Ok Buying knife tomorrow I need you to decide for me.

So Ive decided to use my $100 staples gift card to buy a knife. Ive pretty much decided on a kershaw, cold steel, or kabar.
So a few things about me, Im new to good knives that are not used in kitchen I will be using it a lot more then i should, I do know how to sharpen, I have bigger hands, and I may or may not misuse it since ive never had a high end knife.
I like the spyderco but i feel that its too much for someone new to knives and considering I may break it being an idiot isn't a nice thought.

Id like something i could take with me to work, hiking, and to defend myself.

So im looking for at least a 5 inch knife with no serrated edge if possible, folding preferred but not necessary. Here are links to each available item form the 3 makers so help me out real quick.

KaBar
http://www.staples.com/All-Hand-Tools/cat_CL213520?fids=4224962293|4224962137&sby=1

Kershaw
http://www.staples.com/All-Hand-Tools/cat_CL213520?fids=4224962293|4224962141&sby=1

Cold steel
http://www.staples.com/All-Hand-Tools/cat_CL213520?fids=4224962293|4224965520&sby=1


It seems everyone likes kershaw more then cold steel and kabar can you give reasons why. I thought cold steel was best quality of the 3.

All of the knives that you picked look great. Being new to knives myself, I started with a Gerber paraframe as my EDC, and recently upgraded to the Spyderco Tenacious, full serrated. Haven't looked back since. I guess my suggestion would be go for what feels best in your hand.

The Kershaw Skyline is a great knife. I picked one up recently and it hasn't left my pocket. Plus, it's made in the USA.

http://www.staples.com/Kershaw-Skyline-Folding-Knife/product_WYF078275642390

If you like slim and thin, the skyline is a great choice. If you want better blade steel, the Kershaw Blur in S30V is worth a look.

The skyline has not left my pocket in 3 years. It is the only constant in my edc kit. My fixed blades and slip joints always rotate, but not the skyline. I have many custom and handmade knives, plus make knives myself, but the skyline is my go to blade for home and office.


-X

Another Kershaw Skyline carrier here.

At least 2 years I'd say. Been in my pocket everyday. With the exception of the rare time I get a new knife and want to carry it. But I always go back to the Skyline. I've even ran it through the washer and dryer once. Oops!

If you're looking into high end knives do yourself a favor and look into Benchmade knives. Their guarantee alone is worth looking into aside from the fact that they are superior quality knives that will last a lifetime.

Kershaw Skyline and Leek can both be had from Staples for $100. the Leek is a bit smaller so you can have two great folders with very different blades styles.

Kershaw s30v blur, or skyline, the blur is a better quality knife. I own a bunch of kershaws the scallion with s30vis my favorite edc. I collect case knives and love them but the shallot s30v is a better knife

I called staples and they will price match the knives so i can now get any of the spyderco range. So now im leaning towards the manix 2 in the clear blue plastic handle for $75 or the camo paramilitary 2 which i called and they said they do have a few even though site says sold out, for $112.

I had no idea staples sold knives. I own two Kabar knives, one of them being the mule folder. It surprised me with how solid it felt in my hand, but it's a bit too bulky for an EDC in my opinion. I had an opportunity to get a Spyderco at a ridiculous price but passed on it. I just don't like the way the handles feel. I've only ever heard great things about the steel, so I don't foresee you regretting purchasing either one. I'm more of a SOG man myself.

My EDC is a new model Coldsteel Recon Tanto Combo blade. Love it

beardedscotsmen said:

My EDC is a new model Coldsteel Recon Tanto Combo blade. Love it

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+1 -
Although mine is just a straight blade, by combo you mean the serrated portion, correct? Great knife - super strong for a folder. I carry mine virtually everywhere.

Do some homework on the steel. Some are going to require some effort to keep sharp. The old kabars were 1095crovan which is a high carbon semi stainless that was fun to hone and would take a legitimately sharp edge.

kershaw cryo 2

Spyderco all the way

Kershaw Blur Tanto Knife, http://www.staples.com/Kershaw-Blur-Tanto-Knife/product_WYF078275642388

I have this variation along with the standard and I love them both equally, but the tanto version gets used more for the point straight edge and serrated edge.

Good Luck!!!

Good recommendations, all. Let us know what you decide.

BSAGuy said:

Good recommendations, all. Let us know what you decide.

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Ok so staples screwed up my order on the paramilitary 2 and i ended up getting 2 spyderco manix 2 in the bluye handles for 150 for both with tax and a $50 gift card for all the trouble. Basically they sent the 1st order to wrong address and i had to prove to them that not only did i call in to correct order before it was sent out but i did 2 times.

shamful7 said:

Ok so staples screwed up my order on the paramilitary 2 and i ended up getting 2 spyderco manix 2 in the bluye handles for 150 for both with tax and a $50 gift card for all the trouble. Basically they sent the 1st order to wrong address and i had to prove to them that not only did i call in to correct order before it was sent out but i did 2 times.

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Seems like a legit deal