Need advice on folding knife purchase

**ShaulWolf** · 24-04-09, 02:39 AM

Hmmm... I don't suppose a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian is in the picture then? If you go strictly by the definition you gave the only reason it wouldn't be allowed is because of the thumb screw that allows you to open it with one hand AND having a lock on it. But it isn't assisted opening or a knife with a bump on the back of the blade that allows you to flick it open like the CRKT Desert Cruiser.

**outsidelinebacker20** · 24-04-09, 03:20 AM

The definition I gave was paraphrased from the law in German. They obviously are trying to cover a very complex subject with general language. I am thinking an assisted opening knife is just looking for trouble. I bet a cop would only confiscate and not fine me if I had one like you described. They are just trying to give the cops some ability to disarm hoods over here. Are the assisted opening knives even legal in most states back home. Sounds like a switchblade to me.

Good info btw. Just the kind of brainstorming I need from you knife experts to know my options. You can see why I said that I still want all the information and I will decide.

If it were guns, I would know a lot more. Alas, I must defer to the knife gods on this one. Keep it coming please.

Kevin

**Roo** · 24-04-09, 03:24 AM

Wow I guess the laws have really changed since the early 90s. When I lived in Munich as an adolescent I used to love the German knife shops. Bought all kinds of switchblades, butterfly knives, and stilettos. These days I like to buy knives when I travel overseas, but just straight-up blades in the local style. Can't help you with the type of practical knife you are looking for. Good luck!

**ShaulWolf** · 24-04-09, 04:05 AM

The CRKT knife I described is on the long side, just under 4". It's what I carry around normally, but would prefer something at 3.5" personally. It's not assisted opening, but requires you to push on a nub to help open the blade.

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wrf6Krb8AnI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed>

Short video reviewing it. I personally like Benchmade better, but don't have the money right off to get one. Over the summer I plan to get a Benchmade, and will defer to the knife knuts here again on which one to get. I know the Mini-Griptilian can be had for under $60 and are true workhorses of knives.

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jhVqivNAmqM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed>

**rickcharles606** · 24-04-09, 06:33 AM

Cold Steel Voyager, tanto blade. Medium size. Just remove the thumbstud, and you'll have to open the knife with two hands to be legal. However if you hold the knife correctly you can open it instantly with a flip of the wrist! I do, even with a thumbstud.

I've owned so many different types of knives, Benchmade, MOD (which I still LOVE), SOG..and pretty much any other type of knife you can buy, but for my money, Cold Steel is the best value out there. Good blade material, incredibly strong locks, and when it dulls, you can even send it back to them to rework the blade. Never done that, I sharpen all my blades, but hey..it's an option..lol

**lxskllr** · 24-04-09, 06:39 AM

I have a Cold Steel fixed blade, the Mini Culloden. I'm impressed with the quality of the workmanship, they don't make that particular model anymore though.

**ShaulWolf** · 24-04-09, 07:11 AM

I don't think fixed blades are an option for him though. How much do the Cold Steel fixed blades cost, by the way? I've been interested in finding a fixed blade knife as well since the Ka-Bar I have is a bit much, even for camping trips.

**Sal1000us** · 24-04-09, 07:41 AM

I just checked a German blade forum and saw this quote posted by a German knife dealer re/ German knife laws:

Originally posted by GermanKnifeDealer

I have to say that in comparison to many other European countries we´re still very liberal regarding allowed types of knives and carrying them. Every knife which is not considered a weapon or a so called " forbidden item" can be bought and carried without restriction in most places, although every knife or dangerous item can be banned by domestic authority ( station, airports,clubs, bars...) like most every thing too.
Knives considered weapons, are double-edged daggers of any lenght,automatic knives up to 8,5 cm blade lenght and swords.
"forbidden items" are out of the front opening knives, gravity knives, and automatic knives longer then 8,5 cm or automatic knives which are not at least 20% of their lenght broad. ( measured on the middle of said automatic knive) also knuckel-ring-knives, sword-canes and balisongs are strictly forbidden. "forbidden- items" may not be important, bought, possessed or carried in Germany .Knives, only considered weapons, can be bought and carried by any legal adult (18 yrs and older). Weapons can´t be carried on demonstrations, public-events and the like.

I think 8.5 cm is roughly 3.5" so you should be good. It seems like daggers of any length (fixed blades too?)are also forbidden items. I am pretty sure one handed opening knives (assisted opening ) are legal in the states. I ordered a beautiful ultra-slim profile benchmade 530 Pardu yesterday. it is only 1.88 ounces, 3.2" blade, 7.42" overall length and a true beauty.

Frankly, I don't believe there is a better quality folder for the money than Benchmade.

**RobME** · 24-04-09, 09:31 PM

I just went through this same decision-making / buying process. Here's what I settled on..

the top is a SOG Twitch II, and the bottom a Kershaw LEEK. Both are assisted open but aren't classified as switchblades under NYC law. The (larger) Leek is a framelock, has a 3" blade and is 4" closed. The SOG is a lockback . Specs on both are on the web as are reviews and YouTube videos. They both use quality blade steels. The SOG AUS-8, and the Kershaw, Sandvick 13C26. These steels (both) hold an edge well and yet won't take 'forever' to resharpen. These might both be classified as light duty utility knives... good for EDC (every day carry). They're razor sharp out of the box.

Prices on both are affordable, especially on ebay, where you'll probably get your best deal. I also looked into the Benchmade (mini-griptilian) but didn't want to spend for it, and the Spyderco (Delica) but I didn't love the shape.

There are so many brands, sizes, pricepoints and construction materials to choose from that it can be confusing. Just get clear on the use you have for it, and how much you have to spend. Pay attention to the quality of the blade material and stay away from 420/440 grade stainless (these will take a good edge but not hold it very long).

These four models I think are among the best of the low-mid price production knives. Forget about custom. There are a lot of great small utility pocket knives. It's a personal choice

just like which snus you do.

You might look at...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/index.php

http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/fusionbb.php?

Oh, regarding your concerns, I forgot to add...

"The blade can lock if you have to open the knife with two hands."
"The blade can not lock if you can open the knife with one hand."

I'm in NY USA, and I checked my local laws. I even asked a cop on the street about these AO knives. So much is left open to the interpretation of the authorities depending upon the situation. They're not switchblades and they both can be deployed with one hand... but both have locks (be they closed or open) which... theoretically "might" need two-hands to unlock and deploy - though it can be done with one... well... (I think you understand what I mean). I've no intention of being caught in a compromising situation with these knives, so I bought 'em. No worries.

You'll find something to make you happy. Have fun with the process...

Rob

**Sal1000us** · 24-04-09, 10:37 PM

Originally posted by RobME

I just went through this same decision-making / buying process. Here's what I settled on..
the top is a SOG Twitch II, and the bottom a Kershaw LEEK....
Rob

I like those choices and I love the leek because of the one handed opening mechanism (FAST) and also the fact it is so slim/thin. I need your black leek to complete my leek collection

p.s. SOG Twitch I & II are pretty decent light EDCs.

**lxskllr** · 24-04-09, 11:18 PM

Originally posted by Sal1000us

I like those choices and I love the leek because of the one handed opening mechanism (FAST) and also the fact it is so slim/thin. I need your black leek to complete my leek collection

p.s. SOG Twitch I & II are pretty decent light EDCs.

I like the blade shape on your top knife.

**Sal1000us** · 24-04-09, 11:55 PM

Originally posted by lxskllr

I like the blade shape on your top knife.

Thanks, lxskllr. You have a good eye for blades. That one is the only limited eddition leek of the three. It has a tanto point blade and a stonewashed finish (for better grip). Leeks are pretty decent knives coupled with a civilized and non-threatening look. A nice gentelman's folder.

**outsidelinebacker20** · 25-04-09, 02:31 AM

Thanks for all the help you guys. I am reading intently and taking it all in.

Kevin

**rickcharles606** · 25-04-09, 02:34 AM

Here's a link, and watch the video.

http://www.coldsteel.com/gunsiteseries.html

Oh, and as for the fixed blades, I honestly believe they make some of the finest fixed blade knives on the market. The only things is, you have to go with the San Mai steel, it's fantastic.

Need advice on folding knife purchase

Need advice on folding knife purchase

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