3.5-4" Blade Wave Opener

V

Vertebrae

Joined
Nov 21, 2010
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I'm interested in getting a wave opening knife to carry in my left-rear pocket. Something I can put in the weak side ass pocket of my jeans. I carry a variety of knives in my front left pocket, and would like a more constant back-up to be ready for my off hand. I currently have a Cold Steel Ti-lite that I don't really have any use for, and it's an alright knife, but I can't open it consistently and reliably and get it out quickly in a reverse grip.

I was thinking about getting my first Emerson for this role, or a CS Rajah 3 (would go nice with my Rajah 2). Would prefer a 3.5" to 4" blade and be somewhat slim, although I'm flexible. No real price limit, but I can't afford to shell out $500 for a custom right now. :o
 
If you're carrying a wave opener purely for self-defense with no intention of utility use, I'd suggest you save your money and get a Delica Wave. Also, I'd recommend putting it in your rear right pocket. While it's a good concept to want to keep both sides armed and dangerous, I find that it would be utterly worthless unless you're used to operating a knife with your left hand. I prefer to keep a custom modified Surefire 6P with a crenelated bezel clipped to my left pocket, as I have no problems operating a flashlight and even using it as a striking weapon with my left hand. It's just that knife play with the non-dominant hand is an entirely different matter requiring more precise motor skills.
 
The Spyderco Endura wave sounds perfect. Slim and light, good steel, and doesn't cost very much.
 
Noctis3880 said:
If you're carrying a wave opener purely for self-defense with no intention of utility use, I'd suggest you save your money and get a Delica Wave. Also, I'd recommend putting it in your rear right pocket. While it's a good concept to want to keep both sides armed and dangerous, I find that it would be utterly worthless unless you're used to operating a knife with your left hand. I prefer to keep a custom modified Surefire 6P with a crenelated bezel clipped to my left pocket, as I have no problems operating a flashlight and even using it as a striking weapon with my left hand. It's just that knife play with the non-dominant hand is an entirely different matter requiring more precise motor skills.
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I am technically right handed, but I can use my left hand almost equally as well. Cutting up food, preparing game, and chopping with a big knife while bushwhacking are usually done with my left hand. Even though it's not as efficient as my right hand inappropriate comment and icon. it sometimes feels more natural. Right now my big scary mean blade goes in the right pocket, and I usually have a smaller utility blade in the left pocket, but it seems to be interfering with my flashlights and other junk. I don't really use my rear pockets, so I figure I can get something a little bigger and put it in the empty rear pocket. It's not really purely utility or self defence that I want. Most utility blade shapes are good for cutting up people, too, so I could use it for that if I wanted. I just want to be able to get it out quickly if I need to, and a reverse grip wave opening seems to work if I need to move to a defensive stance.

And I hate the Spydercos with waves, they're almost entirely out of the question. They just look really ugly.
 
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If I was in your shoes, I'd get an Emerson CQC-15 (or if you prefer something smaller a Mini CQC-15, 3.5" blade vs. 3.9" of its bigger brother. The Mini is only available thru Emerson right now, all dealers are out of stock, so it would be full MSRP if you want a Mini right NOW. You can find the regular CQC-15 at a few dealers, not all versions are in stock though...).
 
I don't think any punk trying to mug you will be particularly impressed with the awesome beautiful looks of your knife:rolleyes:.

I find it's best to have a dedicated tool for the job. My Yuna Mini Hard 2 is an awesome utility knife, but it would take me all of 3-5 seconds to get it out of my pocket and opened(manual flipper, no IKBS), whereas any waved folder can be out of my pocket and into flesh in just one second.

And while my Para2 in S90V can eat up cardboard like copy paper, my Delica Wave in VG-10 is not as up to the task.

I prefer to avoid Emerson like the plague since the CQC-7w I gave to my brother had the liner move almost all the way to the right, and he barely ever uses it.

The HEST folder might do what you want as the blade steel has similar edge retention to S30V, it can be waved open, the framelock wears slower than a titanium liner, and it's designed for hard use. The catch is that the blade is pretty short at about 3 inches.
 
I recommend the emerson horseman, or cqc8 (or any other emerson really, I just dont have any other ones so I don't feel comfortable recommending them), or waved endura or cs ak47

Or wait a month or so and get the g10 espada :)
 
Endura with wave. an already proven and solid design with the features you want and a great company behind it. what more could you ask for, except an emerson?
 
I like everything waved and I only carry TriAd, frame, and very thick liner locks. I like a stop pin in my lockbacks ;)
 
My favorite waved folder is the ZT MUDD.

IMG_0963.jpg


it makes lesser waved folders cry
 
One thing to keep in mind is that when you draw a waved folder out of a back pocket it'll naturally end up in your hand in reverse grip, with the edge facing forward. If it's in your left rear pocket, the pocket clip orientation is the same as if you had it in your right front, so you don't need to worry about it being ambidextrous of lefty-friendly.

My recommendation would be the Endura or Delica (probaby Endura, given your size preference). It'll be slimmer and lighter than most any other Wave knife you'll find of similar length. Plain edge ones can be found pretty easily for around $75, but serrated ones are very hard to track down. I was lucky to get my SE Endura Wave off a member here a few months back. I didn't see a single one on eBay in the few weeks I was looking for one.
 
Also pocket clip height plays a role. You need about 1.5" at least of butt exposed when clipped inside your pocket so you have control over the wave draw.
 
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