Need a good folding knife for work...

[DangerAardvark]

Never bought a knife before. No idea what companies/websites to look for/at. Just need something reliable, and decent looking. The bigger the better for peen++ reasons.

 

[ScottMac]

Check out CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool).

I picked up a couple CRKT gift knives a few years ago. The one I kept is well-built, the blade takes an edge and keeps it; I like 'em.

I think they are a little less that comparable Schrade, Benchmark, etc.

Don't go too cheap. Cheap knives don't last, the blades are crap (hard to sharpen and keep sharp) and can be dangerous, in that the blade locking mechanism can let go under stress, the blades can break, etc.

Spend a little more up front, it's usually worth it in bother and safety later on.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[ni0v]

CRKT linerlocks are horrible. Haven't seen one yet that would pass a spinewhack test. I recommend a Spyderco Endura or Native. The Native is a great value for the money. It has S30V steel and you can get it at Walmart for about $40.

 

[bctbct]

What are you going to use it for? I like the new foldng knives that you put a razor blade in, nice to be able to abuse it and just change out the blade.

Heres a pic, they make nicer ones though.

Text

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: bctbct
What are you going to use it for? I like the new foldng knives that you put a razor blade in, nice to be able to abuse it and just change out the blade.

Heres a pic, they make nicer ones though.

Text

i was thinking of those when i read the title. you can get them at sears or lowes for 15 bucks or less, with a sheath.

i prefer a linerlock with a thumb tab and a half-serrated blade.

i *want* a knife with a screwdriver tip/thick backridge on top of it but its rare i come across them. i tried one i saw, it even has a glass breaker on the back end. but the serration alternates sides which is a pain in the ass :/

 

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: The King of Missouri
CRKT linerlocks are horrible. Haven't seen one yet that would pass a spinewhack test. I recommend a Spyderco Endura or Native. The Native is a great value for the money. It has S30V steel and you can get it at Walmart for about $40.

What's a spinewhack test? I googled but couldn't find a description. I have a CRKT that's been getting light duty for a few years now and I really like it.

 

[Howard]

What are you going to use it for? If it's just breaking down cardboard, I would get something with replaceable blades.

 

[OS]

i got a byrd cara cara for $20. It hasn't seen much use yet, but is generally solid.

if you get one, make sure you get a G10 handle, it's more solid.

review here

 

[ni0v]

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: The King of Missouri
CRKT linerlocks are horrible. Haven't seen one yet that would pass a spinewhack test. I recommend a Spyderco Endura or Native. The Native is a great value for the money. It has S30V steel and you can get it at Walmart for about $40.

What's a spinewhack test? I googled but couldn't find a description. I have a CRKT that's been getting light duty for a few years now and I really like it.

Whack the spine of the blade on hard wood. On a poorly made linerlock the liner slides to the left and disengages. If the knife binds in whatever material your cutting, twisting the blade can also disengage the lock.

edit: you don't have to whack it that hard. I had an old CRKT Urban Shark that would fail the test on the palm of my hand!

 

[shortylickens]

Whenever I hear a guy say he needs a good knife; cheap, I think what he really needs is a good smack; free.

Anyway, go to Walmart. They have those nifty little knife display cases in the sporting goods section. You should be able to get a decent knife for cheap.
Depending on how big you want it I would go with one of the cheaper Kershaw knives.
Quality, but at a reasonable price.

 

[OS]

speaking of walmart, some walmarts carry the spyderco native for $40. Check the one you buy for blade play though.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Originally posted by: The King of Missouri

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: The King of Missouri
CRKT linerlocks are horrible. Haven't seen one yet that would pass a spinewhack test. I recommend a Spyderco Endura or Native. The Native is a great value for the money. It has S30V steel and you can get it at Walmart for about $40.

What's a spinewhack test? I googled but couldn't find a description. I have a CRKT that's been getting light duty for a few years now and I really like it.

Whack the spine of the blade on hard wood. On a poorly made linerlock the liner slides to the left and disengages. If the knife binds in whatever material your cutting, twisting the blade can also disengage the lock.

edit: you don't have to whack it that hard. I had an old CRKT Urban Shark that would fail the test on the palm of my hand!

All new CRKT have a switch that blocks the liner. Only way it will close is if you use enough force to destroy the knife.

 

[0roo0roo]

gerber paraframe frame lock is also pretty sturdy.

 

[DangerAardvark]

Originally posted by: OS
i got a byrd cara cara for $20. It hasn't seen much use yet, but is generally solid.

if you get one, make sure you get a G10 handle, it's more solid.

review here

I was just looking at the Spyderco website and the Cara Cara in particular. Looks bitchin' and the review was pretty favorable. Cheap as piss too...

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: OS
speaking of walmart, some walmarts carry the spyderco native for $40. Check the one you buy for blade play though.

My Walmart had them on clearance for $30. I bought 2.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: OS
speaking of walmart, some walmarts carry the spyderco native for $40. Check the one you buy for blade play though.

My Walmart had them on clearance for $30. I bought 2.

damn you made off

 

[DangerAardvark]

Originally posted by: OS
i got a byrd cara cara for $20. It hasn't seen much use yet, but is generally solid.

if you get one, make sure you get a G10 handle, it's more solid.

review here

I really like the look of the silver handle one. By solid, do you mean more solid overall or is it just easier to grip?

 

[Sukhoi]

I like my Gerber Air Ranger, but if you're cutting boxes and stuff just get a replaceable razorblade knife.

 

[DangerAardvark]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
I like my Gerber Air Ranger, but if you're cutting boxes and stuff just get a replaceable razorblade knife.

More like shrink wrap and tape/twine. I'd also like to be able to use it as a general purpose utility knife though.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: DangerAardvark

Originally posted by: OS
i got a byrd cara cara for $20. It hasn't seen much use yet, but is generally solid.

if you get one, make sure you get a G10 handle, it's more solid.

review here

I really like the look of the silver handle one. By solid, do you mean more solid overall or is it just easier to grip?

I have both the plastic/FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) and G10 handle versions, the G10 is not "creaky" in the handle and doesn't feel cheap. However the flipside is the G10 version is heavier than the FRN.

I don't have direct experience with the stainless steel handle version, but they say it can get slippery. The G10/FRN ones don't since they are textured.


http://www.knifesite.com/product-p/by03gps.htm

http://www.knifesite.com/product-p/by03gp.htm


I've bought from them a couple times and happy so far.

 

[mobobuff]

Get a folding utility knife (box cutter). Blades are sharp and replaceable.

 

[DangerAardvark]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: DangerAardvark

Originally posted by: OS
i got a byrd cara cara for $20. It hasn't seen much use yet, but is generally solid.

if you get one, make sure you get a G10 handle, it's more solid.

review here

I really like the look of the silver handle one. By solid, do you mean more solid overall or is it just easier to grip?

I have both the plastic/FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) and G10 handle versions, the G10 is not "creaky" in the handle and doesn't feel cheap. However the flipside is the G10 version is heavier than the FRN.

I don't have direct experience with the stainless steel handle version, but they say it can get slippery. The G10/FRN ones don't since they are textured.


http://www.knifesite.com/product-p/by03gps.htm

http://www.knifesite.com/product-p/by03gp.htm


I've bought from them a couple times and happy so far.

Oh, another thing I wanted to ask about it: can you open it with one hand? I hate having to pull the thing open.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: DangerAardvark
Oh, another thing I wanted to ask about it: can you open it with one hand? I hate having to pull the thing open.

yes, either hand. Any knife that isn't a total piece opens with one hand.