Which knife?

[CZ9shooter]

I am finally in the market for decent knife. I have had a handful of cheapies over the last few years, the kind I don't really care too much about, just replace it when it wears out. However, I have recently been bitten by the knife bug. I don't know what happened, I just suddenly gained an appreciation for nicely crafted knives. I must have one.

I am not terribly knowledgeable, but have spent the last few days gaining a wealth of information. Everything from reputable brands to metallurgy. And many YouTube reviews.

If funds would allow I would gladly buy a few to try out and eventually place them into specific roles. Building a handsome collection would be great, but there is little chance of the wife understanding why a guy would need half a dozen or more knives. So for now I would just like some advice on a good all around blade that can fill multiple roles and last a long time.

The knife's primary use will be as an EDC. Used for general tasks that one might run into throughout a normal day. I wouldn't use it much at work, so most days it would probably get very little use. It would then need to double as a survival tool or defensive weapon in the unlikely event that a very bad situation arises. It would likely see some hunting use as well. I would like to keep the price below $75. I am thinking a blade length of 3 to 3 1/2 inches and made of high quality steel. Preferably American made.

Here is two that I am currently torn between. I would be interested in accounts of first hand experience. Pros and cons, that sort of thing. Feel free to suggest other models as well.

Kershaw Blur http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1670S...=UTF8&qid=1385256010&sr=8-1&keywords=1670s30v

Spyderco Native http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Nati...id=1385256064&sr=8-1&keywords=spyderco+native

 

[hso]

Between the two it comes down to what fits your hand best and what opening method you prefer.

 

[Outlaw Man]

I agree. They're both good quality knives.

I have a good friend that WILL NOT buy a liner lock. The way he holds them, he always disengages the lock. On the other hand, I prefer not to change hand positions to close it, though I could probably get along with that one well enough.

 

[Valkman]

Make sure they fit your hand - knives like the Native and Delica are too small for my hands. I bought a Native and had to give it away.

 

[ugaarguy]

I owned a Blur and I found the thumb studs sat way too close to the handle when closed. Combine that with the spring assisted opening and I cut myself on it once, and darn near cut myself on it several other times.

So, if you like Kershaw, I'd get a Leek instead because it has a flipper to start the spring assisted opening. Your budget also allows you to get the composite blade model with the CPM-D2 edge - http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1660C...8&qid=1385269652&sr=8-8&keywords=kershaw+leek

Now, if you like the Spyderco Native 2 LW you might as well bump your budget up an extra $5 and get a neater one. As in the Knife Center Exclusive Sprint Run with brown handle and Carpenter CTS-XHP steel, for $80 - http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/SP...lider&utm_campaign=Spyderco Brown Native Sale

If it's going to be a one and only it might as well have a cool blade like either of those knives. The Kershaw Leek has a more universally hand fitting handle if you have to buy sight unseen.

Without overwhelming you with ideas that fit your criteria I'll throw in one more option: The Buck Vantage series. In your budget you might as well go for the Pro trim level - http://www.amazon.com/Buck-Vantage-...d=1385270052&sr=8-1&keywords=buck+vantage+pro. I'm a hard core Spyderco nerd, but my base model Vantage (select level) has really made an impression on me. The manual flipper opens as quickly as any auto or spring assisted opener I've ever used. There's also the oval thumb hole of you prefer that. Buck put one of the best deep carry pocket clips I've seen on the Vantage series. As a final plus the handles are comfortable for many folks, so it's another good option if you have to buy sight unseen. The Vantage Pro linked above really does give you quite a bit of value with G10 handles and a 3&1/4" S30v blade for $60.

 

[hso]

I agree the Vantage is a very nice knife that doesn't get enough attention.

 

[Esoxchaser]

CRKT's are a great value for the money, and their customer service is second to none. The blades take and hold an edge very well, but are not so hard they are brittle. Excellent attributes for work and survival blades. This one is one of the knives in my EDC rotation that sounds like it fits your desires.
http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Rive...&qid=1385297207&sr=8-3&keywords=crkt+titanium

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

have a look at Benchmade

 

[CZ9shooter]

Benchmade definatley appears to make a good knife. I looked at them a little but most of their models that I found appealing were out of my price range.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions so far. I am taking a liking to that Buck posted by ugaarguy. But there is still something about the Blur that has got my attention. This may be a tough decision.

 

[CZ9shooter]

I ended up going with the Blur in S30V. I narrowed it down to just a few in the end (the Kershaw, Spyderco's native, and the Vantage Force pro) but couldnt make up my mind, so I went with the one that originally caught my eye.

This thing is awsome! I couldnt imagine a better knife for the $70 I paid for it. Size is about perfect for EDC IMO. Feels nice in the hand. Blade shape looks like it could handle many situations. Tough enough that I dont have to worry too much about abusing it. Yet pretty dang light for its size. I know others out there are lighter, but any more so and it may effect the handling. And the assisted opening is pretty fricken cool!




Now I will have to invest in a sharpening system of some sort. The way I understand it is that this particular steel can be a bit of a chore to sharpen. Plus I am a bit of a knife sharpening noob.... so that dont help. I dont believe I will attempt it freehand anytime soon. The Sharpmaker seems to be a quality system that may be beginner friendly. But at $60, almost what I paid for the knife, it is a bit steep. Lansky makes a similar product at about 1/3 of the price. Anybody know if it is a good buy? Or save up for the Sharpmaker?

Kershaw offers free sharpening as well. Maybe I will take advantage of that every now and again just to make sure the angles dont get too far outa wack, but I want to do the majority of maintanence myself.

 

[rcmodel]

Sharpening system??

You could buy another $70 Blur, and keep one in the mail to Kershaw for sharpening!!

When the blades wear out, they will replace them free.

Now, that's a sharpening system!

rc

 

[CZ9shooter]

I like your line of thinking. In fact, that idea has crossed my mind. We'll see though. I would like to be self sufficient, but a FREE (+ a small postage fee) professional grinding is hard to turn down.

 

[CA Raider]

looking at it - which knife do I carry the most for general duty, medical and self defense. usually this one ...

http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/AK-47.20_SERIES/AK-47_SERIES.aspx

it's outside your price range by $60, but works well.

if your goal is more self-defense, and you don't want a fixed blade, also look at this with the 5-1/2 inch blade.

http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/RECON.20_1.20_SERIES/RECON_1_SERIES.aspx

or this with the Vaquero blade in 5-1/2 inches

http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/VOYAGER.20_SERIES/VOYAGER_SERIES.aspx

for real defensive purposes I believe the longer blades are useful.

some people hate Cold Steel. I won't go there. just saying these knives have held up very well for me.

CA R

 

[sgt127]

I own lots of knives. Some very expensive. Randall, Lile Doziers....

Every day of my life, there is a SAK Super Tinker or Soldier in my pocket. Those little knives have made my life simpler for many, many years.

I may or may not carry another knife at the same time, but, I always have a SAK with me.

Get a SAK for those screws that need tightening, the label that needs scraping, the bag of concrete that needs cutting and save the wear and tear on the good knife. Use the good blade for cutting up the ribeye, cutting up an apple to share, or cutting a seat belt if you come upon an accident.

 

[Shadmin]

I have a Kershaw Blur and I love it for EDC and Kershaw makes a decent knife as far as off the shelf knives are concerned! In truth if ever you can afford the cost you can't beat a custom knife. We are talking about a knife made to your specifications from a maker who can lend their expertise as far as styles, what your need is as far as use (EDC, hunting, tactical) etc. There are many great knife makers in the market these days, it just depends on who catches your fancy? If you ever get the chance go custom, can't beat it!

 

[Mainsail]

I got this JunkYard Dog blem for $65. If there's a blemish on, I sure can't find it. Many more on the site as well.