4" Folder

D

DARKKNIFE

Joined
Nov 25, 2002
Messages
31
I am looking at getting a large folder, preferable a 4" one. I am looking at the Spyderco Military and the Benchmade 710HS. The 710 also comes in an Aluminum handle and D2 blade version.
I am joining the Marine Corps soon and will be in the infantry, so this will be a hard use knife, and may have to withstand all those thing a folder shouldn't do.That is why I am leaning toward the 710. I have heard that M2 is less likely to chip than D2 if that is true then I would prefer it.
So which would be best for though use? Does S30V have any advantadges over M@ or D2? And does the 710's slight recurve make it harder to sharper using a stone in the field?

Thanks in advance.
:) :)
 
What is your budget? If you can afford it, a Strider SnG, GB, or AR would make a great "hard use" folder.
 
I agree with the Strider recommendation.

Also, check out Lone Wolf's Harsey Tactical Folder. I just got one, and it is (IMHO) the best kept secret in the hard-use folder market right now. I love that knife - and I never thought I would find a folder that gave Strider a run for their money - until now.
 
You can't go wrong with the Benchmade 710HS, it is a great knife. Holds an edge very well, 3.95" blade, and the AXIS lock is great. You should also check out the Benchmade 806D2, same size knife but the handle is a little more ergonomic than the 710. The 806 seems to be more of a self defense folder and the 710 seems to be more of a utility folder. Hope this helps.
 
Right - not that there is anything wrong with the 710. I didn't mean to imply that. Just trying to suggest a couple more (pricier) options. ;)
 
First, my apologies for hijacking the thread.

Shane, the Harsey Tactical Folder looks nice. What kind of grind is the primary edge? I can't tell if it's flat or hollow . Thanks!
 
DARKKNIFE: I am looking at getting a large folder, preferable a 4" one. >>>

I understand that you're in the market for a folder.
However, I have a knife model that you might be interested in (not my particular knife, because I will never sell it).

I got it recently; it's a Strider WP. It's a fixed blade, but it's not much larger than a folder. The blade is 3.25", and it's 1/4" thick, S30V steel, clip-point, which makes it amazingly strong. This thing is built like a Russian tank, which it sounds as if you may need for the things you mentioned.

Best of all was the price: $140.00, direct from Strider, with my law enforcement discount (military gets a discount, as well).

You might want to seriously consider this knife, I love it, and it's stronger than any folder you're likely to get ahold of.

One thing is for certain; any Strider you get is an excellent knife.
 
A Strider is a very good, strong folder, but if you can't afford one of those, you might want to take a look at either a Spyderco Chinook or a SOG Tomcat II.
 
Originally posted by enkidu
First, my apologies for hijacking the thread.

Shane, the Harsey Tactical Folder looks nice. What kind of grind is the primary edge
Click to expand...

It has just a hint of hollow grind to it.
 
The 806D2 from Benchmade is a very good choice. It's an excellent folder; however, in grimy conditions, it's a little harder to clean than a well designed frame/linerlock.
 
4" blade, easy to sharpen but holds that edge, and a Strider costs too much? Try the Buck/Strider, spearpoint or tanto.
 
I would get something that is relativily inexpensive. I was say something like a Spyderco Endura or Cold Steel Large Voyager. When I was in the Infantry, we carried inexpensive knives because the liklyness of losing them is very high. Save the pricey ones for EDC.
 
Just received 2 Strider AR's. I dont think you'll find a harder working,more solid badd ass knife for the money!!
 
It has just a hint of hollow grind to it.

Thanks, Shane. Certainly looks like a sweet knife, especially with the Lake/Walker lock. If quality is up to snuff, looks like a monster knife for a reasonable price. Have you written up a review?

To get back on topic, of the two, BM 710 or Spyderco Military, I'd go with the Military for the following reasons:

Bigger more ergonomic handle on the Millie, and more glove friendly. I prefer flat ground blades for general utility use. S30V will resist corrosion better. Finally, I'm not confident on how the axis lock handles debris, with the Millie, you can just hose it down and blow it out. Oh, and what ever you get, I'd engrave it with your initials.
 
i have several benchmades and they need to be sent back to BM every 6 mos to get fixed after hard use, i am a rigger in the Army and use my knives everyday. i only use them cause they were issued to me, i have 2 BM 750's, an older CQC7, and the AFO auto 5000. i suggest a CR sebbie or Strider, or something cheap cause a lot of privates "borrow" from each other. good luck
 
Thanks for all you suggestions. I appreciate the help but I think that Strider is out of my price range for now.
How good are the Buck-Striders? The grind lines look like the would not make very good cuttes(thick edge), is that true? Thanks
 
On the whole I prefer the 710 to the Military, but in this particular base I would go with the Military. The Military is a simple and robust knife that was designed for field use. The S30V steel provides excellent edge retention while also resisting corrosion fairly well. The lock is simple and reliable. The overall design is easy to clean and maintain.

The Military's large flat-ground blade is a terrific cutter that is versatile enough to handle most tasks. It's grip is large and secure. The opening hole is easy to use even when wet or wearing gloves. The beauty of the Military is that it has everything you need and nothing else.

--Bob Q
 
The Buck/Striders edges are thicker, but that makes them fairly Marine proof;)

I would advise you to wait on getting a knife though. You can't have one at Boot Camp, or SOI, IIRC, and you don't know what the knife policy of your FMF unit will be.

Mark
 
My Buck/Strider spearpoint will slice with the best of them. The very broad flat of the blade gives it strength, but the edge is a deep hollow grind. The blade profile is almost identical to the Sebenza; the handle is relatively larger, but similarly open-backed for cleaning. The liner lock is extremely robust. This knife is a brick, thick and durable.

If you can get one second-hand as I did off the sales forums, it should come in under $100.

DARKKNIFE, remember that the military can be very rigid in its regulations. Don't make up your mind on a knife before you get through training, because they will not let you have one there anyway. Wait till you get an assignment, and some advice from guys who have been there.

If you are going to be real military, and not an office clerk, you will probably get more use out of a tough multitool than anything else. In fact, if you do end up as an office clerk, a multitool is about all you'll need :) An office clerk can get by with a SAK, but for hard work I like the SOG Powerlock.
 
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