looking for a new knife

[Cool S]

I'm looking for a new folding knife. I do not know much about knives, so I am asking for your help.

I would carry the knife around all of the time for utility and a little protection. I am brutal on my knives. Many of my previous knives now have very wobbely locks. This may just be because they were on the cheap side, but I still abuse my knives. I would like a knife that will last me a long time, with an especially strong lock and a good blade (I have read a few posts on this web site which say 440 stainless steal is weak).

I am also an avid camper. Thus, I would like a lighter knife (around 3 oz). i will use it mostly cutting ropes, small branches, etc.

I have several other small preferences. I like serrated blades. A 3-31/2 in blade would be ideal. A spring assisted blade would be nice. A pocket clip is a must-have.

For the knife, I am looking to spend in the 50 dollar range, 75 max.

Thanks A Lot

 

[Sharpdogs]

I think your best choice and value will either be a Spyderco delica or endura, or a Benchmade griptillian. Both have gotten great reviews. If you find yourself cutting a lot of branches add a swiss army knife or multi-tool with a saw.

 

[gopguy]

Any Knife you intend to use for defense should not be used for general cutting and utility use. If you do and you have to use it for defense it will be too dull. I carry either a Emerson CQC7 or Emerson Commander folder with a swiss army knife for general utility use....Hard to beat the combination. The Spyderco and Cold Steel knives are good too, but I prefer the Emersons for defense.

 

[hso]

Cool S,

Welcome!

(I have read a few posts on this web site which say 440 stainless steal is weak).

Sorry if that impression was given. It would be more accurate to say that there are plenty of tougher steels out there than 440C, but the 440C and HC steels make perfectly good knife steels if you're not going to get into chopping and prying.

If you're going to be using the knife camping and intend to cut branches I'd suggest getting an inexpensive Opinel folding saw for $14.00. Other compact saws are out there that are as good, but be sure they cut on the draw or have something to keep your hand off the blade.

There are several good folders in your price range. I can't recommend anything better than the Spyderco's and the Griptillian already mentioned. If you were an EMT or Rescue where cutting webbing and rope were the primary role for the knife I would go for the serrated blade. Otherwise I advise you get the partially serrated blade versions over the fully serrated blade models simply because of the greater utility of them.

Good Luck.

 

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

Try a Camillus HEAT assisted opener. The weight is about 3.9 oz. I bought one for my brother last year, and he really likes it. The Blade is AUS-8 steel and it runs in the $50.00 range. you can get it (some places)
with either a tanto, ot a standard blade, with or without serrations.

AUS8 (japan) is similar to 440B (US), but has vanadium added to increase wear resistance. 440a/b/c is not bad steel. For premium steel (ATS-34, ATS-55, 154cm, BG42) you'll pay a premuim price, ie: 5-10 times more than $50.00.

 

[Freddymac]

Another Vote For The CQC7

I have carried the benchmade version of this knife daily for about 10 years. Its rugged as the day is long. Its liner lock is a nice thick slab of titanium. I am very hard on things, to be honest I can be down right abusive to my toys, and needles to say, I have done some things that knives are not designed to do, and it has taken it all with a smile. I cannot speak highly enough about this knife. It is simple, tough, and well made. I'm sure you would not be disapointed.

 

[dev_null]

Many of my previous knives now have very wobbely locks.

No knife is intended to withstand being used improperly for very long. A knife is not meant to be a pry bar, paint stirrer, or wheel chock. The best made folder in the world will wear or break when used for something other than it was intended. Now, it's possible that you've been using cheap knives, but it sounds also possible that you might wish to reassess how you use them as well.

 

[m0ntels]

If a Griptilian wont do it, you're using the wrong tool...

It's in you price range, has the blade length and style you want, can be had with thumbhole or stud, choice of colors, left or right hand carry, and is lightweight and tough as a smallish folder can be. I havent once heard a negative about it, that's why I bought one. Made a believer outta me.

Randy

 

[Waywardmonk]

Though some folks seem to enjoy bashing them you may want to give the Cold Steel Voyager line a look, they are light but strong and come in a variety of sizes and blade configurations.

Also, Dev Null had a point, you may want to use a small fixed blade for some of your needs and save the folder for less harsh work. You can snag a decent, inexpensive Puukko that will " get 'er done " without breaking the bank.

 

[Bigreno]

One of my personal favorites for daily carry is my Ken Onion Kershaw 1550 (Blackout). 3 1/4" 440A tri-nitride coated stainless blade. Light wieght 3.5 oz. and lighting quick assisted opening. I wouldn't go cutting tree limbs with it, but for a daily carry it has severed me well.

 

[Matt King]

Buck hunter.

 

[ArmandTanzarian]

For your criteria and price range, you will not be able to beat this one:

http://www.savsonswordsandknives.com/kelewg.html

It's the Leek (Kershaw Ken Onion knife) with S30V blade steel, some the best stainless you can get; arguably *the* best. Superior edge retention and hardness. Certainly it's a premium steel and not 5 times as much as as Heat - it's $70. And G10 handles as well - it comes in a partial serrated version which is great for cutting twigs and rope in the campsite. Extremely light and small too. Assisted opening works fantastic too. The pocket clip can be moved from the wrong end to the 'right' end (unlike most knives).

This one WILL be my next knife, to go with my S30V Spec Bump. Woo hoo.

BUT, that Camillus Heat is not a bad second choice, I would have to agree.

 

[Cool S]

Thanks

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

I have looked at the Griptilian. Wow, what a knife. It's amazing that they can make such a large and durable knife at a weight that light.

Does anyone know any good, reliable internet sites to buy one of these knives? I looked at Amazon, but the prices are so varied that I am hesitant to order from them. I also looked at Cabelas. I would assume they are pretty reliable. I would just order from the Benchmade website, but there they sell the Griptilian for ballpark 100$.

Thanks again.

 

[Cool S]

I forgot to add this, but a good deal or sale is always appriciated, as long as I am getting the real deal. I would not mind buying a model from last year, if it is relatively the same, in order to save some money.

 

[hso]

knifecenter

onestopknifeshot

newgrahmknives

888knivesrus

and on and on, but those are my top choices