I also would recommend the Bushcraft Black, even over the Mora Garberg. The handle on the Bushcraft Black is much more comfortable and while the Garberg is full-tang I’ve not had any issues with some very heavy battoning with the Bushcraft Black.
I am shocked, shocked! Well, not that shocked.
It took me a while to purchase my first Spyderco too actually. It took a deal on a S90V Para 3 to take the plunge. I am not a huge fan of the shape of those blades but it took buying one to figure it out. After that I took a chance on a Sage 5 LW and wow what a difference. One of my favorite knives now.
If you need to buy from outside Canada I would recommend sticking with a known good retailer like
https://www.knifecenter.com or
I have only small anecdotal evidence that these are good places in Canada to buy from:
https://cuttingedgecutleryco.com/
https://www.knifestorecanada.ca/
I do know you should avoid House of Knives in Canada at all costs.
Unfortunately, I’m not able to try reversing the direction I pull the blade through so that I get the same grind direction, as the motor blocks me from pulling the knife through the back side (though I could probably do that if I was working with a straighter edge shape).
If you were sharpening on a whet stone, you could sharpen by pushing or by pulling (or both!). I don’t think the direction of the belt is the issue here. I think you probably have a bur and need to strop but I also think that this is just part of the learning curve. Make sure you’re not rushing one side vs another because it might feel different. Keep the belt speed low, and make sure you’re progressing through the different belts on both sides with the same amount of time.
It’s hard to know what is and is not a no-name brand if you’re new to knives. There’s no discernible difference (on the surface) between a pop-up vendor who just re-brands cheap knives and a true manufacturer. One of the best ways to start figuring this out is to not shop on Amazon. A dedicated and trusted knife store like: BladeHQ, KnifeCenter, WhiteMountainKnives, KnifeJoy, KnivesShipFree, and a few others, will give you the best info. You will find better ways to filter and budget options that are much better choices. But it’s still overwhelming.
If you have a specific style of knife you’re looking for, and you’re not sure if it’s a good or bad brand, I’d start by asking here (or over in [email protected]
As other’s have said, there are some good budget brands out there for well under $50.
Cold Steel AD-10 for an overbuilt knife. Cold Steel Verdict for a more traditional tanto shape
Civivi Brazen would be great for a more budget option.
Lots of choices out there for sure.
wow, great detective work! Also, that guy might be insane. The Karambit-Song??
There is a fancy-lad version apparently? https://www.tacticalsportinggoods.com/products/venom-ultimate-warrior-balisong-butterfly-knife-satin-3-55
If you’re getting as far as 3D printed locks you might just want to get a normal fixed punch dagger.
Says the person 3D printing knives. ;)
Given that it’s only sharpened on one side, in a dagger configuration, do you think a slashing motion would cause it to try and switch configurations on you? i.e. would there be enough force on a slash that the pivot would want to rotate from dagger to knife config. or do you feel it is secure enough in your hand that it wouldn’t? I’m wondering if there’s a way to lock the blade in place with some sort of 3D printed wedge or something so that in a slashing motion the risk of the blade moving would be reduced.
Looks like things are starting to come back online for some.
Primary on the phone plan and my phone is SOS only. All other family members on my plan have working phones. Interesting.
Made in the USA with a gate opening of 0.63 inches so probably one of the smaller ones out there. https://www.stageriggingwarehouse.com/430-62085-smc-force-tac-d-aluminum-carabiner-screw-locking-tactical-black.html
from the page: “1,000 lb. load-bearing buckle” and “PROUDLY HAND-CRAFTED IN THE USA” This is likely the closest thing you’re going to get to meeting your stated criteria.
n/m There’s a comment in the video that someone else had purchase it from Ali a year prior and the “designer” responded that it would have been “factory wholesale from China.” So at this point, it sounds like the Arena Accessories one is just a branded version of something that’s been around for longer.
This might be the original? The video is 2 years old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV33neOLbeM Website: https://www.arenaaccessories.com/Titanium-Balisong-Butterfly-Knife-Box-Cutter-Razor-Blade-Utility-Knife-with-Pocket-Clip_p_2666.html
Assuming you’re on a budget, I’d look to Kershaw first and then CRKT at Cabela’s. In particular, the Kershaw Heist. This is a fantastic ECD and a cross-bar locking knife as well. Light weight, thin, good blade shape. It’s D2 steel so semi-stainless but getting a nice patina on a blade is expected with an EDC.
I started batoning when I started teaching my young kids how to split wood. It is way easier and safer to baton than it is to have them swinging a hatchet or an axe around. They are also learning those skills but for starting out, I for sure kept their enthusiasm going by not restricting my teaching options.