peacefuljeffrey

I've read some very very disparaging things about Mr. Strider, and they begin with a claim that he postures himself as a SF soldier but didn't really serve in that capacity or something, and that he himself is a felon and cannot even carry concealed weapons legally.

PLEASE TAKE THAT AS IFFY: It's information that I've read posted on the internet, so I have not personally vetted it. It was, however, accompanied by vows by several people claiming to be or have been in the military, who consider Mick Strider dishonorable and won't purchase his products.

Take it for what it is. I make no warranty about the accuracy of the information, but I give credence to the source from which I read it (which I believe was on Bladeforums but I'm no longer sure).

Here is one such source from a quick google search:
discussion of the case of Mick Strider

Also, although I don't own any (too expensive for me), I agree with the person who said that Chris Reeve knives belong on the list.

In fact, I have never heard so many people so ardently state that one man's knives are the best to be found on earth than Chris Reeve -- and all that for ONE KNIFE: the SEBENZA.

People swear by these knives like nothing else I've ever read sworn by.

If I suddenly found $400 or so on the street, I would be mighty tempted to get myself a Sebenza.

LastManOut

Question for this very informed group; which quality folder has an easy to open mechanism? If someone has an injury or just stiff finger joints a knife that doesn't require a pair of pliers to open is important.

I had (and lost) a Kershaw Leek assist-opener that I liked and wish to replace. My Blur is larger/heavier than I like and my Delica requires manipulating the blade with the thumb-hole, not anyways the simplest or fastest motion when under stress.

And a separate question, how do you get a razor edge on a carry folder knife? I have not been able to get that last N'th degree of honing to the blade using DMT diamond plates and a leather strop (an old belt glued to a board). I've even tried working to 800 grit sandpaper on 12" plate glass. I would think that ANY steel would take the edge, with the better steel able to hold it longer.

In 'Nam I carried an issued Survival Knife and was able to get an edge to dry shave with, using only the stone that was included and my boot leather. The MP's confiscated it from my duffle bag when I rotated home.

semperfi.45

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peacefuljeffrey

Well, I simply dislike the "assisted opening" knives of Kershaw (and others I guess), but Spydercos are not difficult to open. The thumb hole may require dexterity, but not strength (and many of their pivots are adjustable).

But for easiest opening, I would recommend anything with a "Wave" feature, like the Delica 4 Wave or the Endura 4 Wave by Spyderco.

Also super easy to open are any of the Benchmade Axis-lock knives. You can generally pull with the thumb and index finger on the lock while the knife is closed, and the blade will swing out with a flick of the wrist. When you're really in practice, you can open them almost silently that way.

Joejoe

I gotta say I have carried a Spyderco Endura for about the last 2 years. This thing has been there and back and is still a great knife. If I had to recommend a knike it would deff be a Spyderco of some sort.

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Joe

jpedone76

spyderco

PcMakr

Not sure about Utah and auto-openers. Last time I checked there was also a federal law against autos except for LEOs, military, and disabled individuals that only had the use of one hand. Might want to check it out. Benchmade with axis lock, and I'm sure others with assisted opening, etc., are very quick to get open one-handed without violating law. Don't get me wrong, I think autos are neat also. It would be a shame to lose your CCW for carrying and/or possessing a switchblade or "auto-opener." Some statutes even have words to the effect that knives that can be 'opened' by inertia or gravity also fall into this category.

Just my .02.

dnowell

I have a simple, inexpensive CRKT. Costs about $30 new and does everything I need it to. A guy I work with has a $180 Benchmade. His is a much better knife.

However, he worries about damaging his blade. I don't really worry much about mine. If I let a friend use it and he messes it up, it's not a huge loss.

If I was a soldier in Iraq and needed a never-fail knife, I'd want the benchmade. As a regular-Joe civilian I'd rather have basic knife and a spare $150. "Best" depends on your requirements.

CPL B

i'm a Spyderco man myself.

Intentional Flincher

I'm fond of Boker knives, I'd put them at the top of an economy quality list. My auto conversion Boker is a daily carry, daily worked-with knife. Its blade holds an edge well enough for my standards, and was a third the price of a comparable Benchmade.

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