Best folder for around $100?

S

SquireSCA

Joined
Nov 5, 2001
Messages
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I am moving From Atlanta, GA back to New Jermany(NJ), where I will no longer be allowed to carry a concealed firearm each day(I carry a CZ75b now)... It is a temporary move, and I should be living in PA in but a few short months, where I will be able to get a carry permit again.

Now, in the meantime, I am looking for a good tactical folder. I have a CRKT M16 Kit Carson knife at the moment... Decent little knife, but it is more of a utility knife than a fighting knife, at least the way the grip is designed. It is thin and small, and smooth, and not to my liking for what I would consider a "Fighting knife"...

So, of the knives I am considering:

1) Cold Steel Scimitar
2) Cold Steel 27LTH Recon 1 Tanto
3) Emerson CQC7B Tanto blade
4) Timberline 94051 Discovery - Aluminum Combo
5) Gerber A-F Covert Folder

All are in the $75-$100 range if I shop around on the net...

Any thoughts or comments? Any experience with these knives? Unfortunately none of the dealers around here seem to carry these models, and so I can only see pictures on the net. I would like some input from actual owners if possible.

I want something comfortable, built like a tank, effective if needed, and physically intimiating. As with defensive gun uses, 92% of the time the gun never has to be fired to stop a crime/assualt, so I would like it it be with a knife if possible. That if it can be more physically intimidating, causing the would-be thug to rethink his scheme, thereby makign it that much less likely to be forced to actually use it.

Thanks!

Dave
www.gunmonkeycentral.com
 
Emerson mini commander
Buck Strider
Spyderco Military
Benchmade 710/705

There are tons more but those are on the top of my head.
 
Don't get the CS Scimitar. I had one and it developed serious blade play right out of the box. Actually, I'd stay away from most Cold Steel folders. Also stay away from the AF Covert, I've heard bad things about it's lock slipping.

I'd suggest:
BM AFCK
Emerson Mach 1
Buck Strider (spearpoint)

You might also consider mirror polishing the blades. That should make it look a little more scary.
 
The BM 710 can be had for about $100 and I think you'll find it very well regarded around here.
 
I still think the BM AFCK is one heck of a knife for what you can get 'em for these days. The Emerson would also be a good choice. I also totally agree with the comment about Cold Steel folders...:barf: ! Just not their "cup-of-tea" IMO.




"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Well, I may need to increase my budget... hehehe

I saw a MOD mini-CQB for $185... If I can just convince the wife that I "need" it...

How are the MOD knives regarded?
 
Civilian/Matriarch, part-serrated BM 750/730 has a certain look, or 806D2, REKAT-Pocket Hobbit or Carnie, P-SARK instead of CQC7, CRKT KFF, SOG Pentagon folder, for Cold Steel-Vaquero, something from szaboinc.com if ya can afford it. Haven't heard the greatest stuff about the Discovery. I guess these have some decent visual impact, but if you draw your knife, plan on using it.
 
I don't have much experience with the models you asked about, but if intimidation is what your looking for I would reccommend a credit card knife such as the Spydercard or Microtech Option. Thankfully I have never had to use a knife in self-defense so I may be way off (and if so I apologize), but I have noticed that friends who don't bat an eye at a large "tactical" folder actually back up several feet with a concerned look on their face when my Spydercard comes out of nowhere. Just think if some dude demanded that you give him you wallet. Of course, if that didn't scare him off you would probably be well off to throw that card at him while you reach for a real knife, because despite the intimidation factor it would probably be next to useless if things went any farther.
 
How about a used LCC with ti bolsters super knife and can be found for around 100.00 on the forums i have had several of them i think there one of the best production knifes made
 
Excellent replies... I think that I may lean towards the MOD knife... it is twice the price, but it is probably worth it.

I am not putting cosmetics over function, but it is nice to have both if possible... The MOD mini-CQB seems to fit both criteria...
 
I don't know what your laws are, however, you can get a REKAT Sifu for around $120.00. I would have to say that is is one of the most intimidating knives around. Big, 5 1/2 blade, with a very impressive handle.

Also, if your looking at Cold Steel I would look into the XL- Voyager series and I would get the Clip point has more "blade" than the tanto.

I noticed that you mentioned that you would like a knife built very stout. I just got a Strider Buck and the thing is VERY stout. I have seen the ATS-34 versions going for around $120.00
 
Along of your limit increase I recommend the Microtech SOCOM Elite model.

Socom3.jpg


Specifications:

Model: Manual Socom Elite
Blade: 154CM stainless steel, hardened to 60 RC
Blade Length: 4.05"
Thickness: .174"
Open: 9.11"
Closed: 5.1"
Handle: 6061-T6 Aluminum Hard Coat Anodized
Lock Mechanism: Manual Action-Constant Thrust Load With Wave Spring, 154CM MICROBAR® Lock
Weight: 5.6 oz
 
Civilian, serrated, G10: pure intimidation, and will back it up. And for a large knife, carries very well. :eek:
 
Give a look at the Outdoor Edge Magna for a bargain priced knife that's
built like a tank. The Magna comes in alum or zytel handle with a neat
recessed clip that keeps it from digging into your palm. The blade is
Aus-8 steel clip point with a thumb stud to open with I picked the
Zytel handle due the thick liners that make it stronger. The Magna
was designed by Kit Carson a career Military man with a specialty
in armamenent. So I'd guess he would know what it takes to make
a good all round folder. I know I sure like mine. For the record
I don't trust ANY linerlocks. The Magna is an exception. When
I do carry and use it I worry not a bit. For the money it's a darn good
do all knife. Do a few searchs here on to see what I mean. Good luck.

There is one other point.....For what the Magna cost the overall quality
is just simply amazing. The Magna will put more expensive knives to shame.
 
Out of your choices, go for the Emerson. Great knife. If it is available go for the Mini Commander. I have a full size and it is an awesome knife.
Happy hunting,
MAtt
 
I'll second the vote for the large AFCK. I have owned several of these, and never had one with any blade play. All of mine have locked up solidly, and all would open with just a flick of the wrist. Didnt even need to use the thumbhole.
 
I'm with Jazzman on the Emerson. I just picked up the CQC-7b tanto- LOVE IT!! I got for $100 new- right in your price range.
 
Friday i'm going to buy an Emerson CQC7B Tanto.

That outta give you an idea as to what my recommendation would be, although I think most any Emerson would be great for combat applications.

Something to note: from what i've seen and tried... Cold Steel sucks (readies flameguards :)) - I disagree with Cold Steel's designs, and their fit and finish seems sub-par to me, furthermore i've known others who agree that Cold Steel is hardly top of the line (though they sure charge like it is).

Something you may not have considered: some of them Benchmades are pretty nice, maybe you outta try an AFCK, it's in your price range and alot of people like them. If you are willing to shell out a little more, an 806D2 AFCK Axis, 710 McHenry & Williams, or Elishewitz Stryker (can't remember the model number) might be nice too.

Just some ideas.
 
I know exactly what knife you want - The Spyderco Chinook. Huge, built like a tank, and a large intimidating blade.
 
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