3.5" Axis with premium steel (M390, D2, M4)?

M

Mercaptan2

Joined
Feb 6, 2008
Messages
9
Hey all,

Looking for a 3.5" folder (or slightly less due to legality) either assisted or traditional AXIS. Also looking for a nice steel (current knife is S30V and that has served me well for 8 years).

I see the Doug Ritter RSK MK1 with M390 and that is ideal, although I have one reservation - liner doesn't extend through the handle completely (which makes me question rigidity). Any other knives I should be looking at? I'm also eyeing a Zero Tolerance 0562CF.

Thanks!
 
Well, 94x doesn't have a full liner either ;)

Mercaptan2, why are you not liking partial liner? It works just as good as full liner in most of the use. Besides, since it is folding blade, it really doesn't affect the performance as much, except it can make the knife lighter.

If you don't like partial liner due to concern of toughness, I want to mention that S30V steel beats over M390 or S90V. CPM-M4 is very tough, but 810 is close to 4" long.
 
484 Nakamura has full liners and M390 but the blade length is only 3.1". Tough folder that also has the looks.
 
I was just looking at the Emissary the other day. There's a smaller version with a 3 inch blade. Bigger one has a 3,5 inch blade. CPM-S30V and assisted opening.

I dont think you should worry about the Ritter Grip's strength, the Grips can take a severe beating.
 
Last edited:
MobileFireLord said:
If you don't like partial liner due to concern of toughness, I want to mention that S30V steel beats over M390 or S90V. CPM-M4 is very tough, but 810 is close to 4" long.
Click to expand...

I'm curious what you mean by this?

The Grip may not feel as sturdy but I can assure you that knife will go the distance. I carry the Mini-Ritter in my jeans every day. It's solid.
 
MobileFireLord said:
Well, 94x doesn't have a full liner either ;)

Mercaptan2, why are you not liking partial liner? It works just as good as full liner in most of the use. Besides, since it is folding blade, it really doesn't affect the performance as much, except it can make the knife lighter.
Click to expand...

Probably due to perception. I look at the stress tests done by Benchmade on their youtube channel and see that things like the 810 and 275 are much stronger than the 940/551. The barrage falls somewhere in between.

MobileFireLord said:
If you don't like partial liner due to concern of toughness, I want to mention that S30V steel beats over M390 or S90V. CPM-M4 is very tough, but 810 is close to 4" long.
Click to expand...

Yeah the 810 would be nice, but is too long.

I also like a tall blade, so I have a low preference for the 940 despite their stellar reputation.


RamZar said:
484 Nakamura has full liners and M390 but the blade length is only 3.1". Tough folder that also has the looks.
Click to expand...

Oh I like the look of that very much. Already comes with G10 scales as well (something I would add onto the RSK MK1).
 
Just my opinion, but benchmade as of most other manufacturers use "premium" steels. 154 cm and s30v is no slouch when it comes to blade steel. So don't count them out. If it's served you well for 8 years, why limit your new purchase to blade steel? Go with what you want.
 
Here are a couple of pictures comparing a few of the knives discussed in this thread. Maybe this will help with your decision.

From top to bottom:
- 950BK-1401 Rift (S30V)
- 940-1 (S90V)
- 484 (M390)
- Ritter Griptilian with G10 scales (available in M390)
- Barrage Volli (S30V)

7DEE07B6-0FE9-4306-BDBA-9BC5D6CE0F6D.jpg


F7805607-2285-417F-922C-44F226F26276.jpg
 
Throw some customs scales on the m390 Ritter and you will never need to worry about it's rigidity. Keyman, death of all things, igorded and a few other members here make some killer scales for the grip. Wilkins gripsare also great, they are expensive but definitely top of the pile for quality.
 
There is an REI S30V Griptilian offered in the for sale by individuals; production folders.
It has a G-10 handle which will be tough enough. REI is still selling them as well.
 
TechDoc said:
Here are a couple of pictures comparing a few of the knives discussed in this thread. Maybe this will help with your decision.

From top to bottom:
- 950BK-1401 Rift (S30V)
- 940-1 (S90V)
- 484 (M390)
- Ritter Griptilian with G10 scales (available in M390)
- Barrage Volli (S30V)
Click to expand...

Awesome pictures, thanks. Really reinforces my thought that the Ritter blade profile is the best of the bunch.


Blade-fiend said:
Throw some customs scales on the m390 Ritter and you will never need to worry about it's rigidity. Keyman, death of all things, igorded and a few other members here make some killer scales for the grip. Wilkins gripsare also great, they are expensive but definitely top of the pile for quality.
Click to expand...

I think I might do this. Can't help the feeling that I'm dressing a pig up with lipstick - even if the pig is durable, stout and a proven worker. For the same price (as adding on custom scales) I can get the ZT 0562CF. Didn't the stock 551 sell for $80 pre-MAP?

Does anyone (besides Wilkins) make scales that have a metal backspacer on them? I like one that protrudes - I have been known to use the pommel on my current knife (made of steel) to hammer things. I use/abuse my knives.

If they made a 916 rescue knife with a D2/M4/other steel type blade, I'd be on that in a heartbeat. N680 doesn't do it for me.
 
Last edited:
bluemetalchurch said:
I'm curious what you mean by this?

The Grip may not feel as sturdy but I can assure you that knife will go the distance. I carry the Mini-Ritter in my jeans every day. It's solid.
Click to expand...

I was just mentioning S30V is tougher than M390, or S90V. CPM=M4 is tough, but current production knife that uses CPM-M4 would be 810.
 
Mercaptan2 said:
Awesome pictures, thanks. Really reinforces my thought that the Ritter blade profile is the best of the bunch.


I think I might do this. Can't help the feeling that I'm dressing a pig up with lipstick - even if the pig is durable, stout and a proven worker. For the same price (as adding on custom scales) I can get the ZT 0562CF. Didn't the stock 551 sell for $80 pre-MAP?

Does anyone (besides Wilkins) make scales that have a metal backspacer on them? I like one that protrudes - I have been known to use the pommel on my current knife (made of steel) to hammer things. I use/abuse my knives.

If they made a 916 rescue knife with a D2/M4/other steel type blade, I'd be on that in a heartbeat. N680 doesn't do it for me.
Click to expand...

950-1401 has full liner, 3.6" of S30V. Osborne Tanto is best for thrust cut as well as slicing. I have 950-1 in 154CM without an issue. I guess I can use pommel, but that is like using face shaving razer to skun an elk. If you like a beast of folder, Adamas 275 is the nastiest current production folder from BKC.

Also HK 14715 has 3.7" D2 with full liner.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...5-AXIS-(D2-blade)-EDC-alternative-to-950-Rift
 
I have an HK 14715 and although it is a value for materials/steel etc. I find it a bit heavy and it does not slice or carve as well as my other Axis models. Just some added input.

That 484 Nakamura is a nice looking package but I am not sure I like the bump at the back of the blade's spine. How does it feel in the hand?
 
I'd have to ask first what your intended uses are, and what do you demand out of your knives? For example, the 940-1 is a good knife, but I wouldn't want to beat on it compared to say, a Contego.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top