Used straight or round knife on a budget - brands?

[GeneH]

I'm on the hunt for a general purpose knife, probably used, that would be a leap from x-acto or utility blades. The limiting factor is (of course) cost as my budget is really thin. Experience with kitchen and outdoor blades seems I get harder, easier to sharpen non-stainless for the price - seems cheap stainless is just .... mushy.

I don't know brands to look for, or exactly what shape I should get, but am leaning to a single bevel low angle or a round/head knife (the one with less curve and more pointed tips). (Armitage shows how a low angle blade can cut thin leather, but that's all I know) I don't want to use my wood carving knives again - their really thin and took a beating.

Nor do I know how to identify the manufacturing period, if that's a consideration for a particular brand.

So - can you folks give some guidance? I really want to keep under $40, no hurry. A nice stiff, thin, hard but not prone to chipping, blade would be awesome. Don't even care if it's dull as snot - sharpening is my zen time anyway.

Edited March 11, 2019 by GeneH

[bikermutt07]

Check out this guys stuff

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153109324797

This is as close to 40 bucks with some quality you're going to find. Be patient he is out of China. But he makes quality stuff.

[GeneH]

Am I likely to find as good (online) used?  The Osborn’s on eBay now (in the $35 shipped) look  pitted way more than I would like. But that’s just a small sampling. I can wait a month for the right deal to show.

 

 

[GeneH]

1 hour ago, bikermutt07 said:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153109324797

I saw those but had no reference. I like the edge I get sharpening D2 so his looks good. Thanks for the really quick reply!

[Aven]

Thanks for the endorsement Bikermutt.  I've saved his info.  I like his "stainless steel press edge clamp" and his shoe bottom edge skiver.  Actually, I like a lot more than that, but those two just got saved for when I've got a few extra pennies I don't know what to do with.

[bikermutt07]

12 minutes ago, Aven said:

Thanks for the endorsement Bikermutt.  I've saved his info.  I like his "stainless steel press edge clamp" and his shoe bottom edge skiver.  Actually, I like a lot more than that, but those two just got saved for when I've got a few extra pennies I don't know what to do with.

Right now I only have his small pattern knife and 2 more items on the way.

I have not bought one of his round knives, yet. I emphasize YET.

The pattern knife is great.

@GeneH, make sure and check out his other knives. He has a few different head/round knives available.

Kevin Lee ( his name)  has a big following on Instagram and Facebook, but he sells on eBay. He gets great reviews.

[bikermutt07]

1 hour ago, GeneH said:

Am I likely to find as good (online) used?  The Osborn’s on eBay now (in the $35 shipped) look  pitted way more than I would like. But that’s just a small sampling. I can wait a month for the right deal to show.

 

 

Buying used is buying used. When it comes to a knife I avoid used. You never will be able to tell from photos how badly someone wrecked the edge. 

And the newer Osborne's and Tandy knives just don't hold an edge. And, are usually more than 40 dollars. I have owned 2 Stohlman knives and have given both of them away. You might as well keep using a box cutter than to spend money on a blade with Tandy.

 

Edited March 12, 2019 by bikermutt07

[GeneH]

1 hour ago, bikermutt07 said:

You never will be able to tell from photos how badly someone wrecked the edge.

You’re right about that. I’ve only purchased used kitchen knives where it looks like it’s never been sharpened. I wouldn’t be able to tell if it’s been taken to a power sharpener and the edge’s HT is ruined. No fun grinding back to good steel including fixing the shape and bevel. That’s part of the reason I didn’t bid on any of those Osborn’s. 

I get the feeling a clean, good used knife is only going to save about 20 bucks over what Kevin has, if I can find one. No really worth the risk and time. Thanks for the opinion of Tandy and new Osborn’s.

Curious to hear what other opinions are out there.

Edited March 12, 2019 by GeneH

[zuludog]

Two things for you to consider - 

A head knife, aka a half round knife like an Osborne #73

A Japanese leather knife

I use both, and I'm happy enough with them. Once you've got used to the asymmetrical shape the Japanese knife works well

Search the Net for suppliers or Goods Japan; and YouTube for how they're used. JH Leather has a video on sharpening a half round knife, with a short demonstration of its use at the end

[Alisdair]

22 minutes ago, zuludog said:

...

A Japanese leather knife

...

100% agreed on this: if I had to choose only one knife, I'd keep my Japanese  leather knife. It's easy to sharpen and maintain, very precise, can skive well ...all in all, incredible value for money.