Recommend Me a Knife?

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We need to know what the general purpose use is for....pocket knife, hunting, fishing, camping utility, etc.... I assume this is a everyday carry pocket knife. The first thing I look at is the price, any knife for $8 is a $8 knife, remember you get what you pay for. There is an old saying pay once cry once. Usually a cheap knife will not hold an edge and will get sloppy at the pivot area.

Your budget is $25, that is kind of where I was at when the last time I was knife shopping. Quite often I hand it to someone else and I have not gotten them back by mistake so I did not want a $100 knife. This is a knife that I bought just to carry for work and now its used for my EDC. This particular knife I actually have kept for the last 4 years or so. I have used it from cutting packing tape to gutting deer for people on the side of the road. It will filet a fish and cut seatbelts like butter with the serrated edge. I have only touched up the blade a few times and it holds a great edge. It looks wimpy but its actually a strong frame. The screws in the handle have never loosened and never been tightened. If you have an issue put a dap of lock tite on the threads and its fixed. I've done this on other knives with similar screws.
You cant flip the blade open with one hand like some knives but I really did want that anyway. I can still open the blade in one hand with a push with my thumb. This knife has its limitations. I don't pry with it, use it for wood splitting, etc. There are other knives built for those applications. I have several other knifes but this is the one that is always with me.

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-48445-Paraframe-Ti-Grey-Serrated/dp/B000G0JI34/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369653267&sr=8-2&keywords=gerber paraframe#productDetails

Give us an idea what your using the knife for and I'm sure you will get many good suggestions.
 
Victorinox !! Best bang for your buck on a pocket knife, I think. Roninsensei Will probably go cold steel. Trapper is right, what are you going to use it for ? I would suggest a plain edge / straight edge and stay away from serrated.
 
Could go with a multi tool, Opinel, leatherman, Sak
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Trapper said:
Now that's some knife porn! I do like my leatherman multi-tools. I also have a leatherman knife that is well built. Trying to find GOOD knives for under $25 is getting hard to do.
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Yeah the leatherman c33 is cool I carry one everyday
 
Trapper said:
Now that's some knife porn! I do like my leatherman multi-tools. I also have a leatherman knife that is well built. Trying to find GOOD knives for under $25 is getting hard to do.
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I do need to build up my leatherman collection!
 
Knives! Now we're talking my language! First off, if you really are only spending 25$, the first is the Boker Papillion, its less the 25 bucks and is good quality 440. Now lets talk the ultimate bug out defense knife. The difference in knives comes down to the steel. Most knives are made from steel from China. Which is actually decent, however the best knives have Japanese Steel or American Steel. Be aware of brands who claim to made in America, most are assembled in other country using American patents and claim to be made in the USA. Cold Steel and Spyderco make some of the highest quality knives available. This is easy to realize due to the companies offering warranties on their knives, at least five years, some for life. Other quality brands are, Boker, Gerber, S.O.G and Puma. A new company to the tactical knife series is Bad Blood, very low cost but good quality, I just T.E'd some of their knives and put them through stuff which had damaged more expensive brands. If you open up my bug-out-bag you will find the Cold Steel, Steel Tiger (lower image). Made from 1/8 inch solid Japanese steel, I stabbed this knife into a 4x4 post three inches and put my whole body weight on the handle. For survival purposes I'd recommend a multi-tool in every go bag, however do not CONSIDER this a knife, as most multi-tool locks are not strong enough for putting force against. Go Fixed blade and you don't have to worry about locks breaking.
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Todd@T2_Tactical said:
Knives! Now we're talking my language! First off, if you really are only spending 25$, the first is the Boker Papillion, its less the 25 bucks and is good quality 440. Now lets talk the ultimate bug out defense knife. The difference in knives comes down to the steel. Most knives are made from steel from China. Which is actually decent, however the best knives have Japanese Steel or American Steel. Be aware of brands who claim to made in America, most are assembled in other country using American patents and claim to be made in the USA. Cold Steel and Spyderco make some of the highest quality knives available. This is easy to realize due to the companies offering warranties on their knives, at least five years, some for life. Other quality brands are, Boker, Gerber, S.O.G and Puma. A new company to the tactical knife series is Bad Blood, very low cost but good quality, I just T.E'd some of their knives and put them through stuff which had damaged more expensive brands. If you open up my bug-out-bag you will find the Cold Steel, Steel Tiger (lower image). Made from 1/8 inch solid Japanese steel, I stabbed this knife into a 4x4 post three inches and put my whole body weight on the handle. For survival purposes I'd recommend a multi-tool in every go bag, however do not CONSIDER this a knife, as most multi-tool locks are not strong enough for putting force against. Go Fixed blade and you don't have to worry about locks breaking. And that steel tiger image is small but the knife is 7.5 inches long
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bugout said:
What is better blade material
Carbon steel or
Stainless steel
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There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Carbon steel, if quality can be stronger, take a smoother edge and hold it much longer then stainless. However the added strength can make them more brittle at the tip of the blade, carbon steel needs to be maintained with oil often to prevent rust. 440 stainless can take a beating, it is more difficult to sharpen, and doesn't hold the edge as long. A problem with carbon, it is basically an art form to get the proper mixture to make a good carbon blade, however most carbon blades are cheaper, due to the process of making the material being cheaper and easier. I have had both and run into issues with both, I had several carbon blades which broke, and I have had stainless blades which lost the edge quickly. If you're purchasing from a quality manufacturer either would probably work. For survival aspects, I would choose stainless 440c, as I may need it for all manner of situations and the carbon would likely break.
 
carbon steel.. stainless steel stuff is rubbish for a quality blade. Also only get full tang if you can. Otherwise you will probably have a knife that doesn't last very long in use.

Now you can still get use out a stainless steel non full tang blade, but for a survival knife where you can't replace it if it gets damaged only go full tang carbon steel or a similar material such as titanium, if it will hold its edge.

This is a nice blade here. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Tactical-Sur...Collectible_Knives&hash=item3a81576098&_uhb=1

This one might be alright too.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Camillus-Kni...Collectible_Knives&hash=item3cbc915858&_uhb=1


note that you need to watch these sellers.. really look into a knife you might want... lots of fraudsters out there.
 
WilliamAshley said:
carbon steel.. stainless steel stuff is rubbish for a quality blade. Also only get full tang if you can. Otherwise you will probably have a knife that doesn't last very long in use.

Now you can still get use out a stainless steel non full tang blade, but for a survival knife where you can't replace it if it gets damaged only go full tang carbon steel or a similar material such as titanium, if it will hold its edge.

This is a nice blade here. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Tactical-Sur...Collectible_Knives&hash=item3a81576098&_uhb=1

This one might be alright too.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Camillus-Kni...Collectible_Knives&hash=item3cbc915858&_uhb=1


note that you need to watch these sellers.. really look into a knife you might want... lots of fraudsters out there.
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I agree with you for the most part on full tang being ideal over partial tang for a survival blade. However titanium in most knives (unless your spending 150 +) is a poor mixture or likely not titanium at all. High carbon steel, which is a mix between carbon and stainless is preferred but also expensive, and as I have been in the knife industry for 12 years, (working directly as a field tester for a major knife company) it is not rubbish. The Mick custom is a decent knife, it is 440C, but it is highly faked and is often 440a, which is junk. I own this knife, and have found the blade length to handle ratio (67%) a bit much for me, but that's just my opinion. Knives are one of the most faked items on the planet, be very weary when purchasing, going with a high end reputable brand although much more is usually your best bet.
 
Todd@T2_Tactical said:
I agree with you for the most part on full tang being ideal over partial tang for a survival blade. However titanium in most knives (unless your spending 150 +) is a poor mixture or likely not titanium at all. High carbon steel, which is a mix between carbon and stainless is preferred but also expensive, and as I have been in the knife industry for 12 years, (working directly as a field tester for a major knife company) it is not rubbish. The Mick custom is a decent knife, it is 440C, but it is highly faked and is often 440a, which is junk. I own this knife, and have found the blade length to handle ratio (67%) a bit much for me, but that's just my opinion. Knives are one of the most faked items on the planet, be very weary when purchasing, going with a high end reputable brand although much more is usually your best bet.
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Well said, whats your take on sak's ?
 
Colt 1911 said:
Well said, whats your take on sak's ?
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Also, what I forgot to mention, is titanium is really not ideal for knives, as it is myth that it is stronger then steel. Titanium has a higher strength to weight ration, but the actual strength is poor for most knives. It does have some good applications, but I wouldn't recommend paying for the extra process (Kroll). To Swiss Army Knives; these are high great multi-tools. The lockable blade series is good quality and great for any prepper, they are also great knives to start youth on. Everybody thinks of the old standbye red multi blade with a saw and toothpick. However they are much more then that, I carry the "Handyman" and the "Swiss Tool". These knives have a huge following and do one thing most knives never do, increase in value. Most blades are made from high grade steel, have a good edge and maintain easily. The one caution with these knives, like any other multiblade folder, putting to much backward pressure on the knife is dangerous, as the construction although sound, can sometimes fold under pressure. Another downside is paying for the name, the "Swiss Tool", can run 110-160 bucks which is high if you ask me.
 
Todd@T2_Tactical said:
I agree with you for the most part on full tang being ideal over partial tang for a survival blade. However titanium in most knives (unless your spending 150 +) is a poor mixture or likely not titanium at all. High carbon steel, which is a mix between carbon and stainless is preferred but also expensive, and as I have been in the knife industry for 12 years, (working directly as a field tester for a major knife company) it is not rubbish. The Mick custom is a decent knife, it is 440C, but it is highly faked and is often 440a, which is junk. I own this knife, and have found the blade length to handle ratio (67%) a bit much for me, but that's just my opinion. Knives are one of the most faked items on the planet, be very weary when purchasing, going with a high end reputable brand although much more is usually your best bet.
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yes you know your knives. you need to be careful about people selling knives with the name titanium in them, at best it is probably only a coating.

Tood@T2_Tactical, you know your stuff.

imo though you can still find low cost knives you just got to test them to insure they are what is being sold.

Have you ever tried to retemper your 440A knife apparently you may be able to improve the blade by refinishing it.

http://www.macabeeknives.com/articles/heattreat.html
 
Take a turd and wrap it in gold you get gold covered S#!t... Don't start with 440 anything and expect it to be good. Especially under 25 dollars. Aus8a maybe but not 440. I have yet to meet a 440 steel that I liked and I doubt many of ya'll out there have My field experience with bladed instruments. A knife to bet your life on for under 25.00 the list is very small my friends. Victorinox isn't bad but it's hard to find a survival blade from them. Multi-use is more their category. Sorry colt.. that's just my opinion.. the topic was recommend a knife
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/20SPH/PENDLETON_LITE_HUNTER.aspx
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/20PC/FINN_BEAR.aspx
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/20RBC/ROACH_BELLY.aspx
Still I prefer a good carbon steel. But I've used each of these knifes and would recommend them for survival. when it comes to the ultimate survival knife i say go cold steel SRK in San Mai III but thats a pretty penny.

A little more expensive is this.

http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/80PHB/SURVIVAL_EDGE_(BLACK).aspx
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/BUSHMAN.20_SERIES/BUSHMAN_SERIES.aspx
 
I also think you should look into k-bar and camillus knifes. look them up on ebay or amazon and search with your price option.
 
I agree on the 440 s rating by Ro ....its crap . Some people like ATS 34. I hate all stainless. I personally ain't gonna leave my knife out in the dirt. Try a 52100 or L6 or some chrome vanadium steels. If you don't take care of your knives ,you didn't need them anyway.
 
Bill your 110% correct!! Go carbon or go home. A good medium Carbon steel with the right heat treatment is the way to go!! 1060 carbon is some of my favorite to work with..
 
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