Who's into quality knives?

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madryan
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Who's into quality knives?

Post by madryan »

Ever since graduating from some of the worlds tougher survival schools back when I was in the Marine Corps I've been a huge proponent of tools that are actually useful for helping you survive vs. stuff that's useless. To that end I'm always looking for sturdy knives that are

1) Sharp

2) Durable

3) Resiliant

4) feature useful design components

To that end I recently picked up an ESEE with a 6in Blade to try out. I must say, so far I'm quite impressed. I've owned a bunch of "Hard Use" knives which I tried out for a while in the woods and promptly sold because at the end of the day, if a knife is tough as nails but doesn't cut worth a damn I'm not really interested. The two Busse knives I had were that way. Ridiculously tough, and if I needed to stab someone through body armor or a car door they'd be great because the edge would hold up great, but the cutting edge geometry didn't lend itself well to being a very effective cutting tool when it came to butchering a rabbit or a deer.

So far this thing is pretty damn nice. Big saber grind with enough belly to skin in a pinch but enough thickness at the edge that it'll be durable. Reminds me of how Ka Bar grinds their combat knives. I should have gotten the one that didn't have the sharpened back edge so I could more effectively pound on the back of the blade but I could easily pound this thing through saplings with minimal damage.

The fit and finish isn't quite up to par with my Chris Reeve blades but it's really good. Especially since I paid $109 shipped with the sheath which is really good. The handle is micarta and is quite comfy. We'll see if this thing holds up as well as some of my previous stellar beater knives have like the Cold Steel Tanto I packed around the whole time I was on Active Duty. That thing was bloody indestructible.

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Re: Who's into quality cutlery?

Post by Mudder1310 »

For some reason I was thinking of kitchen knives when you mention cutlery. But yes, I love a good blade. I like a small/med sized folder, no serrations, and I dig the sheepsfoot shape. I had a Benchmade that I lost in that configuration I still kick myself over. I've been eyeing the Spartan Knives Akribis. It's a little pricey but for a good blade, buy once cry once.
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Re: Who's into quality cutlery?

Post by madryan »

Mudder1310 wrote:For some reason I was thinking of kitchen knives when you mention cutlery. But yes, I love a good blade. I like a small/med sized folder, no serrations, and I dig the sheepsfoot shape. I had a Benchmade that I lost in that configuration I still kick myself over. I've been eyeing the Spartan Knives Akribis. It's a little pricey but for a good blade, buy once cry once.


So far my favorite is my Chris Reeve stuff. Makes benchmade seem cheap and dull by comparison. I've got a benchmade folder that's my main beater as well as a Kershaw Blur. Both of them are my EDC knives. I alternate cause I'm lazy about sharpening them. My Chris Reeve stuff doesn't get packed around town much but it's my main choice for woods or camping since it's ultra sharp and durable and stays that way. This new one will be my biggest actual knife. Just big enough for efficient chopping but not as big and clunky as my full size Machete.
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Re: Who's into quality cutlery?

Post by nakedzen »

Mudder1310 wrote:For some reason I was thinking of kitchen knives when you mention cutlery.


Yeah the title made me think of spoons, forks etc. silverware. Might get more replies if you change it to "hunting knives" or something. :D

All I have is one of these Lapland souvenir thingies. It's a really good knife though.

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Re: Who's into quality cutlery?

Post by Dickarms »

thought thread was about cooking. not really that disappointed though
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Re: Who's into quality cutlery?

Post by Walt »

I've got some nice Cold Steel folders and fixes, nothing on par with what Reeve makes though. :bow: My cousin is a CS dealer, so I can get stuff fairly inexpensively.
The ESEEs are good knives, especially for the money. Yours is a nice example.
My main beater right now is an Aitor Zero. I've managed to keep it for a while. Hehe. Pretty cool knife.
I've got a couple Panga machetes as well. I'm a land surveyor, so I use them daily for brushwhacking. Good, Brazilian steel. Nothing like a sharp Panga for versatility.
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Re: Who's into quality cutlery?

Post by Casey4s »

Quality cutlery ?



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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by ~Abstract~ »

I wish I could afford "quality" knives...

But I really like decent knives. In fact I just bought a CRKT Ignitor on Friday. I decided after my 2 year old picked up a Spyderco and promptly opened it and set it back down, that I need an assisted opening knife that can't be opened by little fingers. CRKT Speedsafe is just the ticket.

Also, I've got a couple Spyderco's and Kershaws...and a few assorted pocketknives....but nothing I'd consider "quality". ;)
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by madryan »

~Abstract~ wrote:I wish I could afford "quality" knives...

But I really like decent knives. In fact I just bought a CRKT Ignitor on Friday. I decided after my 2 year old picked up a Spyderco and promptly opened it and set it back down, that I need an assisted opening knife that can't be opened by little fingers. CRKT Speedsafe is just the ticket.

Also, I've got a couple Spyderco's and Kershaws...and a few assorted pocketknives....but nothing I'd consider "quality". ;)


I used to beat the hell out of my issue Kershaw. Nothing wrong with them. Only reason I got the Cold Steel Tanto to carry out was because the Kershaw didn't have a full tang that was as strong. I used my Tanto as a general purpose tool. Hammer, prybar, once hammered it up to the guard into a cinderblock wall and stood on it for a better firing position. That thing was indestructible and the Kershaw, which held an awesome edge and was a great cutting tool just wouldn't hold up to the abuse. Plus, if you lost an issue blade there was always a big stink so I just didn't check mine out. Similarly, I carried those cheap little Spyderco Endura's everywhere. Great little knives for $39 or whatever they cost at the base exchange. I always had one stashed in my pack and one in my pocket dummy-corded to my belt.

If you're not straight up abusing your stuff then a Kershaw or Spyderco should be fine.
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by soundgardener75 »

Where's Raf and Murdoch? Those bros love their knives. esizer too I believe...
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by neilrocks25 »

I have some great kitchen knives, none of the stabby stabby knives though... I do have a sword
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by Marc G »

yeah... I like pocket knives but I don't have anything high end... I am building up a nice collection of kitchen knives now, got some nice Henckels that are stupid sharp and hold their edge really well but also are a breeze to sharpen.
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by madryan »

I have a couple of really nice swords. 9260 Spring steel blades. Full tangs, custom length Tsuka, etc. I fell in love with Japanese swords while living over there in the late 90's.

My ex wife got my Henckels knives. I think I'm gonna spring for the Chris Reeve chefs knives when I get the scratch.
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by Mudder1310 »

Part of me would much rather carry a decent beater knife than a really nice one. I'm fairly likely to break or lose something I carry every day.
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by ~Abstract~ »

madryan wrote:
~Abstract~ wrote:I wish I could afford "quality" knives...

But I really like decent knives. In fact I just bought a CRKT Ignitor on Friday. I decided after my 2 year old picked up a Spyderco and promptly opened it and set it back down, that I need an assisted opening knife that can't be opened by little fingers. CRKT Speedsafe is just the ticket.

Also, I've got a couple Spyderco's and Kershaws...and a few assorted pocketknives....but nothing I'd consider "quality". ;)


I used to beat the hell out of my issue Kershaw. Nothing wrong with them. Only reason I got the Cold Steel Tanto to carry out was because the Kershaw didn't have a full tang that was as strong. I used my Tanto as a general purpose tool. Hammer, prybar, once hammered it up to the guard into a cinderblock wall and stood on it for a better firing position. That thing was indestructible and the Kershaw, which held an awesome edge and was a great cutting tool just wouldn't hold up to the abuse. Plus, if you lost an issue blade there was always a big stink so I just didn't check mine out. Similarly, I carried those cheap little Spyderco Endura's everywhere. Great little knives for $39 or whatever they cost at the base exchange. I always had one stashed in my pack and one in my pocket dummy-corded to my belt.

If you're not straight up abusing your stuff then a Kershaw or Spyderco should be fine.



That's fucking awesome! Nope...I've never done THAT sort of shit with a knife.

My blades see very little use and (compared with what yours have gone thru) no abuse. The worst shit mine are doing is cutting open bags of charcoal and the occasional homegrown jalapeno or whittling on a stick when friends come over.

Absolutely...Kershaw and Spyderco are probably better than I need for those mundane tasks. And I still fret over whether I should get S30V or VG-10 steel...Or maybe that new CPM-154...or Aogami Super Steel...





In related news...This is also the reason I have a Diezel Herbert and Trainwreck clone sitting in my music room...with the only chance of them leaving the house is when I sell one...or move.

:dance:


Edit...it's also the reason I constantly browse Ebay for Corvettes or Shelby Cobras...or Camaros...or used GTR's...because I'll totally be able to use them to their full potential...on the way to the office. :idea:

:cry:
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by madryan »

~Abstract~ wrote:
madryan wrote:
~Abstract~ wrote:I wish I could afford "quality" knives...

But I really like decent knives. In fact I just bought a CRKT Ignitor on Friday. I decided after my 2 year old picked up a Spyderco and promptly opened it and set it back down, that I need an assisted opening knife that can't be opened by little fingers. CRKT Speedsafe is just the ticket.

Also, I've got a couple Spyderco's and Kershaws...and a few assorted pocketknives....but nothing I'd consider "quality". ;)


I used to beat the hell out of my issue Kershaw. Nothing wrong with them. Only reason I got the Cold Steel Tanto to carry out was because the Kershaw didn't have a full tang that was as strong. I used my Tanto as a general purpose tool. Hammer, prybar, once hammered it up to the guard into a cinderblock wall and stood on it for a better firing position. That thing was indestructible and the Kershaw, which held an awesome edge and was a great cutting tool just wouldn't hold up to the abuse. Plus, if you lost an issue blade there was always a big stink so I just didn't check mine out. Similarly, I carried those cheap little Spyderco Endura's everywhere. Great little knives for $39 or whatever they cost at the base exchange. I always had one stashed in my pack and one in my pocket dummy-corded to my belt.

If you're not straight up abusing your stuff then a Kershaw or Spyderco should be fine.



That's fucking awesome! Nope...I've never done THAT sort of shit with a knife.

My blades see very little use and (compared with what yours have gone thru) no abuse. The worst shit mine are doing is cutting open bags of charcoal and the occasional homegrown jalapeno or whittling on a stick when friends come over.

Absolutely...Kershaw and Spyderco are probably better than I need for those mundane tasks. And I still fret over whether I should get S30V or VG-10 steel...Or maybe that new CPM-154...or Aogami Super Steel...





In related news...This is also the reason I have a Diezel Herbert and Trainwreck clone sitting in my music room...with the only chance of them leaving the house is when I sell one...or move.

:dance:


Edit...it's also the reason I constantly browse Ebay for Corvettes or Shelby Cobras...or Camaros...or used GTR's...because I'll totally be able to use them to their full potential...on the way to the office. :idea:

:cry:


To be fair, by the time I got out that knife was more or less completely destroyed. I mean it wasn't broken or anything but the blade would have needed to be completely re-ground to be really useful as a cutting tool. I kept it for a long time. I'm pretty sure my ex wife's klepto little brother ripped it off.

That's one of those situations where you're in a lose/lose deal. If you kick his ass it's bad. If you don't say anything at all it's bad. If you make a stink it's bad. I was hoping he'd get shanked by someone for it lol.
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

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I love Box Cutters and Machetes
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by JimmyPaeg »

I'm a cook so I'm rather fond of a good sharp knife.

My dad has a couple of nice old swords, the nicest of which is a Nazi dagger from the '30s.
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by Reverse Entropy »

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THIS is one I really want - the Bark River Aurora. But I have this silly notion that I don't really need it.

I got a Spyderco Aquasalt with the original drop point shape, and I love that for surf fishing. The hardest use it's gotten has been cutting up bait and braided line. :rolleyes:
It's entirely rustproof - it's a non-carbon steel. Only the edge is hard from sharpening, so you can't pry with it, you could bend it.

I had to get a camp hatchet and have been fairly pleased with a cheap Kobalt. It needed a lot of shaping to get the blade right, but once that was ground properly it turned into a nice little tool.
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Re: Who's into quality knives?

Post by overdrivenel34s »

what about low quality plastic knives? :confused:
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