Blade Types

[SwordRapier]

Knives of Alaska is the name you wanted. They do manufacture some very nice knives. Another would be Hen & Rooster which produces excellent utilitarian pocket knives out of Salignen, Germany, but no lock backs. Again, most comes down to personal choice and usage.

Yep there the ones. They make some nice knives. Better get carbide or diamond sharpeners. The steel they use is to hard for most sharpening stones. http://www.knivesofalaska.com/index.aspx

I am also a fan of Cold steel http://www.coldsteel.com

[CDR_Glock]

I'm looking for an EDC knife that will be used as a utility blade to cut rope, boxes, tape, etc. BUT will fulfill the purpose of emergency defensive deployment.

I need all of these questions answered, please quote my post and put your thoughts after each question:


1) What is the hype with a partially serrated knife? Wouldn't this be more helpful for food preparation/cutting bone?

2) What is a good blade shape? Reverse tanto, spear point, etc for my aforementioned uses?

3) Does anyone know of a good steel chart so I know what ones to avoid? Mainly curious about holding an edge and rust resistance.

4) What is the difference between types of edge cuts? Specifically, hollow cut vs. flat ground.

I'm looking for something with assisted opening (not auto open). So far I'm considering:
SOG Flash II http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-FSA-8-Flash/dp/B000IXC7IW/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1238925314&sr=8-1

SOG Aegis http://www.thebladeshop.com/SOG_Aegis_Zytel_Handle_Plain_SOGAE_01_p/sogae-01.htm

Kershaw Blur http://www.thebladeshop.com/Kershaw_K_O_Blur_K1670RD_p/k1670rd.htm

Ontario Rat 1 http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Folder-Black-Blade-Plain/dp/B001E8EM2E/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1238927604&sr=8-1

I'm leaning towards the Flash II, but the Kershaw seems like it would be a more durable handle than either SOG. The Flash II looks like a more reasonable sized blade for EDC use, but the Blur means business for self defense.

One of my biggest concerns is weather to go with a plain edge or partially serrated. I will carry this with the pocket clip on my weak side, so clip adjustment for that type of deployment is a must.

Preferred expense would be $60 or under with tax included.

You cannot go wrong with a SOG Aegis, Spyderco Endura or Delica, or Benchmade Griptilian with that price point. Tanto's are good for penetration of armor. There are some knife forums (Knife Forums and blade forums) where they sell nicer ones than what you can get for retail to make your $$$ go longer. Amazon has great prices, too.

For general cutting, serrations cut through rope, twine and other hard material easier. For fruit, curved blades. For defense, drop point, tanto's and Bowie style work well.

You need an all purpose knife.

A box? Get a box cutter. Razor blades are cheap. If you insist, get a good sharpener. I use the sharpeners with a guide/honing oil or I use those portable tungsten ones that are small enough to carry everywhere.

There was an excerpt from knives illustrated that showed knives with higher degrees of Vanadium hold an edge longer. At $60, though, forget it. 440C, 154CM and S30V are good, in that progression.

I have several folders:
SOG Trident Tanto
SOG Pentagon Elite
Spyderco Endura IV
2 dozen balisongs (some not pictured):

I have 2 fixed blades (San Mai):
Cold Steel Master Tanto
Cold Steel Magnum IX Tanto



3 automatics (2 OTF and one side opener):
benchmade SBK
Benchmade Infidel 3300
Microtech Scarab

[Cinhil]

CDR_glock, those are some nice knives! That San Mai is expensive from Cold Steel, but a fine tool regardless. It seems to me that you have a love affair with Butterflies, but that is fine, there are many that are very good. Great pictures, thanks for the postings!

[Black Metal]

I think its hard to beat the Flash II in that price range. The handle on them is great, you can find aluminum handled ones on amazon for around $60 every once in a while. The carry clip is reversible. Lowes had them for $39.99 at one point but they may have bumped their price up. I like the serrated blade because I can use it to cut cardboard and still keep the straight edge of the blade nice and sharp for while.

[ennis]

I need all of these questions answered, please quote my post and put your thoughts after each question:

Sorry, but if you truly want to know the answers to these questions, you won't get them just by listening to our opinions. Your question are 100% legit. The answers are very subjective. That means they will come from your own personal experience, combined with some research. Two years ago I had all the same questions you do, and began, as you have, by asking for advice/opinions. For years I would pick up any knife that appealed to me based on cosmetics and price. That actually worked pretty well UNTIL I started lurking on two popular knife sites, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/index.php and http://www.knifeforums.com/ . Now I own 50 or more knives. In the process of using these knives I got most of the answers to the question you are asking. I also can ask new questions. I know what I like, I know what makes a knife a good knife and what is value added by hype and reputation. If you really stay interested in the questions you've asked here, you will find yourself on a rewarding and expensive path. For me it was very worth the time and money that I have put in. Now off you go. Best of luck and enjoy the ride.

[Dpaul]

Knives of Alaska is the name you wanted. They do manufacture some very nice knives. Another would be Hen & Rooster which produces excellent utilitarian pocket knives out of Salignen, Germany, but no lock backs. Again, most comes down to personal choice and usage.

Yep there the ones. They make some nice knives. Better get carbide or diamond sharpeners. The steel they use is to hard for most sharpening stones. http://www.knivesofalaska.com/index.aspx

I am also a fan of Cold steel http://www.coldsteel.com

I am too.. I love cold steel knives...actually, I have a collectin of it.