What knives have impressed you?

[AdamSean]

The question is just that. I was on a search for a good quality, yet affordable Karambit Folder. Of course if you run a search, the Emerson comes up the most, or some by Terani. Good knives, but more than I want to spend. These brands run from $150 to over $200. I wanted something under $100. I came across the Mantis MK line of Karambit Folders.

I had never heard of Mantis Knives before so was kind put off. Not many reviews exist so I was not able to really make an educated decision, but I pick up the MK-3 for around $70. Once I got, I was greatly impressed by the great feel in my hand. I was lightweight, built strong and sturdy, and really sharp. There was no loose wiggle in the blade, which I have found on many expensive reputable brands. I also quickly realized at how well this knife held an edge. I was pulling the knife through paper, cardboard and rope right and left. After all that, it still held a razor-like edge.

The only other knife that has surprised me was my SOG Mini X-Ray Vision that I will soon replace with a Mantis Chaos Folder. I will let you all know what I think of it after running it through the paces.

What knives have impressed you and why?

 

[RONSTAR]

"THE SAMA"
By Mel Pardue www.melpardueknives.com
This Leaf spring auto has a damascus blade crafted from a two bar composite twist pattern steel, the top edge is false grind, (not sharpened). The bolsters are fluted single twist damascus , the rockers bar has two opposed faces carved in it , and it is of damascus steel. The scales are fluted center cut Kudu horn. The backstrap is fileworked and has a face carved in the rear. The liners are fileworked gold anodized titanium.

PRICE: $2400.
This right here IMO is the nicest knife out there. the kind you put a saftey deposit box when not in use.

 

[Goblin]

The 2 knives I'm most impreesed with are not expensive. The first is the Buck 110 Lock back folder. I was really impressed with their manufacturing process I saw on the History channel.

The other knife is one I haven't purchased yet. It's the Kabar Hunter 6".



Looks to me like the perfect utility sheath knife and it's only $60.00!

 

[The Tourist]

Strider folders.

The knives look like Mick carried them around in his pocket for a week before shipping. In fact, when I inspected the portion of the liner lock that actually closes bethind the blade, I thought it had rusted. Closer examination showed that it was heat scorching from bending. Titanium doesn't rust.

Now why would a guy want a knife like that? Machismo?

No, not entirely. But like many here, I'm simply tired of hype and disappointment. I like big strong knives, and I'm at a point in my life where I can afford a little nicer implement.

I knife might show signs of wear. However, even if the knife was so worn that all of the original finish had been marred, Mick's knives would still be the strongest of the competitors.

Other than a Ringed Razel, I cannot think of a knife stronger than a Strider AR. Yes, a Kabar is tough, but Striders are built like a bank vault door and still slice like a razor.

 

[Coyote3855]

Benchmade Mini Ruckus Not under $100, though.

 

[Pilot]

Fixed Blade: Fallkniven F1. Can be had online for around $90.

Folder: Benchmade 550 Griptillian. Around $60.

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

ooks to me like the perfect utility sheath knife and it's only $60.00

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KA1235
Nope, it's only $38, plus shipping.
I have been impressed with Case yellow handles and Victorinox SAKs. Also, the Benchmade Vex, Kershaw Sapphire, and Al Mar Eagle Talon have impressed me. Suprisingly, my Gerber Ripstop and Fatty are very good knives for the money and design. The Buck 110 can't not impress. Oh, and I was impressed with CRKT's customer service. They sent me a brand-new M16 after mine broke. The new one has done just fine.

 

[CWL]

Higher end production and custom knives have pretty much always satisfied my expectations.

2 knives that have impressed me are the Mora carbon knives that I have purchased for between $9-11 and the several $5-7 Rough Rider small folders that I have bought at auction from online.

The Mora are pure performers and can be honed sharp enough to shave (I tried it once on a whim) and tough enough for 95% of any outdoorsman's tasks, while the RR are cheap, solid & reliable for pocket carry chores.

 

[Carl Levitian]

The Frosts mora's from Sweden. They are some of the most effective cutting tools I've used. Sharp, durable, comfortable in the hand.

Opinels. Same comments as mora's, but with the addded convienence of folding to go in pocket. Cuts better than most of the high dollar custom knives I used to collect before I wised up.

SAK's. Too handy not to have one around. In addition to being a pretty good knife, it's also a screw driver, can opener, awl...

The Case peanut. A nice little package that fits in a pants pocket without making itself known, but cuts most anything you need to cut in the real world. And it looks great doing it. Available in wide amount of handles and colors to be collectable.

The above knives have done me well for many years now, and are pretty much the only knives I own anymore. I sold off the collection of Randalls, Hastings, Hendricksons, Morseths, and the others, because they just did not work as well as the real knives of the working masses.

 

[hso]

Plenty

Sebenza

Blackie Collins's LST

Ken Onion's original Random Task assist

Microtech LUDT and Mini and HALO

Vallotton 2-Step

and on and on and on

 

[sm]

Great ones already mentioned.
From out of left field...

The Christy Knife
http://www.christycompany.net/

 

[Valkman]

How about the best knifemaker you've never heard of? Todd Begg has become my favorite maker with his awesome skill on the manual mill and CNC machine, besides just being a fantastic maker. He did a knife for a contest recently that he now values at $5k and it's not only a wonder to behold but he built it in 5 days. His folders go for $1500 so I'll never own anything of his but he's now going to offer one-on-one 3 day training to knifemakers who want to learn to use the mill better in knife applications. I'm going!

Todd and Tanya are the kind of people that not only offer this class but will pick you up at the airport, give you a room in their house and feed you also. For $700 it's the chance of a lifetime for me

Here's the contest knife, The Predator:

I like Striders the best for carry folders, and also have and use Emersons, Case and SAK.

For $100 or under I'd get a Case, a Buck/Strider or a Griptilian.

 

[JShirley]

I have been impressed by knives from various makers. Sometimes what impresses me is something I can't really explain: either you have the ability to feel it, or you don't.

As far as production knives go, my friend Ken Cox has said that the Spyderco Chinook is the ultimate fighting knife. I don't agree. If I had to use a blade to defend myself, I'd want it to be long enough so that I would have the reach advantage over an adversary.

But, I did find the Chinook drastically discounted online, a couple of years ago. I ordered one. It was absolutely more knife than I could cart around in my pocket on a daily basis at school. I can say this: if I had to defend myself with a knife, and could only have a folder, the Spyderco Chinook would be that knife. So, yeah, big for daily carry in academia, but the Spyderco Chinook is one hell of a knife, well designed and built tank tough.

John

 

[22-rimfire]

The line of knives that have impressed me the most over the last 10 years have been products made by Victorinox. They are hard to beat for the price.

This year, I have purchased a SOG Mini-Vulcan; a Schratt & Morgan Mountain Man Trapper; one Dozier blade; one by a maker named Ed Wallace; and a Cold Steel Sword. I may have purchased a couple of other SOGs, I forget the timing sometimes. I have been impressed by all of these. Guess I impress easily.

 

[Rupestris]

Great knives folks. I agree with posts on Spyderco's, Benchmade Griptilians, and the LST. All impressive for what they are and what they offer.

If I had to pick one of my knives that was a complete surprise when it comes to fit, finish, and plain 'ol quality I'd have to go with my Klein Tools (model 44036) miniature knock off of the Buck 110.

It was made in Japan and measures 3.5" closed / 6" OAL with a 2.25" edge. When open, the spine and spring mate up like a custom. Almost invisible and even harder to feel. Width is only 3/8".

Its a joy to carry and use. I'm honestly surprised that these do not sell as well they should.

Chris

 

[AdamSean]

From what I can see here, the Benchmade Griptillian is the most common. I see that a lot. I have a Benchmade Ambush that I like a lot too. It felt better in my hand than the Griptillian. They are both very light in weight and very easy to use. Two of the best features in a knife. I am sure the Mantis Chaos Folder will be like that. The MK-3 Karambit was so I don't see why the Chaos would be any different.

 

[xx7grant7x]

The SOG flash II, in my daily job I use a knife and between the sog and a spyderco clipit endura i always have enough knife. I'd buy either as good tough working knives that can hold an edge and keep cutting as long as i need

 

[jhansman]

The Kershaw Scallion is a sturdy little workhorse. Well made, affordable, holds an edge, doesn't constantly remind you it's in your pocket. Not much more I can ask of a EDC.

And, my Buck 110 is the heartiest knife I've yet to buy. Takes a beating and comes back for more.

 

[Tom Krein]

One of the first knives to impress me was a Dozier Personal drop point. It was .090" thick D2 at RC 60. That little bastard would cut like nobodies business!

At the other end of the spectrum... I was VERY impressed with the cutting ability of the SAK paring knives. They cut unbelievably good at any price point, they should cost more than $5.00 for that amount of performance! Once again edge geometry rules!

Tom

 

[JTW Jr.]

i will participate in the event that this isnt one of the Mantis Spam posts that the owner of the company asked people to post on any/all knife forums....

The Strider AR and PT models impressed me. Stout , cut well and have ergo's to match. Well plus Mick is a friend , and a knife made by a friend don't get much better.

Sodbuster - impressive. Best sub $40 folder in my opinion.
Either Case or Boker in carbon.

he wont , so I will , any of Tom Krein's knives , him and Dozier , hands down the best bang for the buck in fixed blades ( and soon to be folders eh Tom ? )

Another that has impressed me , Lone Wolfe Loveless City Knife. Great little folder ( slippie ) with tight construction , thin ground blade , sharp as can be , with a lanyard hole and half stops on the blade. Price before discontinued $120 approx.

Simonich Mid-Tech Crowfoot - smooth handling small fixed blade. Compact , thin , carries well that you dont know it is there till you need it , and when you do it performs great. Price about $200 ?

Trace Rinaldi Matrix - of all my fixed blades , this one has seen the most use. From office stuff , boxes , heavy banding on server crates , to desheathing cable , tarpaper , etc. It just works and feels superb in the hand.

There have been lots that have impressed me , my carry blades show the ones that impressed me most , Strider PT CC , Ken Erickson 3.5 EDC slip joint , Trace Rinaldi Matrix , and an old Remington slip joint.

 

[TimboKhan]

You know, I just found my first knife, a Buck 112, and I have to tell you that I have gained a new appreciation for this knife. It's not that it is a particularly flashy knife, and it probably won't end up being carried in my pocket because of the weight, but the more I sit and handle it, the more impressed I am with it. It definitely has found a permanent home in my EDC bag, and it has made me want to find a 110 to match it.

 

[TrapperReady]

Here's a few in no particular order:

1) 1940s vintage Marbles Woodcraft - Dad's hunting knife that he bought new when he returned from Germany in '46. Very useful blade shape and it takes a wicked edge. Fits my hand almost perfectly.

2) Victorinox Tinker - Does almost everything I've ever asked of it. Not a ton of tools (compared to a true multi-tool), but has almost everything I commonly need.

3) Strider AR - Got one for Mrs. Trapper's brother before he headed to the sandbox in '06. I was expecting sturdy. I wasn't expecting STURDY!!!!!! He used it a lot (as a field knife, not a "combat" knife), and very hard. With the exception of a little wear on the blade finish, you could hardly tell it had been used after about 16 months of use.

4) Benchmade Mini-Griptilian - This was my 2nd "modern" folder. The first was a Boker Ceramic abomination. The Mini-Grip was (and is) truly a masterpiece of functionality. A pocket clip and AXIS lock were both very welcome features.

5) Randall #3 - 5" - My first Randall and a great user. When I first got it, I thought it was a little too large and thick. However, with a little practice and getting to know it, I use it for everything from deer to birds to cooking to whittling.

6) Brusletto Spikkekniv - The first fixed-blade knife I gave to each of my kids. It's a great size and shape. The carbon steel blade is just the right size and grind for whittling and working on craft projects. Easy to sharpen and would make a great bird/trout knife.

7) Dozier K4 Straight Hunter - After reading so much about Doziers, I finally got one. I've not had a chance to use it on big game yet, but it seems like it would be ideal. As a slicer, it's tremendous. It also has the most comfortable handle shape and weight that I've ever felt. My Randall is still the "go to" hunting knife, but frankly, the Dozier would probably be a better choice when cleaning and cutting up a deer.

 

[.cheese.]

Benchmade Doug Ritter Griptillian.

A tiny slip while cutting something nearly cut my left hand middle finger off entirely. Stitches and all were needed. I still can't feel anything at the tip of that finger and the accident was a year and a half ago or so.

S30V is sharp!

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I haven't tried many, so I'm by no means a comprehensive source but I'd say:

--Kershaw "Spec Bump" (S30V/G10)
--Cheness 9260 steel Chisa-katana
--Blackwater Gear (Benchmade) (don't know the name, but it's a modified "mini Nimravus 140")
--SigTac "PitBull" neck knife
--Kershaw Leek (S30V/G10)

 

[hignhappy00]

I am interested in the The Frosts mora's from Sweden.