Replies to This Discussion

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on January 30, 2012 at 18:50

Philip, there's alot to consider before you just up and buy a knife on a few variables. I may have been in your position years back and I know from my purchases the best thing you can do is slow down and study all that is avaliable to you. There's traditional knives, tactical knives, production knives, custom knives, knives with all types of handles and blade materials. The best thing I can tell you is slow down and explore all the different knives they have to offer. Good luck, Rob!

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Permalink Reply by 2ucc0vo9z4f0s on January 30, 2012 at 21:13

Sounds like you are already following Robert's excellent suggestion to take time and do your homework before making a decision.  Spyderco is a great first knife,  or second or fiftieth for that matter.  I own more knives made by that manufacturer than any other in my collection (fifty plus folders).  I don't own the Stretch but it specs out in line with what you have set for your first knife and I imagine you will be very pleased.  Then you can start dreaming about your second knife.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on January 31, 2012 at 19:09

Well said Mike, I hope to hear back from Philip soon on what he decided on. I always enjoy seeing what knives people buy and how they work out for them.

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Permalink Reply by Philip J. Melillo on January 31, 2012 at 19:25

I am purchasing the Spyderco Stretch.  Seems like a lot of knife for $70.00.   Spyderco seems to have a very good reputation and the stretch seems to hit every nail on the head including price point.  Metal liners, ergonomic handle, great blade shape, good functional gimping, Vg-10 steel, it is fairly light, it looks cool and it is under $100.00.  I will put it through its paces of cutting cord, rope, plastic banding and other work related stuff, and in the spring it will see some fishing, hiking and camping.  I will be sure to let everyone know what I think of the knife.  Thanks for the advice and for helping me to gain yet another addictive hobby ha ha ha. 

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Permalink Reply by 2ucc0vo9z4f0s on January 31, 2012 at 21:13

Congratulations Phillip on your first purchase.  I think you will be pleased.  On the value side this appears to be a good choice since at this price point with a knife made in Japan with VG 10 I think you receive value over those Spyderco knives made in China with 8Cr13MoV, although I like my Tenacious very much.

I got so inspired by this conversation that I went out and bought a new knife, a Microtech SF Manual Action, Black Aluminum w/Carbon Fiber Insert, Satin Plain Edge.  We love our knives!

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on January 31, 2012 at 23:14

Philip, you have taken your time and explored all the different brands and knife steels and made a decission on what best suits and appeals to you. Although I'm a traditional style knife lover I know that the tactical knives have a lot too offer the knife user of to day. Good luck with your new knife and please show us a picture of it. You mentioned something about camping, well please come and join us in the outdoor group and tell us about your adventures using your new knife. I love stories about guys and gals from other parts of the land in the outdoors.

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Permalink Reply by Philip J. Melillo on February 2, 2012 at 18:50

I really love the look of traditional knives as I am an old soul trapped in the body of a 39 year old man, but tactical seems like the way to go for me.  I own a contracting company that specializes in commercial demolition and refit so I live a pretty brutal 9 to 5 work/life style.  I need an edc that is more like a tool than an accesory.  That being said...I have been eyeballing some Pumas for my time off EDC knife.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on February 3, 2012 at 17:37

Phillip,

Donnie does remodels alsoand I think he is up to 20 EDC's.  It depends on what he is doing that day what he carries.

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Permalink Reply by Philip J. Melillo on February 16, 2012 at 18:39

So I finally received my Spyderco Stretch in the mail and I have to say that I am impressed.  Fit and finish is very impressive, handle is very ergonomic and fits in my hand like it grew there, the FRN handle is very grippy, the blade deploys very smoothly and with very little effort, the blade locks up very solid with no wiggle whatsoever, and speaking of the blade...it is seriously scary sharp and cuts through phone book pages with very very little effort.  This knife is very light, very easy to hold and wield, and its blade is rediculously sharp.  I will put this knife through is paces over the next few months and keep you all updated.

Cheers.

P.

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Permalink Reply by Philip J. Melillo on February 25, 2012 at 16:39

Ok so after 2 weeks of hard use cutting cord, rope, plastic  banding, cardboard, weather stripping, fabric, tape, paper packaging, and even shaving a little bit of wood, this knife is still shaving sharp.  I am still impressed with this knife and its blade steel.  I can see me getting waaaaayyyyy too into knife collecting.  Next purchase will be a sharpening system.  I have always used a stone and steel, but I may just bite the bullet and get a rod type sharpener. 

Cheers.

P.

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Permalink Reply by 2ucc0vo9z4f0s on February 25, 2012 at 17:29

I'm impressed with your thorough testing and work with this knife.  You are wise to be wary of the collecting "bug".  It can get out of hand and you may find yourself with knives that you really could have done without.  Be as selective with your next purchase as you were with your first and you should have much enjoyment from collecting fine knives.

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Permalink Reply by Philip J. Melillo on February 26, 2012 at 7:13

I'm just one of those quality over quantity guys and if I do anything, I do it right.  I did a lot of research and learned a lot of things about knives that I never knew mattered.  Once I started to learn about steel types and related cutting qualities, I knew I was getting hooked already ha ha ha.  I have always been attracted to weapons and knives in general, and I sort of saw this coming.  I look forward to buying other knives made of a variety of different steel.  I will collect very slowly though.  Can't be cutting in to my pipe budget ha ha ha...another obsessive hobby.

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