I think Jack should stick with his Spyderco Endura. Cold Steel makes some okay stuff(they made better stuff in the past), but sometimes you should be careful of those who hype their own wares. I have been on the cutlery forums for awhile now. That doesn't mean I know much, but I do have alot of opinions.
I carry a few knives, why?? Who knows.
Here is a list and some pics:
Spyderco Endura- full serrated edge, plastic/FRN handles, lockback. I have been carrying this knife for 13+ years now. It is G2 steel, which is a good steel, and one of the better steels in 1992. Now the new Endura 4 comes with VG10. Here is a link with more info:
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=208
Benchmade 806D2- full plain edge, G10 handles. Axis lock. I have had this knife for over a year now. I had a 705D2 before and was impressed with the D2 tool steel, but I couldn't get use to the thumbstuds(I have been carrying Spyderco's too long. I am use to an opening hole) If you can find a Benchmade with D2 or M2 steel, for a good price, buy it. The M2 Tool steel has ben discontinued. A link:
http://www.benchmade.com/products/produc...?model=806
Emerson CQC-8 Waved- full plain edge, G10 handles, liner lock. I have had this knife for awhile now. Maybe 2 years. If you want a folding knife that is quick into the hand- you want a waved knife, or a fixed blade(If you are allowed to carry a fixed blade in your state/town/city/whatever). Ernie Emerson has a patent on the "Wave" and makes a few different models that have a Wave on them. Spyderco(Endura 4 Waved doesn't cost much) is making a few models with the Wave, but they have permission to use the Wave from Emerson knives. Some companies have a knife that will "snag" and open, but they can't call it a Wave, and they stole the idea from Emerson Knives. IMHO.
A link:
http://www.emersonknives.com/Tact_index.html
Spyderco Kris- full plain edge, Micarta handles, lockback. I have had this one about 3 months. I carry it cause I like it, and I like the look of it. It is a custom collaberation between Spyderco and Ed Schemp. You can't go wrong with a Spyderco knife. They make great gifts. I have given Spyderco's to almost everyone in my family. A link for more info:
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=216
I also carry a few light sources, pens, a multitool, small notebook, and a bandana. My pockets are full. I try to have a back-up for my back-up. "One is none, two is one". I don't carry any guns, maybe someday.
My boss likes to give me a hard time for carrying so many knives, he says you shouldn't bring a knife to a gun fight, which if I knew a gunfight was going to happen, I would run.
You can't cut coupons with a gun, and it is hard to sleep with a gun on(I have a PJ knife). Plus my boss keeps his gun in his car at work, he will have to run to get it, while I can have my CQC-8 out in less then a second, followed by another knife soon after.
You can spend a liitle for a knife or alot, but you should plan on spending about $50.00 for a knife that will last you at least 13 years or so.
I rambled on alot, sorry.
Blades