Which Fixed blade?

[mcjag4402]

My previous knife is gone, so I need a new one. I want something that I can carry everyday, but that will also serve me well when I go back on active duty next year. I'm looking for something dependable, durable, and highly functional. I certainly don't mind paying for quality, but I want to make sure that what I'm paying for is really worth it.

So, I've compiled a list of various knives that, upon first glance, seem to fit the bill. The list is arranged least expensive to most expensive and includes the manufacturer, blade material, and MSRP. What would you recommend and why?

CRKT M16-03Z - Aus 4, 55-57 HRC - $56.99
Spyderco Delica - VG-10 - $79.95
CRKT M1-13K - Aus 8 Black finish - $79.95
CRKT M16-01K EDC - Aus 8, 58-59 HRC - $79.99
Spyderco Endura - VG-10 - $84.95
CRKT M16-13M - Aus 8, 58-59 HRC - $89.99
Kershaw Blur - 13C26 Black finish - $99.95
Benchmade 555SBKHG - 154CM - $102.00
Benchmade 550SBKHG - 154CM - $112.00
CRKT M16-13T - Aus 8, 58-59 HRC - $129.99
SOG Spec-Elite I - VG-10 - $135.00
SOG Pentagon Elite I - VG-10 - $135.00
Kershaw Blur - S30V - $139.95
SOG Spec-Elite II - VG-10 - $170.00
SOG Pentagon Elite II - VG-10 - $170.00
Benchmade 525SBK - 154CM - $177.00
Benchmade 520 Presidio- 154CM - $180.00
Benchmade HK14255S - 154CM - $180.00
Benchmade HK14205SBT - 154CM - $190.00
Benchmade 520SBK - 154CM - $192.00
Spyderco Military - S30V - $199.95
Spyderco Para-Military - S30V - $199.95
Spyderco Para-Military - S30V Black finish - $219.95
Spyderco Military - S30V Black finish - $219.95

[ddssdv]

I carry the Emerson Commander BT with the "wave" blade. I was issued a Benchmade Auto but my Commander opens faster with the Emerson hook. Check it out. Good knives. Pricey but will do ya good for a long time....that sounds....nevermind:)

[ToadyII]

You need to consider the benchmade griptilian 550bkhg.

Go to lightfighter tactical forums, ar-15 forums and everyone will tell you you can't beat the price. Someone asked what knife he should get with 100 bucks. The replies were: two griptilians. The blade is great: 154cm. You can always send the knife back for resharpening ($5 shipping and handling) and I love the axis lock. Check it out as well as the mini griptilian.

Emerson's are sweet, but MAN they put a dent in your pocket.

[ddssdv]

You need to consider the benchmade griptilian 550bkhg.

Go to lightfighter tactical forums, ar-15 forums and everyone will tell you you can't beat the price. Someone asked what knife he should get with 100 bucks. The replies were: two griptilians. The blade is great: 154cm. You can always send the knife back for resharpening ($5 shipping and handling) and I love the axis lock. Check it out as well as the mini griptilian.

Emerson's are sweet, but MAN they put a dent in your pocket.


I jus had one of those. Broke the tip off twice! Too brittle I fear and the alloy isn't heavy enough for me. Good knife for straight cuts but had to sharpen it all the time. My Emerson takes a beating.

BTW...my girl gave it too me for Xmas cause my Griptilan broke....yes EXPENSIVE! But who's askin? LOL

[mcjag4402]

What are the pros and cons of an Auto vs. non-auto?

[millerc]

Go to a cutlery shop and go get a feel for different types of folding knives.

Check:

Side to side play while locked

Pocket clip strength

Handle sturdiness and grip level

etc...


The best way to tell if its right for you is to handle a bunch of diff knives and figure out what suits you and your needs best.

[ddssdv]

Above is sound advice.

[mcjag4402]

What does everyone recommend for a good sharpener for a combo edge blade?

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

What does everyone recommend for a good sharpener for a combo edge blade?

I have never used this yet myself, but I have heard that it works really well:
http://hunterhoner.com/demo.html

[saikou]

CRKT M16-03Z - Aus 4, 55-57 HRC - $56.99

--

I've had and used one of these for about 3 years now, I don't use it everyday so I haven't had to sharpen it much (I can only remember sharpening it about 3 times total). Great knife and value, I've never had any problems with it. Was a gift from my girlfriend's grandparents who owned the knife/sword/cutlery shop I worked at for awhile.

[imddrummer]

Check out Kabar knives (www.kabar.com). I have one of their cheaper knives, and love it. I believe that they make the knives for the Marines.

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

Out of these two knives. Which one in your opinions, do you think is better?

http://sogknives.com/store/S24.html

Or

http://sogknives.com/store/M37.html

Thanks for your time.

[9007112]

Out of these two knives. Which one in your opinions, do you think is better?

http://sogknives.com/store/S24.html

Or

http://sogknives.com/store/M37.html

Thanks for your time.

For what?

I'd pick the Ranger one, because of the looks, cause there ain't a difference in how they'd preform.

[thepho]

if my opinions worth anything, id choose the SEAL Pup, only because its blade has a better texture, and the grip is more defined.

in case money isnt an issue, and you're a knife fanatic, id recommend taking a look at www.mercworx.com/

[ambassador1]

Out of these two knives. Which one in your opinions, do you think is better?

http://sogknives.com/store/S24.html

Or

http://sogknives.com/store/M37.html

Thanks for your time.

WannabeA_Tadpole -- I have merged your thread with one that already exists on the topic of knives. I don't see a reason for 2 threads.

ambassador1

[sirmonty]

I have the SEAL pup and am very happy with it. It, along with my Ka-Bar D2 Impact, are my favorite fixed blades that I own.

I'd also love to get the Tom Brown Jr. Tracker knife, but it is so damned expensive....

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

Thanks for the info so far guys I appreciate it.

What I thought was cool about the ranger is not only is it made by SOG which is a brand I respect, but it looks a little like the SAS knife, and it shares similarities with Bear Grylls knife, which many of us have seen take a beating.

To compare:
http://sogknives.com/store/S24.html
Vs
http://www.bayleyknife.com/bear.htm

They both share a very similar edge. And the ranger is usually 20 dollars more, which is $120-140. I found it for $54, which in my opinion is a steal. The SEAL pup is made tough, but I think the ranger might evolve to a greater variety of tasks, and the endge looks like it would be easier to sharpen out in the field.

If anyone has any opinions or knowledge to share, feel free to post, I would love to gain more knowledge about knives.

[MrParker]

http://www.coldsteel.com/80ft.html

Of those that you chose, the SEAL pup is real nice. I have played with the full size SEAL 2000 and it was real nice.

I just wasn't to point out that Cold Steel makes some great knives. I got the one I posted the link to. Mine came with a handle of 550 cord though which I like more. It is super sharp and heavy duty. It is bigger then it looks and has a lot of weight to it. Best of all it doesn't cost a ton of money...

[oldswabbie]

If I had to choose? I like the SEAL pup better. The handle grip is what I gravitate to, the extended lip prevents any slipping (i've slipped down a blade before and cut tendons). The blades are similar in that both have AUS6 Steel. However ~ remember that AUS6 is basically an entry level steel for this grade of knife and it does dull rather quickly. Its hardened to a Rockwell standard of RC56-57. If you get into a model that is hardened to a Rockwell standard of 58-60 then you have a very strong steel.

In the end ~ its easier to sharpen but easier to dull.

I prefer either 440C Stainless or AUS8 - They are a Booger to sharpen but they hold an edge and arent brittle.

Thats my 4cents (had to throw in 2extra cents for the weight of the AUS8)

:)

OldSwabbie

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

I prefer either 440C Stainless or AUS8 - They are a Booger to sharpen but they hold an edge and arent brittle.

Thats my 4cents (had to throw in 2extra cents for the weight of the AUS8)

:)

OldSwabbie

Thanks Swabbie,
I forgot to look into the Steel composition.

Oh and hows this for 440C?
http://www.manventureoutpost.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21456

and AUS8?
http://www.gpknives.com/item/sog-team-leader-survivor.html

[oldswabbie]

Tadpole,

Not bad. You'll have to pardon my ignorance on this part though. How rigid are they concerning the equipment you will carry such as your knives? I hate to sound like an old Noah but ~ hard to beat a "Real" KBar. Good tough steel and rugged as Heck. Our's had the loop with the leather cord tied in it so you wouldnt drop it over the side of a boat or loose it easy. They sharpened pretty good and kept a decent edge.



OldSwabbie

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

Tadpole,

Not bad. You'll have to pardon my ignorance on this part though. How rigid are they concerning the equipment you will carry such as your knives?


OldSwabbie

I am not in the military yet. However, I do know some guys who are associated with special operations, from what I hear, a lot of the Special Forces(army) guys, use the folders they are issued, and carry whatever fixed blade they want. For example, I do not know the guy in this picture, but if you look at the fixed blade at his side, you will notice they do not care what they carry :) .
http://br.geocities.com/pitbull_alsosprachzarathustra/us_army_afeg_special_forces_mh-47es.jpg

It really depends who you are with. I know a few marines who have to use what they are issued. I have heard of a few NG soldiers, who use what they want.
I have actually seen pictures of a couple NG soldiers, carrying tomahawks made by SOG :).

I am just educating myself on some knives out of interest, and to see what would work for me.

[MrParker]

You might want to look into Emerson or Benchmade knives, they are mostly made of ATS-34 steel. Strong, sharp, holds and edge and doesn't dull easily. Pricey though...I got a few of the folders, CQC-7 before the spilt up, and the got a Specwar from Emerson a long while ago, as far as folding knives go they are unbeatable IMHO. Was looking into getting a fixed blade but I didn't want to spend that much. Stay away from titanium blades, once they go dull you have the hardest time in your life trying to get that factory edge back.

The full size SEAL 2000 I remember being strong and held an edge well. We would hack 2 inch branches off of trees in two hacks. Sharpened up nice too.

Just food for thought.