What should I look for in a knife?

Question

I'm going to be purchasing a knife soon and want to know what kind of qualities to look for.

(Legality of the blade's length is something I will speak with the seller about.)

As for what kind I'm looking for I want it to be something spring-like, though I know those can be sketchy on exactly what's legal and what's not. I know switchblades are illegal but I also know that certain blades (depending on the mechanics of how the blade is opened) are allowed.

So if 100 dollars is my limit, what kind of things should I ask/look for?

The use is mainly protection.

Hahah, well Bob Shark. Your answer is definitely the most truthful and helpful! We'll see though...

Answer 1

The sharpness of a knife makes no difference. Any cheap knife can be sharpend to shave the hair on your arm. Its the type of metal that the blade is made up of. Look for a knife that has a high carbon content, such as a 200 or 300. I am a faithful follower of "Cold Steel" knives. Check out their website. I have bought Gerber, Buck, Winchester, and just about everyother brand just to be left with a $50 flat tip screwdriver. I have never broke the tip on a Cold steel knife. They stay sharper longer than anyother knife I have owned. I am a firefighter and use mine everyday at work and have had the same knife for goin on 5 years. I garauntee that you will lose the knife before you ever have any problems with it.
www.coldsteel.com

Answer 2

there are very nice knives you can get for a $100.
I'm 15 years old and I've had about 5 or 6 for camping and rock climbing.
What you want to look for is the quality of the blade, not the sharpness. Any knife can be sharpened, so choose one that's strong and WON'T BREAK (especially the tip. You're screwed if you end up with a broken tip).
For something spring-like, there are folding knives. They are like switchblades in the fact that they fold (thus folding knife), but have no spring mechanism.
Columbia River Knife and Tool (www.crkt.com) has many knives that you can check out and see what fits your needs.
I have a knife that I use for camping and it's got the Outburst mechanism, which allows the blade of the knife to burst out about 30 degrees (so it looks like a "V") and then you flip out. It works great if you are in a hurry to get the blade out for some reason. It's almost the same thing as a switchblade.

You also want to look for a nice grip on the knife as well. If you go to the store and check out knives, you should be able to feel a better grip on the better knives (like a nice, strong feeling on the grip).
Another important factor is the locking of the blade. When you have to blade out, you want a good lock to keep it in place so the blade won't close on you and slice a couple fingers.

So here is the quick outline:
- a nice, strong blade that won't break (especially the tip)
- don't focus on the sharpness! (you'll be able to sharpen a dull knife)
- nice grip that's comfortable. (shouldn't feel awkward when holding, but fitting).
- a nice lock on the blade

there are many knives depending what you want to use it for (hunting, sports, self-defense, etc).
If you wanna just get one to show off in front of your friends (like i used to do when i was like 13 lol) just get a crappy knife that looks cool. No need to spend money on something you won't use except looking at.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Most switchblades are considered a concealed weapon when fully hidden in ones pocket .Some state laws state you have to have at least 3 in of knife exposed.But some city's and townships have their own laws.
I have 2 that I have in a glass case just for conversation.
I would pick a knife with these options
1- stainless steel blade or blades.
2- lock-blade
3- good tight action and lock
4- at least 3 1/2 to 4 in. blade.
5- name brand they usually have a guarantee and leather or canvass case

Answer 4

A knife is first and foremost a tool, and if you are looking to utilize one as a self defense weapon, its not the cleverest of plans when you have no idea how to properly use one. Get a can of pepper spray for 15 bucks instead. Mace doesn't kill (liability free) and you don't need to be arms length from an attacker to use it.

Answer 5

I would recommend th Kershaw Ken Onion series knives. Thwy are spring assist and a very high quality knife for $75 to $100

Answer 6

Personally I would go for the combo deal where the knife has both a blade and a handle.

Answer 7

What is it you want to have a knife for???

from your description it is not for hunting.

If you want a "spring Knife" it sounds like you want to carry a concealed weapon.. DON'T DO IT.

You have no experience fighting with knives, so you have 3 senerios..

1. you never take the knife out of your pocket

2. you get mad at someone and stab them in the heat of the moment and go to jail.

3. you pull your knife for protection against a person who has a knife or a gun, and YOU DIE, and he is free for self defense.

Forget about this purchase

Answer 8

If you really want the most informed opinion, go to a hunting store or The House of Knives. The people there are usually very knowledgeable of their products.

Answer 9

Go to budk.com and pick yourself up a cheapo "tactical folder".

Something black, non-reflecting, and has a pebbled finish on it.

They're just as fast to open as a switchblade, are perfectly legal, and are cheap enough so that you can toss it into the sewer or river afterwards if it ever needs to be used.

Answer 10

You should determine your use. This relates to portability, which will determine the size. From there, I would look for steel type, grip quality, and the point type you prefer.