Need help finding the perfect Knife - NEWBIE PLZ HELP =)

[u4ea]

Hello everyone!



Please help me in search of the perfect knife. I am pretty new at the knife thing. I have been carrying a lock back pocket knife from Soligen Germany for the past ten years and I am sick of the bulk size of it, and would like to have a lightweight clip. My friend recommended this website and said his suggestion is a Endura ATS55 lightweight model. But he rarely uses the knife so I think I could use the advice of an audience that is "ALL KNOWING" =)



I am a project manager for a construction company and I live in South Florida and work often near the ocean. I need the knife to fill the following requirements:



1. Needs to be a tough little bugger and be able to stand up to some abuse.



2. Lightweight, this was where my old blade fails.



3. Has a clip for easy access



4. STRONG BLADE



5. Not a massive knife but can be used in many applications.



6. Back up protection - in case I forget my H&K



So what do you all think will work best for me?



Also any recommendations on Plain, Partially Serrated, or Serrated? Benifits to them?



I really appreciate the help in advance!



U4EA

[seaman]

I would go with a serrated endura my every day carry knive it had never let me down.

[cgjones]

Somebody please correct me if i'm wrong, but I would go with a Native Lightweight. The CPM440V steel holds a very good edge and doesn't rust easily. I don't know about saltwater though. I sold one to a friend of mine that runs his own construction company (Race Construction-near Utica, New York. He uses it as a utility knife(removing linoleum, etc...)and it has held up very well.

The forum member formerly known as cjones.

[baszerkawits]

6. Back up protection - in case I forget my H&K

I hope you don't meen heckler and koch! You're a dumb******if you need a weapon for self defense. Use a stun gun, pepper spray, or a black-jack. I recommend you see a psychiatrist if you need a gun or knife for self defense.

DUMB ****

I hope I am not misunderstanding what you said.

[shootist16]

Its not really lightweight but other than that I would recomend the Wegner. It is as close to the perfect folder I have found.

If you have to have a lightweight knife then take a close look at the Wayne Goddard Lightweight. I like the feel of it better than the Endura.

Dennis Bible

[Moose]

Whoa baskerwits...chill out doodie. I dont see a reason to verbialy attack him.

u4ea...kinda liek euophoria huh? hehe
I myself would recommend something stainless since you are around the salt water and most likely in a spyderedge. I think the endura would not fall into the non-massive catagoery. So slim it down to a Delica.

"Here a Moose, there a Moose, every where a Moose Moose."

[Tom Percy]

Something easy to carry, take some abuse, be useful for a multiple of tasks, and could be used to inflict injury in a defensive situation (that we all hope would never happen).......
Personally, I would select a stainless version for the following reasons,
- I find they stand up for heavier use.
- They a nice slim package (and look great too)
- Easy to carry because of the profile.
And, in my opinion (of which there are various out there) something not too small and not too big would point to the Calypso Jr. in Stainless. It would be your choice as to whether plain or or serrated edge, depending on your use) (for me, heavy use = serrated).

Have fun with your selection ...... I Hope this helps.



Edited by - Tom Percy on 3/24/2001 8:03:01 AM

[vampyrewolf]

Going by your options you want, I'd go one of two ways.
Native or Military. Thye would both work as utility blades, but the military has some heft that the native doesn't. I might suggest a delica or endura for a lighter carry that would work also for utility.

Definately need serrations though. Just got a cricket, love it...

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[Jazzman]

I agree with VampyreWolf. The serrations are a must. For an EDC I would suggest a Delica, but for work, the stainless Endura. And yes,the serrated cricket is one of Spyderco's best!!!
Matt

[Clay Kesting]

Baszerkawits,

Sorry mate, but you are way out of line. No one here will dispute your right to your opinions but you need to be more temperate in the way you express them. We are a bunch of friends that Sal has invited into his parlor and we don't speak to each other like that. You might want to go back and rephrase your post.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

u4ea,
Welcome to the forum.
I'd agree with alot of the endura recommendations, especially if this is your first Spyderco.
The Endura(plain edge,IMO) should fill all the needs you've listed, and it is set up for right or left carry, so that you can wear it opposite of your firearm(or same side if that's your case).
We all have different interpretations of the list of qualifiers you've got, so see if your friend will let you just carry his Endura for just a day, and you can see/feel what you like and don't like about it. If you like it, you might look into a Wayne Goddard lightweight model as well, as shootist pointed out, its ergonomics might agree with you more.

baszerkawits,
I can see by some past posts that you are probably in your teens. It's a passionate time to feel strongly about lots of moral/ethical issues. We all can see that now, and it 'will' be noted. No one here has openly flamed you here yet and looks like no one will, including me. There is much evidence to contradict your point of view, and if you want to start a new thread to discuss it that would probably be a better idea than to insult a first time poster.
If you haven't checked out Bladeforums tactics forums, you could probably get a broader range of perspectives and insights there on the 'why people carry for defense' issues.

Ken

[vampyrewolf]

Baszerkawits, I have that same feeling as KenN, you seem to voice your opinion and can get emotional about it. I would like to make the suggestion of reading up on carrying a knife for protection. I did it for a long time, as I was VERY weak(grade 7).

I no-longer do so, but do carry a knife as EDC(still only 3&quot<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. I know how to use it, and would not be scared about hitting someone in vital spots or wounding severely if it came to me having to do so to save myself. Many in this forum have the same opinion as you, but you seem to be the only one who are openly repulsed by it.

I sliced myself at work this evening with my cricket and can apprecaite the &quot;reverse-s&quot; of the defense blades now, when my cricket took a chunk of skin on my finger.

So, in my opinion, if you have a problem with someone's post, try to keep it out of everyones face and e-mail them. I won't hold age against you, as I just turned 17, but would ask one question: Is it personal experience with knives, or lack of maturity talking?

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[Paul Work]

The Endura or Delica would be good choices. You can also get trainer (drone) versions of these knives. The Native is a good choice, too. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Oh yeah, welcome to the forum

Paul

[u4ea]

Well I do appreciate the sage advice of those who have replied with such friendly and open tones.

I would like to remind the person who flamed me that he/she has no idea of who I am or why exactly I carry a gun. All I will say is that I am registered to carry a conceled firearm / weapon in the state of Florida. I however do not wish to EVER have to use it on someone. I was a witness to a crime once before, and if I had been carrying a weapon I would have most likely been able to save a young womans life. End of story.

Anyhow... on to the matter of the knife.
Its seems as though I will look at the Delica, Endura, and Calypso Jr. Pretty much in that order.

As far as serrations it seems most prefer serration, also they supposedly hold an edge longer such as a steak knife does at home.

Now do I get a partial or full sereation blade?

And it seems somewhat mixed as to stainless, or the lightweight versions.

Im not sure how much weight the SS handle adds to these knifes, but I think lightweight is pretty important, unless there may be better reasons to buy a SS version.

Any advice on where to purchase on line?

Again I really do appreciate the time you have spent to help me. Thanks again!

U4EA

Edited by - u4ea on 3/25/2001 8:00:57 AM

[vampyrewolf]

I would go with full serrations. They work well for EDC and could really tear up an attacker.

I like the appearance of SS, but it scratches. Go with lightweight(FRN) if possible. It doesn't attract as much attention as SS either(if you wish to conceal it).

You may want to look at Florida and US law, as I'm not familiar with it... however...
1&gt; Here in Canada, a knife of 4&quot; blade length, is up to the cop's discression as to it being a pocket knife, or a belt(sheath) knife. I carry a 3&quot;(delica)to be on the safe side.
2&gt; A knife of up to 6&quot; may be carried in a bag(or car), and not be confiscated, provided the owner has a valid reason to have it. This may include: Hunting, taking home from purchase, gifts(on way home or to new owner). This is just there so that you aren't wandering around with a 6&quot;. I looked at canadian laws, and you'd be surprised at what you can do, with loopholes. If done correctly, you could walk into the CopShop with a sword, and walk back out with it... nothing will happen.

Again, I'm not familiar with US law, so make sure they will have no prob with you having a knife &quot;hidden&quot;(replace &quot;hidden&quot; with out of sight, and in easy reach for usage).

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[Gizmo]

Greetings...

I would second the recommendation on the Native. I have both a Stainless and a Lightweight Native. I would also add that the partial serrations are truly a perfect compromise. I have gone back and forth with the plain edge vs serrations argument...both have merit. My stainless Native has seen everyday use in my full time job and on our horse farm. The partial serrations are enough for tough jobs but don't get in the way of more delicate cutting with the plain edge. For backup defensive use, the handle has a great shape and is full sized as opposed to some of the smaller Spydercos. Good Luck !

[Moose]

I think you clicked the 'Reply to topic' button to many times. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

"Here a Moose, there a Moose, every where a Moose Moose."

[Moose]

Edited by - Moose on 3/26/2001 9:46:03 AM

[LethalWeapon]

<b>AMEN!!! </b> u4ea. I am a firm believer in every American's right to own and carry <i>any </i> firearm that one wishes to. I myself am a legally armed citizen and <b>ALWAYS </b> carry my favorite Beretta concealed on my person. <i>VIVA LA 2nd AMMENDMENT! </i>

[LethalWeapon]

Oh yeah, almost forgot, I think SAL should <b>BAN </b> <i>baszerkawits </i> from the forum. We really dont need that kind of crap on this MB. ( JMO )

[carson]

Cool

[Mancer]

Baszerkawits, 1 question, since I carry a Matriarch on my side day in and day out, and since Im going to be getting a glock 22c shortly does this make me a &quot;DUMB S***&quot; as well?, if this is true are you not a &quot;DUMB S***&quot; for carrying any form of blade on your person as well?, a knife for defense can come in handy, what problem you have with it I cant understand, secondly theres no need to verbally insult the man like that.
Suggest you think carefully before you make such comments in future.

Ok to the question, My fav is the chinook, strong as heck but is heavy, so in that case Id prollie go for the Native.

Happy Hunting

MaNcEr

[Mancer]

Baszerkawits, 1 question, since I carry a Matriarch on my side day in and day out, and since Im going to be getting a glock 22c shortly does this make me a &quot;DUMB S***&quot; as well?, if this is true are you not a &quot;DUMB S***&quot; for carrying any form of blade on your person as well?, a knife for defense can come in handy, what problem you have with it I cant understand, secondly theres no need to verbally insult the man like that.
Suggest you think carefully before you make such comments in future.

Ok to the question, My fav is the chinook, strong as heck but is heavy, so in that case Id prollie go for the Native.

Happy Hunting

MaNcEr

[Mancer]

Baszerkawits, 1 question, since I carry a Matriarch on my side day in and day out, and since Im going to be getting a glock 22c shortly does this make me a &quot;DUMB S***&quot; as well?, if this is true are you not a &quot;DUMB S***&quot; for carrying any form of blade on your person as well?, a knife for defense can come in handy, what problem you have with it I cant understand, secondly theres no need to verbally insult the man like that.
Suggest you think carefully before you make such comments in future.

Ok to the question, My fav is the chinook, strong as heck but is heavy, so in that case Id prollie go for the Native.

Happy Hunting

MaNcEr

[Jeff/1911]

baszerkawits - You should apologize to U4EA immediately. Those comments are completely unacceptable. I suspect that sort of immaturity will not be tolerated here.
Jeff/1911.

[Gizmo]

Greetings,

I would suggest the one of the Native series folders. I have both the lightweight and the stainless. As for the plain edge vs serrated, I have gone around with that argument myself...both have merits. My partially serrated stainless Native is a perfect compromise. There are enough serrations for tough jobs and enough blade for more delicate cutting. It sees daily use in my job and at our horse farm. It has held up wonderfully for the two years or so that I've had it. As for a backup to your &quot;H&amp;K&quot; (nice choice by the way !) the Native series have full size, comfortable handles as opposed to some of the smaller Spydercos. The blade length should be legal also...(check with your local county courthouse or State Police regarding that issue) Neither one should have a problem handling your saltwater and humidity in Florida. Good Luck !

[Gizmo]

Greetings,

I would suggest the one of the Native series folders. I have both the lightweight and the stainless. As for the plain edge vs serrated, I have gone around with that argument myself...both have merits. My partially serrated stainless Native is a perfect compromise. There are enough serrations for tough jobs and enough blade for more delicate cutting. It sees daily use in my job and at our horse farm. It has held up wonderfully for the two years or so that I've had it. As for a backup to your &quot;H&amp;K&quot; (nice choice by the way !) the Native series have full size, comfortable handles as opposed to some of the smaller Spydercos. The blade length should be legal also...(check with your local county courthouse or State Police regarding that issue) Neither one should have a problem handling your saltwater and humidity in Florida. Good Luck !

[Gizmo]

U4EA,

Sorry about the triple posting of the same message...the one on 3-27-01 was the only one I got a confirmation on...Great first impression !

[Tom Percy]

No Problem Gizmo, we all do it from time to time. Just edit the extra messages and remove the &quot;body&quot;.
If you don;t get confirmation, consider it done anyway (it usually is)

Easy 'nuf.

[u4ea]

Well I do really appreciate all the advice I received from this thread. It has been a great help!

I have purchased a Sypderco Delcia FRN fully serrated knife. I hope to be getting it in the next few days to a week.

I have a feeling I may buy another Spydie after I receive this first knife.

I picked FRN for its lightweight.
Fully Serrated since it holds an edge longer
Delica seemed pretty balanced size wise.

Native or the calypso jr would have been my next choices.

I will let you all know what I think of the knife after i field test it a bit.

Again thx so much for the help!

Regards

U4EA

[Mr Blonde]

u4ea, good choice. The Delica is a lot of 'bang' for the buck. I don't think you will be disapointed by the Delica, whatever use you put it to. It seems that you want your knife to fill the duty of utility and defense. For that purpose a fully serrated blade is better. The tend to stay sharp longer, which is important if you are forced to use it for self defense. I think I remember Sal posting somewhere that since the 'point' protect the 'shallow cutting arcs' (phew, that's tough to put for a non-native speaker of English!), so that the serrations will help keep you cutting after you hit/block something hard like a belt buckle, wristwatch, bone, baton etc... Personally I would take the Native in 440V over the Delica for your purpose, but I am not sure how much corrosion protection you need and 440V offers. The Native really tends to lock in my hand, mega-grip!

As for baszerkawits: I welcome your differing point of view, but your wording and argumentation is seriously flawed. By your own rationale, &quot;stungun, pepper spray, or a black-jack&quot; are not weapons? Come on. However, I am sure that your friendly psychiatrist is more than capable of pointing out what are and what are not weapons. :)

Wouter

[coldsteel]

Hey Baszerkawits, What world do you live in?
If you think it's unrealistic and parinoid that someone might make a decision to carry a firearm for presonal protection, you must not take your head out of the sand long enough to read the newspaper or watch the nightly news...Coldsteel

[deaddeerhead]

I want my mommy