What knives have impressed you?

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I'd have to say the most recent thing is how incredibly smooth and strong the Benchmade Axis lock is on my Griptilian knives. I'm sold. I didn't think anything'd ever replace my Sebenza, and I'm not saying the Benchmade is a better knife, but it's the one that's in my pocket right now. It was there yesterday, it'll be there tomorrow.

I was surprised at how much I wanted a Randall Made knife. I was definitely impressed when I got it in my hands.

I was impressed with the warranty on the Leatherman. I managed to break the handle on one. I took it in to REI where I bought it, showed it to the guy, he reached behind the counter and handed me a new box, no questions. I asked if he needed anything, he said no, Leatherman had given them strict instructions that ANY broken knife was to be replaced.

I'm impressed with what an ass Lynn Thompson is. Only met him at one gun show but wow, is he arrogant. Eh. I still own several of his products.
 
No question, for years, my answer for the most impressive knifes in my life were the Buck 110 for a folder and a tie between the Buck 119 and a KaBar. I have, in the last year, really enjoyed the 110s - from the cheapest 'closeout specials' after Christmas at Wally World, like the $11 Collector's Tin from a few years back, to the gorgeous teardrop Damascus/flaming Koa 'Custom Shop' 110 I had made for me last autumn at $170.

However... this last year has brought two different contenders for the most impressive knives in my life. I admit a tie in the folder department between the fantastic Buck 419 Kalinga Pro in S30V for ~$95 and the Spyderco S30V Native from Wally World for <$40. Both have been EDCs, although the Native has been here a lot longer - and fits unobtrusively in a pocket. Super build quality - at super prices.

Now, a fixed blade is another matter. I am really impressed with the Buck 408 fixed Kalinga Pro in S30V - ~$105. It really is nice. Sadly, I discovered Bark River knives... culminating in my sixth one last month - a real beauty - a bocote handled Boone. What 'custom+' build quality in a production knife - any of the few Barkies I have could go here.

I guess I am an unashamed knife-slut... fickle as can be!

Stainz
 
Way back my first custom knife was an Emerson CQC-6. Really impressed me at the time. After that my first Sebenza really did it too. My first custom fixed blade was a JSP Bladerigger Jashido and it impressed the heck out of me as well. I've had so many knives come and go over the years that it's hard to get really excited anymore I guess. I recently acquired a custom Emerson Commander and CQC-8 and I don't know why but they got me again, felt like back when I got my first one. Strange.
 
Strictly an over the counter kind of user here.

My everyday carry blades are the now out of print Spiderco 'Co-Pilot'. Its my money clip with a 'surprise'.

The Swiss Army Knife version of an 'Electrician's Knife' is my next everyday collector of pocket lint. The short blade is handy and the sharpened awl beats the heck out of any blade for digging out splinters.

The screwdirver and cap lifter has been handy a time or two also. Carona beer tops DO NOT twist off.

The 'Electrician's Knife' is out of print also.

I don't think anyone is gonna build a three bedroom cabin with a SAK, or defeat The Terminator with the Spiderco 'Co-Pilot' but mine have sure been handy.

salty
 
Glock military knife. With the saw tooth back it's mighty useful. It's easy to sharpen, takes a fine edge, and is reasonably priced. It's all business and ugly as mud fence. I would choose a Glock and a Victorinox Swisschamp to handle survival/outdoor duties.
 
Glock military knife. With the saw tooth back it's mighty useful. It's easy to sharpen, takes a fine edge, and is reasonably priced. It's all business and ugly as mud fence. I would choose a Glock and a Victorinox Swisschamp to handle survival/outdoor duties.
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Funny thing, my GLOCK didn't come that sharp. I also haven't been able to sharpen it. I've only tried freehand, but my lamentable freehand skills wouldn't get it sharp at all. Now, I could get my Boker and Case stockmans moderately sharp freehanding. I'll try the GLOCK on my Lansky, but I'm not expecting anything stellar.
Now, the GLOCK knife is a very good digger, stabber, and thrower. I like the built in bottle opener, and the sheath is excellent.

I'll also add in my fixed blades- for the $35 I paid for it on sale, my CRKT M60 has been a good performer- just the handle with the upswept pommel doesn't fit my large hands very well. If I was going to spend close to this knife's regular price, 65-70, I would go with something like a KaBar or Helle (or Ontario, but only if another company didn't make the same knife pattern for a comparable price)

My KaBar Short Heavy Bowie has also impressed me because, despite being as big as it is, it still has a sharp edge that can be used for slicing.
 
I have a Leek and like it, but have been very surprised by the longivity I have had with this free knife I got for subscription to Buckmaster. It is a Camco (never heard of it before). I have used it as a pry tool a leather punch a romex skinner a flat head screw driver bottle opener you name it. It just keeps on going. It took a while to get rid of crappy factory edge but now stays sharp for a while. Go figure probably a $.99 knife brand new but tough as nails.
 
Salty,

The Co-Pilots are back for a limited time.

CZ: Pres, my experience is like yours. Glock knives may be tough, but they're more of a "knife-like object" (KLO) than a real knife.

John
 
I am always on the lookout for a good defensive carry folder. I like my Benchmade Mini Ambush, but everyone who backs the Griptillian is peaking my interest. I may look into one of these, but I am still looking for a good utility folder for everyday use.
 
Early Buck 110's, when they were made with 440C. I had a Gerber because it was like a 110 but slimmer lighter for pocket carry. Some guys I knew got to shooting their 110's with a 38 standing over the knife laying in the sand, cutting the lead bullet into. One guy had a Gerber like mine and tried it. The blade broke into. I got a 110 and have been using it as my primary hunting knife since. I have a couple of em and they can still be had at fairly reasonable prices at pawn shops or off ebay.
 
Early Buck 110's, when they were made with 440C. I had a Gerber because it was like a 110 but slimmer lighter for pocket carry. Some guys I knew got to shooting their 110's with a 38 standing over the knife laying in the sand, cutting the lead bullet into. One guy had a Gerber like mine and tried it. The blade broke into. I got a 110 and have been using it as my primary hunting knife since. I have a couple of em and they can still be had at fairly reasonable prices at pawn shops or off ebay.
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I personally think the Gerbers were better! Not saying the 110's weren't good as they were.

The Gerber blades were harder. They even made some with some really high end steels. I would rather have a lot longer wear resistance... ie hardness. The Gerber blades were also thinner and flat ground, so they had a really good edge geometry, but this would also make them more likely to fail in the bullet trick.

I don't see myself needing to shoot my knife really EVER.... :D

Tom
 
I personally think the Gerbers were better! Not saying the 110's weren't good as they were.
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I have two of the Early Gerber's folding hunter types, one form the first year when the blade was made of Solingen steel. Believe me they aren't half the blade the 440C 110's were, in toughness or edge holding ability.

I don't see myself needing to shoot my knife really EVER
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I didn't shoot mine but rowdy bikers types having a party in the desert don't really need a reason to play with guns and knives it just kinda comes natural, like guns and girls, bikes and beer. We weren't all so safety conscious and PC back then or at least some of us weren't. Like a lot of things in life what's "need" got to do with it?
 
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the knife that has impressed me the most is my spyderco chinook II. come to think of it, most spydies impress me. i was not a fan of them, until i bought an endura at gander mountain some years back. i have been hooked ever since. i was a cold steel fan until then.

as far as karambits go, i have a few from different makers. i had an emerson, but sold it. there's no questioning the quality of emerson knives, i just detest one sided chisel ground blades. the spyderco version has a great blade profile, but the handle is too flat & wide for my taste. the mantis karambit has a better overall shape, but, again, flat chisel ground blades irritate me. so did the sharp edges of the handle, and the poor finish. so far, my favorite k-bit is the 5.11 journeyman. it seems to combine the best features of all the others, great blade & handle profile, nice contours, quality blade steel, and reliable. that's the one i'd recommend to anyone wanting a production karambit. you can find them for under $100 most places.
 
jahwarrior said:
spyderco chinook II
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When the blade is locked open, do you surmise any wobble factor?

The reason I ask is that I have steered clear of these knives for both my clients and myself due to the issues with the first model.

Understand this, I have not handled this second model. No flames, it's a valid safety question.

If the problem has been fixed, and now that the model is available in S30V, I thought I'd research the knife. Despite its roots, I hear anecdotal stories about its prowess in wilderness camping.
 
the II and III models have absolute ZERO wobble, either up & down or laterally. the lockup is as solid as any knife i've ever handled, and so far, i've skinned and cleaned: rabbit, woodchuck, snake, and squirrel with it. like i said, i love this knife!
 
I'm not a full tilt boogie knife guy, but I've a few around here I like better than most.

First up, a Helle Tor. A gift from a friend, it holds a wicked edge and works very well for emptying deer. I once did 5 deer before I touched it up. Didn't need it.

Second, a Bucklite. Same blade as the 110, with a synthetic handle that lightens it greatly. Second choice for deer and a superb all round pocket knife.

Third is a Cold Steel Recon Tanto. My life style doesn't demand me playing Combat Infantryman, but if it did, this would be on me for rough duty.

Last but certainly not least, Pop's old Case sheath knife. He got it in the 50s, and it still takes an edge razors envy.
 
I'm an old style guy. I have always loved Case knives; pretty much any of them. They're one of the few knife companies outside of the custom makers that are still all American made. Plus every time I see or handle one I think of my Dad. He always carried a Case and it was the first "real" pocket knife he ever gave me when he thought I was old enough to be trusted with it. A real right of passage in my family. :)
 
A few knives have impressed me. I don't know if it's because I'm easily impressed or if it's because I have good taste.

Microtech LCC - Up until a couple of days ago this was the best folder I had ever owned. It was flawless, and to this day I still don't know how Microtech was able to make a knife of this quality at the price they charged.

Bark River Rogue - Mike Stewart knows how to sharpen knives. Have you ever held a 7" razor? My Rogue bowie feels that sharp. It's a bit scary actually, to think about the damage a knife that big and heavy can do.

Chris Reeve Sebenza - This knife epitomizes fine craftsmanship. I've only had it a couple of days, but it's already knocked out my Spyderco Military out of the EDC role. That's quite an impressive feat considering that I've been carrying the Military for the past five years.
 
Opinel.
Randall #14
Reeve Sebenza.
Vintage Jody Samson-ground Bali-Song Inc. wee-hawk butterfly.
Vintage liner-locking Case sod buster.
Mineral Mountain Hatchetworks kindjahl.
The original Tekna diving knife (mostly because of the sheath).

These impressed me enough that when I sold off my collection last year, these precious few were kept...not because of any cash value but because they were such excellent pieces of work.
 
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