Please pick your top 5 knives from the list inside and tell us why you like them.

EDC Gear for Flashlight Carriers
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Pick your top 5 knives from this list of 27 and tell us why you like them.
Getting back into cheap knife collecting, I've decided to start with 4 quality Chinese knife manufacturers for now. Unless an item is way outside of its normal price point, I don’t mind paying a few extra dollars from one knife to the next. These knives certainly wont live a life sitting idle. They will be put to good use as working knives so please keep that in mind.
Onward to the knife brothel!
NAVY KNIVES
Navy - K603
Lock Type: liner lock
Blade Length: 3 4/5＂〔98MM〕
Blade Thickness: 1/8＂〔3MM〕
Blade Material: 440C
Blade Hardness: 56-58HRC
Lock Mechanism: Monolock
Overall Length: 8 3/5＂〔220MM〕
Closed Length: 4 9/10＂〔125MM〕

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/299786674-k605-small-pocket-knife-folding-knives-free-ship-wholesalers.html

Navy - K605

Lock Type: liner lock
Blade Length: 3 1/2" (90MM)
Blade Thickness: 1/8" (3MM)
Blade Material: 440C
Blade Hardness: 56-58HRC
Weight: 95G
Overall Length: 7 1/2" (190MM)
Closed Length: 4 1/3" (110MM)

Navy - K501

Clip with stainless Handle Frame Lock
Phosopher bronze bushings for smooth open/close action
Blade Closed: 3 3/8
Blade Open: 5 7/8
Blade Length: 2 1/2
Blade Steel: 440c

http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/601665/209952209-302152018/k905-folding-knives-pocket-knife-blade-stainless-steel-free-ship.html

Navy - K905

Stainless and Micarta handles

Blade Length:3＂
Blade Thickness: 1/8＂
Blade Material: 420
Blade Hardness: 54-56HRC
Weight: 5.4oz
Lock Mechanism: Linerlock

Navy - K705

Overall Length: 7 3/4" (197mm)
Blade Length:3 1/4"" (82mm)
Blade Thickness: 3/20" (4mm)
Blade Material: stainless
Blade Hardness: 52-54HRC

Navy - K606

Blade Length: 4＂〔100MM〕
Blade Thickness: 1/8＂〔3MM〕
Blade Material: 440C
Blade Hardness: 56-58HRC
Weight: 120G
Lock Mechanism: Linerlock
Overall Length: 7 9/10＂〔200MM〕
Closed Length: 4 1/3＂〔110MM〕


Navy - K607

Blade Length: 3 1/8''(80MM)
Blade Thickness: 1/8''(3MM)
Blade Material: 440C
Blade Hardness: 56-58HRC
Weight: 150G
Lock Mechanism: COMPRESSION LOCK
Overall Length: 7 1/10''(180MM)
Closed Length: 4 1/2''(115MM)

http://www.exduct.com/Navy-Knives/K505-Navy-Folding-Knife.html

Navy - K505

closed length: 4" (102mm)

overall length: 7" (178mm)

blade length: 3" (75mm)

blade material: 440c

blade hardness: 56-58HRC

hand material: stainless steel

http://www.exduct.com/Navy-Knives/K506-Navy-Folding-Knife.html

Navy - K506

Stainless handles with belt clip
Blade Length: 2 3/4＂
Blade Thickness: 1/8＂
Blade Material: 440c
Blade Hardness: 56-58HRC
Lock Mechanism: Linerlock
Overall Length:6 1/2＂
Closed Length:3 3/4＂

http://www.navyco.com/eshop_view.asp?id=19

Navy - K631

G10 handles with belt clip
Blade Length: 3 3/4＂
Blade Thickness: 1/8＂
Blade Material: 440c
Blade Hardness: 56-58HRC
Weight: 4.5oz
Lock Mechanism: Backlock
Overall Length:8 1/2"

Closed Length:4 3/4＂

SANMUREN (SRM) KNIVES

SRM - 730

**Actually the same as the knife below this one but with different handles (no tonto style blade)

SRM Folding Knife,730,Total lengh 163mm,Handle Material:stainless steel,Blade width:22.5mm,Blade Length:72mm,Blade thickness:2.4mm, Blade material:8Cr14MoV,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+

SRM - 730

**Actually the same as the knife above this one but with different handles (no tonto style blade)

Product Details:
weight:70 g
size:14.4*6.6*1.6 cm

Sanrenmu MC-962
Product Details

weight:148 g
size:12.2*4*2 cm

Sanrenmu 6-939

weight:120 g
Knife total Length:200mm
Blade length:116mm
Blade Thickness:0.30

Sanrenmu GB-763

weight:80 g
size:14.5*6.6*1.8 cm

http://www.exduct.com/SRM-Knife-Gifts/T01-SRM-Folding-Knife.html

SRM - T01

SRM survival knife has multifunction knife tool, inclues function:Bottle opener, screwdriver, umbrella rope hook knives, glass cutting, belt cutting blade (half-tooth blade),knife total lengh:16.6cm,blade lenght:7.30mm,blade width:2.4mm,blade thickness:0.24mm, Blade material:8Cr14MoV,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+

Sanrenmu - 710

SRM Folding Knife,710,Total lengh 165mm,Handle Material:stainless steel,Blade width:23mm,Blade Length:70mm,Blade thickness:2.4mm, Blade material:8Cr14MoV,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+

Sanrenmu – B710
SRM Folding Knife,B4710,Total lengh 168mm,Handle Material:stainless steel,Blade width:23mm,Blade Length:70mm,Blade thickness:2.4mm,Blade material:8Cr13MoV,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+

Sanrenmu - 723

SRM Folding Knife,723,Total lengh 161mm,Handle Material:stainless steel,Blade width:20mm,Blade Length:63mm,Blade thickness:2.4mm, Blade material:813,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+

Sanrenmu B4723

SRM Folding Knife,B4723,Total lengh 161mm,Handle Material:stainless steel,Blade width:20mm,Blade Length:63mm,Blade thickness:2.4mm,Blade material:813,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+

Sanrenmu - 733

SRM Folding Knife,733,Total lengh 163mm,Handle Material:stainless steel,Blade width:23mm,Blade Length:63mm,Blade thickness:2.5mm, Blade material:8Cr14MoV,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+

Sanrenmu - B4733

SRM Folding Knife,B4733,Total lengh 163mm,Handle Material:titanium plating on stainless steel,Blade width:23mm,Blade Length:63mm,Blade thickness:2.5mm,Blade material:8Cr13Mov,liner lock type,Blade hardness:57HRC+


Sanrenmu - H02

Features:
One-hand ambidextrous function
Skeletonized profile
Slender mirror polished drop point utility
Bronze plated back spacer
Locking mechnism: slip joint
Blade style& opener: drop point utility, ambidextrous thumb-stubs
Blade steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel (56-58HRC)
Handle spec:dual stainless steel liner, mica inlays, bronze plated back spacer
Blade length:68mm
Open:160mm
Close:92mm

SRM - H02

SRM Folding Knife,ALH02,Total lengh 159mm,Handle Material:wooden,Handle length:91mm,handle thickness:10.8mm,Blade width:18mm,Blade Length:62mm,Blade thickness:2.8mm,Blade material:8Cr13Mov,Blade hardness:57HRC+,Handle material: stone wash of light inlaid mica sub-mirror stickers,Lock Type: fool-style opening and closing

GANZO KNIVES

Ganzo - G704

weight:198g
Knife total Length:201mm
Blade length:113mm
Blade Thickness:0.40

BEE KNIVES

Bee – EL01A

weight:160 g
size:21*97*3.5 cm

http://www.exduct.com/Bee-Enlan-Knives/L06-Bee-Folding-Knife.html

Bee – L06

Bee Folding Knife L06,Side liner lock knife,handle length 11CM, full 19CM,8CR13 Blade,Black & Red G10 handle,with clear back clip.


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Reserved

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How in the world could you pick. I didn’t see the Sanrenmu 909 on there. That is my EDC and it is awesome. Big blade, long and deep. Nice big curved G10 scales. Great knife in the hand. I know it wasn’t on the list.
I also have that Ganzo 704. Really nice knife too. I don’t know what kind of guy would be disappointed in that. I have the navy k603 on order so I can’t speak about it yet.
The SRM962 and the Bee EL01A have lots of fans. For a smaller knife the SRM 763 is pretty popular, around here anyhow.
I would encourage you to check out the SRM 909

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SRM / Ganzo / Navy / Bee

ATM Im looking at Bee and SRM , just for the blade steel . 420 and 440 ? so easily cheaped out on ..

But I have the odd good stainless 440 , the rest are so so .

I have too many knives [ can I say that ? ] , anyhow , now Im looking for better steel ...[ than 440 - 420 ]

That first SRM I got , the blade steel looks to be good , Ive been using it as much as possible , and its holding its edge better than most of my cheap 440 blades .

Hopefully the BEE and SRM I ordered will get here soon .

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I don't have any of these knives (yet), but I know which ones I like the looks of and I have researched many of them. I mostly like large/heavy attractive knives with either a flipper, a spydie-hole, or an axis-lock. Also, I like knives with good reviews online. Here are my choices along with a brief description that explains why I like them:

1. Sanrenmu MC-962: Large attractive knife with spydie-hole and axis-lock. I have found many good reviews of this knife online. I ordered a very similar knife from DiscoveryBargain (Enlan EL-02A).

2. Ganzo G704: Extra-large and heavy knife with axis-lock and at least two good reviews online. Ordered from DB.

3. Bee EL-01A: Extra-large flipper with many good reviews online. Ordered from DB, but MIA; got a refund through PayPal.

4. Navy K-506: Heavy flipper with a spydie-hole. I found one good review of this knife online.

5. Navy K-603: Attractive large knife with several spydie-holes.

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1. EL01 (first hand experience bought at ED)

best build quality overall of all SRM and BEE(Enlan), but it is huuuuge and military-style-looking, in my opinion flippers/liner locks are underrated against thumbstuds/axis locks, the opening of this beast is so much smoother and easier compared to my EL02, but beware ... DB has pics of the knife with and without serrations for the same link you posted.

2. SRM 710 silver (first hand experience bought at TD)

Seems to be the knife to get in the 700 series, finally decided that it is better than the 704 and the 736, high hollow grind and thicker frame lock make up for the higher weight, flat uncoated SS handles also make it better pocketable than the G10 ones

3. Navy K631 (highest position on my wish list)

Larger spyderhole, sturdy backlock, as close to a real spydie as you are gonna get. (yeah yeah, I know...)

4. SRM 962 (ordered at DB)

I have high hopes for the ergonomy, like micarta better than G10, thinner blade than the EL02, will be my first Spyderhole knife, still warming up to axis locks, highly a collectible and if you don't like it you can sell it with a little profit on the 'Bay... as it gets harder and harder to get

5. SRM 763 ( no experience. not ordered, might be too small for my taste)

Seems to have the best overall attributes as a small EDC knife. Jekostas and others have written with great passion about it.

General thought: It is hard to make such lists because e.g. the 763 is so different in style, size and purpose to let's say the EL01. I think rankings like this should be within 1 size class (ultra small - under ~150mm /small ~160 mm/ medium ~180mm / large ~200 mm/ extra large - over ~210 mm)

Comparing these knives is like asking: What flashlight should I buy/is better - an ITP A3 or a Solarforce Skyline II....

+1 on the 909, but it seems sold out at ED but it is still listed (expensive) on Ebay

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Would go for the

Navy - K603
Main reason the appeal of a brutal king size foldable knife worthy of a mid 80's cheap action flick with an arrogant bad guy trying to instill fear with it to the guy who will kick his arse moments later...
It has it's mean looking blade which would make almost any customs suspicius to who is buying that thing.
I have a thing for such blades. It also seems decently made. Not a knife to bring at work unless you work for discovery "survival" soap operas.
Do not know the use of such knife, might even be not handy at all but does look good. Why do we buy many flashlights again? It's a shelf queen to me (if no kids around).
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Wow, nice compilation of nice knives. I get all giggly just looking. Smile

I own the 763, 723 and 710 - all great knives. SRM 962 should arrive imminently. If I had to choose one more, it would be the 939 - a different blade profile, looks great for working with food. Big, too. That Ganzo's been on my mind too. That Navy K905 is a cutie.

What others have said about the 909... +1.

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My picks:

Sanrenmu 710 (I own one)

- probably the knife that put Sanrenmu on the "western" map. For six US dollar it is an absolute steel. Good solid feel, a joy to open everytime. Perhaps a little bit heavy for its size. Handle is little small so it is a 3 or 3 1/2 finger knife for most people. B710 is all black (clip and screws), so perhaps a little more "stealthy", especially if you wear black jeans :)

I have been thinking of switching the blades from B710 to 710 and vice versa.

Bee EL-01A (I own one)

- Big, heavy folder. Not for EDC. Once you get a feel for it flip opens everytime. Nice big handle. Potential problem: I don't like the pivot screw, why can't they use standard allen or torx screws, Sanrenmu 962 has similar one..

Navy K631 (on my wishlist for a long time)

- I like the look of this knife. But plain edge is more difficult to find than serrated version.

Sanrenmu 763 (on order)

- Axis lock. Bought it, if only to see how sanrenmu implemented the lock.

Sanrenmu 733 (my wishlist)

- I like the design.

Other reccomendations:

Sanrenmu 603 (I own one)

- mini Sanrenmu. Perfect for keychain carry, seen a cute, not a threat. Has "wood" handle. I call them "Orange peelers" :)

Sanrenmu 738 (I own one)

- I think it looks great, more "classy" look.. Buy it if you don't like 710 or as different option.

Sanrenmu 704 (I own one)

- My EDC knife. I think it is underrated. Longer handle than 710, full grip possible. Tip down or tip up carry an option. Light. Great little folder.

Bee L05-1 (I own one)

- More natural look with "wooden" handle. Big folder.

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Here is a size image for the Navy 603, 604 and 605

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Sanrenmu GB-763 - By far, my favorite EDC. Could easily sell for twice it's $9 price. Perfect size, great functionality, nice grind, and comes fairly sharp. Great item to give as gifts.

Sanrenmu 6-939 - I like the blade design, but not the tip down carry. Thought about ordering one of these on serveral occasions.

Ganzo - G704 - Looks very well built. Pretty sure I have read some good reviews.

Navy - K631 I like the design, reminds me of a Spydie Police model. Didn't know this was available...

Sanrenmu MC-962 - I really like my Micarta EL-02 and seems along the same lines. I am not a fan of liner locks, but really like the Axis lock...

I checked out the SRM site a few times and they show some fixed blades. I have not seen any of them on the dealer sites though??

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When you find a supplier with Sanrenmu fixed blades, let me know.

I have searched everywhere and found none. Sanrenmu will supply direct if you want 600 or so!

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Buy a Benchmade 550 HG griptilian or spyderco resilience/tenacious. Seriously, you won't regret it! It's better to get one high quality knife than 5 Chinese and you will have a benchmark to compare Chinese knives to.

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I'm thinking the manufacturers love threads like this. Thanks for putting together such a nice bunch of images with links.

In the medium size I like my 962 the best, for its build quality, blade shape and spidey hole. It opens very quickly and has done everything I've needed it to.

In the small size I really am fond of the 763. The blade has a nice deep belly, G10 makes it easy to grip and the option to move the clip to the other side all combine to make this my goto edc.

At the top of my wish list is the Navy K631. I haven't been able to find a plain edge one yet. Next on the list are the Navy 607 and 606 in that order. Since getting my 962 I have developed a strong interest in knives with thumb holes instead of thumb studs. They seem to work better for me.

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Don't know about the BM, but the Spydie Resilience/Tenacious/Persistence are all value-line Chinese knives. My Sanrenmus are at least equal in quality to my Persistence.

I like the look of that sheepsfoot blade on the BM 550.

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i second that- they have a couple nice ones- enter the "Agent " http://sanrenmu.com/en/fixed/product/26.php

back to the topic -must haves from above Navy - K631 , Ganzo - G704

close second Sanrenmu MC-962

My current knives:

spyderco delica 4 zdp-189

spyderco tenacious

gerber fast draw

My general features i like : good steel , black or matte blade, tip up carry , axis or lock back even though tenacious is a great liner lock , large handle and grippy -g10 or something like Bi-Directional Texturing on the delica

only if i had infinite tokens >>>

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Titanium-Bolster-Damascus-C11JBBP/dp/B0041OWRPC



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I have in a drawer beside me the following knives:

Spyderco Dragonfly 2 FRN Plain Edge

Spyderco Ladybug Hawkbill VG-10 Sprint Run

Spyderco Ladybug Hawkbill H1

Spyderco Centofante 3

Leatherman E33L

Buck Sirus 297

Kershaw Skyline

Benchmade Aphid (Blue Class version)

CRKT McGinnis Shrimp

I've also owned the following knives:

Spyderco Endura 2 SS

CRKT M16-Z01

CRKT Point Guard

Benchmade Mini Presidio Ultra

Benchmade Barrage

Kershaw OSO Sweet

Kershaw Salvo (known as the Barrage)

Buck Rush

Buck Bantam (smallest version of the 420HC Bantams)

SOG Flash 1

SOG Flash 2

Cold Steel Voyager Medium Clip point

Benchmade Vex

Benchmade Mini-Griptilian 555HG (sheepsfoot with the thumbhole opening)

And you know what? My SanRenMu knives, specifically my 763 and 704, get the most usage out of everything. I DO have knives to compare them to and I understand quite clearly quality in a folding knife, so please keep these sorts of comments to yourself.

Besides, Spyderco's Chinese knives (the Tenacious line and the Byrd models) are all made by SanRenMu, something that was stated by Sal Glesser himself.

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First off, Id like to thank everyone for their time and thoughts in contributing their wealth of knowledge and opinions on the subject. Lets keep it going gentlemen. I almost didn’t post this thread because I was afraid a war would break out amongst us while displaying so many highly regarded inexpensive Chinese imitations of their high quality expensive original counterparts. Since this is a budget forum, I'm going to continue to keep us on topic (and we all do the best job on the net when it comes to this) however, I have read several times that Sanrenmu SRM is manufacturing blades for several expensive very reputable knife brands. I've owned many expensive knives in the past, which I sold (at huge profit) because they were simply to expensive and well finished to use and abuse.
The knives displayed in this thread all have several positive reviews, and most reviewers are absolutely elated to find the very high quality for the price. One only needs to Google Search to find a wealth of information and an overwhelming positive acceptance for the manufacturers being examined here. Most of the smaller knives are less than $10 while only one shown currently exceeds $20 due to its huge popularity (Navy – K631 and its variants). These are delivered prices to your door folks!
After careful consideration and reviewing all your input, I've just now purchased every knife in my post except one. I didn’t buy the Navy K631 because its price is far to high (as a percentage) at the moment to justify its true budget nature. Sure, I could have kicked in the extra $5 to buy it, but then Id be supporting someone else's greed... and then Id feel like a complete hypocrite! Its still in high production and when the demand tapers off, it will drop back to its original reasonable price.
I don’t have a single one of these knives yet, but here are my pics based upon overwhelming positive global reviews and research:
Navy – K631. It’s a highly regarded Spydey knockoff with great reviews. I like the sleek elongated design - which to me, balances art, form and function in a larger folding knife while making an attempt to remain somewhat manageable. I can foresee many situations where this blade design will be useful and comfortable to use. I almost chose the more easily attainable semi-serrated blade, but that would limit its usage for me because I often use my folding knives as cooking implements when afield. I sill think its strange that I bought every knife here accept the one that I liked the most... call me stubborn. Since many of us seem to like it, please post when you see a price drop with delivery for less than $18.
Bee – EL01A. A great looking high quality subdued military style folder that will hopefully prevent me from missing some of the very expensive “tough guy” knives that I used to own. The reviews speak for themselves and they are mostly unanimous. Rugged, well built, holds an edge, can take a lot of abuse, darn good looking, incredible value. I might buy 2 and keep one in the glove box of my car.
Navy – K605. It’s the smallest in the line among its two larger brothers, but at 7.5” (190mm open) its still large enough to make you wonder if you really want to lug it around with you all day long. I also ordered the larger K603, which begins to infringe upon my big folding knife theory of practicality, but avoided the massive K602 (opened 9.5” = 24.13cm). The K605 should be able to take much more punishment than the K631, especially while exerting side loads or applying high torque loads (as in twisting/scraping action), all while maintaining the awesome Spydey look and feel. If not, there’s always the K603 to take up the slack.
Sanrenmu 6-939. I can just see myself cutting up fresh veggies in front of the camp fire with this magnificent beauty. I mean, just look at it! I've long searched for a reasonable quality knife of this design but couldn’t justify the cost until now. People always hover around me (with beer in hand around the camp) while I display a flash of showmanship during the predation of my famous shrimp kabobs. This flashy new “tool of the trade” will only add to the anticipation and appreciation during the preparation process. If I don’t like it, I’ll give it away... and the same can be said of all of these cheap Chinese knives! Gotta love it...
Bee – L06. The looks of this knife are simply elegant and classy while boasting a moderately robust useful blade. The deep and wide hollow grind along the entire cord of the blade length reminds me of several early Buck knives that I used to collect, and they were carried and used more often than any other fixed blades I've owned. I've since mostly gotten away from fixed blades because they are simply to large and draw to much attention to me.
The rest of the knives are still awesome buys and you cant go wrong with any of them (from what I've read hundreds of times). They’ll all be carried in a rotation, just like most of us who carry our knives and flashlights. Years ago, I used my old Chinese knives to learn to throw various unbalanced designs, and not a single one of them survived the abuse. It was that, or I simply throw them all away in the garbage, so they did serve their purpose. They wouldn’t hold an edge for crap, nor could they be sharpened - even under the greatest of care. As in most budget flashlight collecting, it seems to be a great time to be alive for the budget knife-aholic (thanks to the internet and all those who participate). Again, thanks here to our very own Mr. Admin.
I haven't ignored the other great suggestions that many of you made and they are very much appreciated. I’m just a bit overwhelmed at the moment so I need to concentrate on the large amount of samples that I’ll soon receive.
For the purposes of this thread, I don’t mind the caparisons of pricey originals to their Chinese knock-offs, but lets please stay on topic here. You wouldn’t want me to tell you about the original early Gil Hibben knife collection I sold to buy a convertible sports car, would you?... its off topic.
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Just to clarify, did you purchase every knife in your first post in the thread, or every knife in post #17?

20

All in the first thread accept the K631 (still looking for a fair price). Some are duplicates so I have about 30 knives in the mail. Many will be given as gifts after I fiddle with them. I'll post a knife-brothel-photo-shoot once they all arrive.

silly faces...