Best Tactical Folder?

If you intend this knife to be something you actually defend your life with, I can't recommend a knife with an Emerson Wave opener strongly enough. The extra half-second it takes to open even an auto knife under pressure can be the difference between life and death. Waves are open as soon as they leave the pocket. In addition, if this is to be an exclusively SD knife, you want something with an agressively curved blade to maximize slashing power, and full serrations don't hurt - they give you the option of a "slash and run" strategy. The waved Spyderco Matriarch fits all of these definitions well. That said, it doesn't have a black blade and is almost entirely useless for utility tasks, so it may not be the best option if you want to use it for EDC tasks.
 
NBTpro said:
I am probably leaning toward an EDC/Tactical knife. I doubt I will find myself in very many "crucial" situations, but I always want to be prepared. I had a delica once and it was a GREAT EDC, but I am just looking for something a little faster and tougher. Please give me any opinions on what your definition of tactical is. Thanks
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Us telling you what we think tactical means doesn't help you. You telling us what you think it means does.
 
A waved Endura or an Emerson CQC-8 or Commander might be a better choice if you want to have it be a tactical/EDC. I would never recommend anyone pay new prices for an Emerson though; I would never pay more than $150 for one given the almost universally shoddy F&F.
 
I like folders without a tactical "flavor".
For me "tactical" needs : robust design, easy to open, safe to use, reasonable blade length and good materials.
... And it shall be good for EDC, hard use and potentially for defense.
That is a very personal definition of course ;)

I lean toward flippers because most of them have some assisted opening that make them easier to deploy when under stress and offer a finder protection when using for hard works (or stabbing :( ).
A blade between 3" and 4" is good for me becauseI am not comfortable at EDC larger blade folders.

For this reasons I have chosen a ZT0350 as my "tactical EDC"

That is only my personal definition for a tactical folder, and some details on what are important points for me, and what was my choice..... nothing more. :)
 
ZT 0200 for all your needs/ wants in a folding knife for under $200 that can be used for pretty much anything.
 
Here are some favs of mine in this price range or a bunch less...









 
Wow. I never noticed how similar the 0770 and mini matrix are... Right down to screw placement.
 
The Spyderco Military is my GOAT production EDC. I EDC one since 2008. (I have a plain, an Orange, a C/F M390 and a Fluted.) It has the specifications you're looking for and on top of that it's very very useful for daily cutting tasks.

However, if I ever need to fight with a knife I'd rather use my S&W HRT Badge knife or my Rajah II.
 
Emersons have a great blade shapes for "fighting"
but what disqualifies them IMHO is the flimsy liner
locks. In a "combat" situation, a hard impact to the top
of the blade is possible and I've seen too many Emerson's
slide right off the tang. In addition, most Emerson's don't
have a relieved area on the blade, so if the blade folds on
you, kiss your finger goodbye.
 
Get a old toothbrush and sharpen the handle agains the sidewalk, the cheapest tactical you ever had.
 
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