Advice for a new desert knife, please.

O

old*paratrooper

Joined
Apr 22, 2006
Messages
6
Gentlemen, it is time for a new knife. Would like advice & answers if you can help. Baghdad has limited shopping opportunities, so it will be an internet purchase.

I’m looking for a medium-sized folder to clip in my pocket. I’ll use it to cut most everything from MREs to flex cuffs and about everything in between.

I like the design of the Sypderco Centofante 4. Anyone know if it’s symmetrically ground or a chisel grind? Any thoughts on performance.

Next in line is the Griptilian or mini-Grip, plain edge. Your thoughts on performance?

I’ve also looked at two “break the bank” folders:
- BM 940. Looks very nice, but is it soldier proof?
- Spyderco Ocelot. Again, looks nice, but how does it perform & carry?
- Manix 80mm. Looks pretty wide for pocket carry. Your thoughts?

Lastly, any recommended internet vendors that ship to APO?

What’s in my pocket right now? A Kershaw Ken Onion, marked 1560. It’s about a 3.5” blade with plastic handle & liner lock. Just tough to open the tiny thumb stud with gloves on. Other than that, not a bad knife.

Thanks for you assistance. I’ll check back in a couple days.
 
I think the Centofante 4 is a sabre-grind, could be wrong though. Regardless it's not a chisel grind.

If you are wearing a LBV I highly suggest the Spyderco Remote Release. With the way this clips on you can secure it right to the straps of your LBV which permits easy access when wearing all your gear. Wore mine all through my time with 2/187th Inf.

Another suggestion would be the Benchmade Mini-Skirmish.
 
Emerson.
My favorite is the CQC-10, close second is CQC-8.
154 CM steel, takes a great edge, holds it.
Wave opening feature, so you don't even have to touch the blade, much less have difficulty opening it with gloves on.
Definitely soldier-proof. Incredibly tough tools.

Oh, I forgot to mention that they're built with phillips and flat-head screws, so you can maintain it yourself. No more messing with those silly Torx screws, or worrying that you'll void the warranty by tweaking it.
 
I would consider a Benchmade Griptilian or Mini-Griptilian in 154CM.

The Emersons are great but man are they pricey.

The Centofante 4 is symetricly ground as you would like. I think it may make a good knife but it's got a really thin blade and is kind of light duty.

If you want to go Spyderco get a new Delica 4. Really nice knife.

Do let us know what you decide.

As for where to buy, www.newgraham.com or www.gpknives.com . Call both places to see if they will ship to you. Email would work too.

God Bless!
 
First I have to ask, do you have access to small torx screwdrivers?

If not, then I would recommend a knife with pins and not screws.
A knife like the older Endura (not the Endura 4) or the Pacific Salt would be about perfect.
And they are very light-weight!

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I would go with either an Endura 4 or a 154CM Griptilian. Both of them are awesome knives and great value. I have a hard time choosing between them for EDC, but the grip is a bit more handfilling.
 
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