I need a blade

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Schadenfroh

Schadenfroh

Elite Member
Mar 8, 2003
38,416
4
0
Basically, a high-quality <= 4" folding knife. Only need a blade for day-to-day utility purposes and to defend myself against a mad dog or the like should I find myself backed into a corner. I want this knife to last me the rest of my life. So, I am willing to shell out ~$100 if needed.

I have never purchased a high-quality pocketknife before, so I am not familiar with the brands or even knives in general and I am looking for pointers and suggestions.
 
HAL9000

HAL9000

Lifer
Oct 17, 2010
22,021
3
76
IMO The most important thing to think about when looking for a knife is what kind of metal, do you want something sharp that stays sharp or do you want to sharpen it? Diamond edged vs. Basically.

Although I'm sure that manufacturers make a huge difference, but I don't know enough about them to comment.
 
Manchimp

Manchimp

Member
Nov 7, 2009
114
0
0
Gerber makes some beautiful, high-quality carbon steel folding knives. I got mine at Walmart for ~ $20.
 
Texashiker

Texashiker

Lifer
Dec 18, 2010
18,811
198
106
Gerber makes a wide range of knives, but stay away from their paraframe series, their junk.

Personally, I carry a Klein tools folding pocket knife, model 44002. Its light, did not cost a fortune, holds a good edge and easy to sharpen.

Shrade / uncle henry makes some good knives.

But if you want the best, then its going to be a Case. Case are top of the line when it comes to pocket knives.
 
M

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Big knives: Spyderco Endura, Kershaw Shallot, and Benchmade 551.
Small knives: Spyderco Delica, Kershaw Leek, and Benchmade 556.
The bigger ones are 3.5-4", the smaller ones are right around the 3" mark. I believe you'll find the 4" knives are a bit larger than you're expecting them to be.

If you try all three of either size (mix and match is fine), you'll get to test classic lockback, interior frame lock, and Axis lock; plus you'll get a good mix of metals, different handles, et cetera.

Quick answer - 551/556 is a wonderfully built knife, the Axis lock feels great, it's a light compact knife, I have it as my EDC non-work. My 1660G10 Leek is my EDC for work, and if I were only purchasing one knife, it would be that one. It's just as good if not better for a grip, the blade material is better, the stonewash doesn't show scrape marks, and assisted opening is wonderful.
 
Scotteq

Scotteq

Diamond Member
Apr 10, 2008
5,276
5
0
I bought a standard Buck lockback at some random hardware store in the early 1980's (probably '83). The case that came with it is long gone, and from sharpening the blade is noticably slimmer than it used to be - But it still serves perfectly well.

Come to think of it, a decent lockback for less than $20 (1983 dollars) lasting the better part of 30 years?

Probably some of the best money I've ever spent.
 
Schadenfroh

Schadenfroh

Elite Member
Mar 8, 2003
38,416
4
0
MotF Bane said:
Big knives: Spyderco Endura, Kershaw Shallot, and Benchmade 551.
Small knives: Spyderco Delica, Kershaw Leek, and Benchmade 556.
The bigger ones are 3.5-4", the smaller ones are right around the 3" mark. I believe you'll find the 4" knives are a bit larger than you're expecting them to be.

Quick answer - 551/556 is a wonderfully built knife, the Axis lock feels great, it's a light compact knife, I have it as my EDC non-work. My 1660G10 Leek is my EDC for work, and if I were only purchasing one knife, it would be that one. It's just as good if not better for a grip, the blade material is better, the stonewash doesn't show scrape marks, and assisted opening is wonderful.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips, I am leaning towards 3" blade now that I see how unwieldy the 4" can be. I really like the way those Kershaw Leeks look, in particular, these two:

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-...ef=pd_sim_sg_1

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Leek-K...ef=pd_sim_sg_2

Here is the one you mentioned, the 1660G10, it worth the extra cash over the two above?
http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Leek-K...6970662&amp;sr=1-1

I guess the 1660G10 is a 3" blade? Does not mention blade length in the description.

I do not plan on having it on a clip, going to be floating in my pant pocket.
 
MagnusTheBrewer

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM
Jun 19, 2004
24,122
1,594
126
Buck is perfectly serviceable and doesn't raise any eyebrows when sighted searching through pockets.
 
S

Sluggo

Lifer
Jun 12, 2000
15,488
5
81
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009VC9Y0

I bought one of these a few months back, so far I really life it, especially the assisted opening. Certainly not the best or most expensive pocket knife out there, but also not a big deal if I lose it.

Edit: Didn't see that you had already linked to that. I do use the clip part, it helps with the one handed operation not having to dig around in your pocket for it.
 
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shortylickens

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
136
Sog makes good folders under 100 dollars.

WAIT!
Did you mean blade less than 4 inches or whole open length less than 4 inches?
Cuz I know a lot about good tiny folders. I just bought a bunch this past winter.

Also, I have the above Kershaw Leek which is a darn nice knife.
 
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Schadenfroh

Schadenfroh

Elite Member
Mar 8, 2003
38,416
4
0
Did you mean blade less than 4 inches
Click to expand...
Blade <= 4"

Some states are picky about that. I frequent federal facilities, I think it is a big no no for knives with blades longer than 2.5", might have to scale it back further, but I guess I can just remember to leave it in the car.
 
Sea Moose

Sea Moose

Diamond Member
May 12, 2009
6,933
7
76
I would go for a leatherman. If you walk around with a blade only, cops might pick up up for carrying a weapon. You can justify a leatherman as it has a screwdriver, pliers and a couple of different blades and file etc.

I carry my leatherman on my belt everyday and use it at work all the time. I own 4inch folder and a couple of fixed blades. The leatherman is the best choice.


THis is the one i own
 
shortylickens

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
136
Also it should be noted that in the world of knives spending more money does NOT automatically mean higher quality.
Dont feel like you need to spend the whole hundred.
 
R

Rifter

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,522
751
126
I would go with spyderco or CRKT, i've owned my CRKT M-18 for over 10 years now, great knife.
 
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