Best high end, medium sized EDC folder?

G

giantsbaseball28

Joined
Sep 10, 2014
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Hey guys, new to the boards. Im looking to buy a relatively higher end EDC folder, but they all seem to be pretty big.

I love the Zero Tolerance 0560, but its just a little too big for what im looking for. Are there any folders similar to the 0560, or on par with that kind of quality that isnt as large? Maybe a 4 inch handle and 3 inch blade at around 4.0-4.5 ounces?

I want higher end steel (Elmax or S30V). If the 0560 was made in a smaller size its be perfect. Trying to stay in the $200 range as well.

Thanks for any input!
 
If you can find one, Benchmade 635 Mini Skirmish. My opinion of course. Check out the ZT 0566.
 
giantsbaseball28 said:
Hey guys, new to the boards. Im looking to buy a relatively higher end EDC folder, but they all seem to be pretty big.

I love the Zero Tolerance 0560, but its just a little too big for what im looking for. Are there any folders similar to the 0560, or on par with that kind of quality that isnt as large? Maybe a 4 inch handle and 3 inch blade at around 4.0-4.5 ounces?

I want higher end steel (Elmax or S30V). If the 0560 was made in a smaller size its be perfect. Trying to stay in the $200 range as well.

Thanks for any input!
Click to expand...

Well, you can always dream: http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade...scuscarbonfiberwc-tekinlays.aspx#.VBA7fMKSwb4

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/lionsteel/?sort=alphaasc

Seriously, if you want to stay in the $200 range, try the Spyderco Techno, Spyderco Caly3 ZDP-189, Domino, the Benchmade McHenry & Williams Design Axis Folder 710-1401, M390 steel, Sculpture Black and Blue G-10, and so many more.
 
I think they make Grips and Mini grips in M390 now which IMO is the best steel out there, definitely the best stainless at least (I've never used ZDP-189 so I can't speak on that one). It outperforms the two steels you listed in every category, not to say they're bad at all because they're both great too. Anyway I think they're only like $150 or so which is a steal for any knife with an M390 blade.
 
The 0566 was basically meant to be a cheaper, downsized 0560, if you liked the lines of the 0560. A Spyderco Domino might be perfect for you though. Roughly 3 inch blade, Ti framelock flipper with a bearing pivot and a steel lockbar insert that doubles as an overtravel stop (great design there, by the way), all for under $200 and an overall length of 7.68 inches. Steel is CTS-XHP, which is awesome. If that still seems a bit large, there's also the slightly smaller Dice.
 
The BM 940 or (for a few more bucks) the 940-1 is a good choice but slightly larger than you mentioned. The ZT 0777cf is nice for around $150ish. You can get a nice Spyderco Caly 3 with carbon fiber for well under that, or one of the Sage series, or a Domino for less than $200.

Or go with the ZT 0562 or my current fav - the 0562cf. That is one gorgeous knife but may be a little heartier than your specs allow. There really are more choices than you can effectively evaluate online here. My humble advice would be to handle as many as possible and pic the one that feels the best and comes from one of the reputable manufacturers. You'll be good to go.

And welcome to Bladeforums, BTW.
 
Take a look at some of the DPX folders. The Sage and Caly are also fantastic suggestions.

The TSF Beast and Sebenza are $300 plus if you want to go that route. I'd throw the Grayman Dua in the mix if you're considering a larger budget.
 
One of my very favorite folders...3" blade, 4.2" grip for a good solid knife with S30V. Titanium grips in the Sage 2, carbon fiber or G10 in the Sage 3. All priced in the $150 range.
Sage 2 in titanium, my #1 pick, on the right. Sage 3's also shown..


Below are the Spyderco Caly 3 and 3.5 (inch-blade) in long-lasting and sharp ZDP-189.. Excellent office-carries.
 
Sonnydaze said:
One of my very favorite folders...3" blade, 4.2" grip for a good solid knife with S30V. Titanium grips in the Sage 2, carbon fiber or G10 in the Sage 3. All priced in the $150 range.
Sage 2 in titanium, my #1 pick, on the right. Sage 3's also shown..


Below are the Spyderco Caly 3 and 3.5 (inch-blade) in long-lasting and sharp ZDP-189.. Excellent office-carries.
Click to expand...

Carrying my Caly 3 CF/ZDP-189 today as a matter of fact. Wonderful office knife.
 
DallasSTB said:
The BM 940 or (for a few more bucks) the 940-1 is a good choice but slightly larger than you mentioned. The ZT 0777cf is nice for around $150ish. You can get a nice Spyderco Caly 3 with carbon fiber for well under that, or one of the Sage series, or a Domino for less than $200.

Or go with the ZT 0562 or my current fav - the 0562cf. That is one gorgeous knife but may be a little heartier than your specs allow. There really are more choices than you can effectively evaluate online here. My humble advice would be to handle as many as possible and pic the one that feels the best and comes from one of the reputable manufacturers. You'll be good to go.

And welcome to Bladeforums, BTW.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I appreciate all the suggestions from everyone. Im leaning towards the ZT 0566, simply because it gets me closest to that 0560 design. But, ive been looking up each knife suggested in here to weigh all my options. I probably cant go wrong with any of these.

I like how the 0566 gets you almost the same knife as the 0560, but for nearly $100 less. The only difference I see is the stainless steel half of the handle, rather than titanium.
 
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