However, if you want to buy a SOG, make an effort to handle it first at a store.  SOG tends to aggressively shape and texture their handles (such as in that Vulcan) and they don't really suit some people.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I've been jonesing hard for a carbon fiber Sage 1.  I've read literally nothing bad about it whatsoever.  It's about $100 - $115 at various places online.  I really want one, but haven't got one yet because I still have to get the funds together.  But, when I'm ready to spend $100 on a knife, the Sage is the one I'm planning on getting.

[lovenhim]

I like that Spyderco Sage as well....in looks I like it better than the Military.    Now I see that higher end knives are using 154CM, S30V or VC-10 steel....it there much difference in the real world?  This Buck looks like a good value http://www.amazon.com/Buck-Vantage-Knife-Black-Silver/dp/B001V2IAVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317510346&sr=8-1

[jzmtl]

All good, there are minute differences but I don't think you can tell. The buck vantage pro is one of the best bargains out there.

[J-sews]

Hello everyone.  I am returning to what is a great forum to ask this question.  I asked this question on a knife forum and got laughed at and picked on and the info was of no help....just making fun of me for not knowing much about knives.  I want to treat myself to a high quality knife.  I own some knives from SRM that cost $7 and my most expensive knife is a Kershaw Skyline and Spyderco Tenacious.  I am willing to spend over $100 on a knife so I can see and feel the difference that quality makes in a knife.  I know that there is all this talk about S30V steel but I am not sure what that means in reality.  What makes a knife worth $100-$150?  I will not be buying right now, but rather in November....I am looking and learning now so when I buy I will have all my research done.  I want to carry this knife, use this knife....not just look at it in a case.  Feel free to ask questions as I have not given much info here....not sure what info to give as to what I am looking for.

You....you went to another forum...?









 

[lovenhim]

yes I did go to another forum....(hangs head in shame) ....thinking that a knife forum would have more complete info and help....and I was wrong.  This is the best forum.

[asupernothing]

As far as that SOG is concerned, I have a hard time justifying a $100 knife with plastic handles. Especially since its a liner lock. I like vg-10 steel but for that price I would pass on the SOG. Then again I have yet to find a SOG that I like.

The impression I got from your initial post was that you want to get a taste of high end production knives. But I may have read into it a bit differently from what you intended ( I really like high end production knives).

[jekostas]

The Vulcan is actually an Arc-Lock knife (SOG's version of the Axis lock).  Yourcornerstore has the description wrong. 

You are right about one thing, though - at a $100 price point, I would like something better than FRN for handles, especially when can spend almost half as much and get the same steel in a Delica or Endura FRN.

[GraysonK]

I don't have one (yet) but I've done a lot of reading and asking.  The Sage is definitely one that I'm going to get at some point and I have been jonesing for the Spyderco Caly 3 for a LONG time.  I LOVE the look of that knife and as much as it pains me to say this, Nutnfancy gives a fantastic reveiw of the Caly 3.  It is a beautiful, functional knife and I cannot wait to get my hands on one.  Good luck with the search.  And just to throw another idea in the mix, the Buck 110 has been around as long as it has for a reason.  It's not one hand opening, but really it's a SOLID knife.  Happy hunting!