Buying first folder......

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KOLONEL SOPDROL

Joined
Apr 6, 2013
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Hi Guys...

I have never really had folding knives - preferring the robustness of fixed blades. (This is probably why I have two BK2s)

For the past couple of years I have been mostly using one of my BK2s for edc. It is usually under my SUV's seat or in my bike's topbox.


I have looked at folders but so far nothing really caught my attention until I saw this:

The ruger go-n-heavy made by CRKT.

Ruger-knives-1.jpg




I really like the design, size and blade profile...




Does anyone have experience with CRKT knives and their 8CR13MOV steel?

How does 8CR13MOV compare to the 1095 used by the Beckers in terms of edgeholding and stain resistance?
 
8cr13mov is decent budget steel. Never used it in CRKT fashion, but have used the Kershaw versions. Rather rust resistant, I found a Kershaw with it in the middle of a field that had been there for years and had no rust on it. Holds an edge decent but you will have to sharpen it a lot if you use it a good amount everyday. Good thing about that though is that it is effortless to sharpen. Just a couple of passes on a stone and its hair popping sharp again. In my experience it is pretty tough. Never had any chipping or tips snapping off. Just don't do the things you would with your bk2. Just remember that with all folding knives, they are meant for cutting and not much else.

I also use the bk2 for my edc blade. Couldn't be happier with it but I also work on a farm so that allows me to carry whatever I want and it is justifiable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I'm
KOLONEL SOPDROL said:
Hi Guys...

I have never really had folding knives - preferring the robustness of fixed blades. (This is probably why I have two BK2s)

For the past couple of years I have been mostly using one of my BK2s for edc. It is usually under my SUV's seat or in my bike's topbox.


I have looked at folders but so far nothing really caught my attention until I saw this:

The ruger go-n-heavy made by CRKT.

Ruger-knives-1.jpg




I really like the design, size and blade profile...




Does anyone have experience with CRKT knives and their 8CR13MOV steel?

How does 8CR13MOV compare to the 1095 used by the Beckers in terms of edgeholding and stain resistance?
Click to expand...

It doesn't compare period
 
I'd recommend a USA-made Kershaw, or any Japanese-made Spyderco with G10 and the steel frame (I don't like the lightweights). They are exceptional values, and there are many options.
Remember that a folder has many many more parts, and requires much more precise manufacturing, so don't be turned off by spending $45-75 on a 3" knife. It's a different ballgame than factory fixed blades.
 
CRKT makes decent knives -they have a reputation for inconsistent quality control, but that's mostly from their first few years of production.
8cr13mov is the Chinese version of aus8 -- it's a perfectly serviceable stainless, but not a super steel.
if you like the size/shape/feel of the Ruger knife, go for it.
I highly recommend you try to find a place that has it in stock and handle one before ordering it, as that handle does not look particularly comfortable to me.
 
Do yourself a favour and don't follow Alice down the rabbit hole of folders. Get yourself a BK11 or BK24. :thumbup: They do pair with BK's very nicely.....

I got my brother inlaw a CRKT M16 last year and he loves it. Another buddy of mine just got a M21 and is pretty happy with its performance.

Becker content incoming!

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I love me some Ruger revolvers, that is for sure. That said, I would not buy or carry that knife posted above.

What do you want your folder to be able to do? That will help.
 
Nobody has explicitly mentioned the USA-made Buck line, which is quite good and very affordable.
 
The crkt he showed is about $70 on a popular auction site. I think that is out working price.
 
FWIW, I've checked these out at my LKS. It does come in two sizes....and the big one is absolutely EEUGE. That said, I've got some great stuff from CRKT, both in folders and fixed, and I tend to lurve just about anything Bill Harsey designs. 8CR13MOV is widely used in the "value" priced folder market; I have crapload of knives made from it (mostly Kershaws) and I find it to be perfectly serviceable, even from an EDC standpoint (it was more or less in my pocket every day for work, used and abused). If you like it, go for it.....but that blade (at 5") is ginormous for a folder. For a similar priced, same steel and (IMO) aesthetically pleasing made in the USA option I would suggest checking out the Kershaw Link series. Some different blade style/scale options and a more pocketable size - not to mention (again, IMO) much more comfy grip and ergos. I'll be interested to see what you decide.
 
Why I want the Ruger folder - I like its size, looks, blade and overall Harsey design.

Usage will be: To cut stuff now and then. Eat biltong on Kruger park trips, and eating steaks at my local pub.


Size Comparison : Huge and heavy for a folder. Same blade length as a BK2. Overall its about half an inch longer than the BK2 and weighs 10.5 oz. There is a smaller version too that's about a third of the weight that would be better for general EDC.


Another thing I really like about the Ruger is the small parts list.

From looking at the pics it seems to consist of:

* 2 x solid aluminium slabs
* Stainless steel liner
* Aluminium back spacer (not sure if all these terms are correct)
* Stainless blade stop bar
* Blade
* A pair of washers and three sets of screws...

The blade is also flat ground - which I like. From the comments here it sounds like the steel is not too bad either.



MartyW, where I live knives are bloody expensive.

This gives you an idea what we pay locally for knives:

BK2 : 170 USD
BK16 : 156 USD
Chris Reeve Sebenza 25 : 546 USD

Our president's firing of finance ministers also does not help the exchange rate.
 
KOLONEL SOPDROL said:
This gives you an idea what we pay locally for knives:

BK2 : 170 USD
BK16 : 156 USD
Chris Reeve Sebenza 25 : 546 USD

Our president's firing of finance ministers also does not help the exchange rate.
Click to expand...

Not a bad markup on the Sebenza! :D

Where are you? You can set that in your profile.
 
I live in Europe, where Beckers and American knives run also high in cash and rarity.

Yet, if you want to go big, I'd recommend getting a Cold Steel folder of some sort (XL knives, with 5.5 inch blades) which will sport AUS8 steel, will be cheaper now that they've changed their steels, will be lighter, tougher, better lock and I think better looks (that's just me, of course). Closer it gets to a fixed blade in folder territory.

20160220_174713_zps5nbe9s4g.jpg


For instance, for similar knives I'd go with a CS Tanto Voyager or Tanto Recon, which can be had for less than $70 in most places and even the newer ones with CTS-BD1 steel will run you about the same as the CRKT.

Voyager series are great in all variations.

20160211_163859_zpsvbmba2x9.jpg


I love CRKT, but for huge knives I think Cold Steel is the way to go. Rawles voyager is now $85 in many places, and add $15 shipping, you'll have a 5.5 inch, CTS-XHP tanto blade with lightweight grippy handles and awesome lock!

20160322_095125_zpswgksdpwl.jpg
 
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