cetan
I started batoning when I started teaching my young kids how to split wood. It is way easier and safer to baton than it is to have them swinging a hatchet or an axe around. They are also learning those skills but for starting out, I for sure kept their enthusiasm going by not restricting my teaching options.
I am shocked, shocked! Well, not that shocked.
It took me a while to purchase my first Spyderco too actually. It took a deal on a S90V Para 3 to take the plunge. I am not a huge fan of the shape of those blades but it took buying one to figure it out. After that I took a chance on a Sage 5 LW and wow what a difference. One of my favorite knives now.
If you need to buy from outside Canada I would recommend sticking with a known good retailer like
https://www.knifecenter.com or
I have only small anecdotal evidence that these are good places in Canada to buy from:
https://cuttingedgecutleryco.com/
https://www.knifestorecanada.ca/
I do know you should avoid House of Knives in Canada at all costs.
Unfortunately, I’m not able to try reversing the direction I pull the blade through so that I get the same grind direction, as the motor blocks me from pulling the knife through the back side (though I could probably do that if I was working with a straighter edge shape).
If you were sharpening on a whet stone, you could sharpen by pushing or by pulling (or both!). I don’t think the direction of the belt is the issue here. I think you probably have a bur and need to strop but I also think that this is just part of the learning curve. Make sure you’re not rushing one side vs another because it might feel different. Keep the belt speed low, and make sure you’re progressing through the different belts on both sides with the same amount of time.
It’s hard to know what is and is not a no-name brand if you’re new to knives. There’s no discernible difference (on the surface) between a pop-up vendor who just re-brands cheap knives and a true manufacturer. One of the best ways to start figuring this out is to not shop on Amazon. A dedicated and trusted knife store like: BladeHQ, KnifeCenter, WhiteMountainKnives, KnifeJoy, KnivesShipFree, and a few others, will give you the best info. You will find better ways to filter and budget options that are much better choices. But it’s still overwhelming.
If you have a specific style of knife you’re looking for, and you’re not sure if it’s a good or bad brand, I’d start by asking here (or over in pocketknife@lemmy.world
As other’s have said, there are some good budget brands out there for well under $50.
Cold Steel AD-10 for an overbuilt knife. Cold Steel Verdict for a more traditional tanto shape
Civivi Brazen would be great for a more budget option.
Lots of choices out there for sure.
There is a fancy-lad version apparently? https://www.tacticalsportinggoods.com/products/venom-ultimate-warrior-balisong-butterfly-knife-satin-3-55
