best utility folder?

C

culter

Joined
Apr 22, 2001
Messages
121
This has probably been discussed before, but I'm not sure what to get. I'm looking for a utility folder for edc. Max 150 US$. I'm considering the Spyderco Starmate. I was considering the Military as well but I think it might look to martial. Personally I like the look even better than the Starmate but I fear it might get to many frowns if I take it out somewhere public.
Consider as well that I'm a lefty. So the Spyderco hole is very convenient. At the moment a BM Ascent is my edc and I've grown rather fond of the hole. Now I'm just looking for an update. I don't really need a stronger or better knife but I just have this craving for a new toy. So, I'm open to your suggestions.
 
The starmate is a great knife, and worth the money. Maybe you should also look at:
Benchmade AFCK
Spyderco Gunting
Spyderco Vesuvius
Spyderco Wegner
Spyderco Bob Lum Chinese folder
Spyderco Native

Of these, in my opinion, the least threatening to sheeple are the vesuvius and the chinese folder. All of them are great knives and have the spyderco hole, and are a little more upscale than your ascent. The vesuvius and gunting are interesting because of the new spyderco compression lock (among other features). I believe that both spyderco and benchmade make specific left hand models. The native is always recommended, and has a clip that allows for left hand use/carry.

Good luck finding your new knife!
-- Rob
 
If you don't mind being a lefty using a right handed liner lock, the best of the bunch mentioned will be the Spyder Wegner. The Native makes a great utility knife, with a lockback, so it won't be opposite handed. The Chinook is another, larger lockback that would make for great utility use.
 
If you're a lefty, think about an Axis lock Benchmade. Totally ambidextrous. They're coming out with the 550 soon--the first Axis model with a thumb hole!

Otherwise, the 710 is awesome.

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Man, I hate smileys.
 
First of all thanks for all the tips.
I've considered the AFCK but I've heard they've got an oval thumb hole now. Yes, my thumb is kind of oval, too. But when opening the knife my thumb turns in the hole so either my thumb has to change shape (unlikely) or wont fit properly. But I might get one if I find an old one.

I don't mind "right handed" liner locks. I doesn't really make a difference IMHO. It's just a matter of moving your thumb to the right or to the left. Actually I'm fond of liner locks since it's easier to close the knife with one hand. But I've read that some people had problems with Starmate locks. Is that problem fixed?
The axis lock sounds like a good alternative. I'll consider it.



[This message has been edited by culter (edited 04-23-2001).]
 
sorry for posting the same message twice.

[This message has been edited by culter (edited 04-23-2001).]
 
I will second the 710 Axis. It has a great handle and blade design and it has the best lock going right now.
 
hey ya can still get the standard BM AFCK w/round hole @ www.knifecenter.com, got my AFCK from them, the large w/black non serrated blade($99.00), the best 1 IMHO - my AFCK is my favorite EDC EXCEPT for my REKAT SIFU - i bought 4 or 5 knives to replace it, and none ever did (ie - CRKT M16, Emerson CQC7B, Spyderco Centofante, Matriarch, Khalsa, BM Stryker, Kershaw Whirlwind, CS Gunsite, all good knives, BUT IMHO not as good as the AFCK - it rocks for sure - oh and i dont like the new 1's either - why change perfection- hello BM, anyone listening????


vet
 
Do the Mini-AFCK and the Ascent have the same blades? It appears to me like the Ascent is the lighter version of the Mini-AFCK with Zytel handels.

This isn't getting easier at all. Maybe I'll just have to get several (my wallet just got a heart attack). My problem is I can't really have a look at the knives since there is no good shop in my area. I have to order via the net. I find it hard to evaluate a knife by just looking at pictures.
 
Or the 730/735, depending on if you want a 4" recurve blade (710) or a 3.6" spearpoint blade (730/735).

[edit]
Personally, I don't think you'll miss the hole. I rarely ever use the thumbstuds for opening.... Gotta love that Axis lock for ease of opening
smile.gif

[/edit]

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com

[This message has been edited by e_utopia (edited 04-23-2001).]
 
And now for the correct answer:
wink.gif

BM 721

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
Ok, disregarding many of your suggestions, I've ordered a Starmate today. Can't wait till I get it.

But you have also convinced me to get a Benchmade. I suppose they will add a few more models with axis lock soon so I'll just watch some time. I like the BM 721. But it's not exactly what I want. I'd like the Mini-AFCK with an Axis Lock (and preferrably a round hole). I'm sure that would make a really cool knife.

Again thanks for all your suggestions.
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Do the Mini-AFCK and the Ascent have the same blades? It appears to me like the Ascent is the lighter version of the Mini-AFCK with Zytel handels.</font>
Click to expand...

Yes and no. The newer Ascents (with thumb studs) are more of a drop point blade instead of clip point, but yes the original Ascents or Eclipses are of the same blades. The difference is in the locking system, liner lock vs lockback.
 
Buy a Wegner, Starmate, or Rookie. Or you can buy a 350 and get 2 of them.
Good luck,
Matt
 
Thanks Frantium! I have an old Ascent with clippoint blade and spyderhole. I like the blade. I'd get one with an axis lock and G10 handles (as I said before). Anybody else interested? Maybe we should whine for one on the Benchmade forum.

The 350 is an auto, isn't it? I think that's considered a weapon here.
 
The 3500 is an auto. The 350 is the manual version of the same knife. All Benchmade autos, to the best of my knowledge, have 4-digit numbers, while manuals have 3-digit numbers, and balisongs have 2-digit numbers. At least, I believe this is correct.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
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