Crowdsourcing the perfect folder

blindhogg

blindhogg

Joined
Feb 21, 2001
Messages
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Ok guys I was looking at a recent issue of blade or maybe another knife magazine and saw the Surefire folder. It had some great features, Bottle opener, 1/2 hex wrench built into the scales, cord cutter and probably a few I missed. So I decided I would like to crowdsource the ultimate folder, you know the EDC (Every day carry). That you would love to buy if you saw it available for sale.
I dabble in knife design so I plan to cad this and show photos here if anyone gets involved and hopefully we can create the ultimate knife together.
SO I will start with what I like in a knife.

1. As thin as possible, I hate thick knives.
2. Bottleopener would be nice if it could look elegant.
3. hex slots in scales might be nice.
4.Maybe a cutout in scales so one could cut cord while knife is closed.
5. stainless blade, WHat do you guys like??

SO I want to hear what you guys think I missed and what would make the ultimate folder.
Chris W.
 
I like the idea of a glassbreaker, dont see why it should not have that feature.
Thrill, I just checked out the XM-18 really nice looking folder. I just think we could put more features in a daily carry EDC knife.
I do like the looks of the G-10 and liner on one side and Ti on the lock side.
Austin what model uses a backlock. I am unfamiliar with this locking mechanism.
I have made a few folders that were linerlock or framelock and was considering going that route but am always open to a better way.
What stainless do you guys like for the blade?
CW
 
Liner Lock with Smooth G10 Scales, contoured.

Either CPM-154 or M390 at 62 RC

Nice Drop Point or Trailing Point

Hollow Ground

Blade 3.50" to 3.75" long
 
backlocks are just lockbacks, like the buck 110. I like the following in a edc knife.

not too large- under 5" when closed
not too thick blade, but enough im not scared of it breaking
g-10 on 1 side, ti of the other, with the lockbar cutout visible, like a hinderer.
framelock
no recurves, but some belly.
good handle ergo's- IE the kershaw JYD 2
tip up carry
common pivot screw- IE NO SPANNER PIVOTS

O, and for steel, I like vg-10, Sg2, 145cm, and s30v.
 
Austinaftermath said:
Swedges done right make a knife truly art. Like traditionals from Schatt&Morgan or GEC's( mainly the GEC cigar Barlow).
Click to expand...

Interesting opinion. I seem to prefer a knife without them. A simple drop point or spear point is my fav blade shape.

Oh, and blindhogg, If you need a knife tester, I am here.:D
 
TI framelock, G10 scale, bottle opener, hex driver, glass breaker...
Sounds like the ESEE HEST/F.
 
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S30V or 154CM would be OK for the steel, but depends on your pricepoint.

You could incorporate a glass breaker into the handle shape, but it can't be obtrusive. If you designed it right, the bottle opener and cord-cutting channel could be combined. Probably wouldn't be very comfortable in hand though.
 
blindhogg said:
I like the idea of a glassbreaker, dont see why it should not have that feature.
Thrill, I just checked out the XM-18 really nice looking folder. I just think we could put more features in a daily carry EDC knife.
I do like the looks of the G-10 and liner on one side and Ti on the lock side.
Austin what model uses a backlock. I am unfamiliar with this locking mechanism.
I have made a few folders that were linerlock or framelock and was considering going that route but am always open to a better way.
What stainless do you guys like for the blade?
CW
Click to expand...

Buck 110s are lockback I'm pretty sure.
 
Actually, I've used the pocket clip on my Griptillian to open bottles. If you make the clip designed for opening bottles, it would make it very unobtrusive.
 
blindhogg said:
I like the idea of a glassbreaker, dont see why it should not have that feature.
Thrill, I just checked out the XM-18 really nice looking folder. I just think we could put more features in a daily carry EDC knife.
I do like the looks of the G-10 and liner on one side and Ti on the lock side.
Austin what model uses a backlock. I am unfamiliar with this locking mechanism.
I have made a few folders that were linerlock or framelock and was considering going that route but am always open to a better way.
What stainless do you guys like for the blade?
CW
Click to expand...

Make it so that the glass breaker could be removed by a torx screw. If not there might be an issue with some folks jamming their fingers into it when reaching for the knife or other items in that pocket.

For scales I would suggest some sort of textured G10 material that could have a basic milled type texture, nothing fancy. Just enough to give you a decent grop. Think Spyderco PPT style or Benchmade 950.

I agree with Ankerson, hollow grind M390 steel in a 3"-3.5" blade. Modified drop point with a slight bevel on the spine, in the center of the blade, NOT near the tip.

Pocket clip should be deep carry and reversible for tip up/down right/left carry. It would be great for lefties as well as the rest of us could have comfort in its use.

Stepped thumbstuds would be nice to provide a great way to open the knife.

A bushing system rather than a standard pivot would also be nice, unless you decided to use a Hinderer/Strider style pivot. Either way would be great I think.
 
1 - high hollow ground CPM M4 with a black Tungsten DLC coating
2 - decent choil
3 - titanium body/scales/frame lock... actually, maybe a lock back...
4 - flathead screws, I shouldn't need to buy special tools to fidget with a knife, IMHO (HUGE peeve of mine... whatever...)
5 - smidge under 3" just so it's legal in more places
6 - not flashy
7 - free :D
 
Along the lines of the OP - definitely sounds like the ESEE H.E.S.T. folder (I want one).

Mine - A larger version of the Leek, same thickness as the original stainless model, Loveless style drop point blade, CPM-S110V, machine textured titanium framelock and a deep carry pocket clip ala STR. With tweezers and a toothpick! :)
 
Wow some good ideas coming out. Direction I am leaning after reading your ideas.
Ti framelock, textured g-10 on non lock side, bottle opener, possible cord cutter, glass breaker (But removable if not preferred), Clip setup for deep carry and re-locatable to one other position. No special hardware to disassemble(Although I do like Torx), blade 3-3.5" and hollow ground, Hex shapes cut in Titanium frame.

Blade steel either M390 or S30v or CPM M4vand DLC coated black.(really need to do more homework on good steel). Blade shape simple drop point

PS LJTibbs ESEE Hest folder is a sweet folder, I had not seen it before, thanks for the heads up.

Keep the ideas coming, I plan to rev up the cad program in the next few days, I will keep you guys posted.
CW

PS Almost forgot to ask, WHat are your guys feelings on flippers for opening along with a ambi thumb stud????
 
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