happy with a folding knife purchase

quietanswer · 11-10-2000, 08:12 PM

I went to wal mart, and nothing wortwhile. I went to sports authority, and it had nothing I wanted to buy. Everything was too gawky, too clumsy, too big, or it looked and felt the steel came from a butter knife.

At my local Uncle Sam's, I found a knife for $70 that I'm pretty happy with. It's a Kershaw Ken Onion. It's blade length is 3.5 or 3" (haven't measured it yet).. it has a thumb stud for the right handed, and the blade is spring loaded to assist opening. It really flips out easily after you get it past it's rocker.. Also, it has a black pocket clip, so it looks more like a beeper than a knife when it's in the pocket.

I'm pretty happy with it. It sharpens to a nice, hard edge, too..something none of my previous knives has really done to my satisfaction.

One interesting point is that the blade/handle come together in such a way that when opened, the knife has a slight inward curve to it..this becomes spurlike in a reverse grip. It's hard to tell it does this when it's closed however...when closed the knife just looks like it would be straight.

Also, the point isn't too small and pointy. It's got a semi-tanto point, in comparison to the rounded acute angles some knives have.

It uses a crosslock style locking mechanism. It has an adjustable tension screw. All the hardware is mounted with small phillips head screws, so the thumb stud can be adjusted to the left side, and the pocket clip can be replaced if it's damaged.

If I had a complaint, it would be that the plastic in the handle feels a little weak to me.. something that bothers me. But it doesn't seem like total crap, it's just not how i'd have done it.

All in all, I'm very content with it. If it snaps or breaks or fails me somehow, I'll follow this up.

[Edited by quietanswer on 11-10-2000 at 04:15 PM]

sikal · 11-11-2000, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by quietanswer
I went to wal mart, and nothing wortwhile. I went to sports authority, and it had nothing I wanted to buy. Everything was too gawky, too clumsy, too big, or it looked and felt the steel came from a butter knife.

At my local Uncle Sam's, I found a knife for $70 that I'm pretty happy with. It's a Kershaw Ken Onion. It's blade length is 3.5 or 3" (haven't measured it yet).. it has a thumb stud for the right handed, and the blade is spring loaded to assist opening. It really flips out easily after you get it past it's rocker.. Also, it has a black pocket clip, so it looks more like a beeper than a knife when it's in the pocket.

I'm pretty happy with it. It sharpens to a nice, hard edge, too..something none of my previous knives has really done to my satisfaction.

One interesting point is that the blade/handle come together in such a way that when opened, the knife has a slight inward curve to it..this becomes spurlike in a reverse grip. It's hard to tell it does this when it's closed however...when closed the knife just looks like it would be straight.

Also, the point isn't too small and pointy. It's got a semi-tanto point, in comparison to the rounded acute angles some knives have.

It uses a crosslock style locking mechanism. It has an adjustable tension screw. All the hardware is mounted with small phillips head screws, so the thumb stud can be adjusted to the left side, and the pocket clip can be replaced if it's damaged.

If I had a complaint, it would be that the plastic in the handle feels a little weak to me.. something that bothers me. But it doesn't seem like total crap, it's just not how i'd have done it.

All in all, I'm very content with it. If it snaps or breaks or fails me somehow, I'll follow this up.

[Edited by quietanswer on 11-10-2000 at 04:15 PM]

I recently bought a Spyderco Gunting and it's a great blade.

Here's a link:

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-Pro...Spec%3FSP68GP,

Regards, Mike

wong sheung · 11-22-2000, 05:15 AM

I had a Ken Onion Kershaw. I sold it two days after getting it and got a ACFK. I then got the knive I should have gotten all along, the Emmerson Commander. It is the fastest deploying manual knive! By simply drawing it out of your pocket, the blade deploys! Like all Emmerson designs, it is razor sharp. If you like folders, this is the Rolls Royce of folders!

quietanswer · 11-22-2000, 01:18 PM

that does sound nice. my concern with that knife is that it would be ruled as an Automatic..and treated on the same par as a switchblade or an illegally carried firearm..in which case, i'd rather just pack a gun.

i'm even concerned some judge might consider this knife an automatic, as I push on the thumbscrew and some spring helps the knife flip open. any kind of assisted opening concerns me in this way..as I'm not real sure what kind of specs they use to determine whether a blade is automatic or not. I felt safe at first, since i bought it over the counter at an uncle sams..then i realized how unrealistic that thinking was.

(shrug)

wong: did you sell the ken onion because of something that dissatisfied you with the blade? just curious..

wong sheung · 11-22-2000, 03:40 PM

I sold the knife because a police officer friend of mine told me that our state law would classify the knife as a "automatic." As such I thought that it was useless to have other than to show off. He referred me to a shop that sold the commander. I am glad he did.

quietanswer · 11-22-2000, 05:11 PM

damnit.

I bet under missouri state laws it's an automatic as well.

damnit.

armedanddangerous.

Chad W. Getz · 11-22-2000, 09:27 PM

Simply stated:

Any blade that SOMEBODY opens with inertia(like a butterfly), or spring mechanics(sounds like what you said has a spring) it is illegal to carry on your person.

I know folders can be opened with inertia, but they don't fall under this classification when a police officer looks at it. I'm sure with this wonderful justice system, though, that Judge Henry could somehow find it to be. Just as long as it doesn't say "KOMBAT KILLER: Model Assasination" on the blade, you should be alright with most folding knives, Dwayne.

quietanswer · 11-27-2000, 01:58 PM

Damn.

(nonchalantly kicks "CuTHRoaTS: CopSlicer" blade under couch)

guess i'm in the market for a new shank..er..utility blade..

Harley · 12-02-2000, 05:50 AM

yeah, now we're talking my about my topic. yes if it is spring assisted it is a switchblade to the courts. and the commander is a hellofaknife. but it won't matter if it's a commander or a buck if you use it on someone you better be able to back up why, also, if you carry a knife it should not be assuming in manner of design, sure they are cool to show off, but lets face it the "copslicer" is asking for trouble. a simple yet functional design that deploys easily when practiced with is the way to go. that can be almost anything. i can draw my blade pretty quickly but if i was about to be in a fight and he was closeing quickly if would use empty hand measures until i could open my knife. quick draws are not really tactical with a folder, cool but not tactical.
harley

wong sheung · 12-02-2000, 10:30 PM

Good post, Harley. I agree with you, better to use a blad which you can employ skillfully. But all things being equal, speed plays a role. I will continue training, but I also want the most advantage as possible. As far as defending yourself in court, I think a lot of it depends on your states court system. Unfortunately, my state is very liberal.

Harley · 12-03-2000, 03:13 AM

Hello Wong Sheung,
don't get me wrong, from my hands in the "i surrender" position i can draw my blade off my waistband, open it, cover a six foot gap and hit my target in .66 seconds. It's not that i think speed training is unimportant, but too many people choose a blade based on whether it opens smoothly or looks impressive, i feel a good solid,functional design is far more important than a "quick draw" blade, besides, with training as i said before, you can use just about anything.
harley

wong sheung · 12-03-2000, 06:12 AM

I like what you are saying. How do you feel about firearms?

Harley · 12-03-2000, 08:36 AM

the 11th area of training? comfortable! i think that to really be a well rounded martial artist is to work all ranges of combat. that definately includes firearms. they are a realisic and legitimate alternative. is it for everyone? no but nothing is. i think you have to find what your comfortable with. as for me that's a wide variety of items, includeing my 1911 model colt 45. all the way down to the cord i plug this computer in with.
harley

wong sheung · 12-03-2000, 08:30 PM

What brand of 1911 do you have? I was thinking of getting a Wilson KZ-45. Or a Wilson 1996A2. I already have a Sig 220 and a Glock 23 in .40. I love my 870 Marine, seven rounds, bead blasted nickel finish with MMC ghost rings and side saddle. Racking the slide is a definite detterant to any would be attacker.

Harley · 12-03-2000, 10:16 PM

i just have a plain ol' gov. model colt 45. still shoots straight and never gives me problems. i like wilson's stuff, i am friends with his cousin dan wilson, dan is also an accomplished martial artist out of berryville, AR. great guy.

11-10-2000, 08:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
quietanswer Novice Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA Posts: 377	I went to wal mart, and nothing wortwhile. I went to sports authority, and it had nothing I wanted to buy. Everything was too gawky, too clumsy, too big, or it looked and felt the steel came from a butter knife. At my local Uncle Sam's, I found a knife for $70 that I'm pretty happy with. It's a Kershaw Ken Onion. It's blade length is 3.5 or 3" (haven't measured it yet).. it has a thumb stud for the right handed, and the blade is spring loaded to assist opening. It really flips out easily after you get it past it's rocker.. Also, it has a black pocket clip, so it looks more like a beeper than a knife when it's in the pocket. I'm pretty happy with it. It sharpens to a nice, hard edge, too..something none of my previous knives has really done to my satisfaction. One interesting point is that the blade/handle come together in such a way that when opened, the knife has a slight inward curve to it..this becomes spurlike in a reverse grip. It's hard to tell it does this when it's closed however...when closed the knife just looks like it would be straight. Also, the point isn't too small and pointy. It's got a semi-tanto point, in comparison to the rounded acute angles some knives have. It uses a crosslock style locking mechanism. It has an adjustable tension screw. All the hardware is mounted with small phillips head screws, so the thumb stud can be adjusted to the left side, and the pocket clip can be replaced if it's damaged. If I had a complaint, it would be that the plastic in the handle feels a little weak to me.. something that bothers me. But it doesn't seem like total crap, it's just not how i'd have done it. All in all, I'm very content with it. If it snaps or breaks or fails me somehow, I'll follow this up. [Edited by quietanswer on 11-10-2000 at 04:15 PM] __________________ ------------------------------------------------ *St Louis MMA Club for Boxing / Clinch / Grappling Training* *www.stlouistrainingcircle.com*

11-22-2000, 05:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
wong sheung Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Honolulu Posts: 37	knife purchase I had a Ken Onion Kershaw. I sold it two days after getting it and got a ACFK. I then got the knive I should have gotten all along, the Emmerson Commander. It is the fastest deploying manual knive! By simply drawing it out of your pocket, the blade deploys! Like all Emmerson designs, it is razor sharp. If you like folders, this is the Rolls Royce of folders!

11-22-2000, 01:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
quietanswer Novice Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA Posts: 377	that does sound nice. my concern with that knife is that it would be ruled as an Automatic..and treated on the same par as a switchblade or an illegally carried firearm..in which case, i'd rather just pack a gun. i'm even concerned some judge might consider this knife an automatic, as I push on the thumbscrew and some spring helps the knife flip open. any kind of assisted opening concerns me in this way..as I'm not real sure what kind of specs they use to determine whether a blade is automatic or not. I felt safe at first, since i bought it over the counter at an uncle sams..then i realized how unrealistic that thinking was. (shrug) wong: did you sell the ken onion because of something that dissatisfied you with the blade? just curious.. __________________ ------------------------------------------------ *St Louis MMA Club for Boxing / Clinch / Grappling Training* *www.stlouistrainingcircle.com*

11-22-2000, 03:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
wong sheung Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Honolulu Posts: 37	Ken Onion Sale I sold the knife because a police officer friend of mine told me that our state law would classify the knife as a "automatic." As such I thought that it was useless to have other than to show off. He referred me to a shop that sold the commander. I am glad he did.

11-22-2000, 05:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
quietanswer Novice Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA Posts: 377	damnit. I bet under missouri state laws it's an automatic as well. damnit. armedanddangerous. __________________ ------------------------------------------------ *St Louis MMA Club for Boxing / Clinch / Grappling Training* *www.stlouistrainingcircle.com*

11-22-2000, 09:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
Chad W. Getz Advanced Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Honolulu Posts: 509	Simply stated: Any blade that SOMEBODY opens with inertia(like a butterfly), or spring mechanics(sounds like what you said has a spring) it is illegal to carry on your person. I know folders can be opened with inertia, but they don't fall under this classification when a police officer looks at it. I'm sure with this wonderful justice system, though, that Judge Henry could somehow find it to be. Just as long as it doesn't say "KOMBAT KILLER: Model Assasination" on the blade, you should be alright with most folding knives, Dwayne. __________________ Chad W. Getz Full Contact Hawaii - http://www.fullcontacthi.com Stickfighting Digest - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stickfighting The grappling arts imply most fights end up on the ground. The striking arts imply all fights start standing up. The clinching arts imply the clinch can stop the striker from striking, and the grappler from taking it to the ground. The weapon arts imply the they can stop the unarmed man. A complete martial art implies any fight can go anywhere...be ready and able to go everywhere.

11-27-2000, 01:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
quietanswer Novice Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA Posts: 377	Damn. (nonchalantly kicks "CuTHRoaTS: CopSlicer" blade under couch) guess i'm in the market for a new shank..er..utility blade.. __________________ ------------------------------------------------ *St Louis MMA Club for Boxing / Clinch / Grappling Training* *www.stlouistrainingcircle.com*

12-02-2000, 05:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
Harley Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: wichita falls, tx Posts: 150	yeah, now we're talking my about my topic. yes if it is spring assisted it is a switchblade to the courts. and the commander is a hellofaknife. but it won't matter if it's a commander or a buck if you use it on someone you better be able to back up why, also, if you carry a knife it should not be assuming in manner of design, sure they are cool to show off, but lets face it the "copslicer" is asking for trouble. a simple yet functional design that deploys easily when practiced with is the way to go. that can be almost anything. i can draw my blade pretty quickly but if i was about to be in a fight and he was closeing quickly if would use empty hand measures until i could open my knife. quick draws are not really tactical with a folder, cool but not tactical. harley

12-02-2000, 10:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
wong sheung Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Honolulu Posts: 37	Good post, Harley. I agree with you, better to use a blad which you can employ skillfully. But all things being equal, speed plays a role. I will continue training, but I also want the most advantage as possible. As far as defending yourself in court, I think a lot of it depends on your states court system. Unfortunately, my state is very liberal.

12-03-2000, 03:13 AM	#11 (permalink)
Harley Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: wichita falls, tx Posts: 150	Hello Wong Sheung, don't get me wrong, from my hands in the "i surrender" position i can draw my blade off my waistband, open it, cover a six foot gap and hit my target in .66 seconds. It's not that i think speed training is unimportant, but too many people choose a blade based on whether it opens smoothly or looks impressive, i feel a good solid,functional design is far more important than a "quick draw" blade, besides, with training as i said before, you can use just about anything. harley

12-03-2000, 06:12 AM	#12 (permalink)
wong sheung Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Honolulu Posts: 37	I like what you are saying. How do you feel about firearms?

12-03-2000, 08:36 AM	#13 (permalink)
Harley Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: wichita falls, tx Posts: 150	the 11th area of training? comfortable! i think that to really be a well rounded martial artist is to work all ranges of combat. that definately includes firearms. they are a realisic and legitimate alternative. is it for everyone? no but nothing is. i think you have to find what your comfortable with. as for me that's a wide variety of items, includeing my 1911 model colt 45. all the way down to the cord i plug this computer in with. harley

12-03-2000, 08:30 PM	#14 (permalink)
wong sheung Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Honolulu Posts: 37	What brand of 1911 do you have? I was thinking of getting a Wilson KZ-45. Or a Wilson 1996A2. I already have a Sig 220 and a Glock 23 in .40. I love my 870 Marine, seven rounds, bead blasted nickel finish with MMC ghost rings and side saddle. Racking the slide is a definite detterant to any would be attacker.

12-03-2000, 10:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
Harley Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: wichita falls, tx Posts: 150	i just have a plain ol' gov. model colt 45. still shoots straight and never gives me problems. i like wilson's stuff, i am friends with his cousin dan wilson, dan is also an accomplished martial artist out of berryville, AR. great guy.

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