I was looking to invest in a folding knife for protection and for just an everyday use. What do you guys think is th e best knife for this? I was looking into the spyderco gunting knife. Also, For a protection purpose type of knife, which do you guys think is better? plain edge or partly serrated? thanks
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best folding knife?
- Thread starter powersx2
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2003
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- 466
how much money do you want to spend?
i wouldn't consider the spyderco gunting knife an everyday use type knife-more of a special purpose self defense knife.
i have 3 suggestions in different price ranges.
1-around $50.00 spyderco endura
2-around $150.00 SOG ti vision
3-over $300 Duncan whiplash
i wouldn't consider the spyderco gunting knife an everyday use type knife-more of a special purpose self defense knife.
i have 3 suggestions in different price ranges.
1-around $50.00 spyderco endura
2-around $150.00 SOG ti vision
3-over $300 Duncan whiplash
Sorry mate, but this question is like asking which
hammer is "best". You have to define several
features to find the correct "tool".
Do you want a drop point, clip point or ?? Do you
want great blade steel or everyday steel?? Do you
want a 3" , 4" , 5" or ?? for blade length?? What
kind of blade lock do you prefer??
Since I noted this is your first post ( Welcome by
the way) I'd suggest that you chill back read a lot
here and LEARN about the cutlery subject so that
you will be able to make up your own mind on what's
"best" for YOU.
hammer is "best". You have to define several
features to find the correct "tool".
Do you want a drop point, clip point or ?? Do you
want great blade steel or everyday steel?? Do you
want a 3" , 4" , 5" or ?? for blade length?? What
kind of blade lock do you prefer??
Since I noted this is your first post ( Welcome by
the way) I'd suggest that you chill back read a lot
here and LEARN about the cutlery subject so that
you will be able to make up your own mind on what's
"best" for YOU.
- Joined
- May 19, 2003
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- 1,848
Cold Steel makes some pretty good ones
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2003
- Messages
- 666
first off since you say that your looking to "invest" in a knife I assume you don't mind spending a few bucks on this knife - thats good because then you can look at lots of choices. Im also assuming here your thinking of a folder as opposed to a fixed blade.
As far as serrated/plain edge for SD - it depends if your slashing or stabbing. Look at spyderco's "civilian" model. thats a self defense slasher with nasty serrations for ripping through denim and such - but that knife does not serve you well for slicing up an apple. If the knife is for everyday as well, I'd say go plain edge. you can sharpen it easy, stab, cut, etc., Then - how big of a knife do you want to carry everyday? some people carry the spyderco endura w/ it's very large 4 inch blade - which for me is too big. 3 1/2 inch blade is a big as I like for EDC. My advice - hang around this site a while and read alot of threads before making your choice. you'll learn ALOT here. check out the spyderco and benchmade websites and read the decsriptions of the knifes - then when you find one that interests you - come here and do a search and see what all of us say about it.
here's some nice folders in your description that I'd check out if I were you ...
1. al mar SERE 2000
2. chris reeve sebenza
3. spyderco delica, calypso, military, etc.,
4. buck/mayo TNT
5. benchmade mel pardue series
6. emerson CQB
As far as serrated/plain edge for SD - it depends if your slashing or stabbing. Look at spyderco's "civilian" model. thats a self defense slasher with nasty serrations for ripping through denim and such - but that knife does not serve you well for slicing up an apple. If the knife is for everyday as well, I'd say go plain edge. you can sharpen it easy, stab, cut, etc., Then - how big of a knife do you want to carry everyday? some people carry the spyderco endura w/ it's very large 4 inch blade - which for me is too big. 3 1/2 inch blade is a big as I like for EDC. My advice - hang around this site a while and read alot of threads before making your choice. you'll learn ALOT here. check out the spyderco and benchmade websites and read the decsriptions of the knifes - then when you find one that interests you - come here and do a search and see what all of us say about it.
here's some nice folders in your description that I'd check out if I were you ...
1. al mar SERE 2000
2. chris reeve sebenza
3. spyderco delica, calypso, military, etc.,
4. buck/mayo TNT
5. benchmade mel pardue series
6. emerson CQB
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2001
- Messages
- 575
I would agree with the prior comments. You really need to define what your looking for atleast in basic terms of how much you want to spend, and what size your looking for.
Personally, I like larger folders 4 inches plus. But for everyday chores that may be excessive for some persons. Just off the top of my head I can list some that I carry in rotation.
Camillus Max- 5 inch blade in D2 steel. The knife is large but has a slim profile and it carries low in your pocket
Bechmade AFCK - 4 inch blade D2 steel and an awsome lock (Axis Lock)
REKAT Sifu - 5 inch + blade in D2 steel has finger grooves that makes it very secure and comfortable in hand. Rolling lock (some known to fail all mine have been well built) NOT IN PRODUCTION ANYMORE
Emerson/Benchmade CQB7 Not made anymore, 4 inch version of the Emerson CQB7 Liner lock
Spyderco Civilian- VERY sharp and creepy cool but blade shape has limitations for utility purposes. Lock back lock.
Cold Steel XL Voyager 5 inch clip point blade. Lock back. Cheap Zytel handle. I have the older model with plastic pocket clip which is prone to breakage. Knife is made of AUS8 steel (not the best, but it works pretty good and is very easy to reshapen)
One I don't have but I would strongly suggest u look at is the Al Mar SERE. It's very well built, lockup is great and it carries pretty low in pocket for every day carry.
Personally, I like larger folders 4 inches plus. But for everyday chores that may be excessive for some persons. Just off the top of my head I can list some that I carry in rotation.
Camillus Max- 5 inch blade in D2 steel. The knife is large but has a slim profile and it carries low in your pocket
Bechmade AFCK - 4 inch blade D2 steel and an awsome lock (Axis Lock)
REKAT Sifu - 5 inch + blade in D2 steel has finger grooves that makes it very secure and comfortable in hand. Rolling lock (some known to fail all mine have been well built) NOT IN PRODUCTION ANYMORE
Emerson/Benchmade CQB7 Not made anymore, 4 inch version of the Emerson CQB7 Liner lock
Spyderco Civilian- VERY sharp and creepy cool but blade shape has limitations for utility purposes. Lock back lock.
Cold Steel XL Voyager 5 inch clip point blade. Lock back. Cheap Zytel handle. I have the older model with plastic pocket clip which is prone to breakage. Knife is made of AUS8 steel (not the best, but it works pretty good and is very easy to reshapen)
One I don't have but I would strongly suggest u look at is the Al Mar SERE. It's very well built, lockup is great and it carries pretty low in pocket for every day carry.
- Joined
- Dec 25, 1998
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- 7,394
Can you be more specific in terms of how much $$$ you are wanting to spend?
NOT an open space in the back of the handle.
UNLESS
a. You intend to be such a purist that you will NEVER carry anything but the knife in your pocket and will even get a PURSE if necessary to carry anything else.
b. You are (or know) a tailor who will add a change pocket to every pair of pants you have.
c. You intend to leave it in the box and just LOOK at it.
OTHERWISE....
My favorites are:
Cold Steel Trail Guide ...carbon steel, easy to sharpen, holds edge
Spyderco Native III....stainless, light, very concealable
Buck 110.......hell for tough...great for if you intend to ABUSE it
UNLESS
a. You intend to be such a purist that you will NEVER carry anything but the knife in your pocket and will even get a PURSE if necessary to carry anything else.
b. You are (or know) a tailor who will add a change pocket to every pair of pants you have.
c. You intend to leave it in the box and just LOOK at it.
OTHERWISE....
My favorites are:
Cold Steel Trail Guide ...carbon steel, easy to sharpen, holds edge
Spyderco Native III....stainless, light, very concealable
Buck 110.......hell for tough...great for if you intend to ABUSE it
glockman99
RIP Dann, you were a good guy.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2000
- Messages
- 21,269
Get yourself either a Spyderco Endura or Police model, fully-serrated, as a "defensive" folder. Also, get a Spyderco plain-edge Delica for "utility" work.
Thanks a lot guys for all your help and suggestions. Yes, this is my first post and i am also not very knowledgeable yet in knives, but I will keep reading some of the other posts and try to get information from you guys. Since I do live in California though, the law says a person cannot carry a knife with a blade over 3". So, I am looking into a blade that is les than 4" and around under the $100 range, for this would be my first knife purchase. Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks again.
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2003
- Messages
- 47
I'd say that my personal favorites are:
CRKT M16-03Z
Buck/Mayo TNT
Buck/Strider Spearpoint
Microtech Mini SOCOM Elite Auto
Benchmade Mini AFCK
Emerson Mach 1
Camillus Talonite EDC
Although I've never met a knife that I didn't like. They're all good. And I like plain edges much more. Sharpening a knife without going too fine creates small serrations anyway, I think.
CRKT M16-03Z
Buck/Mayo TNT
Buck/Strider Spearpoint
Microtech Mini SOCOM Elite Auto
Benchmade Mini AFCK
Emerson Mach 1
Camillus Talonite EDC
Although I've never met a knife that I didn't like. They're all good. And I like plain edges much more. Sharpening a knife without going too fine creates small serrations anyway, I think.
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2002
- Messages
- 2,177
My sentiments exactly. Speaking of sentiment. I just realised that I've posted 10, yes 10, times about the Syderco Military in the last 2 weeks. Time to get a life I think.
I've tried 20 or so folders in the price range you describe Powersx2, and my search has ended (for now) with the Military. I live in the bush so it's no problem for me to carry it everywhere. May not be so friendly in an urban environment.
spyken
Gold Member
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- Apr 29, 2002
- Messages
- 5,574
You can consider the following (I only know these so there may be other blades out there to consider):
(1) Endura VG10 PE. PE cos you said utility and defense. If it's outdoor utility and defense, serrated is advantageous and there is also no need for resharpening often. This knife is light, has a 4 inch blade in very good steel and an even more dependable locking system. The fact that Spyderco has a trainer model for the Endura would lead one to assume that the Endura is just as capable a self-defense knife. Cost to you: $50
(2) Military S30V. Excellent steel, full flat grind for cutting efficiency and a strong liner lock. My only caveat is the handle for this knife is really BIG. Please handle before buying, if possible, to see if it suits you. Cost to you : $100 for a used one on the exchange section of the forums, if you can find it.
(3) Benchmade Stryker. 154CM, G10 handles, linerlock, tanto shape, v-ground. I don't know much about this, but the shape, materials scream self-defense. The tanto shape is less utility-friendly though.
(4) Al Mar Sere - if you can find a used one for under $100.
(5) The scheduled to be released in September/October Microtech Mini Socom Elite Manual. This is a framelock and come in 154CM steel. The blade grind and shape are both utility and self-defense oriented. 3.5 inch blade.
(6) Mini-Buck Striders in spearpoint (not tanto point). Paul Bos treated ATS34, super thick liners, sturdy construction. May not be the most efficient slicer due to the stronger but thicker blade, but definitely geared for tough (hence, defense) chores.
(7) Finally, pls definitely consider SOG Vision in G10 scales. Comes with the very good arc-lock (similar to Benchmade's axis lock), tanto blade and 1.5 inches of serrations (the only bad point. altho others may differ). The blade is 4 inches long and has a satin finish. Not a pry bar, but a good cutter, smooth and dangerous looking. The G10 models can often be found for under $100 in the after-sales market.
If you can't locate a G10 Vision for under $100, then you can consider the zytel-scaled SOG x-ray vision. Same charateristics as the G10 model, except it has a beadblasted blade and cheaper, zytel/FRN scales which are not as strong (but strong enough) as G10. You can get these new for under $80.
(1) Endura VG10 PE. PE cos you said utility and defense. If it's outdoor utility and defense, serrated is advantageous and there is also no need for resharpening often. This knife is light, has a 4 inch blade in very good steel and an even more dependable locking system. The fact that Spyderco has a trainer model for the Endura would lead one to assume that the Endura is just as capable a self-defense knife. Cost to you: $50
(2) Military S30V. Excellent steel, full flat grind for cutting efficiency and a strong liner lock. My only caveat is the handle for this knife is really BIG. Please handle before buying, if possible, to see if it suits you. Cost to you : $100 for a used one on the exchange section of the forums, if you can find it.
(3) Benchmade Stryker. 154CM, G10 handles, linerlock, tanto shape, v-ground. I don't know much about this, but the shape, materials scream self-defense. The tanto shape is less utility-friendly though.
(4) Al Mar Sere - if you can find a used one for under $100.
(5) The scheduled to be released in September/October Microtech Mini Socom Elite Manual. This is a framelock and come in 154CM steel. The blade grind and shape are both utility and self-defense oriented. 3.5 inch blade.
(6) Mini-Buck Striders in spearpoint (not tanto point). Paul Bos treated ATS34, super thick liners, sturdy construction. May not be the most efficient slicer due to the stronger but thicker blade, but definitely geared for tough (hence, defense) chores.
(7) Finally, pls definitely consider SOG Vision in G10 scales. Comes with the very good arc-lock (similar to Benchmade's axis lock), tanto blade and 1.5 inches of serrations (the only bad point. altho others may differ). The blade is 4 inches long and has a satin finish. Not a pry bar, but a good cutter, smooth and dangerous looking. The G10 models can often be found for under $100 in the after-sales market.
If you can't locate a G10 Vision for under $100, then you can consider the zytel-scaled SOG x-ray vision. Same charateristics as the G10 model, except it has a beadblasted blade and cheaper, zytel/FRN scales which are not as strong (but strong enough) as G10. You can get these new for under $80.
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- Apr 6, 2003
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- 1,913
Consider the Spyderco chinook as well as the SERE mentioned a few times above.
A good first knife would be the endura, police models by spyderco as well.
The military is a great knife if you can live with the linerlocking mechanism and the possiblity of it releasing unexpectedly. Doesn't happen too often, but when it does, you can lose fingers.
I would suggest tip down carry as well so that you do not end up stabbing yourself reaching for it in the pocket one day. No need to worry about tip up if it's a lockbach design however.
Brownie
A good first knife would be the endura, police models by spyderco as well.
The military is a great knife if you can live with the linerlocking mechanism and the possiblity of it releasing unexpectedly. Doesn't happen too often, but when it does, you can lose fingers.
I would suggest tip down carry as well so that you do not end up stabbing yourself reaching for it in the pocket one day. No need to worry about tip up if it's a lockbach design however.
Brownie
spyken-can you tell me about the Microtech mini Socom Elite.You mentioned it will have a framelock.Its a Mini Elite and its got a 3.5" blade?Are there any pictures of this folder?I've got the older Socom Elite manuel folder.I think its a very well made knife.
spyken
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2002
- Messages
- 5,574
ROBB,
I think someone posted a pic on BF w/i the last 10 days or so. I don't know how to attach pictures.
There are also quite a few pics at http://www.microholics.org . Yes, it's got a 3.5 inch blade, even though it's called a "mini-se". This is quite different from the mini socom with it's 3 inch blade. Check out that forum - those MT nuts know everything there is to know about this much awaited mini-socom elite.
It's a framelock made of aluminium. There's some sort of hardened bar at the lock face, to compensate for aluminium's relative softness/weakness. It comes with the same blade shape as the Socom Elite, but uses 3 pin screws though.
Originally slated for release at Blade, it has since been pushed back to August, then September or maybe October. I think Tony's pretty tied up at his shop.
BTW, the mini-socom elite auto has been on sale for the past few months, and retails for $115.
I think someone posted a pic on BF w/i the last 10 days or so. I don't know how to attach pictures.
There are also quite a few pics at http://www.microholics.org . Yes, it's got a 3.5 inch blade, even though it's called a "mini-se". This is quite different from the mini socom with it's 3 inch blade. Check out that forum - those MT nuts know everything there is to know about this much awaited mini-socom elite.
It's a framelock made of aluminium. There's some sort of hardened bar at the lock face, to compensate for aluminium's relative softness/weakness. It comes with the same blade shape as the Socom Elite, but uses 3 pin screws though.
Originally slated for release at Blade, it has since been pushed back to August, then September or maybe October. I think Tony's pretty tied up at his shop.
BTW, the mini-socom elite auto has been on sale for the past few months, and retails for $115.