(Part 3) Top products from r/knifeclub

Okay, where to begin?

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Sharpening a knife is actually a very simple process. The overall goal is for you to maintain an angle throughout the sharpening process while sharpening from course to fine grits (Course = smaller #s and Fine = Higher #s). Often people use cheap knives and sharpeners and learn good habits (maintaining angles) before upgrading to higher tier stones. The issue you have is the you are dealing with a premium steel knife which is much harder, holds an edge longer( needs sharpen less often) and takes more time to sharpen with a majority of sharpening materials. If you are dealing with Elmax steel I would recommend that what ever sharpener you get it should have diamond and ceramic stones as these are harder than the knife material and can cut it efficiently unless you are using some belt or grinder system. Since you are a beginner I would recommend that you use a knife sharpening system as you could have more accidents sharpening the knife free hand. Believe me it sucks when you screw up a knife edge while sharpening and you have to spend way too much time fixing your mistakes so the knife can actually cut. In short I would use a test knife in any sharpener to see how it works properly and after you are more confident use the system you choose. Also some of these might be excessive especially if you only have a few knives. Some of the higher end sharpener are what professionals use in their shop (who knows if you get good enough you can make some money).

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1. The Lansky Diamond system ($67) is a great place to start as it has 70/120/280/600 grits but you also have to purchase the C clamp stand ($15 and you do need it as you will get tired holding the thing) and higher grit (1000) ceramic stone ($13) and 2000 grit stone ($12). Leather strops with compound if you want an absolute finish. The only complaint I would have about this system is that the stones are not of the highest quality and stop working as the diamonds fall off. The sharpening guides also are fixed and you have to use a angle measure (your iphone can use its compass app) or some math (trig) to find the position to get an accurate angle throughout the blade. There is a work around stone holder ($60 )That can use Edgepro stones and is longer (better strokes). So with everything but the strop and the 3rd party holder you are looking around $120. $200 with the upgraded stone holder.
   
2. The KME sharpener is very similar concept except that the angle guide is moveable but I must still stress that the angle needs to verified again. Shabazz also explains this in his review. It also has a nicer case. I think you still need to buy the base for this one as well. Like you said it runs around $300 with every thing.
   
3. at $350-575 there is the wicked edge . Hear great things and it will get the job done faster but it is expensive! You can get a Tormek at that price now.
   
4. If you do not want to spend a ton of time sharpening and don't mind belt grinding the Ken Onion Sharpener ($126) is great. Note: it will create a convex edge and if that is something you want great! Video
   
5. Going off the deeper end we have the Tormek T4 ($400-550 or $700 for the full size) which is essentially a wheel grinder made for edge knives and tools. Considered by many to be the best you can get
   
6. There is also the TSprof ($700) which is essentially a bigger top tier KME sharpener. Video
   
7. If you want a simple top tier diamond system DMT Course Set and Fine Set =$200 total. Note that although expensive. These can be used pretty much for decades provided that you take care of them (use diamond abrasive fluid). You can also use water stones but there are so many out there I do not know which brands and how much you could expect to spend with those.
   
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   Note that I only mentioned the higher end sharpening systems under the assumption that money is no objection and you wanted it to sharpen you knife efficiently but I wanted for you to see what types of systems are available are certain price ranges. If not mentioned above you might need a strop and fine compound to get a mirror edge.
   
   Okay now here are some cheaper systems that are similar to some of those above but cheaper.
   
   
8. 5 gen Sharpener (ebay) ($40). This is like the KME Sharpener but cheaper and you can get 3rd party Diamond Plates set (140/400/1000) cheap ($25)
   
9. Edge Pro clone - cheaper end copy of the Edge pro. I think you can also use the diamond plates as it is around the same size.
   
10. Lulu sharpener ($90) if you can find one... it is a copy of the Wicked Edge. Looks like it also uses the Diamond plates mentioned earlier.
    
    ALSO: get a ceramic honing rod ($20). Often times knives just need honing to get back that razor sharp edge and maintaining it with a rod will prolong your edge and mean you sharpen less.
    
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    Hopefully this has helped you somewhat and sorry it took so long to respond, it just takes time to type all of this out(2hrs! where does the time go?) and cite the products. Personally for me, knives for me a fun hobby and it tends to have a meditative effect on me when I sharpen them. I also hope that you come to enjoy sharpening your knives just as much.
    
    ​
    
    And welcome to sharpening!

Hi! And welcome!

I like the Gayle Bradley 2 in M4, and the BM Valet in M390, but they are both very expensive to start out with. The Shuffle II is kind of crappy - I'd definitely pass on that one. I have no experience with
the Bartender Defeder, but even the XL version looks too small, as is the Rodie. The Delica and Leek are great knives, and would likely be solid options (their ergonomics are better than their handle lengths suggest, especially the Delica). The CRKT M16 is ok, but it's not great (in my opinion). I've never handled CRKT's Endorser, but it looks like a solid choice.

My best suggestion is a RAT 1 in D2. It's 40 bucks and you get a very well-made knife in D2 (semi stain resistant and will hold an edge for a good long time). The AUS-8 version is good, too, but if you're cutting boxes, the D2 option will stay sharp way longer.

As for some other options, here are some good ones from CRKT:

Foresight - It's big and comfy in-hand, but it's expensive for the materials used (aluminum and AUS-8)

Shenanigan - lighter and cheaper than the Foresight, but with the same blade material (AUS-8)

Outrage - aluminum handle and 8Cr13MoV steel (similar to AUS-8, id est, reasonably stainless, decent toughness, ok-ish edge retention), ball bearing pivot (nice and smooth!)

Ripple - aluminum handle, 8Cr13MoV blade, ball bearing pivot

With these suggestions, it may seem like I'm a shill for CRKT, but I'm not. I'm just a fan of Ken Onion's designs and ergonomics. I also like:

Spyderco Endura - very good stainless steel in a lightweight package, with plenty of handle real estate

Byrd Cara Cara 2 - Spyderco's value brand (basically a cheap Endura with 8Cr13MoV steel instead of the excellent blade steel VG-10)

Spyderco Resilience - big and comfy (G-10 scales with 8Cr13Mov steel), and my daily carry at work

Spyderco Manix 2 - light and medium sized (they also make an XL version), with BD-1 (kinda similar to AUS-8, kinda)

Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point - a big knife with lots of grippy G-10 handle space. The CTS XHP steel is the bee's knees, and the Recon 1 is an excellent value, but it may be too expensive as a starting point.

Also, I'm sure some other folks will chime in, too. The guys & gals of /r/knifeclub are pretty knowledgeable and helpful.

Again, my number 1 suggestion is the RAT 1 in D2. It'll be hard to beat interms of construction, ergonomics, and utility.

Happy hunting!

Lol, alright for example:

• Spyderco Delica 4 FFG: For your price range this is going to be the "best" steel you can get in a near 3" folding knife (VG-10). By best I mean the best edge retention in a stainless steel. However, being over 2.5" in some places (Chacago for example) the knife will be illegal. Also, many people do not like the look of the spyderhole as it can be seen as aggressive in office environments. Also the FRN handles, while very strong, have a cheap/plastic feel to them.
  
  
• Spyderco Tenacious: Compared to the Delica, 8CR13MOV is a "worse" stainless steel (not as good edge retention, more prone to chipping during heavy impacts). However, the extra blade length is better for many outdoor tasks (breaking down tree branches). The handle is also G10, which is slightly tougher and has a much better feeling in hand than FRN.
  
  
• Spyderco Centofante 3: A more "gentlemanly" and "office friendly" version of the Delica with a slightly longer blade. Again, VG-10 and FRN.
  
  
• Kershaw Cryo II: Same steel as the tenacious. Metal handles slightly tougher than G10. Flipper action has "cool" factor. The blade grind makes the tip a touch stronger than on the tenacious.
  
  
• Kershaw Skyline: One of the most iconic of Kershaw's knives. Hollow ground blade makes it great at slicing tasks.
  
  
• Esee Izula: Skeletonized fixed blade. 1095 Steel is significantly better than the other steels listed at "chopping" tasks as it is not prone to chipping at all. It is NOT stainless and so the blade has a protective coating over most of it. The steel will require mineral oil/cleaning to prevent rusting.
  
  
• Becker BK 24: Similar to the Esee Izula but D2 steel which has better edge retention and more corrosion resistance than 1095. It is also much harder to sharpen. Many think the BK24's handle is also less comfortable, the sheath is worse, and there are less available after market modifications.
  
  
• Ontario Rat Series (linked the RAT I. RAT 2 similar but smaller): Ontario's version of the tenacious. Bladeshape generally more people friendly. Another very popular beater option.
  
  
• Morakniv Knives (there are MANY, this is just one): Highly regarded in the "bushcraft" community. High carbon steel (similar to 1095) with a scandi-grind which is great for field sharpening and woodworking. Only partial tangs so not advised to use for battoning tasks or chopping.
  
  
• Kershaw OD-2: Gentlemanly knife with great flipping action.
  
  There are a LOT more suggestions I could add...

If you really want a monster sized knife, sure. But I'd definitely get the carbon steel version that some others have suggested as well. It sounds like their quality isn't too bad.

However, I don't know if I'd really want to take something that huge hiking. Maybe SHTF-type hiking I suppose.

A couple of knives that I'd think would be similar priced or less (and have proven reputations) and would slightly more practically fall into the "only 1" category:

• Ka Bar Becker BK2
  
• Ka Bar Becker BK16
  
• Condor Bushlore - there are other Condor models that are great values as well, but might need a little touchup love.
  
• Morakniv - there is even one with a firesteel built into the handle
  
• ESEE 4 (this might be a tad more expensive)
  
• Ka Bar Becker BK7 or BK9 if you really want a huge knife, but I would definitely consider something smaller to piggyback on the sheath.
  
  Good luck regardless!

Well, I prefer a lighter EDC, so i'd recommend the

• Kershaw Skyline
  
  This one is a very nice EDC for most people who use a knife for lighter tasks such as box cutting, opening packages and the like. I would not recommend this for someone who tends to use their knives for "heavier duty" tasks.
  
  
• Kershaw Leek
  
  Pretty much the same recommendation criteria as the Skyline, but this knife is both spring assisted, and has a more "delicate" point.
  
  
• Spyderco Delica
  
  Probably one of the most recommended knives for someone who wants an overall solid EDC at the price point with a lot of versatility and good overall durability. I own one myself, and this one is great for EDC.
  
  
• Ontario RAT 2
  
  The Ontario knife company really hit it out of the park with the RAT series, the Ontario RAT model II is a better choice for EDC over the RAT model I, mainly because the knife is a bit smaller putting it at about 2.75" blade and less "intimidating" for someone who needs for EDC.
  
  
• ESEE Izula
  
  I really like the Izula as a fixed blade EDC knife, it's a fucking tank and you can be sure you can rely on it everywhere, but it does lose some versatility and convenience because it isn't a folder.
  
  --------------------------------------------------
  
  Please keep in mind that these are just my suggestions and reviews, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me anything.
  

Yeah, the Wicked Edge is a really nice system but that $300 price tag just will not be obtainable for me anytime in the near future. I'd imagine the Sharpmaker probably takes around the same amount of time as freehand. Perks to freehanding is that you can really keep the costs low. I know there's a Wicked Edge clone made in China...I may look into that.

edit: Looked into that. You can get a Edge Pro clone for like $30 and simply use the Edge Pro stones on that. Gonna look into that some more! As long as the QC is good, I'm happy. I love my $20 Byrd FFG Cara Cara 2 made in China. That sucker takes a razor edge (and came outta the box with close to one) with no effort at all. That plus good jimping AND a finger choil for $20?!?!?! Sorry...that knife tends to get me a little carried away. I love my po' man's Endura. :)

Said clone if anyone is interested. Seems to have good reviews: http://www.amazon.com/AGPtek%C2%AE-Professional-Kitchen-Sharpener-Fix-angle/dp/B00ABVS5VY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421141893&sr=8-1&keywords=Professional+Kitchen+Knife+Sharpener+System+Fix-angle+Sharpening

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Manix-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B002ECY7XI

One of the best sub $100 knives you will find with great ergos and an excellent steel to boot. Its a strong design that also cuts really well (better slicer geometry than my Izula). If you look around on /r/knife_swap and dont mind waiting you will see them go for anywhere between $70-80 bucks used still in excellent condition. Delicas and Enduras are also great and Sub $100 if you want something that carries more slim than the Manix.

I've just been using this one. It works great for my work knives because I don't need a straight razor for what I do, but I'm afraid to use it with any of my higher end stuff. I probably should be the guy that has one of those, but I always put sharpening on the back burner since I'm not the best with it, at least with my more expensive stuff. That's why I'm excited about the Sharpmaker, it seems like it's waayy more appropriate for touch up stuff. I feel like I'll be a little more comfortable gliding my Umnum over those triangle rods versus grinding away at it with the Lansky stones. That's funny that you mention that because I have thought about that, I have thousands invested in knives and I can't sharpen one of them to hair shaving to save my life, it's almost embarrassing! I'll get there, though, I just have to focus more on it.

Quick suggestions:

CRKT SS Eros ($37 on amazon, neat flipper, light, but tiny)

Spyderco Dragonfly 2 ($48 on amazon, the popular "little big knife" option, comes in other flavors, I prefer the Cat though)

Spyderco Cat ($41 on amazon, often my choice for Chicago or Boston carry, at least when I'm not carrying a Tuff Lite)

. . . and one more that's far superior to the other three in utility, but that is perhaps less easy on the eyes:

Cold Steel Tuff Lite ($29 on amazon)

You should pick up a few high value knives for the money. Here are a few that are worth way more than their price tag:

Mora Companion - this blade is incredibly useful for camp tasks and bushcraft projects, very strong even though it's not full tang (I've never heard of one breaking).

Ontario RAT Model 1 - This is one of the best folders I've used, at any price. For $26 you won't find a better knife.

Utilitac 2 - This knife comes in a ton of different styles, made by Ontario like the RAT, and of equally high quality. These knives are built like tanks, and can take abuse.

Schrade SCHF9 - Unlike the Mora, this knife is a huge chunk of steel. I doubt you could break it with a hammer to be honest, so if you're tastes run towards the bigger camp knife, this is it.

I was in almost the exact same position recently. I had purchased a Flash I and was quite disappointed with it. I decided to give SOG another chance and picked up a Twitch I, since, like you, I enjoy small knives.

First, it's real small. About the size of a Spyderco Ladybug. But unlike that tiny classic, the size of the Flash I works against it: as an assisted flipper, your fingers have very little real estate to activate the flipper action [which by the way is incredibly stiff on mine]. I find it has similar issues when it comes to deactivating the back lock.

Like my Flash, the Twitch came to me with substantial side-to-side blade play, and tightening the pivot does nothing to remove it. It doesn't have the nasty flex that my Flash does, nor does it rattle like a tin can, but in general I find the fit and finish to be similarly cheap.

I would recommend against it, and for my part will not be buying any more SOG products at this point. If you're looking for a good, small flipper at a budget price, check out the Kershaw OD-2.

The spyderhole cutout on the liner makes a pretty good choil. It works better than I thought it would for sure. I do think it'd be nice with a forward choil like other spyderco models but it isn't a dealbreaker for me.

Amazon warehouse had the Techno for $150, so that's roughly two $65 dragonfly zdps. (if you can find a new zdp dfly2 for $50 please lmk!) The amazon new price is $161. My apologies to your wallet ;)

/u/Wpieter reminded me that there are other CRKTs that use the same field strip doodad (which is actually pretty cool, by the way). Check out the HVAS model. It is cheaper than the Homefront and a better design, in my opinion, with a nice thin hollow grind. The steel, 1.4116, is exceptionally stainless. It's the same steel as used on Swiss Army Knives. Does not hold an edge for a long time, but very easy to get razor sharp. If you got a Syderco pocket stone to go with it you'd be in business.

Kershaw OD-2

It's not really a collectors item but it's cheap and small...and pretty good imo.

Yojimbo 2.
-Very good lock

-Very good steel, especially in this price range

-Designed for self defense by personal defense trainer

-Blade shape is very easy to sharpen, practical for every day slicing tasks and, imho still fairly intimidating.

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Yojimbo2-Plain-Knife-Black/dp/B005CPWHPY

The Spyderco Gayle Bradley is in M4, has carbon fiber scales, and is a liner lock. It's on my personal list of "probably get this someday."

The Benchmade 586 mini-Barrage is in M390, is spring assisted, and has an axis lock. If you login, it's $152 shipped- a fantastic price for that supersteel.

The Benchmade 300SN flipper is in 154CM, is a flipper, and has an axis lock. If you login, it's $116 shipped.

The Zero Tolerance 0750 is a hawkbill spring-assist folder based off of a out of production Kershaw. It's in S30V and is a liner lock.

Here is a list of Enzo folders. They are Scandi-ground folders in S30V with liner locks.

The Spydero Caly3 is in ZDP-189 with carbon fiber scales. It's a lockback.

The Spyderco Techno is an incredibly popular knife. It's in CTS-XHP, has a titanium frame, and features a RIL (Reeves Integral Lock)(a type of frame lock).

I'll stop here for now. If you want more, I have more.

Would this be the one you're referring to? It has two medium diamond rods and two fine ceramic rods: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B008EKY5OA

What's the advantage of the diamond rods over the set with two different ceramic rods?

After reading through the comments, you really can't go wrong with either the BM940 or the ZT0450. Also, a cheaper and just as great sharpening set is the Lansky System. All you need to add to it are the Leather and Diamond strops, oh and the Stand.

Okay,
this is a fantastic lubricant

this is a fantastic sharpener

I do not recommend going to Walmart or a general sporting goods store. They hire people who don't specialise in knives ( unless they have a personal interest ) and aren't very aware of better products.

Don't know if they will last a lifetime, but these are awesome. A must have if you disassemble and tinker with knives frequently: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C582AQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's good.

https://www.amazon.ca/Spyderco-Delica-Ground-Plain-Knife/dp/B0089DFGIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521669140&sr=8-1&keywords=delica

Here's the Delica for $90, that is a lot it's definitely worth it.

Nope even more simple!! Haha

Lansky Diamond Ceramic Turn Box TB-2D2C https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008EKY5OA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Uj5EDbS1MD0C9

My fav low cost camp knife Condor Bushlore. The knife is awesome and the leather sheath rivals knives that cost 3x the money.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002CC6BPM?pc_redir=1404826492&robot_redir=1

I would definitely recommend wiping the blades down with oil or some other rust resistant product such as a TufCloth. Probably couldn't hurt to throw a desiccant of some sort into the cabinet/drawer/wherever you store your gear to soak up the moisture out of the air.

Just a heads up that this knife has plummeted almost $20 in price since I picked it out last week. Might be a good time to buy if you're interested. I'm going to have to call in for a refund on the difference!

Spyderco C66PBK3 Centofante III Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BT1GAI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_TkZJub0NBH13T

My wife got me a new EDC organizer to try and help me rotate through the collection a little more frequently. Figured it would be a good time to post an update.

Left, Top Down:

Microtech UTX-85

Berg Blades Iron Pup

A Purvis Progeny

Kershaw Leek

Kershaw Copper Natrix

Honey Badger

Top Center:

Kizer Ti Mini Sheepdog

Right, Top Down:

Nova Blades Mini Gentleman’s Tanto

Sharp By Design Micro Typhoon

Ray Laconico Custom EZC

MBK EZC

Kizer Mini Intrepid

Kizer Ursa Minor

The organizer for anyone interested is This One

I’ve narrowed down the collection a good bit, but I’ve still got some trimming to do. Not sure which to keep and which to put back into the world.

Was it a Pingo?

Was it a Byrd Tern?

Was it a UKPK?

Was it a Dragonfly?

If it was anything but the Tern, It is likely a good deal.

I'm not a big fan of the 0350 so I'm gonna say Link.

Then for a wildcard I'm gonna throw in the Spyderco Manix 2 Black G-10 PlainEdge Knife.

They're all solid picks though, I wouldn't stress too much, you'll be happy with any of them! Open a picture of each knife in a new tab, and flip between them, it'll become obvious quickly which one is calling to you most of all.

Yeah, check it out:

http://camelcamelcamel.com/Spyderco-Yojimbo2-Plain-Knife-Black/product/B005CPWHPY?context=browse

That's the price history on Amazon. As you can see, the last time it was in stock (unfortunately) it was about 110 dollars. Once they restock I would bet on something around that price again. Don't pay the inflated 3rd party price right now.

I just bought one too! I was researching upkeep and it seems like the three big things are:

• Learning how to sharpen on a cheap blade (I bought an Opinel 8 for this)
  
• Protection from rust
  
• Lubrication for folders
  
  With that said, has anyone ever used TUF CLOTH for cleaning and blade maintenance? I bought a fixed blade ESEE and that is what they recommend so I figured I could use it on all blades correct?

I purchased one of these little Spyderco Stones recently and it works great. Very small, portable and inexpensive. I feared free hand sharpening for a long time but it turns out it really isn't that difficult.

What I do is get a Tuf-Cloth and wipe down the blade before you put it away

Some rust prevention tests can be found here and here so you can see what works best.

Whenever I get a new Benchmade I disassemble it and polish the washers and blade tang with a Lanksy leather strop and 0.5 micron temo paste. Polishing the washers and tang make a huge difference.
Lansky Leather Stropping Polishing Hone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008BS0OCM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3t9xxb2NYNDXM
TEMO 0.5 Micon 5gram Diamond Polish Lapping Paste Compound Syringe Final Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HR5PJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6u9xxbSV7G3DE

The Squid uses a "soft" steel so sharpening won't be hard. Dont worry too much about it.

> Lansky Standard Coarse Sharpening System with Fine Hones

The Lansky costs 38 CAD and it should do just fine for a beginner. If you want to get a finer edge further down the line you can always use sandpaper. Tape (Double sided ) it to a flat surface or even the Lansky stones.

I use this with edge pro stones. I will happily buy a legit edge pro when they stop using benchmade pricing. Given the price of edge pro stones (they are priced well, imo) the edge pro apex 4 should cost $100 or less.

Thanks, I'll look it up. Would you happen to be able to provide a link to the specific knife you're referring to?
EDIT: This: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ECY7XI/ref=gno_cart_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER (?)

Here ya go friend

Spyderco Manix2 Translucent Blue FRCP PlainEdge Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051HLOV6/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_4GFkub0ANXMXB

Condor Bushlore
It does have a bit of a micro-bevel but that can easily be sharpened out to a zero grind Scandi.

http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-36291-Screwdriver-Torx-Piece/dp/B002C582AQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417819439&sr=8-1&keywords=wiha+36291

Just above your price range. Really nice though.

I've done freehand and with guides like this. Neither have given me the results I wanted.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006SK18HA/ref=pd_aw_sbs_2?pi=SS115&simLd=1


Much better price.

85https://www.amazon.ca/Spyderco-Delica-Ground-Plain-Knife/dp/B0089DFGIG/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549287248&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=spyderco+delica&dpPl=1&dpID=41s92VXupUL&ref=plSrch


Would you recommend this? Keep in mind its cdn dollars

$85? You must be looking at a ZDP version. Regular VG-10 version is more like $45



Spyderco Dragonfly2 Lightweight Black FRN PlainEdge Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GUL6IA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_kft.wb6CMEN7K

I think Tuf cloths work well with D2. I'm not sure if you would want to cut food with that, but you could always use food grade mineral oil as well.

here bought some like a week or two ago. Just clicked buying options and picked one.

I don't own one, but have been thinking about picking one up for myself. Amazon has a few options.

I'm always fond of the spyderco yojimbo 2

Good video review of it that includes cutting boxes.

I've found amazon spyderco prices can flucuate wildly and the yojimbo is definitely at a high price point right now. I would wait or check out the secondary market as they seem to come up all the time at very reasonable prices (a new one posted on BF today for $85 but may have already sold).

Get these. They're made by Wiha, arguably the best manufacturer of Torx drivers, and it includes a T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, & T15. That set should cover you for just about every knife out there, though I think some manufactures use T12 screws some times, so be wary of that.

Yeah, I'm not sure how reliable various sites' information are. Amazon says it has S30V now, but the picture shows CTS XHP.

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Techno-Titanium-Plain-Knife/dp/B006L6WSIY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478318176&sr=8-1&keywords=spyderco+techno

And this guy received one that has S30V steel.

https://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtopic.php?t=66685

[Manix 2 lightweight with BD1] (https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Manix2-Translucent-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B0051HLOV6?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0) but if your willing to pay just a little more I think the [CPM s110V] (https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-C101PDBL2-Pocket-Folding-8-Inch/dp/B00K3AO6S4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1466916024&sr=8-4&keywords=spyderco+manix+2+lightweight) one is way worth it.

I'm going to guess that you have gotten trapped in terminology again. I think you want a folder for EDC (Every Day Carry). If that is the case, try one of these - they are great knives, and even if you decide you don't like something about it, you have only spent $20 to have gained the knowledge.

If I am wrong and you want a fixed blade, take a look at the Mora offerings (like this one).

Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener 204MF https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q9C4AE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_O6OKljcnF7RVn


Spyderco Double 1 x 5 x 1/4 Stuff Fine/Medium Stone with Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013AVZR8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_KCUoRxrKWtyWa

Mens Dresser Valet - Display Case (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VFHGP6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008EKY5OA/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1517840587&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=lansky+sharpening&dpPl=1&dpID=4129lmMov3L&ref=plSrch

Cold Steel 20MT Mini Tuff Lite Plain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MNAKYM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_kOdQub1G794WP

Ive gotten used to one hans opening but might need 2 hands for some people. Comes in other neon colors too.

Or:

Spyderco Dragonfly2 Lightweight Black FRN PlainEdge Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GUL6IA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_HRdQub0CW8JGJ

Would that be cheaper than just buying their pre-made stropping hone? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008BS0OCM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523934021&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=lansky+hone

Spyderco Double Stuff

Spyderco Manix 2

http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Knife-Tool-8900/dp/B006SK18HA

http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Knife-K240XXP-Swindle/dp/B00BBO7TXU

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Skyline-Knife-Textured-Handle/dp/B001CZBDF8

Amazon

Non Mobile Link

Spyderco Techno Titanium XHP Plain Edge Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006L6WSIY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_s5VXub0EAHAJA

www.amazon.com/Wiha-36291-Screwdriver-Torx-Piece/dp/B002C582AQ/

I defer to /u/atomedge for sharpening expertise, but what has worked for my elmax and s35vn knives is this - I put a micro-bevel (I think that's what its called), over and above the secondary grind. Stays sharp, requires minimal touchup.

Yup. That's the one. There is also a Manix 2 lightweight you could look into. It's a lot lighter due to it having no steel liners. It's cheaper also!

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Manix2-Translucent-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B0051HLOV6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376161674&sr=8-1&keywords=manix+2

Damn $100? Its still less than half of eight of them. I'm still gonna go with the edge pro knock off first.

AGPtek® Professional Kitchen Knife Sharpener System Fix-angle with 4 Stones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ABVS5VY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_JI5aub1T1JK9X

This bullshit.

US $17

Canada $100?!