Attention all LEO (And other interested folk)

BladeChemist

BladeChemist

Joined
Aug 19, 2010
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261
I'm looking to get for my father, a 25+ year veteran of the force, a quality folder for use on the job.

Basically, the criteria is that the blade be of high quality steel (such as Sv30) and that it would be used for mostly opening letters, packages, and if need be- cutting seat belts and possibly as a defensive weapon. That kind of thing. And it has to be comfortable for carrying while sitting for long periods of time (office or in command vehicle).

With that said, what folders would you recommend?
 
-Benchmade Sibert 755 MPR, M390 Super Steel, less than 3" blade, $140 on eBay.
-Spyderco Paramilitary 2, S30V, 3 7/16 inches, $110 preorder from dealers.
-Spyderco Gayle Bradley, CPM-M4, 3 7/16 inches, $140.
-Zero Tolerance 0350CB, Elmax Composite, 3 1/4 inches, $140.

I personally think the Gayle Bradley is the best value, with the only true downside being that the blade can rust easily(depends on how much he sweats). But it typically has the best edge retention of most steels. And with carbon fiber handles, it's definitely a good value for the price.

The Paramilitary 2 is the hottest knife Spyderco has at the moment. It is constantly sold out in most places and typically sells for a good $30-$40 more than the preorder price on eBay. Ergonomics are pretty close to perfect. That aside however, I find S30V to be "last year's" steel.

The Benchmade 755 MPR sports the all new M390 "Super Steel", and IMO it rightly deserves to be called that. The steel is far superior to S30V in edge retention. The handles are G10 with a titanium monolock. Impressive value for the price, though it's typically cheaper on the secondary market rather than a dealer. The thing that might get you is that the blade is just under 3 inches and is extremely THICK. It's not meant for cutting through thick mediums like styrofoam or wood, though seatbelts shouldn't be a problem. It's quite a short folder, but the handles are a good half an inch thick. I don't have much of a problem carrying it inside my pocket(not clipped) at work though(standard black work pants).

The Zero Tolerance 0350CB is a smaller version of the 0300 series. I consider it a midsized EDC. Elmax is IMO, a tougher but slightly less wear resistant version of S30V. Personally I found it to be a tad small for my needs(though not smaller than the 755 MPR).


As far as defensive use goes, any knife with a good grip and belly for slicing will fit the criteria. But unless either you or your father sharpens the knife regularly, having a premium steel might be a waste. At least, that would be my experience. Having a steel with better edge retention would seem to make sense, especially for people who don't maintain their edges. But having to pay an additional $40-$80 just for that doesn't seem worth it to me.
 
I don't know what your price points are so it's hard to really judge on what you want to spend. You said you wanted to get him something nice I recommend a Hinderer XM-18 3 1/2 flipper or how about a Chris Reeve Sebenza Large 21 that you get engraved on the back with his name, badge #.
 
Lower Budget: Buck Vantage Pro

Benchmade 710 (D2-steel), 940 (s30v).
THe 710 is a real work horse with a quite large blade for a handle of that size. The 940 is a bit more gentleman-like - but still quite strong.

Both are rather thin so its no problem to have them clipped to your pocket while sitting.

s_f
 
BladeChemist said:
I'm looking to get for my father, a 25+ year veteran of the force, a quality folder for use on the job.
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The problem with buying a knife for someone is you don't know how comfortable it'll be in-hand for them. After using various tactical knives with varying shaped handles I now like a reasonably plain handle for most tasks. A Spyderco Endura can do everything he'll probably throw at it and you can get it in VG10 or better. :thumbup:
 
Highpower1 said:
I don't know what your price points are so it's hard to really judge on what you want to spend. You said you wanted to get him something nice I recommend a Hinderer XM-18 3 1/2 flipper or how about a Chris Reeve Sebenza Large 21 that you get engraved on the back with his name, badge #.
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+1. A Umnumzaan or Lg. 21 (maybe with a "25 Years" engraved on the handle?) would IMO be a very fitting gift.

If you want something a bit more abusable you could try the XM-18, though I'm not sure what the turnaround time on those are.

Want something more practical maybe the Spydero Police model (SS would also be engravable or G-10 otherwise), Spyderco Endura (again, SS option), Benchmade Grip (cheap, durable), etc.

This is all based on a flexible budget. Plain Sebenza will run you $385 plus shipping. Umnumzaan is $400. Engraving I'm not sure, someone else can chime in on that cost. XM-18 is probably $500+, the Spyderco and Benchmade models shouldn't run you more then $140 for any of them, Grip's probably $80, Endura even cheaper.
 
Lots of good ideas here. But Splat had a good point- I don't know what kind of knife would feel good in the hand for him... Hmmmm
 
Next to the several above suggestions, the Spyderco Police, G10 version is interesting. Strong and proven for his kind of job.
 
I'm really liking my new Hogue EX01 3.5" Green G-Mascus - they are certainly worth a look too.
 
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If this is going to be used on the job (I assume military job), then Spyderco Military sounds fitting. It's quite large (4" blade, good for emergency defense) yet really light for the size (4.2 oz, can be carried comfortably all day long). The steel is S30V as you requested. The G10 handle is grippy enough not to slip even when wet with water, oil, blood, or what have you. The knife is designed from the ground up to be used with gloves, so that's a big plus for field work.
 
BladeChemist said:
Lots of good ideas here. But Splat had a good point- I don't know what kind of knife would feel good in the hand for him... Hmmmm
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Does he have big hands? I have large hands and most knife handles don't really fit my hands, or cramp them because of the handle's finger grooves. Spyderco Police or Endura handles are very comfortable to me. I don't like the stainless versions because they can be slippery. You could scuff them up with sandpaper but there goes your beautiful, possibly engraved, handles. I would go with G10 handles. Any knife you get can be engraved on the blade. With either the Police or Endura you'd have a quality gift you can be proud to give, yet not break the bank. :thumbup: If you gave him a Sebenza or other $$$ knife he might not carry it in fear of losing it.
 
Hogue !!!! 4inches better for work, if not 3.5.
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Splat said:
Does he have big hands? I have large hands and most knife handles don't really fit my hands, or cramp them because of the handle's finger grooves. Spyderco Police or Endura handles are very comfortable to me. I don't like the stainless versions because they can be slippery. You could scuff them up with sandpaper but there goes your beautiful, possibly engraved, handles. I would go with G10 handles. Any knife you get can be engraved on the blade. With either the Police or Endura you'd have a quality gift you can be proud to give, yet not break the bank. :thumbup: If you gave him a Sebenza or other $$$ knife he might not carry it in fear of losing it.
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Yes, he has larger hands. He grew up on a farm, if that helps your view. I'll check out the Police/Endura reviews and maybe peek at the Sebenza type models.
 
Right now I've been using a 4" version Hogue/Elishewitz EX01. Well built, quick to open & even ambidextrous (To a point). I carry/use the 3.5" version off-duty.

Nothing's wrong with the Spyderco's at all. I personally prefer the G-10 Endura to the Military, but that's me.

Good luck.
 
After 30 years in LE I can say I have carried many knives on duty, from a case sodbuster to a spyderco police. For the last 11 years I have carried an Emerson CQC 7 and CQC Super 7 as my primary blades. I do carry a a second knife as a left handed back up in case my strong hand is injured or someone tries to grab my firearm, but the CQC 7's are my everyday users. They are strong, with good steal 154 CM, they are easy to carry (I work 12 hour shifts), and care for with no worries of rust, the workmanship on my Emerson's is great.

Good luck and no matter what brand you choose I am sure it will mean alot to your father.
 
There are two knives that I suggest and I carry both of them when I'm on duty. I rotate between the Spyderco Police knife. It is a great knife and is pretty good for those of us with fat hands. The finish on the one I have is all steel and looks good one my Class A uniform because of the shiny contrast. If your in an office, that might be a good one for him.
The other knife I carry is a Benchmade 5000 Presidio. They are also good for people with fat hands and have an awesome grip. The knife is black and will blend into a uniform better. Plus it is auto open. The only problem you might have is obtaining one, depending on where you get it, you have to send in proof that you are LEO before they let you purchase it. This all depends on you local laws, they change all the time. Let us know what you get, I'm interested to find out.
 
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