Pocket knife upgrade question
 

It's knife porn time!

I have used a Kershaw chive with the serrated edge for the last 5 years. It has perfomed well and I am pleased. Pic below is similar, although I have a forest green handle. Prior to that a Spyderco (too expensive for the performance).

My only complaint is the blade is only 2.25 inches. I need a longer blade, so 3.75 to 4 inches is more desirable.

I am considering the SOG Trident. I like the feature of the exposed blade to cut paracord, or more likely in my case a seatbelt without having to open the blade. picture below the stainless Kershaw.

Give me your opinions of the SOG or your carry knife.

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Don't care for stainless, don't care for serrated. That tanto looks sweet.

I'm thinkin about one of the ceramics.

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I have one of these I carry every day and like it a lot.

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In my opinion, the best fighting knife for the money is the latest Spyderco Endure....that has the 4 way adjust clip....for tip up/dn x Left/Right clip. I like this feature as I carry pistol in right and want knife in left in correct orientation.

Go with straight edge...you can sharpen it easily.

The Delica is too small and the Police model is too big ....and costs nearly $150. The endura is exactly in between.

I just called the store (see details below) - you can get the Endure for $55ish but to go up to the Police...it is just over $100.....i say not worth it for 0.5" longer blade + 0.5" longer handle.

Get the plastic case...not staniless. This latest endura has a lot of nice features the old endura did not have ....like serations on back of case and back of blade for non-slip. and as I said i love the 4 way clip.

I just bought another one on Ebay for $55 delivered. Best price by far anywhere around. typical retail near $100.

Here is the data on the ebay place:...they sent a biz card in the mail with my order.

It's best to just call them...unless they have what you want in their ebay store......on their web, they are just now loading all the spyderco...so can't see what they have there.....but sounds well stocked nased on phone call.
Ebay Store Knifedepot
www.holsterdepot.com
knifedepot@aol.com
732-995-6458 (NJ = EST)

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Yeah, it does. Looks vicious and that is part of the reason. IT has some good reviews, but curious to what fellow GIMers use and why

Hey, Lt. What do you like about it? Is the blade easy to sharpen, sturdy. . .etc?
Hey, Ruprick:
From this list, which one are you referring to? There are 4 straight edge enduras. http://www.thebladeshop.com/Spyderco...dels_s/427.htm Having that 4 way adjustable clip, could be a real lifesafer. . .literally.

Thanks for the info. Keep it coming.

The Great Ag

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Mine is not on that list. My box says my exact model is a C10PBK.

This is an Endure. 4 way clip. Good quality metal clip held on with 3 threaded fasteners. Can be removed and situated in 4 positions for up/dn/lh/rh.

It is the Black Plastic body/handle.

Plain Edge.

Easy 1 hand open due to large thumb hole.

I would not get the knife that has the that funky looking forward hook on the top of the blade where you can hook it on your pant pocket as you draw the knife to open the blade....looks funky....also would limit the plunge depth. Only advantage may be ability to open while wearing heavy gloves.....

The Endura is Japan quality reasonable price, very flat very light. Just the right size ...and i have medium to large hands....the Police model is larger...but seems to be over 2X the price....not worth it in my opinion.

I've carried an Endura for about 15 years.

Like i said - I'll set this up for my left pocket for use with right pocket pistol. I still have my older endura for right pocket when i cannot carry a pistol....which is nearly never, as i carry wherever I feel i may need a pistol regardless of the law/rules......do this at your own risk.

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This one is sweet:

http://www.knivesplus.com/winchesterknifewn-49534.html

http://www.knivesplus.com/media/WN-49534.jpg

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The straight part is easy to keep sharp, actually I can't remember if I've ever had to sharpen it. It was an upgrade from a cheap bulky knife I had been carrying that needed sharpened more often. I like the serrated edge for cutting rope, also good for cutting tough straps, leather etc. Serrated knives aren't for everyone as for most uses a straight blade would work better and be much easier to keep sharp.

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My present carry is a Benchmade, similar to what they now call their Skirmish series. Superb knife: great ergonomics, holds its edge extremely well, +++ for quality. I've worked it hard for several years, and nothing has loosened up.

As for the serrated edge thing, the other half of my daily carry is a Leatherman Wave.

Between the two of them, a lot of ground is covered.

scyth

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anyone have one of these Cold Steel knives?

http://www.ltspecpro.com/95fb.html

I have a some fixed blade Cold Steel knives that are 15 years old and still are excellent knives.

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My work carry knife is a Kershaw Vapor, cheap and sturdy, dulls easily but also sharpens easily. I'll be replacing it soon with the Benchmade Vex Tanto which has better blade steel and should last longer between sharpenings.

Don't know about the Trident but I have seen some SOG knives that have too much play between blade and frame for me to feel comfortable with using them, same thing with the CRKT M-16.

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I have the Endura wave 4, mine is the fourth one down on the list of pics....great knife, but I think I like my spyderco Caly 3 G10 better, I dig the flat grind, better for sharpening , when needed.

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I am an enthusiast, so I enjoy some good knife porn, but tonight I'll be brief.

The exposed blade is a nice gimmick(?), but what is the real problem with opening the knife before you cut your seatbelt?

I have a feeling it would work better anyway.

If that is true, that opens the field up to many more choices than one with an "exposed blade."

One of the knives that I carry daily is a GERBER mini fast draw w/ 2.10 inch blade and a partially serrated blade. I think it would cut a seatbelt as well as anything else.

You could open up your options if cutting a seatbelt is taken care of w/o the exposed blade thingie to worry about.

I have a CRKT M1 that I have carried, and currently a folder from MCUSTA that TomD turned me on to. Jury is still out, but it is very nice.

Good luck on your final choice, TGA.

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Nub - what do you think of that little feature on the top of the blade for opening blade using pocket by hooking on pocket opening. I do not care for the looks....that does not mean anything.....it looks like it might reduce the effective blade length if driving it deep.

Appreciate your thoughts....respect your analysis and opinion.

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ruprick,

Which knife has the "hooking on pocket" thingie? The Endura or the Spyderco? Thanks. I will look into these things, so much appreciated.

gpond

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I'll say this , it does work and the quicker you pull it the better it works.....it's kinda kewl, I'm just not that crazy for the blade style, even witout the hook (it's the grind). Even though the Caly 3 is 16 grams heavier I still like it better.

Hey Ruprick I picked up the spyderco milli (military) last night....you talked me into it.





Any one looking for a good cheap no frills little pocket knife should check out the gerber LST great starter knife makes a good gift....2.56 inch sharp blade, inexpensive, light weight and the blade never gets loose great deal for about 20 bucks .
Another great inexpensive knife is the .....case sod buster junior hard to beat for 20 smackaroos

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I just weighed the Gerber LST a hair over 1 oz......you know what else is cool about it ....the hollow grind, easy to keep razor sharp. You can't ask for a much better pocket knife, even though it doesn't have a clip, it's so light you don't notice it.
One helluva 20 dolla blade

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Take a look at this picture....

http://www.thebladeshop.com/Spyderco..._p/c10pgyw.htm

Spyderco is the manufacturer....Endura is the model line.....there are variants of the Endura....and one of them has a forward facing hook feature on the top of the blade just in front of the thumb hole. When the knife is clipped in your pocket....most everyone would have it in a tip pointing up direction....as you draw the knife upward and out of the pocket you can catch this hook on the edge of your pocket.....this will open the blade as you keep lifting.

The advantage I see is that you could open the blade even wearing gloves.....you do not need to engage thumb into opening hole.

Disadvantage....might reduce effective length on stabbing.

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I have several knives... Some I collect, some I just like having around, some I carry...

Daily, I usally carry one of these three... (none of the following images are of my knives; I just thought I could find them online and post them faster than scanning or taking pics with a digi cam and uploading)

http://images.gerbertools.com/Lg/214...evel_Green.jpg



http://www.noze-nuz.com/crkt/cr5500g.jpg

just like it, minus the gold trimming...


This Gerber Paraframe below is the one I carry about 95% of the time... followed by the little CRKT folder above...
http://media.rei.com/media/700567_321Lrg.JPG



This Sog, is a pretty hefty peice... I usually, carry it in addition to one of the others when hunting, hiking or camping, etc... Its a bit big to carry to the office or to customer sites...

http://www.absoluteknives.com/images.../s37_250px.jpg

Also, I have a ton of Shuriken and other Bladed weapons that I collect...

One of these days I want to figure out how to build a nice backlite display case for them all...

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Wow, a lot of great info. Keep it coming. I think I will probably not be purchasing a Spyderco. I had a great Spyderco blade before the Kershaw, and want to try something different than those two. Gerber is in the running and the CRKT as well.

Hey, Smullen:

What do you like about the Gerber paraframe?

The Great Ag

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OK , I've got a good one for ya it's the benchmade Griptilian with D2 steel blade in olive green drab handle at Cabelas,I have the full size aprox. 31/2 inch blade the mini is just under 3 inches these are bad as knives and the axis locker is awsome Cabelas is just about the only place that has them in D2 tool steel ( I could be wrong) most everywhere else is 440 stainless.




Griptillian is a must own knife :yes: just for the axis lock alone and Cabela's is kind of a rare breed when you consider the olive drab color and the D2 tool steel, not found elsewhere.
I feel the Mini is a better EDC...... the full size is a bit bulky JMHO

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Thanks for your kind reply. I have a DVD (Die Less Often) where a guy deploys a folding knife SUPER-fast and this may be the trick he was using.

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I like tanto blades :yes:I have them by cold steel and camillus . I gave one to one of our employees it was a camillus USMC tanto I believe that is no longer in production aaaaaanyway this guy abused it he used it like a pry bar he used it like a screw driver he used it for a multitude of tasks so much so that I gave him hell for not carrying the proper tools LOL I mean this guy really abused it and that kinda pissed me off to cuz I wouldn't treat a knife that way but it's been about 6 years now and he still has it . The moral here is , if you give a guy a gift don't whine about the way they use it Hahaha.......I only wish they still made them so I could get me one.
I just thought of something wierd......I bought it at a gun show 6 yrs. ago that I'm going to later today, kinda strange.

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Gotta keep throwing my two cents in....

I will swear by these knives - had mine for five years - still like new after lots of use and carry every day.

http://boyeknives.com/folders.cfm


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:emotions16: John I was waiting for you to show up and shill this knife:rofl: I'm just kidding......I've read over at their site that you provided link to and I agree that's a damn nice knife, I like the metalurgy involved in the way it cuts.
I swear I'm going to get one of these knifes....hope others take the time to check out the site :ok:

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The one with the "hooking on pocket" thing is the Spyderco Endura Wave 4.

The hook gadget is the "wave" part, supposedly because it looks like a wave. (The "W" in the model number means it has the wave feature).

I have one. Took me a few days to get over the funky look,.... until I got handy with drawing it a pocket -- from pocket to ready for use in a second or less. At that point I kinda got over the look.

There is two and three-quarters inch of blade in front of the wave. Maybe not enough for a heart penetration, so for someone who is most interested in depth of penetration, this may not be the best choice.

From what little I know, unless one party gets a jump on the other, most knife fights end with both participants cut up. I'd rather avoid one if possible. So, after situational awareness, my next priority is convincing the would-be assailant that I'm a prickly target. Hopefully, answering a knife-threat with a instant draw and ready stance would be enough to convince the would-be tough guy that I'm too much risk and trouble.
If he's sticks around, then it's more likely that he's experienced (or drugged-up, or a professional), and I'm not going to be thinking about penetration until I've damaged his knife-handling ability and/or controlled his weapon.

(Of course, if I'm packing my .40S&W, then he came to the wrong kind of fight, and I've got less worries.)

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hmmm, not sure I guess it because, its seems to be a good size (not too big, not too small) looks more like a pocket knife than a some sort of "Evil Black Tactical Weapon" so other office folks won't freak out... It great for cutting open boxes, seatbelts, Cat5 Cable, Fiber Jumpers, lengths of Rope or other tie down materials... Pretty much anything... I use it a lot as a screwdriver or small prybar; way more than I should I imagine... Seems to hold its edge well and stay sharp after cutting all the crap mention above...

I can very easily retreive it from my pocket, belt or wherever and open it one handed...

It fits my hand well and it seems to be my go to tool for many tasks... I'm just really used to it...

There have been many times where I went out the front door, and did a pocket check before I got in the truck and said D@mn, forgot my Gerber. Then went back and got it...

I picked it up a few years ago at Wal-mart on a whim as it was only like 20.00 and been using it every since...

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Microtech.....You gotta pay to play

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Upgrading a knife is more daunting than picking a wife. . .TOO many great knives to choose from - Just kidding Ms. Great Ag (it was obvious with you!)

Here are my top three finalists in order of preference. Pics loaded out of order (SOG, Coldsteel and Benchmade). I am trying out the tanto blade for a change; see how I like it. Sorry Ruprick, the Spyderco Endura did not make it. Nothing wrong with the knife (looks like a fantastic blade) but I have had a Spyderco and want something different.

1. Coldsteel Recon LTH: 4" combo, teflon coated blade made from AUS8 steel. Thanks to TA for the input :ok:http://www.thebladeshop.com/Cold_Ste..._1_p/27lth.htm

2. Benchmand Griptilian 553SBKOD: 3.45" blade made from 154CM steel. Thanks to Nub for his input :ok:http://www.thebladeshop.com/Benchmad...bm553sbkod.htm

3. SOG Trident Folder SOGTF-7: 3.75" blade made from AUS8 steel. Many good reviews on this knife. http://www.thebladeshop.com/SOG_Trid..._p/sogtf-7.htm

I am leaning towards the Coldsteel because:
1. Locking mechanism
2. blade length 4"
3. Durability of handle and blade.
4. Looks
5. Ease of sharpening (not the serrated edge)

Okay, close your eyes for those who are underage: KNIFE PORN BELOW!
The Great Ag

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Coldsteel porno movie:

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I hope your happy !! as a result of your endless pitch & schill surrounding this fine knife I am now the proud owner a Prophet Companion with marlin spike(non serrated pointed tip). I've read some great things about these, I'm sure it will be a great knife......Thanks longjohnsilver :applause_:ok::565:

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Benchmade's Griptilian series axis locking mechanism is very durable. Watch the dog help out his owner in the background. Non-english version.

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There is one knife that will put that knife to shame(David Boye) even in a non serrated version , they make serrated also.
Check out the link longjohnsilver gave to David Boye knives. I've done quite a bit of research I don't think there's a knife out there that can touch his knives when it comes to cutting rope and versatility....read the testimonials and reviews on his site.

I called them just now ,on a sunday, and they answered, I had a quick question about the knife I ordered with the partial serration, I told her (his wife) that I'm not on the ocean as much as I used to be but I still wanted the knife to cut rope and such very well but am not that crazy for serrations, she told me not to worry that it would exceed my expectations in the plain edge version , this is because of the dendritic metallurgy employed in the manufacturing of the blade.

Great Ag ......I would take a good read over at their site (read the testimonials) and give them a call this knife might be something your interested in .......alas, it's not a tanto blade.

There's a few guys that really know their knives at some of the blade forums who are wearing these also.

They told me they would give me 10% off if I sent them a new customer..J/K:565:

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Yeah , I've seen this before it's very impressive......and the dog, funny.

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Would like to second the Boye knives, I have 2, wife has one. The boye's are very nice people and it's a great product.

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Wow! Now that is a recommendation from someone who hasn't even used the knife. You should write that up and send it to them. They may give you 10% for that!

I did look at and, yes it seems to be a great knife, especially the write up from Kodiak Island:
As you say, Alas no tanto blade. You never know, maybe get both!

The Great Ag

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I knew I was going to take a beating for that (recommending without owning....yet) LOL
And yes that's the testimony that really caught my eye .
I failed to mention that I have cold steel tanto style knives , about 8 yrs. old, one is a fully serrated triple action with an aluminum body, the other is the same as a gunsight 29LT, zytel handle and plain edge.

They have both been very good knives, good luck in your search , sorry if I sounded uppity about the Boye knives, but they sound like they might be right up your alley

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I have a Trident....don't carry it in my pocket because the clip is made out of awful metal...and the contact surface opposite it is diamond pattern handle. Damn near hadda drop trow just to deploy the sucker. Nice knife otherwise, though. Now I carry a cheapo Cabelas knife that I got for $20 in a kit with a flashlight used to host an LED head.
Gads, there's a lot of blade snobbery out there. If you have a buffing wheel and some rouge, yer mostly set for sharps.:ok:

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Since Leatherman invented the multitool that's about all I carry, it rides along with a flashlight in an old cell phone belt carrier.




.

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Let me take some pictures of my knives and swords - I love blades, I enjoy collecting them . . . I realize that guns are more pratical but knives are my real primary interest . . .

I have *always* been into knives . . . I wasn't into firearms before I found GiM

I have several "short" swords, many full-tang knives, some folders, and a few interesting pieces, I'll post soon.

I need to find a camera.

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For those who are curious, I ended up buying the Benchmade Griptilian 553 tanto blade.

I'm going to give the tanto blade a try.

I did want the Coldsteel, but the handle is 5" long. For an everyday carry, that is a little large.

I may still buy the Boyeknife. I have not decided.

Thanks for all the input; it was very helpful.

The Great Ag

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The cold-steel tanto is nice, I own one. But your point is well taken about the long handle.

Remember, boot rigged is considered concealed carry. But try wearing it on your belt and see the crazy reactions you will get - it is a well known fact that your friends *want* you to concealed carry - nobody likes looking at a knife for some reason . . .

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BTW, the old Buck Model 102 is about the best small game skinning knife out there. But I don't carry it, only when out in the field.

I'm not sure, but I hear that Buck quit making those black handle fixed blade knifes.

Bought mine back in '82. Indestructable.




.

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Can't go wrong with benchmade :ok:

Great AG, you got me to thinking about cold steel and I remembered I had A couple they are they tanto voyager in serrated & plain edge.I bought themout of a seconds bin at a gun show about 6 years ago they had pocket clips that were part of the handle mold (same material as handle) and had broken off , now they are screwed on metal clips like everyone else aaaaanyway I dug them out gave them a quick touch up on a diamond stone then a steel and lastly a strop with jewelers rouge and they are both razor sharp.....the serrated is scary sharp!. Cold steel gets bad mouthed on some of the knife forums but the ones I have are fantastic !....I think the negative talk is partially unfounded.
During this thread I got to doing some online searches and wound up buying the Cold Steel Trail Master 39L16C they can still be found for under $80 but are drying up fast, Amazon has them and Ebay.
They are highly regarded and have been discontinued...the new ones will be $269.00 or so . The one I purchased is now in my possession :wink: ....the Boye should be here any day. His blades are poured in a new ceramic mold for every knife.....we'll find out if I was blowing smoke,I'm gonna go lookin for Longjohnsilver if it sucks .....maybe not , after all he is a pirate:wink:

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I've owned a few knives over the years. I'm curious to see how the VG-10 stuff work.

From the knife steel faq over at http://www.zknives.com/knives/articl...steelfaq.shtml

"Another vanadium-containing high-end stainless steel. Due to the vanadium content, VG-10 takes a killer edge, just like other vanadium steels like BG-42 and AUS-8. VG-10 is also tougher and more rust-resistant than ATS-34, and seems to hold an edge better."

I'm getting a Browning Ice Storm to see how sharp I can get it.
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c...n_2029_6015495

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Dam you nub!!!! Cost me $176 today on Cabelas order. Two Griptillons-one large olive with plain blade and one mini black with plain blade. Do you like partially serrated blades? What do you use the serrated part of the blade for that a plain blade could not do?

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Try a Gerber Tool, the pliers are able to be opened with only one hand, just the flick of the wrist. And Leatherman is VERY anti gun.

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I don’t care for most of the “New” knives, I like for a pocketknife to be smooth, sexy, bone and steel, Case, Frost, Old Timer or Kabar. Through the years I've carried all of these, even the Kissing Crane Stiletto.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ocketknife.jpg

Now for a good heavy work knife you can’t beat a good ol’ Kabar!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...7879/Kabar.jpg

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I carry a Masters of Defense (MOD) Tempest. Hard to find model now, but a darn
nice knife. Any MOD knife you like will do, they are top shelf products.