Best value military grade folder for $100?

T

tkchun

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Dec 18, 2011
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Hi, I'm new to knife collecting and recently I've been looking for a military grade folder. I'm currently on a tight budget of about $100, so I've been eying the ZT 0350 for a while now. I was wondering if there were any other knives of similar price range that I should get instead of the ZT. I don't really plan on using it on self-defense, but I'm looking for something reliable and of good price and value. I'll be happy if you could provide any recommendations or pointers. Thank you.
 
Look at the Ontario Rat 1. For a $30 folder you can't go wrong. I have a few and think it's a great knife. I also have the ZT 350 which is a better knife but you can get 3 Rat 1's for the same price (and they come in different colors).
 
A Manix 2 might suit you. 154cm blade, g10 handles, and caged ball bearing lock for around 70-80$. It has a very solid design that's easy to manipulate while wearing gloves to boot, IMHO.
 
singularity35 said:
What does "military grade" mean?
Click to expand...

I don't think it actually means anything.
People not knowledgeable about particular gear think military grade means the meanest and toughest stuff out there.
Those who know the gear/mil world might think that stuff the mil use often leaves something to be desired.

Perhaps I am wrong. If I am I hope someone on here will correct me and then I can learn something new.
 
IF you can squeeze another $30 into the budget, the ZT-0200 would be a great choice. Check with a forumite by the name of Kershawguy. He sells the ZT, and Kershaw lineup of knives, and is recognized here at BF as a standup guy, plus, you will not find a better price.:thumbup::)
 
If "military grade" means stuff issued by the military, those crappy Gerber knives and multitools would count. Remember, the military often chooses products based on which company is the lowest bidder, not on how good they are. That's how they ended up with Berettas that everyone seems to hate.

As for a good, tough $100 knife, you can't do better than a ZT 0200 IMO. Thick liners and scales, aggressive texturing, solid one piece pivot bolt, 4mm thick blade, DLC coating, etc. And if something does break, they're good about fixing it. The ZT 0350 and Spyderco Manix 2 are also good choices. If you want a cheap beater, you could take a look at the Enlan El-01.
 
http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Standard+Issue

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Cold Steel makes a number of very tough, reliable knives for well under $100. The Voyager series, American Lawman and Recon 1 are all good knives. A.G. Russell's Italian Tactical folder also retails for right around $100 and is an excellent, and very handsome, knife. For just a little over your price range you can pick up a Benchmade 710 or a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, which are exceedingly well respected. Finally, if you're willing to wait, the Benchmade Adamas, Spyderco Yojimbo 2 and Spyderco Manix 2 XL are all starting to hit shelves right now. Hope that helps you out.
 
My best guess is a larger EDC knife, something that can be used tactically as well as an everyday EDC. Knives like the Manix 2, Endura, Police and Military from Spiderco are nice, as well as most higher-end Cold Steels.
 
pbonanza said:
I don't think it actually means anything.
People not knowledgeable about particular gear think military grade means the meanest and toughest stuff out there.
Those who know the gear/mil world might think that stuff the mil use often leaves something to be desired.

Perhaps I am wrong. If I am I hope someone on here will correct me and then I can learn something new.
Click to expand...

That was pretty much what I had in mind when I said 'military grade', meanest and toughest stuff out there, perhaps tactical as well.

Anyway, thanks for the replies and I appreciate the recommendations. I was kinda hooked to the ZT and I didn't wanna make a bias decision, so I'll be sure to check out your recommendations. Plus I would have liked to reply sooner, but somehow Google mark the site as unsafe? Weird.
 
Several of our Navy friends are perfectly happy with the Cold Steel Recon 1.

Other good choices might be the ZT200 or 350, & the Spyderco Military/Para Military.

The SOG Powerlock/PowerAssist tools get a good bit of use in uniform too.
 
If you're still looking.... i'd heartily recommend a Cold Steel American Lawman. It's super-strong lock up is something to experience!!!

The steel takes a really keen edge and holds it pretty well. I've had mine just over a year and recently stripped the black paint off the blade and locking bar - easy to do and it looks so much better. It has G-10 handle is a great shape - really easy to get a solid grip on it.

I remember seeing the ZT and thought what a great looking knife, but i'm sure glad i went with the American Lawman. I don't have anything against the ZT, just that the Lawman is *that* good.

Here's a little youTube for ya:
[video=youtube;6Lb59eBhkOU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lb59eBhkOU&feature=related[/video]
 
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