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Best high end user folder out there?
- Thread starter BJE
- Start date
This is above your range, but this one is my favorite. Clean cut, and probably the fastest flipper out there.
I second the Q36
Do yourself a favor and get a Cold Steel Voyager. Folders don't get any better than this!
I have several and Cold Steel is telling you the truth when they say they will out perform any other comparable knife. I'd put mine against any other folder out there....period. Mine will still be cutting through hanging 2" Manilla Rope with one swipe while thiers are in pieces. And I am including custom knives in the comparisen.
Semper Fi!
I have several and Cold Steel is telling you the truth when they say they will out perform any other comparable knife. I'd put mine against any other folder out there....period. Mine will still be cutting through hanging 2" Manilla Rope with one swipe while thiers are in pieces. And I am including custom knives in the comparisen.
Semper Fi!
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2006
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- 3,079
I used to have a Voyager and I sold it. I liked the blade OK, but the handle was where it lacked for me. I would have to politely dissagree about them being the best out there. They are good knives for the money, but I don't prefer them. I have had (and still have one or two) other Cold Steel knives and in my experience the fit and finish, blade and handle materials, and overall performance didn't come close to some of my other knives, especially not cutsom peices. But thats my opinion, YMMV.
I'd put my Manix up against the Voyager.
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2007
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- 761
Given your options above, I would go with the Alias. It doesn't have the Sebenza's F&F, nor as much ergonomic integrity, but aside from that Bradley got most of it right.
Before you make your decision, I would check out CRKT's 2008 catologue; there are several new entries in the Carson series (the M21SF is my favorite) that allow a choice between aluminum or G10, which I remember you mentioning in your original post. The knives can now be had with those Veff serrations that CRKT is using, and they're one of the best serration patterns out there. Price is well below your spec, but F&F is relatively great, and I find that the Carson knives in particular will hold up to most people's definition of 'hard use.' They're tenacious (and tenacious-looking) knives - especially the Special Forces versions. The hilt quillions can be used as an Emmerson-style wave opener.
(I've said alot of that far too often now, but I thought it might be useful. Good luck again.)
Before you make your decision, I would check out CRKT's 2008 catologue; there are several new entries in the Carson series (the M21SF is my favorite) that allow a choice between aluminum or G10, which I remember you mentioning in your original post. The knives can now be had with those Veff serrations that CRKT is using, and they're one of the best serration patterns out there. Price is well below your spec, but F&F is relatively great, and I find that the Carson knives in particular will hold up to most people's definition of 'hard use.' They're tenacious (and tenacious-looking) knives - especially the Special Forces versions. The hilt quillions can be used as an Emmerson-style wave opener.
(I've said alot of that far too often now, but I thought it might be useful. Good luck again.)
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2006
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- 5,611
I have most of the knives talked about in this thread. I'll second what Sal Glesser said about the ZDP 189 Stretch 2. It's simply the finest cutting knife I've ever held. It's also the sharpest out of the box knife I've ever seen, including customs. This one easily whittles hairs and other such stunts. The 3.5 inch flat ground blade is perfect for me, and there is nothing to hold it back from slicing through stuff. The grip is very ergonomic, and the carbon fibre grips are the perfect feel. It really comes alive in your hand. I like Titanium too, but this stretch proves it's not necessessary for a knife to be top of the line. Joe
Kaizen1
Gold Member
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- Jan 4, 2006
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The Buck Mayos are great knives. Of the ones you've mentioned, my vote goes toward the Paramilitary. Why?
It has the most comfortable ergos (of course this depends on the individual's hands, but most Spydies I've found have the best ergos in general), the compression lock is ingenious and convenient, the "finger choil" allows a back up in case of lock failure (don't get me wrong, the compression lock is arguably one of the stronger and more reliable locks in this group, but all lock can fail), I think the steel is equivalent to the others, full flat grind, great grip because of the G-10 texture + ergos, opening hole is comfortable. I am biased here, because of all of the knives I've handled, the Paramilitary is one of my absolute favorites.
I didn't like the Mini Skirmish. The blade to handle ratio was weird to me, but this is the reason why some people like it. The thumb hole made it difficult to open compared the the Spyderco opening hole. Other than that, the quality seemed great. Oh yeah, I'm not a fan of recurves.
The Mini Dejavoo seems to be a great knife. I'm not a huge fan of liner locks. Of the group, this has the weakest lock and least reliable in my opinion. However, it should me more than enough to handle your tasks, I was just talking in comparison to the others. It is extremely smooth in opening and it was designed by a legend who unfortunately isn't alive today.
Never handled an Alias, but have read great stuff about it.
Hope that helps
Kaizen1
Gold Member
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- Jan 4, 2006
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- 6,303
I don't know about holding an edge since I didn't have much experience over time with my 710, but I received it in a trade and it was "scary sharp". I stropped it a little and split a hair in 3. Anytime hair whittling is possible, it can get a "really good edge" in my book.