Can I speak of Non-Busse folders here?

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adrock1978

adrock1978

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I just couldn't see posting this in the general forum, and taking the advice and opinions of poor slobs that think Ka-bars and Sogs are the best fixed blade knives out there. Might as well go right to the source and ask the wonderfully intellectual and sound mined people here. :D Plus Busse doesn't make a folder... :(

I need a folder. I don't collect folders, I never have more than one in use or rotation. I don't have several go-to folders or a folder for different tasks... that's what fixed blades are for. So needless to say, I need one robust, well made folder. Non-Tanto blade, combo OR straight edged ok.

I currently use a CRKT M16-13Z but by no means does that set the criteria of what I'm looking for. I do like a thumb flip and a liner lock though. So far the only thing I've seen that I like is a Zero Tolerance ZT-300ST

Any opinions?
 
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I have two of the ZT 300 folders and love them, I think they are a great value since you can find them almost new for around $200 or less. First, before any other suggestions, do you have a maximum $$ you want to spend? Is there a blade size you want to keep it around? Do you care what type of lock it has or if it is assisted or not? Also, is it just for general purpose or something more specific? Answering these question might help narrow it down some.

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:confused:
 
I buy Zero Tolerance, Strider and Cold Steel and that's it as far as folders go. ;)

I have tried others, but I have found I like the above better for various reasons. :)
 
Kershaw makes some nice folders too.
OR.. you could always get a Spyderco.
OR you could get a Benchmade. (maybe a bradley?)
There's a TON of framelocks out there, which is what I'd recommend for a tough folder,
unless you want a lockback, which are great also. I'd definitely get a Spyderco lockback.
but Cold Steel's lockbacks are also very strong, not sure about the quality of the blade steel though.
Oh, and axis locks are also quite strong. I really like axis locks, in fact.
Yeah.. there's a TON of choices,... help us narrow it down a bit.
 
Robust folder?

Sebenza,XM-18 or SNG off the top of.my head.
 
randucci said:
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I have two of the ZT 300 folders and love them, I think they are a great value since you can find them almost new for around $200 or less. First, before any other suggestions, do you have a maximum $$ you want to spend? Is there a blade size you want to keep it around? Do you care what type of lock it has or if it is assisted or not? Also, is it just for general purpose or something more specific? Answering these question might help narrow it down some.

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:confused:
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Under $300... Closer to $200. I know the ZT is up there, but that's the high end of what I'd spend. Used and cheaper is ok too. 3.5" - 4" blade with an OAL length under 9". I really like liner locks because you don't have to move your hand much to unlock it. It doesn't have to be assisted, but like the M16 I carry, the talon hole protrudes upward in the closed position and makes for a wicked fast opening flick with your pointer finger... more-so than a thumb knob. Its for fishing/hunting. General purpose even, but being that its to be my only folder it should be stout enough for camping.
 
I'd trust my Benchmade Griptilian with almost anything. Aeromedix is selling a limited number of Ritter Griptilians in CPM-M4. They're available for pre-order right now. Should be shipping in mid April. Not sure if I can post the price here, but it's less than $200.00.
 
ZT
blue & black class benchmades
some spydercos (manix & military mostly)
Strider & CRK's good knives but not the best value around
 
i like the benchmade axis locks too, but i have to be honest, i broke a couple benchmades(not the axis lock, others..) from not even abusing them. Some had the screws brake, others like my Benchmade Aphid, just literally fell apart in my hands....Im not lying or exagerating. BM makes very smooth knives, just not built for hard use imho. Cold steel has some good folders that can really take a beating, although like someone said their steel is not the best. But for under 200 bucks, i would go with Cold Steel for a folder. But, im not a folder type guy, just my .2 cents
dave
 
The Spyderco Ti Military is a beauty and is in the $200 price range. The Spyderco Sage II is smaller and goes for around $140. Both models are frame locks with titanium scales.

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=448

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=421

If you are OK with G10 scales the Spyderco Military is a large top-lock and comes up on the exchange for $150 +-.

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=165

The Benchmade 630 is a big beefy titanium framelock and can be found on the exchange for $170-$200.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/630

Good luck! :)
 
adrock1978 said:
Under $300... Closer to $200. I know the ZT is up there, but that's the high end of what I'd spend. Used and cheaper is ok too. 3.5" - 4" blade with an OAL length under 9". I really like liner locks because you don't have to move your hand much to unlock it. It doesn't have to be assisted, but like the M16 I carry, the talon hole protrudes upward in the closed position and makes for a wicked fast opening flick with your pointer finger... more-so than a thumb knob. Its for fishing/hunting. General purpose even, but being that its to be my only folder it should be stout enough for camping.
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The Spyderco Military, as tiburon already noted above (while I was typing this :))

It's available in a few different versions.
 
You will go folder crazy! I know. :D
Check out Emerson and Black Bear Knives. These Black Bear custom folders start at $240. and they are incredible!
 
get a zt 300 series, i beat the ever loving snot out of mine and it keep's smiling.:D after three year's of tough love mine is just starting to losen up. for the money you can't beat them.
 
I've been looking at some of the knives suggested. The XM-18 looks great, and the Benchmade 630 looks ok too. So far though, other than the XM, nothing seems to pack as many features and quality in as the ZT. I hate to jump to the conclusion that anything that costs more is better, but I can't imagine some of the $50-60 knives suggested are as good as some of these $150+ knives. Nothing Spyderco really does it for me. The Sabenza is nice too, but $400 for a folder is ridiculous.
 
ZT300.


I have had my ZT 300 for over two years now and I have used it for everything, you will not regret buying one and you can find them for great prices on the exchange. I carry mine almost everywhere, it is a GREAT knife.
 
adrock1978 said:
I've been looking at some of the knives suggested. The XM-18 looks great, and the Benchmade 630 looks ok too. So far though, other than the XM, nothing seems to pack as many features and quality in as the ZT. I hate to jump to the conclusion that anything that costs more is better, but I can't imagine some of the $50-60 knives suggested are as good as some of these $150+ knives. Nothing Spyderco really does it for me. The Sabenza is nice too, but $400 for a folder is ridiculous.
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Hmmm, I rarely pay under $400 for folders anymore! Well, unless they are ones I'm going to pimp, like a production Emerson.

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:eek:
 
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