Who watches the Watchman?
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/22263624
It's been a while since I've actually made a post here. @[email protected] has the lock on entertaining content here, so I figure I should come in with boring and bland (both the knife and the post!) ;)
Earlier this year, in addition to my normal (aka way too many) knife buying, I went down the rabbit hole a bit on inexpensive knives on Amazon.
Now, you can't throw a dust mote and not hit a dozen cheap knives sporting blades made of pot metal (or worse) on that hellscape of a site.
But I was after bigger game: a usable, decent knife for about $10.
That lead me, first to the Duratech liner-lock which I discussed here: https://lemmy.world/post/12442733
That knife is still in use and has done reasonably well, despite the terrible detent. (I never did take it apart). I have not been kind to it, including batoning wood to make some kindling.
Shortly
I think that is a bit of a review bias though, no? QC problems happen, for sure, but only the problems are broadcast. Very few people post "hey my knife is continuing to work great months after I bought it" type things.
If you are going to be beating your knives, you don't need a folder. You need a fixed blade.
The Spyderco is a very tough knife. They are a highly regarded manufacturer. I would very much cautious you against thinking you need a knife that can survive a nuclear blast.
The Vosteed Thunderbird might be an option. It too really plays around with that tanto shape given the forward curve but it's a great knife and comes in a couple different super steels: S35VN, M390, Elmax as far as I know. Of course, the price follows so that is probably a consideration.
Edit: Spyderco also released a Paramilitary 2 with a Tanto blade and M4 steel which is very tough. However, I think these are pretty hard to find.
Been looking for a design like this but with a tanto style blade. Can’t seem to find one
You might consider the Civivi Nugz which is a reverse tanto, I guess but not a "regular" tanto. Otherwise the Civivi Brazen is the go-to tanto but it's thumbstud and not thumb hole.
Edit: on the edge (pun intended) of being a true tanto, CRJB is also going to be releasing the "Bellona"
The curve of the leading edge might not be to your liking however.
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.
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.
For what it's worth, I can run 129.0.2-1 via the PortableApps interface without error.
A button lock knife is very popular. Many are well under $100. I'd recommend the CJRB Pyrite Alt for a blade shape more similar to a razor. if you want even smaller the Mini Pyrite Alt is a great 5th pocket carry. https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?steel=AR-RPM9&style=Wharncliffe&usrsearch=pyrite&sortType=priceAs
My only real complaint is:
- They don't have a "build your own" program which I think would be amazing (but probably not worth the cost on their part)
- In the age of modern steels, they haven't changed their formula. Now, look, I'm not asking for a Magnacut blade or anything like that, but something with a bit more edge retention? How about 14C28N? And yes, I can buy the MKM Campo with M390 steel which pretty much meets my needs except it's $160. I feel like, with their buying power, Victorinox could put out something with better steel for only slightly more money.
Anyway, these are pie-in-the-sky thoughts. the SAK is a standard by which others look to emulate for good reasons.
I have a Farmer X in green ALOX, a Camper in black ALOX, and the classic Hiker in red ABS and I'm happy with all 3. My Hiker is now my go-to for gathering fatwood in the nearby forest. That saw is perfect for the branches I'm looking for.
NKD / FFF - CJRB Ekko
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/12612373
Happy Front Flipper Friday to all who celebrate.
Despite the fact that I tell myself I don't even really like front-flippers, they keep showing up at my house.
A true cry for help, I think.
Today's Front Flipper is the Ray Laconico designed, CJRB Ekko
This version has CJRB's budget powder steel AR-RPM9, 3.25" (8.26 cm) in length with green micarta scales. The micarta is very smooth and, depending on opening method, can feel a little slippery but I've not had any real issues.
Straight spine with a nice deep swedge ground out at the front.
Perfectly centered out of the box with really great action.
I like the fact that it's a sheepsfoot with a little bit
The $10 Folder - DuraTech Pocket Folding Knife
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/12442733
Here's a quick photo essay on what $9.99 will get you (currently $8.99 with coupon at amazon) from "DuraTech"
It came in a serviceable cardboard box and not just bubble wrap or anything like that. The pocket clip provides the retention inside the box. Added bonus inside the box: extra oil (I hope it's just oil) soaked into the cardboard:
The scales are very grippy and will probably tear up a pocket or two. Pocket clip is pretty decent deep carry. Screws and clip are not recessed. Right side-only. Also, I'll need to get another photo of it but the clip has a lateral bend in it that parallels the shape of the scales. Very odd looking.
But the author told it’s not a joke, so I don’t know if he’s serious or still joking.
He's still joking.
Button lock goodness - Civivi Altus
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/11313739
I'm trying to remember if this was my first button lock knife. If it wasn't the first it was darn close. Picked up a used Civivi Altus back in June. I carried it for most of June but then had set it aside for other things.
In December I picked it up again after using it to improve my sharpening skills and it's been in my pocket, for the most part, ever since.
I have to apologize in advance for the low quality of the photos here. After dropping my phone through the ice while ice fishing recently I had to settle for a lesser phone with much lower camera quality.
Maybe if I had not purchased so many knives in 2023 I could afford a better phone? Such talk is madness and we will never think like that again.
The Altus, right out of the box, was a go
That does not look good at all. I hope the maker responds.
I would certainly reach out to the maker directly. That seems like a real issue if he's forging the blades himself.
It is not normal for damascus but there could be a lot of factors here. How are you sharpening it? What sharpening system or sharpener are you using? Who made the knife? Can you talk more about the manufacturer?
WIUG!! NKD - Knafs Lander 2
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/10804245
What is up knife community! It's been a while, what with the chaos of the holidays, and then the chaos of work after the holidays and etc., etc.
I picked up a few knives over the holidays, some for the kids, some for me. The first of which is this KNAFS Lander 2!
For those who do not know, KNAFS was started by Ben Peterson, a former BladeHQ marketing/YouTuber/designer/other things guy. He first collaborated with WE/Civivi on the Banter and Baby Banter series of knives. (See previous post on one Baby Banter variant here
Ben was famous for his long drawn-out catch phrase "What Is Up Guys?!" that he would start all the BHQ videos with.
Fast forward a few years and Ben left BHQ and started his own knife company with a couple of his own designs. The first was (not surprisingly) the Lander.
The Lander is an interesting platform because it was
Jansport is excellent. I recently sent a 30-year-old bag in for warranty work which they honored at no cost to me other than shipping. A great choice.
Guess What. I Designed Another Knife.
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9936120
That's right, I've been at it again.
(And if you want to fast forward through all the foreplay and get right to the action you can download the models package here. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.)
Here's a slightly more practical printable than the last one, which I'm calling the Sparrow.
This knife has the same design goals as before: Fully printable, with no external hardware except the Stanley utility knife blade, no supports, and mechanically as close to a real functional mechanism as is possible.
So it's a real working lockback
Walmart Ozark Trail 2023 Crossbar Locks
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9725583
(dear gods... what have I done? )
Some of you may remember my Weird Knife Wednesday post from a few months ago about the 2022 Walmart crossbar lock (hilariously called "shaft lock") knife. It was a first for Ozark Trail. Here's a link: https://lemmy.world/post/5850196
That knife came out of nowhere and many of the budget-oriented knife communities took notice. If your local Walmart had them, it wasn't for long because they were selling out. I bought 2 (and gave one away as a part of a white elephant gift).
Skip to 2023 and Walmart has released not one, not two, but three different crossbar locking knives for this holiday season. (more on that later).
For those who don't know, Ozark Trail is the Walmart in-house brand (the Amazon Essentials of the brick and mortar world) for many, many things. Including knives.
For $5-6 US, these are knives built to a very specific price point and it shows.
Eno
Kershaw Heist - Duralock goodness
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9608937
NKD (well, week): The Kershaw Heist
This knife is a steal. There I said it. It's done. We can move on. No more puns from here on out. 😆
Earlier this year, Kershaw released their first crossbar locking knives. It would appear that the runaway winner of the 4 was the Iridium. It showed up in many reviews winning a lot of praise, and likely for good reasons. Kershaw knows how to build knives well and they appear to have knocked it out of the park with their version of the crossbar, which they call the "Duralock."
The Iridum is not really a knife for me though. With only a few exceptions, I'm not really into knives with scales made of metal. Too cold in the winter and too slippery in the summer.
When I saw the Heist, however...
IMHO, the Heist is what you get when you take a Benchmade Bugout and a Benchmade Freek and make a functional baby at 1/3 the cos
Office Carry
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9496597
I had posted on a FFF (Front Flipper Friday) that one of my go-to office carry knives was the CJRB Malieah. A great 5th pocket carry that is not worrisome to non-knife people and fits within the 2.5" blade length limit of the city where the company office resides.
I think the CJRB has been replace by the Civivi Baby Banter. At least, it seems to have been for the past 6 ot 7 visits.
The Baby Banter is even less worrisome to non-knife folks (some have said it is "cute" which I'm sure it bristles at).
The knife is my go-to for food slicing at work and (once cleaned) boxes, tape, or as in today: velcro cable straps so I could jerry-rigg a second wireless lavaliere mic receiver to a small video camera.
![image](https
Throwback Thursday - CRKT Drifter
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9305807
A day late and a dollar short as they say. So much for "Thursday." I tried to get this post up yesterday but the fates were against me.
I admit this is a bit of a stretch for Throw Back Thursday because I'm old and 2011 was, near as I can tell, last week.
At least I think 2011 is the right year because my Google-fu is weak today.
The CRKT Drifter has come in 2 major varients: G10 scales with a liner lock and stainless steel scales with a frame lock. I think this was introduced in 2011 but that could also be the liner lock version. If someone wants to correct me, operators are standing by.
This is one of only 2 frame locks I own and also one of only 2 combo blades I own. I own a lot of knives, so this might give you some indication as to what I think
Ninja Day Giveaway
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9193980
I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you've all seen this.
Do you want one for yourself? I assume you do, because you clicked on this. Well, here's the deal: In order to spread some Ninja Cheer (and to do what I think the cool kiddos are calling "drive engagement") I'm going to give away one each of these three colorways of my Harrier Utili-Song:
Here's all you have to do: Post yer durn knives to this community, and talk about them. That's it.
High effort, low effort, what you post and how much you post does not matter. Any user who makes an actual on-topic contribution to this community between right now at this very minute and December 15th will be put on the list, and I will pick three winners from that list at complete random.
I'll pick one at a time and whoever wins first can pic
Stop The Presses: I Designed A Knife!
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9160400
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/9035683
And you'll never guess what kind of knife it is. Go on.
...
Yes, of course it's a balisong box cutter. Because it just is.
Update: And the .STL files are released! Get them here, along with assembly instructions, and other sundry bumf.
Okay, so it's not exactly an exciting custom collaboration with a big name manufacturer made out of a supersteel with rich exotic handle materials in a fancy matte box. That would require being considerably more involved with the industry than I am. Which is not at all.
Rather, this is a 3D printable utility/fiddle toy that's
ripped off fromjust a smidge inspired by the Gerber EAB we were talking about the other day. Why does
FFF and NKD - Civivi Appalachian Drifter II
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/8072598
Happy Front Flipper Friday to all who celebrate! Today is also a NKD* for me with the recent arrival of the Civivi Appalachian Drifter II.
The lineage of the Appalachian Drifter family is intersting as there have been a number of variations. A slip-joint version in S35VN, a liner locking version in S35VN, various damascus versions, and this, the Nitro-V version. All, as far as I know, are now discontinued by Civivi and most places are offering remaining stock with pretty good discounts.
This has an odd-ball pocket clip: it's curved and has a triangular mount that is not compatible with any other Civivi knife that I've seen. (I'm not a We/Civivi/Sencut expert though so don't hold me to that.)
This might be only the second folding knife I own with a clip-po
Throwback Thursday - Sears Craftsman Stockman - a special knife
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/7028413
My previous two Throwback Thursday knives have been related to my time in the BSA as a Scout. Today's is no exception.
The Craftsman medium Stockman pattern, near as I can tell, was made by either Camillus or by Schrade for Sears. This one happens to be model 95223. I've not found any correlation between model numbers and manufacturing dates but that's ok in this case because I know the year this was made.
This knife was a gift from my maternal grandmother on a special day: the day I became an Eagle Scout. She had it engraved with the date, something you can just about see in the main photo.
It was always my grandmother's intent that the knife be used as a knife and not as
FFF - CJRB Malieah
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/6401921
It's that time of the week: Front Flipper Friday!
Here is the original Swaggs designed Malieah. This one is a White Mountain Knives exclusive in red micarta. It is a small knife (smaller than I realized to be honest) but turns out it's a fantastic 5th pocket carry. The action is very smooth and the front flip easy. When it arrived the micarta was a little rough but it's smoothed out and is great now.
When I have to go into the office I carry either this or the Baby Banter due to local blade length laws.
This about does it for front flippers for me (for now at least). Curious if anyone else has a favorite of their own?
Throwback Thursday - my second pocket knife
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/6351555
Previously I posted about my first knife, which I received as a Cub Scout. (See link)
Here now is my second pocket knife: my Boy Scout knife.
This one has seen a lot more use, a lot more re-sharpening on whetstones, and has lived a good life. I remember when my dad got me the quick-release key chain which let me attach the knife to a belt loop for much easier access. I'm considering leaving the rust/patina alone as it does tell more of the history of the knife, but it could use a good dusting/cleaning.
In addition to all the monthly campouts, I took this knife with me to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and later to part of the Appalachian Trail (Maryland/Pennsylvania border).
It's been stashed away since I aged-out of Scouts as a youth and since re-joining as an adult leader, I've been carrying more modern locking knives, but this still has a special place in the collec
NKD - SOG Terminus XR
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/6227971
New Knife Day! (Technically a few days behind but it was a busy weekend!)
My first SOG arrived over the weekend. The Terminus XR in S35VN. Used knife but basically brand new, and the price was good.
Action is great! The flipper deploy is "slow" feeling but very very smooth with a nice lock up. The shape of the crossbar lock thumb/finger ramps (?) (buttons? what do you call those?) are great. A world of difference compared to the Hogue Ritter that's for sure.
The grooves in the scales make for a lot of grip against the pocket so I expect this to shred the pants a bit.
(Ignore the weird color on the blade in the last photo, it was an odd reflection that I couldn't get rid of at the photographed angle.)
Non-Weird Knife but it's Wednesday
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/5850196
I don't really have any more Weird Knives for WKW, but I guess you could consider this knife weird in that it somehow exists.
For those not familiar, last December, Walmart released a $6 axis lock knife. It doesn't really have a name, though there's a model number somewhere (it doesn't really matter). They were initially very difficult to find by me, with 2 stores in reasonable driving distance not having any. However, we eventually got them in and I snagged 2.
The steel is some sort of 420(x) that Walmart uses on all their Ozark Trail knives. The grinds somehow....good despite the likely accidental recurve. The action on both was exactly what you'd expect out of a $6 knife. And yet...and yet they both improved. The spring tension is off the charts. It requires a ton of force to pull the lock bar back, but once done, you can flip th
Front Flipper Friday - Civivi Lazar
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/5522150
Happy FFF to all who celebrate! Today's knife is the first purple knife I purchased: the Civivi Lazar.
One of Elijah Isham's more reserved designs, it can only be opened either two-handed and gripping the blade or by way of the front-flipper.
Thankfully the flipping action is excellent and the jimping not aggressive so it doesn't tear up your thumb.
Throwback Thursday - my first pocket knife
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/5073067
The post by @[email protected] got me thinking about knives I've had for a while.
This is my first knife, older than I care to discuss, that I had as a Cub Scout. I had thought it lost forever until we moved in Nov 2021 when I found it in a box.
Still in surprisingly good shape and the backspring in decent working order. Needs a sharpening but other than that, I could give this to a Cub Scout today. (Being a knife guy all my kids already have Scout knives so, I can keep this one for me.)
How about you? Do you have any knives from when you were a kid?