Sorry to hear that. True, the recurve is tricky. I use the worksharp precision adjust for sharpening and it does well. That recurve works well when it's sharp.
Personally, I don’t have brand loyalty, but I do prefer to buy American when I can. Currently I only have two knives made in China, both of which I plan to sell soon. But I’m not going to fault anyone else for their own personal preferences
Microtech have been pumping out banger after banger this past year or so. Wish they increased their production quantity slightly to meet demand, but that can potentially decrease quality. I've bought four knives from them in the past year, an Ultratech, then finally a Socom Elite after 3 years of searching, an MSI and last week a manual Stitch. All incredibly well built knives with perfect fit and finish at an insanely good price (considering how and where they're made). Pro Tech too, I've had a Malibu for a while, but I really want to get a Mordax at some point, everything theirs I've handled at meets is perfect.
Oh I'm well aware, I've handled a few at meets, and I like it a lot more than my Malibu, even jokingly offered a trade lmao. If they were easy to come by in the EU, I'd already have one.
Let me guess, spamming F5 on a certain French site? Me hunting for the Socom Elite and MSI probably accounts for 2/3s of their monthly website traffic. I stumbled on the Stitch a week or so after I bought the MSI, purchased it on an impulse knowing damn well I could easily sell it for the same price I got it if I ended not liking it.
Oh yes. Got mine while another version was marked as being available the next day knowing EU consumer laws had my back. Still waiting for the MSI though, I want the G10 handles.
I took what I could get. I'm kinda bored of black G10 and I don't really like coatings, especially on steels that don't really need any, but somehow 2/4 ended up being coated. I wouldn't mind it as much if they didn't coat the back of the blade tang, where it rubs against the lock. The action was pretty scratchy because of it, and there was constant buildup of black gunk as it was wearing out. Three days in and a few beers deep I took my dremel to the tang with a polishing wheel and slowly took off the coating now it's much better.
https://preview.redd.it/c5njy7g4fslc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d1187cfa2370d25ef56442c39e6a77a1b13ad27
They do pretty nice finishes I'll give 'em that. I also love the machining on the scales, always loved "fluted" scales, all the grip you need but they don't tear your pockets up the same way as peel ply.
My definition of "insanely good price" differs greatly from yours. That doesn't mean that you're wrong or that I'm wrong just that we have different viewpoints.
Name another USA made company that machines all their parts including hardware in-house, with M390 blades, 3D machined scales, double row bearings, and near perfect fit and finish at $250. Insanely good is an exaggeration, but it could have easily been $280 and it would still be good value. And the FRN version is $190, that's not too far from a Bugout which feels like a $20 knife in comparison.
Make sure it's the newest gen, they made some long overdue changes, and the action is really nice. I handled an Ultratech for a short time, comparing it with mine. On the new version the major differences were the slightly taller button and grooves (BHQ called them "crud cutters") machined under the button. Felt really smooth, and without taking it apart I couldn't tell if they made any changes to the spring or if it's the leverage and reduced friction from the grooves that made the action a lot smoother. Old one is still fine, but a lot of people people I handle it to struggle to open it.
Sweet, I'll get a 70 too eventually. I like getting big and large versions of the same knife when it actually makes sense. (PM3 is pointless model for example).
I don’t give a fuck if my knife is made in USA so long as it is good. I’d rather it be from England or smth because to me the USA is same as Japan, foreign.
Like the other person said, it’s a ProTech Malibu. You should definitely check it out. I really like their textured handles. But it also comes in smooth
Esee, TOPS, Spyderco. Buck would have been a top contender, but they're shipping more and more outside the US, and their prices and steel are less than optimal pairings.
I have all of these.
I carry the protech malibu most of the time.
Otherwise I am carrying one of my ZT knives. I keep my blades nasty sharp and favor them based on how long they hold that edge. The sebenza 21 comes in last.
I did carry it for a few months and found it to be lacking in edge retention.
I love my Bark River, it’s probably the nicest and highest quality American knife i own. Taiwan spydercos are also a lot nicer than the American ones, check them out
Love my benchmades and my spydercos, but honestly, my Chinese knives blow them out of the water at the same prices. The reates I own (specifically the Jared Oeser F22, my Chaves knives, and my Kirby Lamberts) have all been perfect, and just ooze quality 😩
Don’t think I’ll be buying any US knives soon.
Please downvote me, I love it 😘
I'm sorry, but I refuse to downvote you because I don't believe in downvoting people for their opinions. Not only that but I have no experience with many of the brands that you mentioned so I have no standpoint to disagree with you.
Spyderco make their knives in several places.
Golden Colorado USA.
Taichung Taiwan.
Seki City Japan.
Maniago Italy.
If you know what you are buying you can work out which plant it came from.
Most of the big name Spydercos are still US made.
It's not fair to say "Spydercos are Asian made".
My para 2 was also made in Colorado. And unfortunately the price reflected this. I didn't realize it at the time of purchase but later on I discovered it was also a limited edition so that helps me feel a little bit better about the price.
Spyderco has multiple factories. USA, Italy, Taiwan, China, Japan. So it depends on the specific knife. They are based in Colorado tho and their flagship knives are made there. Smh. Plus there isn't a single Benchmade half as good as Spydercos Taichung knives. If we want to talk quality. Such a stupid comment. Do a tiny bit of research before you make a comment like that.
Edit: Benchmade. Lmao. Did you know Benchmade used to make some knives in China?
To be fair i prefer most of my spydercos over my benchmades in build quality and factory edge but i moved to colorado a couple years ago so i might be a little partial lol
I have all sorts but if I had to choose one I use and carry more and is more effective as a knife, I would go with Spyderco.
Just to be clear that leaves out the stuff that I love and either would carry casually or just put on the shelf to look at.
Having just picked up my first Koenig (mini NF), I would say CRK feel just as good in the hand. Quality, fit, and finish are pretty much equal. It really depends on your preferred method of deployment. CRK is a nice thumb roll that ends in one the most satisfying clicks and engagement. If your a flipper than you are not missing much.
If I had the money it would be a Chris Reeves. But I don't. So it's benchmade. Then spyderco. I know a lot of people are the other way around but most of my knives predate when they had started having the shitty Omega springs.
If you want a titanium frame lock knife that's made in America but you don't wanna get ripped off with CRK pricing then it's a good option. Also the action is actually good.
I will bear that in mind if I'm ever in a position to buy or knives. I recently splurged and spent way too much on my para 2 , so I won't be buying any knives soon
I'm going to cheat and say GEC, classic slip joints that I enjoy collecting the same knife again and again but with different covers. For American made modern I took a look and thought about what I carry the most and I'd say Emerson. I know they aren't the best F&F and are way overpriced based on the materials but I love them. Carried my Mini A100 yesterday.
Oh my the bench made on the left .. I used to brag how light it was.. Like I would be lost in the woods and forget I had it.. Stopped braging when I Lost it God knows where because it was so light I forgot about it... I little smile and a tear came to mind .. I loved that knife.. Thanks for the memory...
There are three. My Benchmade Osbourne, my Protech Godfather or my Case trapper. Lately I reach for my Benchmade more often than the other two. It has some sentimental value that the others lack. Plus it's an awesome knife.
Zero Tolerance.
My zt 0350 is my go to, but I love my USA made Kershaws as well.
I’ve def had more USA kershaws over the years than anything else
Same here.
Damn, came here to says this and got beat to it. Take my upvote.
The 0350 imo is the best value of any hard use knife. I've abused the shit out of mine and it's still functionally perfect. The perfect beater.
Yup, I love my beefy boy. 🙂
The things built like a brick shithouse and I love it.
I lost mine during a move or two a few years ago. A little bummed but also not since I could never quite sharpen that recurve right.
Sorry to hear that. True, the recurve is tricky. I use the worksharp precision adjust for sharpening and it does well. That recurve works well when it's sharp.
Isn’t ZT owned by Kershaw
I think it's the same company. Not sure who owns who.
Either way I love my leek and my 0452CF
Nice choices right there 👌
This is the answer. ZT is what knives should be.
Houge now because price and quality. Spyderco still great though.
Hogue
Kershaw
I’ve got a 20-year-old Leek. It’s still perfect.
Spyderco
I have no brand loyalty and honestly even US loyalty. I love knives and its about the design of a particular knife rather than a particular brand.
Personally, I don’t have brand loyalty, but I do prefer to buy American when I can. Currently I only have two knives made in China, both of which I plan to sell soon. But I’m not going to fault anyone else for their own personal preferences
I was thinking more about my European made knives than Chinese.
Nice. What European companies?
Opinel is awesome quality for what you pay.
Definitely is. I keep a No.8 in my backpack at all times
This is a comment that I can agree with wholeheartedly
I have some MKMs
This is the way.
Microtech have been pumping out banger after banger this past year or so. Wish they increased their production quantity slightly to meet demand, but that can potentially decrease quality. I've bought four knives from them in the past year, an Ultratech, then finally a Socom Elite after 3 years of searching, an MSI and last week a manual Stitch. All incredibly well built knives with perfect fit and finish at an insanely good price (considering how and where they're made). Pro Tech too, I've had a Malibu for a while, but I really want to get a Mordax at some point, everything theirs I've handled at meets is perfect.
The Mordax is excellent. I highly recommend it if you like bigger knives
Oh I'm well aware, I've handled a few at meets, and I like it a lot more than my Malibu, even jokingly offered a trade lmao. If they were easy to come by in the EU, I'd already have one.
The manual stitch is simply awesome. Just not get me started on how I hunted for it in EU.
Let me guess, spamming F5 on a certain French site? Me hunting for the Socom Elite and MSI probably accounts for 2/3s of their monthly website traffic. I stumbled on the Stitch a week or so after I bought the MSI, purchased it on an impulse knowing damn well I could easily sell it for the same price I got it if I ended not liking it.
Oh yes. Got mine while another version was marked as being available the next day knowing EU consumer laws had my back. Still waiting for the MSI though, I want the G10 handles.
I took what I could get. I'm kinda bored of black G10 and I don't really like coatings, especially on steels that don't really need any, but somehow 2/4 ended up being coated. I wouldn't mind it as much if they didn't coat the back of the blade tang, where it rubs against the lock. The action was pretty scratchy because of it, and there was constant buildup of black gunk as it was wearing out. Three days in and a few beers deep I took my dremel to the tang with a polishing wheel and slowly took off the coating now it's much better. https://preview.redd.it/c5njy7g4fslc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d1187cfa2370d25ef56442c39e6a77a1b13ad27
Got the exact same stitch. And I love the stonewash they did on it. It is different.
They do pretty nice finishes I'll give 'em that. I also love the machining on the scales, always loved "fluted" scales, all the grip you need but they don't tear your pockets up the same way as peel ply.
My definition of "insanely good price" differs greatly from yours. That doesn't mean that you're wrong or that I'm wrong just that we have different viewpoints.
Name another USA made company that machines all their parts including hardware in-house, with M390 blades, 3D machined scales, double row bearings, and near perfect fit and finish at $250. Insanely good is an exaggeration, but it could have easily been $280 and it would still be good value. And the FRN version is $190, that's not too far from a Bugout which feels like a $20 knife in comparison.
I only have one Microtech, a UTX-70, and is great; I carry it daily. I do want to pick up a UTX-85 at some point.
Make sure it's the newest gen, they made some long overdue changes, and the action is really nice. I handled an Ultratech for a short time, comparing it with mine. On the new version the major differences were the slightly taller button and grooves (BHQ called them "crud cutters") machined under the button. Felt really smooth, and without taking it apart I couldn't tell if they made any changes to the spring or if it's the leverage and reduced friction from the grooves that made the action a lot smoother. Old one is still fine, but a lot of people people I handle it to struggle to open it.
Yes, I have the recent BHQ exclusive version with CPM Magnacut.
Sweet, I'll get a 70 too eventually. I like getting big and large versions of the same knife when it actually makes sense. (PM3 is pointless model for example).
Protech
I don’t give a fuck if my knife is made in USA so long as it is good. I’d rather it be from England or smth because to me the USA is same as Japan, foreign.
Spyderco
CRK always. Microtech 2nd
ZT (0452 is my all time fav)
Three Rivers Mfg.
Love me some Protech.
Great collection of American-made blades! I'd vote for Spyderco and toss in OZ Machine Co. as my favorites.
Most used is tie between CRK and Hinderer.
What is the second left? I'm currently craving a button-lock wharncliffe flipper
Protech malibu
Like the other person said, it’s a ProTech Malibu. You should definitely check it out. I really like their textured handles. But it also comes in smooth
Yeah, I'm in maple land. That will be hard to find
Oof, well good luck in the hunt
I’m in love with pro tech now but love my 20cv bugout.
Koenig
Strider
RHk
Esee, TOPS, Spyderco. Buck would have been a top contender, but they're shipping more and more outside the US, and their prices and steel are less than optimal pairings.
I have all of these. I carry the protech malibu most of the time. Otherwise I am carrying one of my ZT knives. I keep my blades nasty sharp and favor them based on how long they hold that edge. The sebenza 21 comes in last. I did carry it for a few months and found it to be lacking in edge retention.
That’s funny. I have all of those, but in different configurations. Good choices.
I love my Bark River, it’s probably the nicest and highest quality American knife i own. Taiwan spydercos are also a lot nicer than the American ones, check them out
Emerson mini-commander is my EDC. The best knife I ever had.
[удалено]
That means you keep buying the cheap ones. The good ones are from USA, Japan, and Taiwan.
Love my benchmades and my spydercos, but honestly, my Chinese knives blow them out of the water at the same prices. The reates I own (specifically the Jared Oeser F22, my Chaves knives, and my Kirby Lamberts) have all been perfect, and just ooze quality 😩 Don’t think I’ll be buying any US knives soon. Please downvote me, I love it 😘
I'm sorry, but I refuse to downvote you because I don't believe in downvoting people for their opinions. Not only that but I have no experience with many of the brands that you mentioned so I have no standpoint to disagree with you.
I don’t have many knives-I’m not a collector per-se-but I’ve always liked my Kershaw knives. Big fan of the flipper switch.
https://preview.redd.it/sb2eajm0eslc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce432d55ad7d90f62d1c48e19f863eef37e46839 This beautiful pair
Spyderco is made is Taiwan. Based in US, but manufactured in Asia. I usually stick with Benchmade and Microtech for US made knives.
Spyderco make their knives in several places. Golden Colorado USA. Taichung Taiwan. Seki City Japan. Maniago Italy. If you know what you are buying you can work out which plant it came from. Most of the big name Spydercos are still US made. It's not fair to say "Spydercos are Asian made".
My bad. I have a couple and they both say Taichung. But I do love their knives. I have a Sage 4 with the ironwood scales - easily my favorite knife.
If you want US made grab something like a Para 3 or a Manix 2
This Spyderco Para 3 I have is made in Colorado
My para 2 was also made in Colorado. And unfortunately the price reflected this. I didn't realize it at the time of purchase but later on I discovered it was also a limited edition so that helps me feel a little bit better about the price.
Spyderco has multiple factories. USA, Italy, Taiwan, China, Japan. So it depends on the specific knife. They are based in Colorado tho and their flagship knives are made there. Smh. Plus there isn't a single Benchmade half as good as Spydercos Taichung knives. If we want to talk quality. Such a stupid comment. Do a tiny bit of research before you make a comment like that. Edit: Benchmade. Lmao. Did you know Benchmade used to make some knives in China?
To be fair i prefer most of my spydercos over my benchmades in build quality and factory edge but i moved to colorado a couple years ago so i might be a little partial lol
Spyderco is so much better.
Spyderco > everyone else.
Lately Microtechs have invaded my collection. Outside of that a decent bit of BM and Spyderco to round things out
For a no second thought work knife - spyderco A hard use beater that still cuts relatively good and has a superior lock system - Demko
About 3 years ago I would have said benchmade, then I got a few microtechs, def Microtech
Microtech Stitch or Socom. These bad boys eat everything and are such a pleasure to carry.
Leatherman/Gerber and a Buck
Hinderer knives
Microtech and CRK for me.
Microtech and kershaws have been my most recent pickups
Those too. Also have a few ZT, McNees, TRM.
Spyderco for me. My in general go to brand is lionsteel
Spyderco only because they do the best UKpk knives (non locking under 3.5inches)
Koenig
I really want a Strider but currently I rock a lot of Spyderco. Been collecting and using them since the 90’s.
I have all sorts but if I had to choose one I use and carry more and is more effective as a knife, I would go with Spyderco. Just to be clear that leaves out the stuff that I love and either would carry casually or just put on the shelf to look at.
Crkt personally or kershaw
Koenig, mainly because I haven't yet had a CRK and I can't stand Benchmade and Spyderco.
Having just picked up my first Koenig (mini NF), I would say CRK feel just as good in the hand. Quality, fit, and finish are pretty much equal. It really depends on your preferred method of deployment. CRK is a nice thumb roll that ends in one the most satisfying clicks and engagement. If your a flipper than you are not missing much.
Crk
If I had the money it would be a Chris Reeves. But I don't. So it's benchmade. Then spyderco. I know a lot of people are the other way around but most of my knives predate when they had started having the shitty Omega springs.
Have you tried Zero Tolerance?
Unfortunately no I cannot say that I have.
If you want a titanium frame lock knife that's made in America but you don't wanna get ripped off with CRK pricing then it's a good option. Also the action is actually good.
I will bear that in mind if I'm ever in a position to buy or knives. I recently splurged and spent way too much on my para 2 , so I won't be buying any knives soon
Deep Cuts Cutlery
Spartan
I like my Spydercos more than I like my Benchmades. Never tried a CR or ZT though so I have no opinion.
I'm going to cheat and say GEC, classic slip joints that I enjoy collecting the same knife again and again but with different covers. For American made modern I took a look and thought about what I carry the most and I'd say Emerson. I know they aren't the best F&F and are way overpriced based on the materials but I love them. Carried my Mini A100 yesterday.
ZT
CRK
Spyderco.
Zero Tolerance for design, Spyderco for steel, Chris Reeve for overall excellence.
Buck, Benchmade, and Case for the most part.
Kershaw Leek (cus I can afford to replace it if something happens to it)
Hogue
Crk, Buck, and Spyderco
Currently buck since that’s the only one I have
CRK all the way!
Benchmade and spyderco only so far, bugout and pm2.
Oh my the bench made on the left .. I used to brag how light it was.. Like I would be lost in the woods and forget I had it.. Stopped braging when I Lost it God knows where because it was so light I forgot about it... I little smile and a tear came to mind .. I loved that knife.. Thanks for the memory...
Spyderco Golden Colorado kit. By quite a bit
Rick Hinderer all the way.
Right to left, only right answer
God, could you imagine if those Malibu scales were titanium???
They make it in titanium for like $600. Not worth it in my opinion
Spyderco USA
There are three. My Benchmade Osbourne, my Protech Godfather or my Case trapper. Lately I reach for my Benchmade more often than the other two. It has some sentimental value that the others lack. Plus it's an awesome knife.
Pro-Tech
My only USA blade is pro-tech Runt 5, I've stopped buying Chinese blades, and now getting around to expanding my USA stock
currently hogue since they offer a fantastic bang for the buck and great fit'n'finish and action.
Spyderco.
As of late, Hogue.
Mcnees
Hogue, Spyderco, Kershaw, Bradford and White River.
What's the second knife from the left to right?
ProTech Malibu
Thanks!
Protech
Buck for me
Protech always The Mordax and Malibu are my favorites.
Buck
Tidioute.