ray_ray

the best brand is for me fallkniven

Skygod

While all of the above mentioned brand names are decent to great quality direct type knives there are three names that have not been mentioned.

1. Mick Strider

2. Chris Reeve

3 Bill Harsey

Anything with these names attached or direct is by hands down the finest blades that one can find. They do not come cheap and they are not for opening your letters or your UPS Boxes.

All three of these men produce only the best in the blade business. Serious tools for serious men. PERIOD

I do however support Benchmade and some Kershaw blades if your budget is of the lower bracket, but you wont be disapointed in a Harsey T1 or T2 Folder, or a Strider. Bill Harsey just released his H-Class, which is his top of the line lot. His most recent creation is the H-Class Tanto. It is by far one of the best fixed blades in the industry along with his and Chris Reeves "Yarborough" blade that is being given to each graduate of the Army Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) Those too can be purchased by the civillian from Chris Reeves site under the title of "Green Beret" knife. They are exactly the same knife that the graduates of the "Q" course are recieving only lacking the USASOC serial number and "Yarborough" stamp with Bill and Chris signature engraved. Both Chris and Bill Harsey were behind the design and specs of the "Yarborough" knife

You wont ever be disapointed with a Harsey, Reeve or Strider blade. However, be ready to reach a bit more deep into your pocket book.

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"I'm ridin, I'm shinin up my saddle" Aerosmith "Back in the saddle"

Bark'n

Most of the production knives mentioned in the poll has at least one pretty good model. Some several.

I've had a couple good Gerbers, and I really like Benchmade as I've lost 3 of them and keep buying. Now I have a griptillian for work that has the modified sheepsfoot. Pretty good.

I have an Emerson that I really like except for the satin blade. I wish it was black T.

I've had some SOGs and really liked the Tomcat and Seal Pup.

Have my USMC issued Kabar that can't be beat.

And who hasn't had one of the original Buck Folding Hunters?

And the Puma original White Hunter is hard to beat.

I like knives and would be hard pressed to name one as The Best.

I also have a few A.G. Russell's, a Dozier and a nice Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works hunting hatchet on the custom side.

I didn't vote cause I can't pick a best. I've had a lot of knives (mostly production, but a few custom) and very few were junk but mostly I do pretty good research before I buy something and am usually happy with what I get.

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-Bark'n
Semper Fi

"The gun is the great equalizer... For it is the gun, that allows the meek to repel the monsters; Whom are bigger, stronger and without conscience, will prey on those of us who without one, would surely perish."

eagle5

This isn't fair... it's like being forced to pick which son is better.

Seeing that I have more CRKT than any other, I guess they get the vote.

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- Ora et Labora -

Wiggy

When I was in Iraq I bought one of those "tactical" Ka-bar knives with the tanto tip and even though the thing was tough as nails I never could get it sharp enough for my liking. I got rid of it and went to camillus. Easy to sharpen and it held an edge real well (and it was cheaper). Other than that, I like Buck knives.

Cap'n

I voted "other" because I consider Spyderco to be at the top of the line. My choice...the Spyderco A.T.R.

Skygod

Are you referring to the KA-BAR "MULE" tanto ?

Personally I've found mine to hold an edge better than most. AUS-8A stainless is a perfectly decent inexpensive steel for the budget buyer, assuming your referring to the "MULE TANTO" by KA-BAR.

I've cut through aluminum, hard plastic, coragated cardboard, paper, and even some critters. It's still cutting like new and takes to a diamond sharpner very easily. We were cutting Gatorade bottles like butter with it to make drinking cups.

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"I'm ridin, I'm shinin up my saddle" Aerosmith "Back in the saddle"

tapout1003

Emerson....

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If you've been where I've been any kind of life is paradise.

azchevy

Busse combat knives are the best fixed blade knives I have ever owned. Pricey though. Folders: Benchmade axis lock

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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."- Edmund Burke

Wiggy

No, I think it's listed as "Short KA-BAR Tanto, Serrated" on their website. It had a cool sheath though. All other Ka-Bar knives I've owned were of excellent quality.