*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.