Knife Question

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[Death_Jester]

Hey Guys with Chris’ ideas of making this a more well rounded geek culture site I was wondering if anyone knows about knives?  I’m looking to learn a little bit about them.  What brands are good quality and have a reputation for reliability in utility situations? 

What I’m looking for is a general purpose folding knife that can be used in everyday circumstances.  It has to open with one hand and lock in place while in use.  The blade can be up to 6 inches in length but any more than that is not really useful.  A straight blade would be preferable but if there is a good reason to have a serrated blade I’d be open to hear any persuasive arguments.

Does anyone know about sharpening a knife and how to maintain one? If so could you spend some time teaching me how, it would be great.

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks for your time in advance
Jester

[Chris]

Depends on what you mean by "everyday" circumstances. Are you just cutting things all willy-nilly or do you have something in mind?

[ElSanto]

I'd check out Heimerdinger Cutlery if I were you.  I'm a chef and they are the guys I go to for my knife needs more or less.  I can't tell much about folders, but I can tell you that they have a good selection of them at the shop.  They also sharpen knives, though really you can do that yourself.  They sell a number of sharpening tools, from stones to oils to diamond stones ect.  I sharpen my pocket knife as needed, which is not often, and in time you find the degree of sharpness that works for you.  I tend to keep my knives at a fairly wide edge because the don't get dull as fast as a fine edge.  My parring knife is a lot sharper than my French knife which is sharper than the knife I use to open boxes.

Sharpening a knife is pretty easy, all it entails is dragging your knife at a consistent angle.  They make little blocks if you want to start off using that but you don't really need that.  Honestly, this is something you can learn from a book, because that is how I learned from my Boy Scout handbook, I'm sure they have something online as well, but if you can't get the hang of it I can show you sometime.  And personally, I'd look for a knife blade in the range of 3-3.5 inches range if you are going to be be cutting rope and opening boxes.

[Death_Jester]

Depends on what you mean by "everyday" circumstances. Are you just cutting things all willy-nilly or do you have something in mind?

I'll be working with my hands building things and it would be useful to have a knife that can be opened one handed.  I'll be cutting string, wire, tape (duct and heavier), small wood things (particle board and the like), and of course self defense in need be.

Hope that helps.

[Death_Jester]

I'd check out Heimerdinger Cutlery if I were you.  I'm a chef and they are the guys I go to for my knife needs more or less.  I can't tell much about folders, but I can tell you that they have a good selection of them at the shop.  They also sharpen knives, though really you can do that yourself.  They sell a number of sharpening tools, from stones to oils to diamond stones ect.  I sharpen my pocket knife as needed, which is not often, and in time you find the degree of sharpness that works for you.  I tend to keep my knives at a fairly wide edge because the don't get dull as fast as a fine edge.  My parring knife is a lot sharper than my French knife which is sharper than the knife I use to open boxes.

Sharpening a knife is pretty easy, all it entails is dragging your knife at a consistent angle.  They make little blocks if you want to start off using that but you don't really need that.  Honestly, this is something you can learn from a book, because that is how I learned from my Boy Scout handbook, I'm sure they have something online as well, but if you can't get the hang of it I can show you sometime.  And personally, I'd look for a knife blade in the range of 3-3.5 inches range if you are going to be be cutting rope and opening boxes.

Hey ES,

Good to see you onlinie buddy.  I've been to Heimerdingers and the guy that works there just seems sort of put out when I started asking questions. I got the feeling I was like the 50th person that day that had come in to ask the exact same question.  He answered with the bear minimum of energy needed to not seem totally rude and wasn't all that helpful.  I will go back later on when I get a chance. Who knows perhaps he had a bad day or something.  I wanted to ask my geeky brothers and sisters for what they thought now in order to be able to ask specific questions should I need to. 

So no ideas about who makes a good folding knife huh?  Anone else out there got some leads?

I will check online for knife sharpening tips also as my kitchen knives are all dull.  I also have a straight razor that I need some ideas about sharpening.  All in all I'd really like to have someone show me because of the potential of messing up a really nice blade due to inexperience.

Thanks for your time

[Chris]

For what you've described, you should really just get a Gerber Tool. They work awesome and the good ones are indestructible.

You won't be able to use it for self defense, really, but any folding knife is going to be terrible for that.

Gerber also sells clip folding knives.

Gerber also sells an axe with a big ass knife in the handle. You know, in case the big ass axe isn't enough and you need something else sharp. I guess.

[Death_Jester]

For what you've described, you should really just get a Gerber Tool. They work awesome and the good ones are indestructible.

Cool Thanks for the advice buddy.  Do you have any suggestions on what kind I would need?

I will check them out does anyone have any experience with them?  What kind of care do they need?

You won't be able to use it for self defense, really, but any folding knife is going to be terrible for that.

Gerber also sells clip folding knives.

Gerber also sells an axe with a big ass knife in the handle. You know, in case the big ass axe isn't enough and you need something else sharp. I guess.

Why are folding knives bad for self defense?  I would think that short of a gun, a knife would be a good thing to have in case you get into trouble.   What would you recommend that is not a gun, or something illegal, that is good for self defense? 

I don't need an axe (Big assed or otherwise).   I need something that I can carry with me should I need a tool/weapon and I want something with a sharp blade.  Not something that will get me arrested mind you but something useful should I get into some trouble.  You know, just in case.

Thanks for your time
Jester

[-Defjeff-]

Folding knives sound as tho they would be a lot weaker than a fixed blade.

[Death_Jester]

Folding knives sound as tho they would be a lot weaker than a fixed blade.

Yeah, I can see that but I don't think you can walk around with a fixed blade on your belt in Kentucky.  I see people with lock blades in belt holders all the time.  I see construction workers and home repair people with them from time to time too.   I cannot remember ever seeing someone walking around with a fixed blade out in public.  I have seen them on guys out hunting when I went with my Dad but that was many many years ago when I was just about thirteen. 

[Caesar Agumbus]

I'm pretty sure that as long as it could be considered a hunting knife, fixed blades are allowed.

[Chris]

Fixed blades are allowed as long as they are short. I'm not sure what the exact legal length is for Kentucky before you have to get a license to carry concealed.

Gerbers don't need much in the way of care. You could oil the moving parts, but I've had mine for years without doing anything to maintain it and it works great. They're really just a rugged, useful Swiss Army Knife for grown-ups. I think CD still carries his with him wherever he goes.

As far as what kind? Really it's up to you. The more expensive one do more stuff. Really, I prefer the simpler ones. For what you described, something like this....



....would be fine. It's whole point is that it's one-hand operated (calm down, -Defjeff-) and rugged.

The problem with folding blades for self defense is that while they do lock, the mechanism can break pretty easily on bone, then spring back and cut your fingers pretty good.

[dday]

you can carry a fixed blade knife on you with no issues (other than the occasional funny look). It is legal so long as it is not hidden from plain sight. If it is hidden from plain view it must be under a specific BLADE length (which any knife store can tell you, I want to say 5.5 inches).   I have had a fair amount of experience with knives in my work life having gone from light construction, to working as a fish monger, cooking, working on tall ships, to the every day use I now get from them in my job at a restaurant.  I'll try to be concise and hopefully helpful.

First things first, there's a tool for every job. I always (as in all day every day) carry a foldng knife that is one handed opening, lock bladed, half serrated. I do this because with a knife that is half fine edged I still have the slicing dicing fine cutting ability I want. In addition I still have a bit of a serrated blade for heavier cutting or sawing. If you are using a fine edged blade for sawing prepare to sharpen it EVERY time you use it.  In addition, when buying my knife I chose one with a small flat/fillips head screwdriver which fold out of the handle, and a bottle opener. For 90% of what I use a knife for on a daily basis this is perfect for me.  BTW this is my knife.
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/318

Now if you are working with your hands and doing a lot of cutting (especially board and wood) I might consider getting a fully serrated blade.
I also own and carry when its appropriate for the job a gerber mp800 utility  tool.
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/270
once again the exact model. I have owned and carried this in all kinds of weather and work conditions for almost 5+ years now. Things I love about it: spring loaded handle makes one hand opening and plier use a breeze, very hard bladed mini saw good for small tasks, flippable wire cutter (for when you nick yours through use, you can rotate the wire cutting blade), full array of the standards, all that individually lock into place, and obviously if lasts forever.  

So, if I were recommending a list for you, I'd say a fully serrated clip bearing folding knife for easy access and lots of cutting, and a good utility tool for the odd task. Also, get in the habit of carrying one or both at all times. Trust me, I use mine 2-5 times a day, every day. You never realize how much you could use a knife until you have one.

As for brands, I swear by gerber and kershaw. Their knives are well known and have an amazing reputation among people for whom using a good knife is vital. They last, are built well, grip well, etc.

hope this helps.

oh and for self defense, just punch the guy.  Most people, no matter how tough they talk, don't last past the first punch. Once you realize a punch in the mouth won't kill you, it gets far less intimidating.  

[-Defjeff-]

It's whole point is that it's one-hand operated (calm down, -Defjeff-) and rugged.

 

What, no USERNAME trick?

[Chris]

It's whole point is that it's one-hand operated (calm down, -Defjeff-) and rugged.

 

What, no USERNAME trick?

Hahaha. See, I put the little dashes there so you WOULD think it was the username trick. It's the new, reverse username trick: they think it's the username trick, but really, it's just them.

[Death_Jester]

Fixed blades are allowed as long as they are short. I'm not sure what the exact legal length is for Kentucky before you have to get a license to carry concealed.

Gerbers don't need much in the way of care. You could oil the moving parts, but I've had mine for years without doing anything to maintain it and it works great. They're really just a rugged, useful Swiss Army Knife for grown-ups. I think CD still carries his with him wherever he goes.

As far as what kind? Really it's up to you. The more expensive one do more stuff. Really, I prefer the simpler ones. For what you described, something like this....



....would be fine. It's whole point is that it's one-hand operated (calm down, -Defjeff-) and rugged.

The problem with folding blades for self defense is that while they do lock, the mechanism can break pretty easily on bone, then spring back and cut your fingers pretty good.

Awesome Chris I appreciate you posting that for me.  It looks it will do most of what I want to do and still operate one handed. 

Ummm, not so much with the cutting bone thing in what I've got planned but that is a handy tip to know should it ever come up.      
What do you suggest for such a circumstance should it ever come up?

Thanks again for your time.

[Death_Jester]

you can carry a fixed blade knife on you with no issues (other than the occasional funny look). It is legal so long as it is not hidden from plain sight. If it is hidden from plain view it must be under a specific BLADE length (which any knife store can tell you, I want to say 5.5 inches).   I have had a fair amount of experience with knives in my work life having gone from light construction, to working as a fish monger, cooking, working on tall ships, to the every day use I now get from them in my job at a restaurant.  I'll try to be concise and hopefully helpful.

Sounds like an interesting life buddy looking forward to hearing more in your intoduction.      You have been very helpful by the way.

First things first, there's a tool for every job. I always (as in all day every day) carry a foldng knife that is one handed opening, lock bladed, half serrated. I do this because with a knife that is half fine edged I still have the slicing dicing fine cutting ability I want. In addition I still have a bit of a serrated blade for heavier cutting or sawing. If you are using a fine edged blade for sawing prepare to sharpen it EVERY time you use it.  In addition, when buying my knife I chose one with a small flat/fillips head screwdriver which fold out of the handle, and a bottle opener. For 90% of what I use a knife for on a daily basis this is perfect for me.  BTW this is my knife.
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/318

Nice blade, it sounds like you have some good amount of experience with knives and that is what I was looking for.  Since both you and Chris recomend Gerber I'm guessing that it is the way to go for me too.  I do wonder how someone goes about sharpening a serrated blade?  Is there some special trick or tool (whet stone) one uses?  I found myself in need of a tool/knife the other day and this is what prompted me to post this.  I can see how having one is much better than needing it and not having it.

Now if you are working with your hands and doing a lot of cutting (especially board and wood) I might consider getting a fully serrated blade.
I also own and carry when its appropriate for the job a gerber mp800 utility  tool.
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/270
once again the exact model. I have owned and carried this in all kinds of weather and work conditions for almost 5+ years now. Things I love about it: spring loaded handle makes one hand opening and plier use a breeze, very hard bladed mini saw good for small tasks, flippable wire cutter (for when you nick yours through use, you can rotate the wire cutting blade), full array of the standards, all that individually lock into place, and obviously if lasts forever.  

So, if I were recommending a list for you, I'd say a fully serrated clip bearing folding knife for easy access and lots of cutting, and a good utility tool for the odd task. Also, get in the habit of carrying one or both at all times. Trust me, I use mine 2-5 times a day, every day. You never realize how much you could use a knife until you have one.

As for brands, I swear by gerber and kershaw. Their knives are well known and have an amazing reputation among people for whom using a good knife is vital. They last, are built well, grip well, etc.

hope this helps.

oh and for self defense, just punch the guy.  Most people, no matter how tough they talk, don't last past the first punch. Once you realize a punch in the mouth won't kill you, it gets far less intimidating.  

I will take a look at the Gerber tool along with the one that Chris suggested but I can see where having a spring loaded grip would be great for use one handed.  Like I said before I was in the position of needing one and didn't have it so now I'm looking for one.  I will check out Kershaw too and see what they have in the way of tools/knives.  I wouldn't say that my knife use will be vital but it is something I want to get, just in case.   

About the whole self defense thing I haven't punched anyone since middle school buddy.  I'm just your average old gamer dude, soft, doughy and way out of shape.  Cosmic J is the only one really ripped on the forums. 

Thanks again for your responce and sharing your expertise with a guy that knows very little about (real world) knives.   

Does anyone know anything about knife throwning?  What brand of knives are good for it (other than THROWING KNIVES )?   Is there a group that does knife throwing in the area?

Thanks again guys.

[dday]

as for sharpening a serrated blade they make special tools just for that.  little roundish files just right for working the grooves. however, i have never sharpened any of my serrated edges, just because I haven;t had to. Its what they are designed for, to cut  A LOT before needing any sharpening. Also, for just a buck or three you can have any knife professionally sharpened at heimerdingers (spelling?). I read the earlier comments about their friendliness and have had the same experiences there. its an old family business though and the owners are there due to name not social skills. try to get one of the women who work there assist you. they are much friendlier, at least in my experience.

concerning knife throwing, go online to any renaissance reenactment place, go to any knife catalog or any other such place and invest in 6-10 generic throwing knives.  set up a target in your back yard, preferably with a large piece of plywood behind it, for when you miss. start close, then as you master that continue backing up as you grow proficient at various ranges. there are all sorts of videos online for learning, but as for a specififc group locally for knife tossing, no I don't know of one.

[Death_Jester]

as for sharpening a serrated blade they make special tools just for that.  little roundish files just right for working the grooves. however, i have never sharpened any of my serrated edges, just because I haven;t had to. Its what they are designed for, to cut  A LOT before needing any sharpening. Also, for just a buck or three you can have any knife professionally sharpened at heimerdingers (spelling?). I read the earlier comments about their friendliness and have had the same experiences there. its an old family business though and the owners are there due to name not social skills. try to get one of the women who work there assist you. they are much friendlier, at least in my experience.

concerning knife throwing, go online to any renaissance reenactment place, go to any knife catalog or any other such place and invest in 6-10 generic throwing knives.  set up a target in your back yard, preferably with a large piece of plywood behind it, for when you miss. start close, then as you master that continue backing up as you grow proficient at various ranges. there are all sorts of videos online for learning, but as for a specififc group locally for knife tossing, no I don't know of one.

I was pretty sure that my experience at Himerdinger's wasn't a fluke.  I'm glad to know it wasn't personal.  I'll keep that in mind when I go back to talk to them.  I will check with them about the sharpening files and stones needed or having them take care of the knife.  I'd still like  to know how to do the sharpening them myself. 

I will check around to see if I can find people that throw knives for a hobby but thanks for taking the time to get back with me. 

Anyone else know about any knife throwing groups or advice?  Anyone one at all? 

[Logan]

you can carry a fixed blade knife on you with no issues (other than the occasional funny look). It is legal so long as it is not hidden from plain sight. If it is hidden from plain view it must be under a specific BLADE length (which any knife store can tell you, I want to say 5.5 inches).   I have had a fair amount of experience with knives in my work life having gone from light construction, to working as a fish monger, cooking, working on tall ships, to the every day use I now get from them in my job at a restaurant.  I'll try to be concise and hopefully helpful.

First things first, there's a tool for every job. I always (as in all day every day) carry a foldng knife that is one handed opening, lock bladed, half serrated. I do this because with a knife that is half fine edged I still have the slicing dicing fine cutting ability I want. In addition I still have a bit of a serrated blade for heavier cutting or sawing. If you are using a fine edged blade for sawing prepare to sharpen it EVERY time you use it.  In addition, when buying my knife I chose one with a small flat/fillips head screwdriver which fold out of the handle, and a bottle opener. For 90% of what I use a knife for on a daily basis this is perfect for me.  BTW this is my knife.
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/318

Now if you are working with your hands and doing a lot of cutting (especially board and wood) I might consider getting a fully serrated blade.
I also own and carry when its appropriate for the job a gerber mp800 utility  tool.
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/270
once again the exact model. I have owned and carried this in all kinds of weather and work conditions for almost 5+ years now. Things I love about it: spring loaded handle makes one hand opening and plier use a breeze, very hard bladed mini saw good for small tasks, flippable wire cutter (for when you nick yours through use, you can rotate the wire cutting blade), full array of the standards, all that individually lock into place, and obviously if lasts forever.  

So, if I were recommending a list for you, I'd say a fully serrated clip bearing folding knife for easy access and lots of cutting, and a good utility tool for the odd task. Also, get in the habit of carrying one or both at all times. Trust me, I use mine 2-5 times a day, every day. You never realize how much you could use a knife until you have one.

As for brands, I swear by gerber and kershaw. Their knives are well known and have an amazing reputation among people for whom using a good knife is vital. They last, are built well, grip well, etc.

hope this helps.

oh and for self defense, just punch the guy.  Most people, no matter how tough they talk, don't last past the first punch. Once you realize a punch in the mouth won't kill you, it gets far less intimidating.  

I agree with the punch to the face. Nick has punched me in the face on several occasions (remember the Detroit/Nashville game?).

[Logan]

Anyone else know about any knife throwing groups or advice?  Anyone one at all? 

What do you want to know? I am involved with a group of reenactors who do knife throwing tournaments twice a year (as well as archery, broadsword melee, kaber, bolas, axes, etc). If you are wanting to learn, I can point you in the right direction. If you just have some specific questions, I'll see what I can answer.

[Death_Jester]

Anyone else know about any knife throwing groups or advice?  Anyone one at all? 

What do you want to know? I am involved with a group of reenactors who do knife throwing tournaments twice a year (as well as archery, broadsword melee, kaber, bolas, axes, etc). If you are wanting to learn, I can point you in the right direction. If you just have some specific questions, I'll see what I can answer.

I'd be interested in meeting up with people that know what the heck they are doing in order to learn.  How do I meet up with them in order to get some advice in person?  Do they get together to practice and if so when and where?  I don't really want to know about the other stuff to much but I think that knife throwing would be cool.

[Logan]

They don't meet regularly. Twice a year (spring and fall), we have festivals that include knife throwing. I believe that those who do practice, do so on their own prior to the events. Do you own throwing knives?

[ddavison]

It's whole point is that it's one-hand operated (calm down, -Defjeff-) and rugged.

 

What, no USERNAME trick?

Hahaha. See, I put the little dashes there so you WOULD think it was the username trick. It's the new, reverse username trick: they think it's the username trick, but really, it's just them.

... and back on topic...

As far as using a pocket knife for defense, do you actually see yourself realizing you are in danger and stopping to fumble around with something on your belt that you then have to flip open to defend yourself?  If you have that much time then you can probably avoid the danger altogether or have plenty of time to pick up some other larger, heavier object that is just lying nearby that you can swing at a greater distance at them.  If you don't have the time, the last thing you want to be doing is trying to fumble around on your belt as someone is beating you over the head to steal whatever it is you have that they want.  More likely, you'd unflip your knife and walk past a completely innocent but intimidating group of people and look like a total douche.

Hey, I just want to point out that I did that on you right around the time that you deleted your account from the site.  Just sayin... I can't help it you didn't come back to actually see the joke.

[Chris]

I didn't even see it until a week after. 

[Chris]

Also, Ddavison, there's a quote from me in your post that I never typed, other than the first line.

Quote confusion?