(Part 3) Best products from r/knives

An Amazon registry (I would skip the Kohls cutlery offerings) will limit you somewhat, but there are certainly decent options available. I think your selection of two chef knives, a bread knife, and a paring knife is a good choice. For the most part I'm going to suggest fairly costly knives because, frankly, this isn't /r/culinary.

Chef knives first. Everything I have to say about 8"/210mm knives I would apply to 10"/240mm knives unless I make note.

If you want a hefty Western chef knife, I find Messermeister to be best in show. They take an edge better than other stainless German knives I've owned and they keep it longer. I find the grind and profile to be slightly more modern and workable in the Elite models opposed to the highly popular Wusthof Classic and sundry Henckels lines. The fit and finish on them is on par with Wusthof, which is to say impeccable. Messermeister makes three different handles for its Elite lines and offers the blades in a thinner Stealth version, which I like. Since Messermeister's Amazon offerings are a bit wonky I would highly suggest you look around the site for the style you like. You might even find some other kitchen gadgets you like. If you are interested in a French profile, look at K-Sabatier. A carbon K-Sab is a lot of fun. And though the stainless knives they produce aren't really as magical as their carbons, they're still fine knives.

• Messermeister Oliva Elite Stealth: Olive wood handled. My favorite. Extra classy.
  
• Messermeister San Moritz Elite Stealth: Poly handle option. I don't like it as much as the wood handles, but it's much cheaper as offered here.
  
• Messermeister Meridian Elite: Classic black pakka wood handle. It's classic and black.
  
• K-Sabatier carbon: This knife is king of the hill. Yes, it's a hill out in the middle of nowhere, but it's still a nice knife. This style is timeless, but it's also out of stock.
  
• K-Sabatier stainless: I believe this knife uses the same steel as Wusthof and Henckels with a similar heat treatment. The biggest difference is the profile.
  
  There are many good Japanese companies and makers to consider. These knives will all be lighter and somewhat thinner than almost any Western knife. If you want something functional and somewhat reasonably priced, Suisin, Mac, and Tojiro have some good options. In the next price bracket up, a Kikuichi, a Yoshihiro, a Takayuki, or a Misono fits the bill, though Misono knives have become incredibly inflated in price. If you have a rich Uncle Ed, slip a Takeda into your list. I would definitely consider other knives at these general price ranges, but they're not available on Amazon.
  
  A few budget suggestions:
  
  
• Tojiro DP gyuto: A great knife line. Tojiro's VG-10 heat treatment is on par with if not better than Shun's. If you're used to a heavy 10" knife, a Tojiro DP 270mm wouldn't be out of the question.
  
• 7.25" Mac Chef "chef" knife: This is definitely a gyuto, regardless what it's labeled. I've used it on a restaurant line during service and it is quite durable. It's reasonably priced, which makes it a popular choice in the food industry.
  
• 10" Mac Chef chef knife: Though they're from the same line, this knife has a wholly more substantial feel on the board than the above. It's still light. It's not priced as well as its shorter cousin. This is the knife that opened my eyes to what Japanese knives could be. The knife is available in the 12" length which, like the Tojiro, coming from a full weight Western knife would still be light.
  
• Suisin HC gyuto: A carbon steel knife selection. These knives have good production values and take a great edge. These knives have decent asymmetrical grinds, which is a definite plus for me. Suisin also makes a comparable Inox stainless line that is quite nice.
  
  To find out who really loves you:
  
  
• Takayuki Grand Chef gyuto: To be fair, I have not used this knife. Those who have like it, though they usually consider it a bit overpriced. It's made from AEB-L, which in kitchen knives is my favorite stainless. I would prefer the Suisin HC.
  
• Misono UX10 gyuto: This knife has been around for a few years and it's pretty popular at high end restaurants. It's nice, but it's a bit overpriced for what you get; the steel and grind on it are unremarkable. The fit and finish on it is probably the best you can buy, though.
  
• Yoshihiro gyuto: This knife is again a bit pricey for what you get, but it does at least include a saya. It offers you a crack at a wa handle, which is a slightly different experience. The steel is somewhat softer than I would like.
  
  Rich Uncle Ed special:
  
  
• Takeda 210mm Aogami Super gyuto: It's thin. It's light. It's made by a wizened old master craftsman. It's got a weird grind that does a whole lot of work while cutting something. It's made out of one of the finest carbon steels being produced today. It's... really expensive. Takeda lovers swear by them, but they're much too tall on the board for me.
  
  Unfortunately I didn't spot many knives on Amazon that I have confidence in and feature a Japanese handle. That's a shame because they're a treat.
  
  Unlike my essay on chef knives, I have only one bread knife suggestion, the Mac Superior 270mm bread knife. It's the best Amazon has to offer and one of the best bread knives you can buy. Tojiro makes a clone that sells for less elsewhere if no one gives you one.
  
  Paring knives are a little different. Edge retention and grind are much less important than geometry. I have this Henckels Pro 3" and I like it; the height of the blade is very comfortable. It has no flex, though, so don't expect to use it optimally for boning tasks. I am almost as happy with any Victorinox paring knife. I would suggest you try as many as possible in brick and mortar outlets to figure out what you like.
  
  And finally, storage. A wall mounted magnetic strip is popular. Those made of wood have less chance of scratching or damaging a knife, so they're somewhat preferable, but as long as you pop the knife off tip first you won't damage it. I've used this strip from Winco for the past year at work with no ill effect. A knife block actually is a good storage option if you can find one to fit your collection. The biggest risk is catching the tip when the knife is inserted into the block, but that's not much of a concern if the user is careful. I use a Victorinox block that was a gift at home for most of my house knives. This block is great, I've been told. A drawer insert is another good low space option. I like my Knife Dock for the stuff I want to keep safe. It lets me slip in as many knives as I have space for the handles. This insert from Wusthof is also popular.

You may be surprised, but you're not asking for a lot.

I know there are a lot of enthusiasts here who probably think $100 is pretty cheap, but I've never spent that much on a single knife before.

It's really not that hard to find something that is well made under $100.

Kershaw is a decent company. Most people will be familiar with the Kershaw Skyline. Great knife. I carry it when I want something light weight, slim, and "non threatening" looking. I don't think I've paid over $35 for them in the past.

Spyderco - You either like them or you don't. I've got the Ambitious, and I bought the Tenacious for my dad. Both are pretty nice. I don't think I paid over $35 for either of them.

And while I've never actually carried mine, the Buck 110 is pretty great too. I really like the LOOK of the knife, and straight out of the package they are usually razor sharp. You can usually find these in stores. In the States, I was able to get mine at Walmart, and I've seen them at most other stores that have a hunting/camping section. Depending on if they have the cloth pouch vs. the leather pouch, you will spend probably $30-$50.

CRKT is another company I like. While I don't own ALL of them, their whole M16 line looks pretty solid all across the board.

I've been carrying the M16-13ZLEK for a few years now and it's been great. I also own the M16-14ZSF, the 10KS, 13Z...and something else, I can't remember. All of them have great build quality, it's just a matter of choosing size, form factor, and materials.

If you watch Amazon, sometimes you can get crazy deals on these. The 14ZSF was briefly going for like $28 or something a few months ago. I think I paid $45 when I got mine. Their larger size knives tend to hover between $45 and $50. Some of the smaller ones between $25 and $35. Again, Amazon has really surprised me on pricing from time to time.

I will say though, that due to their strange grind, they can be tricky to sharpen. While I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, I'd recommend someone who is newer to knives/maintenance to get something with a more traditional edge.

If I were to buy one for a beginner, I'd buy the Kershaw Skyline. Practice sharpening in your older knives before you try on anything new you buy, and also don't hesitate to keep carrying/using junkers until you are used to sharpening them.

I have been using one of these for years to sharpen my knives.

https://www.amazon.com/Smiths-DCS4-4-Inch-Diamond-Sharpening/dp/B00009YV6L/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495579258&sr=8-1&keywords=+Smith%27s+Diamond+Sharpening+Stones

Watch a bunch of Youtube videos to get the technique down. Once you get the hang of it you'll get your knives hair shaving sharp. And then you'll have bald arms.

Sorry for the wall of text - and good luck with your purchase.

I personally use a KME and a Strop. But I'd recommend getting one of those Lansky Sharpeners with the Deluxe Diamond stones. It's similar enough to a KME; with limited angle choice but 30 25 20 and 17 are good enough IMHO. It runs for only $56 on amazon compared to the KME $180.

I'd also recommend grabbing the Ultra Fine hone on amazon for an extra $9 so you can put a nicer finish on your edges.

Lastly you'll need a strop. You can find one around on the internet or on /r/KnifeSwap occasionally, which is where I found mine. There's a user there that actually makes them by hand and includes compounds with the strop if you're ever lucky enough to grab one from there. But the best alternative is (again on amazon) the Knives Plus Strop Block. It comes preloaded with compound, and a lot of compound, and I've heard nice things about it. It's only $29, or you can go on the Knives Plus website and grab it for $23, but I think its worth the extra six bucks to get free/fast shipping, and have it all come in on the same day/in the same box as everything else.

Hope this helped! :)

In that case I was also thinking for a budget of $200 you could get him a nice fixed blade and a nice folding pocket knife. Without more details you may have to just go with your gut feeling on a couple of the more popular brands mentioned since they rarely fail to please. Fallkniven, Benchmade, Bark River, Buck..

The Buck 110 is always a well received pocket knife and I would happily receive any of their fixed hunting knives.

I've also read that Morakniv makes a great all around blade even for working with game. I love all the Mora's I own and the best thing about them is the price. You could add one of those in for only an extra 15 bucks and it may end up being a really well used knife he likes and can beat up using it for things he may not want to do with his nice pretty knife his wife got him. Just a possible thought there if you can't land that perfect single knife for him. A nice little folder, solid fixed blade that will last and he can admire, and an all around utility knife covering all 3 bases.

For that budget my choice would be the Bark River Bravo 1.

It's a great knife with an awesome steel that would look and feel great both as a display piece and as a true user for hunting/camping. Anyone who enjoys a blade would appreciate a gift like that.

I would also consider engraving it to make it a special gift for your friend.

Okay so first we would have to know about the knives you will be using such as what is their Hardness(HRC)? We would also need to know at what angle are you going to sharpen your knife at and where (at work or home)? Traditionally western knives were around 20 degrees but recently thanks to higher HRC knives, angles have been reduced to around 15 degrees to obtain a higher sharpness that is often found in Eastern knives.

1. For Honing steels I would recommend a ceramic honing rod instead as they work better for knives at a higher HRC. Just use it at your knives angle and wash after use.
   
2. A cheaper alternative for a sharpener could be the Worksharp Ken Onion edition which should sharpen knives from 15-30 degrees and has multiple grit belts which includes polishing belts. Watch some videos as there are many on YouTube for this sharpener. The only downside I see to it is that you probably can't use it at work.
   
3. The learning curve of a whetstones is much higher (weeks to months) and is pretty much essential if you are sharpening single bevel sushi knifes such as a Yanagiba. Regardless if you can master this method you can sharpen pretty much any knife to a mirror polish and the total cost would be about $150 for all three stones. Cerax 320 , Cerax 1000, and Suehio Rika pro 5000 to give you a mist like polish.
   
   ​
   
   As for the F. Dick RS 150...I have never heard of this brand (F. Dick) but from what I can see the RS 150 Has a diamond and ceramic grinding wheels which should be able to sharpen knifes at high hardness and from what I can tell the ceramic hone is probably 1000 grit so it would be a basic working edge in term of sharpness. The major benefit of this machine seems to be that it sharpens your knife quickly and consistently at a fine angle (15-17degreees) and I can see its benefit in a working kitchen (it is small and can work on site). The thing that I don't like about it is the lack of information on it. There seems to be no info on the sharpening angle (I assumed based on its design to sharpen eastern knives which are finer) and no info in regards to the wheel grit (I assumed it is around 1000 grit based on a product showing of it) and any reviews on it. Let not forget the price ($1000+ wow), but it is for a professional kitchen so I suppose that is normal.
   
   ​
   
   If you get the lansky system you are going to sharpen the knives when you are at home. They can take some time to sharpen but you can achieve that mirror polish if you buy the ceramic stones (1000 + 2000grit) and a strop.
   
   The Lansky Diamond system ($67) is a great place to start as it has 70/120/280/600 grits but you also have to purchase the C clamp stand ($15 and you do need it as you will get tired holding the thing) and higher grit (1000) ceramic stone ($13) and 2000 grit stone ($12). Leather strops with compound if you want an absolute finish. The only complaint I would have about this system is that the stones are not of the highest quality and stop working as the diamonds fall off. The sharpening guides also are fixed and can be inaccurate depending on how large and wide the blade is. So with everything but the strop you are looking around $120.
   
   You should probably check out the KME Sharpener if you are thinking lansky as it is more flexible in the angle settings. You also have to purchase a base for it as well and all together it should run you about $300.
   
   Also check out the spyderco sharpmaker as it has keyed holes (15 and 20 degrees) for its sharpening stones which makes it pretty simple to do a quick sharpening and honing run but I would only use this for maintaining an edge.
   
   ​
   
   ​
   
   Hopefully others with experience with the RS150 can help but here is a forum regarding a similar product. Also you might want to ask r/AskCulinary if they have any experience with this product.
   
   F. Dick Polish (yes its a product name)

• ~$7-8 Sanrenmu 7010/710 - You can find these at Gearbest for cheap as hell when they have sales but they're absolutely $30 worth of knife
  
• ~$10-20 Opinel no.6-12 - Depends on blade size/steel/handle wood. #6 is under 3in blade if that kind of thing matters.
  
• ~$20 CRKT Drifter
  
• ~$20 Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara2
  
• ~$20-25 Ontario Rat II or Rat I
  
• ~$30 Victorinox Cadet Alox
  
• ~$30 Kershaw Cryo
  
• ~$35 CRKT Ripple
  
• ~$35 Spyderco Persistence
  
• ~$40 Kershaw Skyline - Often on sale in the ~$30 range
  
• ~$40 Kershaw Leek - Same sales as with the Skyline \^^
  
  Honorable Mention: Case knives. Traditional lockbacks. Hard as nails and pretty to boot. True pocket knives. Your grandfather (possibly great grandfather) had one. Good stuff the lot of them. $25-50 will get you a legacy knife that you can carry and use and then pass to your kid.
  
  You don't need to spend $200 to get a quality, durable, reliable knife. I've owned all of these knives at one time or another and loved every one of them. Sure they needed sharpening more often and sometimes something a little more drastic (Sanrenmus are often cheaper to replace than fix) but the value is insane. Plus, lets face facts; we're much more likely to break out our Cadet when we get box duty than our Sebenza.
  
  Knife enthusiasts (brothers) if there's a weighed and measured cheapo that I forgot, let me know.

I think I've helped enough beginners with that little thing on the side bar....

But whatever, I'll play this game and set him up for immediate success and long term success for when he outgrows the old shitty leather belt strop.

Smiths Coarse and Fine 4" diamond stone for 14 bucks- I will personally attest to the quality of this thing, while the fine side is about 750 grit, it does a fantastic job. I own and use this piece of kit daily, works just fine.

Or this Norton Crystalon or whatever coarse and fine stone for as cheap as 10 bucks-I've used this one too to very good effect.

Green buffing paste 3 bucks-Chromium oxide buffing paste, I use the shit sometimes on my buffing wheels and once upon a time on strops. It works fine.

Paddle strop for 10 bucks-Should work just fine, and it's made to be a strop, the leather is tanned to be a strop, and it'll be better for the dude to learn on equipment appropriate for the task, as that's what it was manufactured for and not ghetto rigged.

It depends entirely on what you expect to do with the knife.

Food prep is a common task, which is best done with a small, slender fixed blade knife (folding knives are harder to keep clean - very important with food prep! - and slender blades cut food better than thick blades do). If the food prep knife is carried with the cooking gear, it does not require a belt sheath. A $9 victorinox paring knife is light and strong and would work fine for all but the largest jobs.

A saw or hatchet is far superior to a knife for preparing firewood, if that's going to be necessary.

General woodworking tasks - such as forming tent stakes, or notching wood to build a shelter or something like that - is best done with a thicker, stronger knife. A $20 stainless mora is very hard to beat for these sorts of tasks. If the hatchet/saw are lost, they can help with firewood prep, too.

See /r/Bushcraft for lots of helpful advice and knowledge.

I have a lot of sharpening equipment, collecting it gets to be as much of a hobby as knives. But most of my sharpening is done with these three items:

Smith's Diamond stone

Spyderco Fine Pocket Stone

Stropman HD Compact with green and black compund

The Smiths has a course side and fine side. The coarse is good for re profiling and setting a bevel. The fine side is somewhere in the neighborhood of a brown Spyderco ceramic. It's a good medium grit for prefinishing.

The Spyderco fine stone is a great finishing and honing stone.

And Stropman strops are a really great value and does a great job.

You can't go wrong with the Spyderco Tenacious. Only $35 but it performs like a $100 knife. When I got mine I was very impressed by the quality. The handle has good ergonomics and the blade is a decent steel. It is a great slicer and workhorse!

A good entry-level sharpening kit is the Lansky TurnBox. It was my first sharpening system and it will keep your knife razor sharp. It only has medium and fine grit ceramic rods, but as long as you don't let your knife get too dull you can easily maintain it. There is a slightly more expensive turnbox that has coarse diamond rods that would be better for bringing very dull knives back to life.

For mainly camping get a Cold Steel GI Tanto on Amazon. I usually don't like tango style blades but Cold Steel's has a thick edge that's great for bushcraft while the secondary edge/tip is great for prying and other heavy duty tasks. It is 1055 carbon steel so do clean it after every use. I recommend you modify the grip to something better though, I personally use tennis over grips as they are cheap and amazing.

Or if you want something smaller for both camping and EDC I suggest a Kershaw Skyline

What is your intended use for it? As an EDC knife I think it's not very good. The handle is a bit too thick for my tastes. The hollow grind clip point blade makes it more of a tactical blade. I am not a fan of a combo edge, especially on such a short blade (<6"). Like OldMan said, the 'patent pending' groove on it is pretty crappy too, get a Benchmade Triage if you want a quality cord cutter. The AUS 8 steel, isn't a bad mid-end steel, but for 10$ cheaper than you paid, you could have gotten a Spyderco Endura 4 FFG which has VG-10 steel and has a blade shape TONS better for an EDC blade (can also use a tactical in a pinch). The clip on it, as others say, is pretty awesome. It's one of my favorites.

If nothing else, the Trident does look pretty cool. I'd buy it as a collector just to look at, but I doubt I'd ever use it as an EDC blade.

Morakniv makes some great budget fixed blades, some are quite small and most have a general utilitarian use. Here's a model for less than $17 and these have built a really good reputation for value and hard use.

However, maybe that isn't quite what you're looking for. Maybe you want something thicker, more substantial? Continuing with fixed blades is the ESEE 4P which before shipping is $99. Another option would be the Ontario Knife Company's RAT-7 for currently $63. Being an avid knife collector, I have maybe 150 total knives total. That said, I think if I had only 1 knife to take out with me and feel secure in doing so, the Kabar/Becker BK7 would be it. For ~$78 new on Amazon, it's just a big hunk of steel (1095 steel specifically) that can tear through almost anything you put in front of it from wood to meat to a car door panel lol. I would recommend looking into some customization for it for a couple for reasons. The black plastic handle scales that it comes with are not so great. This can be resolved by using a bike tire inner tube mod OR just grabbing those ~$40 micarta scales that the link suggests below the photos of the knife itself. The sheath is definitely serviceable for your needs, but you may eventually want to upgrade it to a kydex sheath, or even a leather one if you really like leather. Finally, the coating that's on all of the Becker knives has the benefit of protecting the blade very well but the cost is a lot of friction and eventually that coating will wear off and it'll look different. Many modders just strip that coating off and blue or force patina it and frequently oil after use. Or go the other route and spend hours up front polishing it to a mirror polish and now you have a knife that will look really Bowie-ish.

A fixed blade would be perfect. Mora knives are excellent inexpensive knives that are quite commonly used for camping. They make some with wooden handles, composite handles, stainless blades, and carbon blades. My understanding is that their stainless blades don't hold an edge quite as well as their carbon blades, but carbon blades have the disadvantage of being susceptible to rust. So for an outdoor camping application where you're likely to be running around in dirt and mud and rain and lakes and streams and not likely to have a supply of rubbing alcohol, clean cloths, metal polish, and mineral oil, a stainless blade with composite handle would probably serve you best.

On the other hand, Cody London, that hippy dude from Dual Survival pretty much exclusively uses classic Moras with wooden handles and carbon blades. On the other other hand, he also doesn't wear pants or shoes.

Here are a few to look at.

For fixed blade if you are gonna be using the knife for hard use then I would not recommend a folder. I'm more knowledgeable on folders so someone else may find a better choice. If they don't, this is still a very solid choice, I have never had one, but I did have an izula (which is very similar).

For folder I would go with the Ontario rat, they make this is d2 blade steel which would be better and they make a smaller version (rat 2) but any version of this knife you choose will be the best for the money.

Another fixed blade that is similar to picture is this Schrade. Schrade usually isn't the best company but 1095 is definitely a cheap, good steel. With the blade thickness and steel, I would trust this knife any day.

If [this] (https://www.house.com.au/baccarat-id3-3-step-knife-sharpener) is the one your talking about then I would not recommend it. Those kind of sharpener are in general very poor at sharpening your knife and wear out the blade much faster than a regular sharpening system. They function by pinching off chunks of metal and leaving a wavy stressed edge that will dull quickly and require sharpening again.

Instead for a similar price, at least here in the US its a similar price. I would recommend the


[spyderco sharpmaker] (https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Tri-Angle-Sharpmaker-Sharpener-204MF/dp/B000Q9C4AE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519110224&sr=8-1&keywords=sharpmaker)

It holds the ceramic rods at pre set angles but doesnt have only a single angle to it and you can even take out the rods and use them individually or tilt the sharpener to make up for some smaller variations in the factory grind angle.
Also very importantly you can clean the ceramic rods in the sharpmaker awhile in that device you really cant.
The one draw back that the sharpmaker has is that the brown ceramic "Medium" grit rods are very fine and do not do good at sharpening a knife that is very dull (its very slow at it)

Alternatively I would also recommend this


[Lansky diamond ceramic turnbox] (https://www.amazon.com/Lansky-2D2C-Diamond-Ceramic-Four/dp/B008EKY5OA/ref=pd_sbs_200_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B008EKY5OA&pd_rd_r=VYC7T7S4Q80MZ56KR8NA&pd_rd_w=4CqcY&pd_rd_wg=wFmqi&psc=1&refRID=VYC7T7S4Q80MZ56KR8NA)

Its similar to the sharpmaker but cheaper, has shorter ceramic rods which can make it a little less ideal for longer knives like kitchen knives. But it also comes with some diamond rods that are much courser than the rods on the sharpmaker.
The sharpmaker does come with diamond or CBN rods but they cost almost as much as the whole sharpener, though a great addition if you do a lot of dull knives.

Let's have that copypasta fight my copypasta (which is specificly for kitchen knifes):

1. Western or Japanese?
   
2. Stainless or carbon steel? Carbon will rust if left wet and discolor when used (some people, like me, see this as a plus).
   
3. Standard western handle (like seen on a Wusthof) traditional wooden Japanese handle, or Shun/Miyabi hybrid?
   
4. Pinch grip or handle grip? Traditional wooden Japanese handles and hybrids favor a pinch grip.
   
5. Length? 180mm->7.1", 210mm->8.2", 240mm->9.4" (Flexible)
   
6. Use cases? General purpose, deboning or breaking down poultry, only vegetables, etc.? (Chef's knife)
   
7. Care? Honing, paid sharpening service, whetstones?
   
8. Budget? ($50-$200)
   
   Alternatively, just go to /r/chefknives
   
   With that kind of budget you could just get a Tojiro DP or something better like a Masamoto.
   
   Or something really great like a K&S Tanaka.

No problem.

Kershaw Scallion (Small, assisted opening, steel is not so great)

Kershaw Skyline (good size, G10, nice blade shape, steel can get to a crazy level of sharpness)

Kershaw OSO Sweet (pretty cool assisted opener, great price there on amazon)

Spyderco Tenacious (same decent steel on the OSO Sweet and Byrd, good G10, good blade shape, Spyderco quality, great value)

Byrd Cara2 (Great value, overseas production brings prices way down on all Byrd knives)


Here is one above your price range

And one below your price range

If you like kershaw you can get a blur with S30v steel for around 65$ on amazon if you still want a kershaw. I've never been too impresed with them since I find their build quality to be lacking. They seem to have an excessive amount of blade play and use average quality steels in most of their knives. The a premium steel that can hold a razor sharp working edge. The spyderco delica/endura line is also a great knife. They have full flat ground blades that come razor sharp from the factory with absolutlely no blade play. I personally carry a green delica as one of my edc knives. The dragonfly is also great if you want a knife that dissapears on your person. it is a featherweight knife, that cuts and handles like a much larger knife.

If you are looking for a knife that can take an absolutely harsh beating, I would have to reccomend an Ontario RAT 1 or 2 depending on you size preference. They are a bit heavy in hand compared to other knives it size, but perform just as good as any of my spydercos. It is also on the cheaper side at around 25$.

The benchmades are also a good choice, but I would also reccomend the benchmade mini-presidio.

Anyways, I thought I might as well just post some links to them:

S30v Kershaw Blur

Benchmade Mini Presidio

[Benchmade Griptillian] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q9BOF0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2Q6YQ3PL1NNYW&coliid=I1IO3PSF8569TW)

Benchmade Mini Griptillian (I prefer thumb hole openers, but both griptillians also are offered with combo edges and thumb studs.)

Spyderco Dragonfly

Spyderco Delica

Spyderco Endura

Ontario RAT 1

Ontario RAT 2

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Deluxe-5-Stone-Sharpening-System/dp/B000B8IEA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335807629&sr=8-1

finish off with

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Super-Sapphire-Polishing-Hone/dp/B000B8IEB8/ref=pd_sim_sg_2

If you find yourself sharpening a lot of different knives you'll want

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Coarse-Diamond-Accessory-Silver/dp/B001KN3OTK/ref=acc_glance_sg_ai_ps_t_3

it moves the steel faster (for changing the edge the first time) and the stone holds up longer.

Long story short, it gives perfect consistency and has the super fine stones for giving that polished razors edge. It makes sharpening anything UNDER 6" a dream.

For knives LARGER than 6" I use

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/sanders/1-inch-x-30-inch-belt-sander-2485.html

with various ceramic belts from

http://www.trugrit.com/belts1.htm

It's also GREAT for doing convex conversions. Doing a flat grind on a concave edge takes a steady hand or a jig.

Practice on wood and scrap steel. You'll RUIN a blade in a HURRY with those coarse belts.

If the blade gets hot it will burn the steel and you will lose it's hardness. Dip it in cool water, dry with a towel, often. The tip is the most delicate part. Only grind for a second or two, then dip again.

> You sound like you think this is my first knife I have other knives and I like this one also. I don't think I got ripped off. lol it was only 20 bucks and for 20 it is a pretty sturdy well made knife.

-OP

>I've cut down 2 small trees with this knife and went through a whole winter chopping ice from my gutters and shutters. For $20 you will not find as heavy duty a blade as this.

-Comment on this thread

There are several other 20$ knives that are ridiculously great values. And some of them are folders too, meaning the lock mechanism must be constructed right, or they can hurt the user.

Ka Bar Dozier

Byrd Cara Cara 2

If 20$ can give you a well-constructed folder that won't fail on you, 20$ can get you a nice fixed blade with a good heat treat.

Sure it may not have the same edge retention as a Becker or Izula because of the steel used, but keep in mind fixed blades are typically used with more force than folders are. Batoning, chopping off branches, etc, are more reliant on the user's force than the actual sharpness of the blade.

...And it's still a fixed blade. A piece of steel with handles attached. Unlike folders, there's no mechanical parts to fail. This makes it a very strong design in general. Even though it won't have the same fit and finish as a Becker, it will still have more durability than any folder. But you shouldn't be running these things over with 18-wheelers. It's way more than adequate, if you know to respect the thing.

A full tang fixed blade for 20$ is a steal.

the skyline is a great choice.
Spyderco persistance is another great choice. 29$ below.
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Persistence-C136GP-Plain-Knife/dp/B002IWWYS4
Are you primarily just interested in folders? if fixed blade knives appeal to you Becker bk14 is another wonderful knife for 34$
http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-BK14-Becker-Knife-Eskabar/dp/B004CIQY6K

Cheap carbon steel knives I've had my hands on are Glock Field Knife, the Cold Steel GI Tanto, and the Cold Steel Bushman.

The GI Tanto is very heavy and effectively indestructible. My brother in-law describes it as an orc knife. Easy to make a spear out of but not as easy as the bushman. Can be bent 90 degrees laterally and spring back.

The Glock is also indestructable and while not as heavy as the tanto it isnt light either. Very thick spine. Comes with or without a root saw.

The bushman is much lighter and thinner than the other two. Turns into a spear really easily. Can also be bent 90 degrees laterally.

Not saying any of these are the best there is but I have used them all and I couldn't see any of them ever breaking outside of extreme abuse. They're also a fraction of your budget so that's always nice. Don't expect them to be pretty. They're purely utilitarian.

Which "super-fine" Lansky hone should I get to accompany the Deluxe Diamond Set that I purchased, seen here:

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Diamond-Deluxe-Sharpening-System/dp/B000B8L6LS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1452449613&sr=8-3&keywords=lansky

I feel that I would like to get a sharper edge than what I can achieve with this basic set. I was considering between the Ultra fine here:

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Ultra-Sharpening-Yellow-Holder/dp/B000B8L6MC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1452449613&sr=8-11&keywords=lansky

or the Super Sapphie polishing hone

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Super-Sapphire-Polishing-Hone/dp/B000B8IEB8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1452449613&sr=8-5&keywords=lansky

Both of which have been recommended, however I do think the ultra fine is better for sharpening, rather than polishing, no?

How about the cold steel kobun? Aus 8 is a decent steel for the price. If you want something a lot tougher the cold steel GI tanto is probably the best bang for your buck deal you can get on a knife. Just depends on what size and use you are looking for.

Kobun
https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-17T-Kobun-Tanto/dp/B0034JR4EO

GI Tanto
https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y


And give as many specifics as you can about the size you want, what you'll be using it for etc. so we can recommend the best knife we can for you

I would personally stay away from SOG. They are not as bad as some people on here may tell you but they just can't beat Spyderco, Benchmade and Kershaw. I would stick to these 3 brands when starting a collection and if you want you can expand to other companies. For a price range of $80 you might be able to get a Benchmade Griptilian or Mini-Griptilian. Remember that there are a TON of black coated blades out there. There is even a Black Blade Tenacious which is what I am recommending to you.

I wish I was in your position though. I got into knives about 3 months after I got Eagle. If you get the right knife you can be the coolest guy in the troop or even be the 'knife guy'. Anyway feel free to ask any questions.

154cm is pretty good steel, should hold an edge for a while. It's not a supersteel, but pretty close..

Take a look at Lansky's sharpening system. It's pretty inexpensive, but I've used mine for years without any problems. With 154cm you might want to go with the diamond stones. You'll have a complete sharpening kit for around $75

How classic do you want the look to remain / what's your budget?

If you want just a single blade, lionsteel makes good single blade options. Below is an example, granted this is a top of the line model (carbon fiber & m390 steel)

https://www.collectorknives.net/shop/lion-steel-knives/lion-steel-ck01/lion-steel-dom-sheepfoot-jack-black-carbon-fiber-handles-m390-steel-ck0115/


Cheaper and combining classic with new materials you could get a cold steel lucky one. (S35vn steel and carbon fiber)

Two blades:


Cold Steel 54VPM Lucky One https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019RSXA70/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_4MA5Bb4WW30R8


One blade:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F372091336022

the BK14 is a legitimate colab between ESEE and Kabar/Ethan Becker so if you want a knife with the same handle, but a bigger blade, that's your best bet. Also you can buy Orange Zytel scales for it as well if you wanted.

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-BK14-Becker-Knife-Eskabar/dp/B004CIQY6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405386912&sr=8-1&keywords=bk14

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Scales-Handles-Orange/dp/B0073GZSM4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405386912&sr=8-2&keywords=bk14

Tojiro makes great knives for the price- here’s a comp.
https://www.amazon.com/Tojiro-DP-Gyutou-8-2-21cm/dp/B000UAPQGS

I’ve got a few and LOVE them. They’re no shuns, but the difference in price for what you get is remarkable.

Given the job and the terrain I'm imagining this is more of a general-abuse knife (ie, "sharpened pry-bar") than a dedicated cutter. Accordingly, I'd try not to spend a fortune on it.

Though they're not serrated I'd be inclined to get a couple of these (~$26 on Amazon) which are designed to be cheap abusable knives for this situation. If there's lots of prying to be done an interesting option would be to get a Breacher Bar, plus a sheath for it (such as this one but currently out of stock), wrap the handle with paracord and pair it with a decent folding knife (such as the RAT 1) for actual cutting.

Other usual suspects:

http://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Fighting-Utility-Serrated-Sheath/dp/B000BSZDP8

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Short-Tanto-Point-Serrated/dp/B001EIALK6

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Short-Fixed-Blade-Knife/dp/B000JMEWBC/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1334972468&sr=1-5

(NB: with the Ka-bars make sure you get 1095 carbon steel not 440A stainless.)

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Kraton-Handle-Concealex/dp/B000BSY9AS

Or, for something rather smaller maybe an ESEE 3.

Edit: Just remembered the Glock 78 - again it's on the sharpened-pry-bar side of things and sheath and retention are probably better than most of the options above. (It's a proper Glock product and not just some random company that's licensed the name (I'm looking at you, Smith and Wesson) and IIRC is issued in the Austrian forces.) Available in black, olive green, and sand colours. There's also a saw-back version (the Glock 81 IIRC) but I'd recommend against that.

http://www.amazon.com/Tenacious-Black-Blade-Plain-Edge/dp/B007CK1MNU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334068084&sr=8-2 not in your price range but its only 40 dollars and its an amazing value

What are you looking to spend? I have a Tojiro Gyoto and I like it a lot. It has VG-10 steel which works really well and takes a great edge.

I would go with the Kershaw Link its similar to the Cryo 2 but the fit and finnish are better and its a USA made kershaw as opposed to the chinese made Cryo 2. https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1776GRYBW-SpeedSafe-Aluminum-BlackWash/dp/B00TAD2EKM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496982094&sr=8-1&keywords=link+kershaw here is a review of the Link. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NOE9UwSsaxo

Also, I think I've narrowed it down to 3

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009VC9YK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00172A3DE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CZBDF8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Not looking for you to make the decision, but appreciate any insight you might have like the shape, finger groove etc. being good vs problematic for some people or otherwise.

Are you still excluded/special (mil/fire/police/ems)? Gerber has an authentication, I think through idme, and you prefill the auto acknowledgment.

I have a Lansky 5 Stone and purchased a couple extra stones off the recommendation of some people on this sub and it’s pretty damn groovy. It works well and has made everything I’ve put on it shaving sharp. The additional stones are an Extra Coarse Diamond and a Super Sapphire They also have angled stones for serrated sections. I also picked up a few strops off of r/knife_swap from u/jester002100 which he hand crafts and are of utmost fit and finish.

It’s just the name. It’s probably just a finer ceramic. It feels like it does nothing but it turns gray so it’s removing metal and makes the difference between razor sharp and hair splitting sharp

Lansky S2000 Super Sapphire Polishing Hone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B8IEB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lSjaCb240NSWP

The Becker Necker and Izula II are both good knives. the Kabar Eskabar has the Necker's big blade, with the Izula's handle... the best of both worlds.

and it's only $34

If you really do want all of the features that you listed, the Kershaw Barricade is a pretty safe bet. It's very affordable and the look is much more conservative if that's something you're looking for.

The Endura4 looks pretty good! I know this might be a stupid question but what would be the main difference between this and one of the cheaper knives like this Kershaw Emerson?

Is it steel type? Handle materials? Sharpness?

Also, what do you think of the Spyderco Resilience and Tenacious

Another knife to consider is the Kershaw Leek. It's easily one of my favorite knives. It's an assisted open, meaning that when you flip the butt of the blade that protrudes at the top of the knife it flies open.

Blade length: 3"
Closed length: 4"
Steel: Sandvik 13C26 stainless-steel with Tungsten DLC coating
Handle: 410 stainless-steel with Tungsten DLC coating

If you want classy, you can't go wrong with a Case knife.

If you want a hard worker, go for something like an Emmerson knife. If you really want to make him happy, go after one of the Emmerson CQC (close quarter combat) knives.

If you want something he could carry with him every day and fill just about any EDC type use, get him a Spyderco Endura 4. They even come in multiple colors.

I tried to pull a bunch of good knives under $60 for you. $40 generally won't get you something that will last for years, but $60 will.

You might look at CRKT's M16 knives. Or something from SOG. But I generally wouldn't recommend them, as the quality of the blade steel is kinda meh, and the quality control is iffy as they come from china.

Spyderco's Byrd Cara Cara 2 is pretty good. It's my current EDC and its only 18 dollars currently
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Cara2-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B0049AYJP4/ref=pd_sim_sg_5

Just a bit larger, but not by much, the BK 14.
https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-BK14-Becker-Knife-Eskabar/dp/B004CIQY6K
it fits perfect in this sheath.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RIEJA8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Coldsteel GI Tanto. I own it and love it. $25 cant go wrong. http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y

Consider Sypderco's brand of less expensive knives, Byrd. Not quite as high quality materials or construction, but damn good for the price.

For instance, the Byrd Cara Cara 2, Byrd's version of the Spyderco Endura. Excellent starter knife at ~$21 for those looking into Spyderco who aren't convinced about spending $55+ for an Endura.

Lansky diamond hone deluxe kit puts ( for me ) stupid sharp edges on my knives I bought the ceramic stones to go with it and I get a mirror polish everytime...I'll probably upgrade to the KME in the distant future but for now my lansky does just fine and you're not spending $500+ dollars more like $80 - $100 .

• this is the one I have with the 1000grit ceramic and the blue sapphire hone I think it's 2000+ I have this one

Gi Tanto is the Best knife at the price 10/10 http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1415996488&sr=1-1&keywords=cold+steel+gi+tanto

As an avid Becker fan and owner, I have to say that the BK11 was a low point for the Brand.

I recommend going for a BK14 instead.

Sorry, I thought it was "HD" and it's just "Robust". Anyway, I own two and love them.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Craftline-Robust-Carbon-Sheath/dp/B00SROLRDK

I'd suggest you save up a little bit more and get something more worthwhile. A Spyderco Tenacious can be had for $34, for example.

If you are dead set on a $20 knife, atomedge's mention of a Byrd Robin or even a Byrd Cara Cara 2 would be a good place to start.

I got this for christmas. Is it good? Will this suffice for sharpening?

Amazon, $55 if you do the free 6-8 day shipping.

Yes!

Glock KB17281 81 Field Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W32PIK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_x6RNBbWQ0HCE5

$30!

Or Mora (Companion)

Starting at $15

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Military Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_giSNBbDZWQZHH

After following some of those Amazon links, I have come up with a few that I like. If you have a moment, take a look and let me know what you think.

• Kershaw 1776GRYBW
  
• Kershaw Dividend
  
• SOG Twitch II
  
• SOG TWI201-CP
  
  I think I am leaning toward the Dividend or the Twitch II. What do you guys think?

The delica and endura aren't necessarily combo edge, plain edge versions are very popular. Try the Kershaw Leek or other kershaw offerings, all are very sleek.

At that price I think I'd look at Kershaw, maybe a Link or a Blur, but I haven't owned either myself so I can't comment on the action. I have a couple smaller Kershaws that are well made.

OK

or this one, which is quite well reviewed and popular but it's over $30. If you gotta buy me one, i'd prefer this one.

Aww man, your knives deserve to be used. And then they deserve to be sharpened! If you suck at sharpening like I do and don't want to/have time to develop the right angles on a flat stone, try this: https://www.amazon.com/Lansky-2D2C-Diamond-Ceramic-Four/dp/B008EKY5OA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540043212&sr=8-1&keywords=lansky+rod+sharpener

​

Its like 20 bucks, and it takes away the human error. Plus its easier to use than those ones where you have to adjust the angle--the angle is already set, with a choice of 20 or 25 degrees.

Is this the one? Lansky Diamond Ceramic Turn Box TB-2D2C https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008EKY5OA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_USd1DbBJYXB4Z

I think the leek is a much sexier knife in the kershaw line. No plastic in it's construction and an assisted opener. The amazon pic doesn't really do it justice though.

The chill is a damn nice knife that doesn't cost a lot, but sexiest? Not quite.

If it is only for regular maintenance i.e. that the edge is only slightly dull the sharpmaker as is is ok. But if it ever gets really dull or a chip it will take forever and a day with s110v to get the edge back.

A cheaper alternative but with more obtuse angle options that works the same way is available here from lansky https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lansky-Unisexs-4-Rod-Deluxe-Sharpener-Yellow/dp/B000B8FW0E.

And I have just seen there is also a diamond version https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lansky-4-Rod-Diamond-Ceramic-Sharpener/dp/B008EKY5OA/.

Buy from amazon first of all! Found that same tenacious for [$40] (http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Tenacious-Black-Handle-Blade/dp/B007CK1MNU/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370645397&sr=1-2&keywords=spyderco+tenacious) and I saw a clash for $22.

I prefer two different types of knives.
My EDC is a Kershaw Leek
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009VC9YA?pc_redir=1412830846&robot_redir=1

And my camp knife is a Mora.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004ZAIXSC?cache=4ddea882c23be704873c7e83fe4a9622&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1413465404&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

They're both solid and the pair should still come in under budget.

If you're doing hard use on the trail, I'd recommend a fixed blade, not a folder. I'd recommend a kabar bk14 or a bk24. You'd have enough money left over to get the scales for either of them.

Give Spyderco a try, you won't be disappointed. A Tenacious is just under your max budget.

I agree it's a thin knife so it's pretty low profile
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009VC9YK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2/192-0371227-4240206?qid=1452718021&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=kershaw+leek&dpPl=1&dpID=31Lj8DrjepL&ref=plSrch

The Kershaw Black Leek.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009VC9YK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_ano4CbWHPH91T

ok now that i am back home and on my computer not a phone here is what i got

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-LK3DM-Diamond-Standard-System/dp/B000B8JDRC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419717060&sr=8-2&keywords=lansky++diamond+sharpeners

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Super-Sapphire-Polishing-Hone/dp/B000B8IEB8/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_z

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Ultra-Sharpening-Yellow-Holder/dp/B000B8L6MC/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1419717110&sr=8-9&keywords=lansky++diamond+sharpeners

i got these, it was less then 100 dollars and with a couple of strops on a leather belt you will be shaving your arm hair in no time

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B8L6LS/

Can you tell me more about the Tojiro? I was looking at this one http://www.amazon.com/Tojiro-DP-Gyutou-8-2-21cm/dp/B000UAPQGS

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Endura4-Lightweight-Ground-PlainEdge/dp/B003CH77WW

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Cara2-Lightweight-black-PlainEdge/dp/B0049AYJP4/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1510245641&sr=1-1&keywords=spyderco+byrd&dpID=41XM2VunQVL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

What about the Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara2 or SpyderCo Meadowlark? They're a bit cheaper. Any differences between size and design?

Also, what's the difference betwen the Plain Edge and Combo Edge?

I was just coming here to ask if i should get a bk14 or izula.

Has anyone tried both and come to a conclusion?

I was in a similar spot recently, I went for a Condor Bushlore, though it's on the shorter end, though it all depends on what you're looking for. The Becker Bk-14 is another option, and a cheaper alternative to the Izula-II

Bushlore

Becker

Fixed blades

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004TNWD40/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411328955&sr=8-1&keywords=mora

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-80PGTK-Tanto-Carbon/dp/B004H9DO4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411329214&sr=8-1&keywords=cold+steel+knife

Folding knives

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1990-Brawler-Folding-SpeedSafe/dp/B005UE6GRC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411329041&sr=8-2&keywords=kershaw+knife

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-3410-Chill-Pocket-Knife/dp/B002IVHQ5Q/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1411329149&sr=8-17&keywords=kershaw+knife

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004H9DO4Y/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_kCaXDb5J4JZJC

Spyderco Tenacious

LINK

There it is.

Spyderco Tenacious Folding Knife, G-10 Black Handle, Plain Edge, Black Blade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CK1MNU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_fXnRwbCYVBDGJ

$15: [Kershaw Shuffle II] (https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-8750TBLKBW-Shuffle-Folding-BlackWash/dp/B00TUCPWZM)

$40: [Kershaw Leek] (https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Leek-Knife/dp/B00P2LAQ4W)

$65: [Spyderco Delica] (https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Delica4-Lightweight-Ground-PlainEdge/dp/B0052HQPWS)

The knives I linked are all folding locking knives. The shuffle would be harder to sharpen because of the tanto style blade.

For sharpening, most people either get the [Spyderco Sharpmaker] (https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Tri-Angle-Sharpmaker/dp/B004HIZKHE) or the [Lansky Diamond Stone System] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B8L6LS/ref=sxts2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483915806&sr=2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65). If you get the Lansky system, get the pedestal to go with it else your hands will be cramping.

Honestly I suggest getting a knife under $100. Once you get over $100 you start getting into supersteels. Supersteels are hard to sharpen for beginners and if you don't know what you're doing, you're likely to ruin the edge.

You don't need a serrated edge. Most folks here would recommend against it even if you did want to cut rope.

For cleaning and caring, I just put a drop of gun oil on the blade and mechanism. You don't really need to do this though. Unless you see rust or your knife is having trouble opening, you could skip it.

Unless you MUST have red or pink the Becker BK11 (aka Necker) and the Eskabar are just about half the price of the Izula for damn near the same thing.

I have the the cold steel spike its like $20-$30. its a fine knife. im not a huge fan of cold steel but i have no problem with the spike yet. it comes in a couple different blade cuts. Tanto, bowie,tokyo , drop point

if you are willing to go a couple bucks higher id go with the Ka-bar Eskabar. its a little heftier. and i love Ka-bar. it comes incredibly sharp. i almost cut my finger off with it actually.