First off, I'd like to say what a great place I think this is. Over the past few months I've learned so much that has really opened my eyes about a lot of things. One of the things I've realized is that I should really get a good EDC knife. I've done some searching on the board and found all sorts of opinions about various knifes but would like to hear some more. Since I'm a student, money is a little tight so I'm trying to keep anything I get under $50 (at least until I make some cash for the RSK Mk1). I figure that isn't so low that I wouldn't be able to find something half-way decent. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Spyderco, SOG, or a KA-BAR. Since I haven't owned any of these, which brand would you regard as best and what models would be good for basic preparedness? Are the Spyderco knives difficult to open due to the lack of thumbscrew? My only requirements are the price and it be a folder with single hand opening capability w/ pocket clip. I hope my post wasn't too long. Thanks.

If I were you, I would go to a knife store and touch them all. Open them, close them, etc. Get a feel for them and let that help you decide. I knowe it sounds trivial, but sometimes the knife you think looks good, feels bad.

I second your post. A knife as a tool should feel right in your hand. Since we are all different, we do not all carry the same thing. But I believe that most on this forum will agree that their EDC knife "feels right" in their hand. Invest some time, then invest your money. You may be carrying this knife for years to come. And welcome aboard.

Welcom to the forum. You can put me down as a third agreeing on the feel. If you are in the east Tennessee area go by the Smoky Mountain Knife Works. SMKW

They carry all three brands you listed. If their prices are similar to the prices for Victorinox Swiss Army, you can expect about a 50% discount. They also carry models in the showroom that are not currently listed on the web page.

I wish I had the 1970s dollars equivellent of $50 buying my first knife. By all means save for Doug's RSK. The sales keep him a happy website owner <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> But meanwhile NEVER ever think of any tool as 'decent' or somehow inferior to some wunder steel excalibur with a coded DNA locking mechanism so only you can open it. There are LOTS of GREAT knives out there for a piece of paper with that dead civil war general on it. And as for Spyderco? Those folks started the whole one handed opening feature with that thumbhole. Whatever you buy, don't forget to name and bond with it watching Rambo burn up calories running around the forest. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'd suggest a KaBar Dozier folding hunter, which you can pick up for $25, shipping including. I think you'd be very satisfied, and you could put the remaining $25 toward the fund for the next knife (there's always another one waiting to be bought).

I carry my KaBar Dozier as often as my Benchmades & Spydercos. Heck of a knife for the money.

I've always enjoyed dealing with the folks at New Graham Knives. Here's a link, should you feel like checking them out:

http://www.newgraham.com/

I carry a ritter knife everyday. One thing you might need to look into is the legality of carrying your knife where you live. This would include state, city and workplace regulations. I think it would be too bad if you didn't have it with you at the time of some emergency because you can't carry it everyday, the best survival knife is the one you have on you when trouble happens right?
For california i looked here:California Knife Laws

Another issue is the reaction people will have when you use it (if it's a nice knife, you will be tempted to use it). My old spyderco made people nervous when i would use it for opening boxes, eating lunch etc, something about that serrated edge. There are lots of stories on bladeforums about this, see http://bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379247 The ritter is a lot less threatening looking and the wide blade makes a great cream cheese spreader. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The Kabar Dozier Spearpoint is a pretty nice knife for $20!!! I bought one for my new Boy Scout son as a "loosable" locking blade knife.

But honestly, my advice is to save up some beer money and/or make a deal with your folks to combine birthday & Christmas presents and then maybe add some of your own money to get the mini-Rittergrip for EDC. It really is a FANTASTIC knife!! You won't be sorry.

I have to very, very strongly recommend you give a Spyderco a shot. For a first knife, I would definitely recommend a Spyderco Delica 4. Spyderco makes GREAT knives, and the Delica is their most popular model. They just recently released a great new version of it, the Delica 4, which is a great upgrade over the previous versions. It is just under 3" long, with a VG-10 blade. For the price, (~$40), you will not find a better knife. It holds a great edge, and is VERY sharp right out of the box. It is also very durable, with a strong lock. I've carried a Delica for years, and it has seen a LOT of abuse, and it is still going just as strong as day 1.

If you don't like the looks of the Delica, at least check out some of their other models. The quality of their knives is top notch, they have a great warranty, and you can even stop by their forums (www.spyderco.com) and have a chat with the owner of Spyderco, Sal Glesser.

Roger that one. The only things I'm less likely to buy without trying on would be shoes or a suit.

I'll definitely go to a local vendor and check out some before buying anything. I'd really hate to buy a knife over the net only to have to ship it back for whatever reason. As arrdvark suggested, I checked out local knife laws and it seems that I'd be allowed to carry pretty much anything I'd want. Thanks a lot to everyone who took the time to reply. I'll make sure to update later on what I chose.

Wow,
My opinion differs from pretty much the rest of the posters. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm a believer in a good flexable folding knife and a sturdy fixed blade. A good leatherman or Gerber utility tool, and a good fixed blade will serve you well. For a decent fixed blade at a decent price try a Buck Hunter. It holds a good edge and not too big.A Leatherman/knock off give you a little flexability for everyday life and a good fixed blade can cut, chop or be strapped to a shaft as a spear.

For your first knife, and partiularly on a budget - go see, and FEEL the knife. One brand that no one has mentioned is CRKT - the make an OK knife, cheap. That said, some of their stuff is junk - and they have cheapened down on their blade steel on some models

I'll buy knives sight unseen, but that is because I can afford to have an hanger queen or 6 hanging around. For quite a while I was only buying customs - sigh - kids put an end to THAT for a while

Two comments on desertrat1's post:
I agree a multitool is the prime "knife" handy for most daily use, but get a quality one such as a Leatherman as he suggested. Forget the knockoffs. Buy quality up front because you'l use it for a long time.
I do wish we'd get away from the Rambo idea of fixing your fixed blade knife to a stick for a spear point. A great way to loose the most important wilderness survival tool you have. Fire harden your fresh cut pole, use a piece of flaked stone, scrap metal from the crashed plane, whatever, but NOT the knife.

Two comments on desertrat1's post:
I agree a multitool is the prime "knife" handy for most daily use, but get a quality one such as a Leatherman as he suggested. Forget the knockoffs. Buy quality up front because you'l use it for a long time.
I do wish we'd get away from the Rambo idea of attaching your fixed blade knife to a stick for a spear point. A great way to loose the most important wilderness survival tool you have. Fire harden your fresh cut pole, use a piece of flaked stone, scrap metal from the crashed plane, whatever, but NOT the knife.

I carry the full size RSK and it is a great knife. In the meantime take a look at the Spyderco Native. Many Walmarts are carrying them for $39.00 or so. It's #60 in their display case. I bought one for a buddy for Christmas and was very impressed. S30V and sharper than heck. He never EDC'd a knife before and the Native converted him. If the Walmart near you doesn't have it you can get it online at a similar price.

I share desertrat's opinion.

A Leatherman Wave, a fixed blade, and maybe a Gerber Sportsman's saw will cover all the cutting chores I have seen anyone do. Some like to use a hatchet to make kindling, I prefer to use a fixed blade. For low budget get a Mora fixed blade, about $10 from Ragnar. A Gerber Sportsman's saw is about $13.00. I also would not skimp on a multi-tool. The Wave is great! Get the pocket clip and use it as a one handed pocket knife.

I'll add my two cents add also vote for the wave in the multi-tool category! I have two, one in my truck/EDC bag and another for the field, the 2006 version is very nice!

In the field I typically carry three knifes, the Wave, a KaBar Shorty/Black (cheap and very durable) and an Outrider locking blade SAK. They have always fulfilled all my needs.

I think the Spyderco Delica is a good knife. But so are the Ka-Bar Dozier (the one with the opening hole is my favorite) and the BenchMade Mini-Pika.

The thing I like most about the Ka-Bar Dozier and the Mini-Pika are that they have a pivot SCREW. That means you can partly disassemble the knife to completely clean the pivot and lock.

The Spyderco knives mentioned (Delica and Native) are pinned together, so you can't disassemble them at all.

Is this a big deal? No. It's probably not as important as how the knives feel to you. But it's one more thing to consider.

Also...

For your fist knife, I'd suggest geting a plain edge. This will be easier to keep sharp. If you're already good at sharpening, then stick with what works. If you need advice there, most people think highly of the Spyderco Sharpmaker.

It's a teeny bit expensive, so you may want to start with a simple ceramic rod.

Bear

Amazed by the price, I picked up the Spyderco Native at lunch. Amazing value. I still like the Griptillian handle on the RSK's much better than the Natives handle. Better feel (girp?). Still...

I'd stick with a SAK... Check out a One Handed Trail Master.
Still a single hand operation with the added tools for most daily tasks. I use the locking screw driver a lot, keeps me from using the blade to pry on things I shouldn't.

If you simply must have a single blade... any of the brands you mention are fine. I would recommend checking them out in person before buying, they always "feel" different than they look in a picture.

You can't go wrong with the Ka-bar Dozier. Great knife for $25. I am in the same boat with you so I bought the Dozier till I can save up for a RSK. I have not decided fullsize or mini yet.

My Gerber multi tool is a knock off of a leatherman, and having had several leatherman tools, I find the Gerber far Superior. As far as a Rambo mentality, No. There are times when a knife with extended reach or a spear, are quite useful. You have to attach it correctly and not use it as a throwing instrument. Yes losing your knife can get you killed.

I've thought about them, but hate having my knife sitting in the bottom of my pocket. Do you know if anyone had luck adding a pocket clip to the side of one?

A pocket knife is easy to EDC, particularly in a business or college enviroment. In the latter a fixed blade is a one way ticket through the front gate; in the former, a multitool in a belt pouch doesn't look so good. But a small, gentlemanly pocket knife works in both places.

Request for clarification: proper attachment of your knife to a spear shaft. Details?

Parachute cord or similar good quality cord. Cut a few circumfrential grooves on the shaft (stick). Note; Make sure the grooves are deeper than the cord is in DIA. Use about 4 ft of cord.criss cross the cord in the middle over the hilt of the knife and tie securely. You should have two pieces of cord now attached at the hilt of the knife. with the knife against the shaft, pull both cords to the first groove , cross them and make one wrap with both cords in the groove. Tie and repeat at each groove. When you reach the pommel, wrap and tie. You should have about a foot or so of cord left on each side wrap in a cris cross fashion back towards the hilt Making sure to lap over the wraps in the grooves. and tie off at the hilt. If you feel so compelled, you can wrap tightly with more para cord or duct tape. Depending on the knife, it's easier with some than others, for example, an Air Force pilots survival knife made by K-bar has two holes in the hilt just for this purpose.

It's not hard, practice a couple of times with YOUR knife. Like I mentioned, it's not intended to be a throwing device, but an extension.

Re: “The Spyderco knives mentioned (Delica and Native) are pinned together, so you can't disassemble them at all.” True for old Delicas and Enduras; not true for the new Delica 4 and Endura 4 . These models are much improved as another poster said, to include the use of screws so you can take it apart, a larger thumb-hole, and a tip that’s contoured to be stronger (the old ones were more likely to break). New Graham has excellent prices and service. You’ll notice that they’re currently sold out of the plain edge which suggests how people are voting with their wallets. If you live near the ocean or hate maintaining your knives, the H-1 steel versions of the Delica 4 and Endura 4 (called the Salt 1 and Pacific Salt) are pretty attractive, but they’re about 10 bucks more.

“My only requirements are the price and it be a folder with single hand opening capability w/ pocket clip.” I understand the value of one-hand opening, but in an urban environment, a Victorinox SAK is still great (Huntsman, Climber, or Farmer; can’t decide which; love the scissors on the Huntsman and Climber). You can get a Huntsman at Amazon.com for $21. Figure out a $4 paperback to buy, and shipping is free. That’s a deal. Save the balance of the $50 for your next knife, and in the meantime you have a wonderful SAK which you’ll probably use much more often than a one-hand opening, single blade knife. And a SAK is never out of place (airports excluded). btw, be careful with Amazon. Not everything sold at Amazon is sold by Amazon (i.e., there are other businesses selling through Amazon). Look for the phrase "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" under availability which is usually right under the price.

You might find the Outrider a tad big for EDC in the city. Still, there’s this sound bite from the editor of Tactical Knives magazine. “I would guess everyone has heard the scenario by now: ‘How would you survive if you pleasure boat suddenly sank off a tropical island someplace near Borneo? …In this situation, I can be about 100 percent certain my primary survival knife would be whatever folder I had in my pocket at the time. …If I had the least premonition the boat might sink, my folder of choice would be one of the 4-3/8-inch closed Victorinox Swiss Army lockbacks that include a saw blade.”

Re: Numerous comments to try knives hands on. You’d be surprised at how this might affect your decision. For example, some choose thumb-hole over thumb-stud (and a bigger thumb-hole is better than a smaller one, witness Spyderco’s decision to increase the diameter on the Delica 4 and Endura 4). You might find the opposite to be the case. As another example, you can get Griptilians in regular and mini. The regular size fills a man’s hand better and can be easier to open or use for that reason. However, the texture of the grip on the smaller one is much easier on the hands, especially for extended work. The grip texture on the regular-sized Griptilian can chew on your hand (one of the reasons leather gloves are handy in an outdoor kit). The RSK carries this same texturing, and the writer who evaluated the RSK for Tactical Knives mentioned it in passing: “The checkering was a little rough on the handle, though, so I wore gloves for most of my whittling chores to reduce the chance of blisters forming."

Wow, I'm really amazed at all the responses. As for the suggestions to get a multitool, I actually have two (an older model Supertool and an older Gerber that I keep in the car). Since I'd rather not wear a tool on my belt or carry it in a cargo pocket (they bang around a little too much when running) I was going for a regular folder for everyday use. I plan on going out in the next few days to check out a knife store and I'm heavily considering a Delica 4 as a previous poster suggested. One thing that confused me was that Spyderco sells another model that is basically the Delica only with a rust proof blade. I do live by the water so I think that could be a good idea. Are there any drawbacks to the different type of steel? Is it more difficult to sharpen and maintain or is it basically normal steel except that it doesn't rust? Again, thanks for ALL the help.

Edit: I just noticed that the Spyderco Salt I doesn't come in a combo edge model. Is there any advantage to a combination edge or is it merely a matter of preference?

I agree. I bought a Spyderco Delica years ago and it's still the one I reach for the most. It's been close to 10 years and still going strong. Never had a single problem with it.

The SAK locking blades (Trekker, etc.) are neat, but I think they require too many fine motor skills to close.

Benchmade makes some great knives, but some aren't for the budget-conscious. An alternative to the RSK series of knives is perhaps a Griptilian/Mini-Griptilian. I have a Mini-Grip and it's pretty slick.

Yup, definitely give the Spyderco Delica a try if you get a chance!

*nods* Interesting....

No offense, but I'll use my knife to sharpen a stick rather than risk having the shaft snap and have my knife run away. I'm not worried about the lashing coming undone, but about the shaft breaking.

Serrated edges are easier for very tough materials, like braided rope and cardboard, but you NEED the straight edge for any kind of carving. All straight or combo is a personal prefernce, but stay away from all serrated.

I second the KaBar Dozier folding hunter and add the KaBar Dozier folding spear... I just like spear-points better...

I waited for quite a while for RSKs (financial reasons too...why can't I just be independantly wealthy? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />). I had ordered a full size M2, because I thought, "3 inch blade...that's not so big, of course I want the full size!" When I got the word that shipping would be later than expected, I was fortunate enough to be able to order a mini RSK to tide me over. I've had the mini for a couple of weeks now, and it tucks into my pocket ever so nicely. The M2 just arrived today, so I immediately pocketed it. As I sat down on the floor to play with one of my children, I had to readjust the M2 in my pocket...something I never had to do with the mini. I didn't think the size difference would be so great between the two (it's so hard to tell with pictures). I thought Frenchy was crazy when he said the sight of the 3 inch blade on the RSK made some people nervous, but now seeing it IRL, I understand his point!

So what is my point? I think a person would be happy with either size (everyone was right...it's a great knife) but think about how you expect to use it most often. The handle on the mini is small in my big hands, but for most of the cutting I do, that is okay. The full size handle fits my hand better, but after one evening of carry in my pocket, that though occured that I might want to carry it in an EDC bag, instead of pocket...although I'm giving that decision more time. In either case, save up for it...you'll be glad you did. IMHO, it is well worth the wait.

Incidentally, I work in schools a lot and I'm guessing the mini would cause a lot less fuss if anyone ever asked me about it that the M2 with the big scary looking black blade. My mini is the yellow handled variety, so I could say, "See? It's yellow. Do you really think if I was carrying something "naughty" that it would be yellow? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Let me start by saying that I have only read a few of the posts in this thread, so I apologize if I am repeating another's thoughts, but I thought I'd throw in my two cents.

I recently purchased a Cold Steel Voyager on ebay for $25 including shipping. I saw their "More Proof" DVD and was impressed by the demonstrations they performed, and I've had an interest in their knives ever since. It seems to be a solid knife, and for the money, I'm glad I got it.

With any of these knives, shop around. Most online retailers will be comparable, but it never hurts to look for the best deal. Ebay may be the least expensive way to go. Most of the Cold Steel Voyagers (medium...has a 3 inch blade) go for around $30-$35 on Ebay...mine was a little less because it listed as a new knife with a used pocket clip.

I posted a reply to one of lazermonkey's comments in this thread which includes my impressions of the RSK as a new owner.

If you stick to $25 knives, then you could buy two different models that you are interested in, stay in budget and gain some insight in the models you choose to see what you really like and don't like about them.

Bottom line is: I don't think you'll be disappointed when you do get an RSK. Until then, good luck in your search!

My first folding knife was a combo. I read an article in Black Belt magazine about folders and it suggested the combo for versatility sake because the serrated part could be used to cut a seat belt if needed. Be sure if you choose a combo that you have a method for sharpening both parts of the blade. The Spyderco Tri Angle Sharpmaker will easily sharpen straight and serrated (and it an excellent sharpener IMHO) but they run about $75, so that might be another item worth saving for. Something like a Gatco Tri Ceps could sharpen the serrated, and those are relatively inexpensive.

After I got my M2 from the LBTOJ today, my wife gave me "the look" and stated, "You have too many knives." She didn't ask if I thought I had too many, or suggest that maybe I have too many...she STATED that I have too many.

If she finds out they all have names, she might call up "those nice young men in their clean white coats, and they're coming to take me away, ha, ha"! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Is there such a thing as too many knifes? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

http://www.countycomm.com/swiss.htm
try this. You can also find these online for a bit less, both with and without serations. I prefer a plain blade.

In theory, yes, there is a limit.
In practice, we won't live long enough to see it!

I was talking about knives in mixed company, someone asks how many knives do you own. I reply, truthfully, that I don't know exactly, because I've never counted them. Then I state that I probably have more knives than they have pairs of shoes. Most of the guys say, big deal, dress shoes, knock around shoes, basketball shoes, pair of boots, 5 knives isn't that many. Most of the women, who admit to having several shades of many of the colors of the rainbow to match their outfits, say OH MY GOD!

If you can't afford a Sebenza yet, look at the RSKs.
If you can't afford an RSK yet, look at the Spydercos.
If you can't afford a Spyderco yet, the Kabar Doziers are a great buy for the money.
If you're a knife nut, you'll eventually own several of all of them.

If you have a local dealer, handle as many as you can. Both your eye and your hand have to be happy.

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Some day.

[color:"blue"] Re: H1 steel and the Spyderco Salt series [/color]

You can find various reviews of the Salt 1 and a very detailed review of the Pacific Salt.

And here’s a couple of brief extracts from articles:

“On the Rockwell scale, H1 measures Rc 57-58…. Interestingly, this level of hardness is not produced as the result of the application of external heat. …the process of work-hardening alone is the responsible agent. This is borne out by some recent testing by the Crucible Specialty Metals metallurgical laboratory…conducted due to customer concerns that plain edge H1 blades don’t cut as long as serrated versions. ...during tests…the hardness progressively got harder the closer [the tester] got to the edge of the blades. While the core hardness of the blades that were tested measured in the high 50’s HRC, that hardness increased as the actual blade edge was approached. [The tester concluded]…the differences in the grinding operation…is causing the serrated blade to work-harden more, thus yielding a longer-lasting cutting edge.” [Durwood Hollis].

“H1 has a high corrosion resistance equivalent to 316 stainless (which has no carbon) [Butch Winter].”

A few years ago, my family and I were walking around an 18thcen market fair and came upon a vendor/suttler selling some nice handmade knives <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />. As I picked one up, which I knew I just had to have, my wife says ? How many knives do you need?, <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> without even blinking an eye the vendor says ?one more then he already has?. That is now my standard answer now <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Pete

Dr. Phil says there are two kinds of people in the world...those who get it, and those who don't. It has become painfully evident to me that regarding knives, my wife is one of the latter. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Ah, desertrat1, now I understand. The knife-tied-to-the-pole spear is to ward off an attacking armadillo or hold your own against a hoard of hungry UFO survivors.
Again, please tell us in what situation would it be necessary to risk your only fixed blade knife as a spear point?

"There is nothing so frightening as ignorance in action"

woodsloafer,

How about a mammal with rabies? Or a mountain lion that is sickly and has decided you are an easy meal? One dragged off a young boy at Lake Pleasant a few years ago. Also a few years ago, in Scottsdale, a pair of coyotes attacked some kids. Here in the desert everything has claws, fangs, or stickers. I was at a remote location with my boys a few weekends ago. There were coyote prints and scat around. I was glad I had a sheath knife on my belt. I was wishing I had my Glock with me. A sharpened pole is good, a pole with a fixed blade is even better. Where can you get a pole in the desert? There are often dead Saguaros around. The ribs make excellent poles for hiking or whatever. I don't think they would sharpen very good. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Both of which are "right this second" situations. Unless you strap your knife to the shaft and LEAVE it there, the whole mental exercise is a wonderful fantasy. You are better off having a long(ish) stick with a metal cap or a slightly pointy trail tip in your hand, and your knife on your belt.

One of the funny things about spears- people think it goes in, and then.... the animal stops? Spears with BIG cross bars, like a European boar spear, are the only kind that I have any faith in when dealing with something that is just as likely to charge up the shaft and gut me if it can.

A flat tip, used like a tsubo (a bo staff with metal shod tips), is much less likely to cause you to have this worry. You can thrust with it, and if you have the speed (not just brute strength) it will break bones. Broken bones stop things a lot faster than poking a hole in it.

I maintain a good oak or maple staff with a shod base, wrapped with paracord that has a lanyard loop (fast reversals), and with a fishspear head in your pack IF you need to use it, is much, much better than sticking your one and only knife on the end of the long pokey stick.

The other reason is, if something gets inside my staff, I WANT my blade in my hand. If it comes to tooth and claw, I want to have my claw where it belongs, in my paw.

I, too, am one of those anonymous lurkers. I have read the forums for years & only recently decided to register. For the spear minded survivors, add the Cold Steel Bushman to the kit. It has a hollow handle so that you can put the spear shaft into it. If it is an additional "knife", you wouldn't loose your only knife if the shaft broke or the point came off.

FYI (and others), you can get get Sharpmakers on eBay for around $40. I just received mine today, in fact.

hmm...maybe I should stock up... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Finally, a voice of reason!

I completely understand. And I personaly wouldn't do it often with the exception harvesting Saguaro cactus fruit or the like. My original point was the merits of a good fixed blade.

Even worse!

If my dear, beloved blade, runs off in my lovely, yummy deer, I can still get it back. Yeah, I'll have to track it, but I can do that most of the time. I'd rather wack things that are that prickly with a long stick. I'm not hugging a cactus to get my only knife back. :P

Wow, I really didn't think this thread would go this long. In most cases you could beat saguaro cactus fruit until you have jelly but only when they feel they're ready do they just knock off. It's alot easier to just cut them off, when you need them. The US is a geographically diverse country,

I went to survival school in Washington State (in January/Feb) and it was a tough read for a kid from AZ. One thing I've learned is utility in one area is different from another.My PSK includes vinyl rain gear and a 12' X12' tarp for protection from unexpected weather. Hard <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />ly useful in Washington. I have full Gore-tex hanging in the closet. Don't use them much.

I concur with the great place comment, just dropped by and been here a few hours! This is my first post!

I have quite a number of knives, what it comes down to is the intent of use and personal preference. Also, make sure you check your local laws and that carrying a knife does not constitute possesion of an "offensive weapon". If you are in Florida have a look at this http://www.freedom4bunkley.net/.

When you look at folders, you want something with a good lock (there are many to choose from - liner locks, lockbacks, axis locks, framelocks etc.., a good steel (m2/d2 tool steel is sensational but very expensive, stick to something you can maintain a good edge on and sharpen without too much difficulty, something like ATS-55 (used on spyderco's) or a 440 steel), next is blade shape (clip point, tanto, drop point, bowie) which again comes down to use and personal preference, then you have the plain vs. serrated choice.

I would recommend to always get a plain edge. If you want a serrated edge you can always roughly sharpen (using a low grit stone) a portion of the blade to give it a type of serrated edge. Advantages - easy to sharpen, better to control (serrations tend to "bite"), can also rough grind a portion of the blade, if you get good at sharpening you can shave with it! If you want to cut through seatbelts, buy a Benchmade rescue hook - also doubles as a bottle opener and emergency oxygen valve opener.

When it comes down to it, with the manufacturers you are looking at, you will get a quality knife. Maybe have a look at CRKT, Benchmade and Kershaw as well.

I agree with the comments on the Delica - I keep one in the car, it's a great knife and good value for money - easy to open with one hand. That, accompanied with a surefire will keep you in a good position.

But as people have mentioned, go feel some, find out what you like, but you are better saving up and getting something decent that will last and not let you down when you need it, rather than getting a cheap knife that has an average locking mechanism that might let you down when you need it most.

So all that said .. what should you look at?

I would suggest having a look at the following:

Cold Steel Recon - decent size blade, good overall knife
Spyderco Delica - nice every day carry
SOG Trident - very practical knife
Benchmade Griptilian - very practical - looks nice
CRKT M16 - smoothest action on any folder i own
Ka-Bar Mule - great value for money

I own all of these and have found them to be pretty reasonable and most likely in your price range.

Hope this helps. Sorry I have rambled but happy to discuss further if it is of interest.

I hate to dig up old threads but there were so many replies that I figured I owed you all an update. I did what everyone said and checked out a local knife store and finally decided on a Spyderco Salt I with a straight edge. After waiting about a week for the order to be delivered (I got it from the net for about $30 off the store price) it's finally here and I couldn't be happier (nice and sharp out of the box and surprisingly solid feeling for such a small knife). Thanks again to everyone that took the time to offer their advice.