Decided what I want in a folder...now who makes one?

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PythonDR

Joined
Sep 20, 2005
Messages
195
In my quest to find the perfect largish EDC folder, I've gone through the obligatory "tactical" and "tanto" phases, and have finally found what I really like using: a knife with a lot of "belly". (Think Marble's Woodcraft - one of my favorite fixed blades.)

The only folder I have with a blade shape even close to what I want is a Spyderco "Jot Singh Khalsa". It's very nice, but a) I'd like more upsweep in the cutting edge, and b) it's a bit difficult to fit in some pockets.

So, what I want is a production folder with a 3-1/2" blade, around say $100 or so, that has as close to the Marble's shape as possible. Some other things:

1) Has to have a pocket clip!
2) I'm somewhat steel agnostic, but ATS-34, 154CM, VG-10, or even Sandvik 12C27 are quite acceptable. I don't need the latest "wonder" steel.
3) Must have a pocket clip!

In the meantime, I'm off to look at some online stores.... :)

-=[ grant ]=-
 
The only knife that I can think of that really has the same kind of feel as the Jot, is the timberline pistol grip. I have them both, and I like them alot.
My only issue with the Pistol grip is that there isn't a whole lot of room for your finger to disengage the liner lock, since there is no cutout or even a depression. On the flip side, though, it is much harder to accidentally disengage. This can be quickly changed with a dremmel.
 
Look for a Microtech Amphibian M/A in the secondary market. It's an awesome folder. The 154CM recurve blade has a lot of belly and is a great slicer and would probably make a decent skinner. It's got great handle ergos and the Micro Bar lock is rock solid and locks up like a bank vault. They often turn up with little wear for around $140.00 and ar eone of the knife worlds best kept secret IMHO.
 
I think we have some similar tastes. I really liked the blade shape on the Jot Singh Khalsa too, but the grip didn't fit my hand very well.

Here are the folders that I would recommend for lots of belly, plus the other things you're looking for:

Kershaw Boa
Timberline Worden Tactical Supreme
Spyderco Chinook II

--Bob Q
 
jmxcpter said:
Look for a Microtech Amphibian M/A in the secondary market. It's an awesome folder.
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I looked at an Amphibian, and didn't like it. However, the Mini Socom clip point isn't too bad - I've got an early one with the Tanto blade, and like their quality. I'd prefer a less "pointy" profile, however.

One knife I found that I really like is the Benchmade-Ritter Griptillian. However, based on a lot of the things I read here I'm not wild about the S30v steel, so I'll probably pass on it.

Another suitable candidate may be the Blade-Tech Wegner Hunter. In fact, it's the leading contender right now.

-=[ grant ]=-
 
rattrapsmall.jpg

The Rat Trap Has "belly" For a bit more than 100 bucks- Great knife.

There is nothing wrong with S30V steel.
 
I wouldn't class the Ritter Grip as having a lot of belly, nor a lot of "upsweep to the cutting edge".

Great knife though and the S30V is no problem.

Phil
 
The Buck Strider Tarani fits your requirement quite well also. If you get one in the glass filled nylon handle material you can find them for a good price now and then. I got mine used for $60. The G10 ones are basically the same thing and both these offerings from Buck are pretty good knives overall. Lots of blade on them and plenty of belly. In fact I have split small kindling with mine because there is enough tip heavy action and blade thickness going on with this folder to not only flip it right opened when you pull it out to use it without having to touch anything at all other than the handle but it chops better than any other folder I own with the same foot print. The Bos heat treated ATS 34 blade is really nice also.

http://www.newgraham.com/buck_strider.htm
 
I think the Spyderco Persian would be perfect. Upswept blade, lots of belly, VG10 steel, can be found easily for under $100, and yes it has a pocket clip. Check out the reviews of it too. It is highly regarded and a very nice knife. Good luck in your search!
persianbyschemp8pp.jpg
 
I looked at the Buck Strider/Tarani....please forgive me as I don't want to impugn anyone's taste, but from where I sit it's just ugly!

-=[ grant ]=-
 
You might want to take a look at the Katz Kagemusha.

NJ3-WM.jpg


I have no idea what XT80 steel is, but these knives seem to be pretty well made.
 
Laceration said:
I think the Spyderco Persian would be perfect. Upswept blade, lots of belly, VG10 steel, can be found easily for under $100, and yes it has a pocket clip.
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Question: when closed, is it as "wide" as the Khalsa? My one big complaint about that knife is that it takes up the space of two in my pocket! I've yet to see a picture of a closed Persian...

-=[ grant ]=-
 
Keith Montgomery said:
You might want to take a look at the Katz Kagemusha.

I have no idea what XT80 steel is, but these knives seem to be pretty well made.
Click to expand...
Thanks for bringing that up - I actually handled one at a show a couple of years back, and rather liked it. (It strikes me as similar to the Wegner Pro Hunter, and given the choice I tend to pick the American-made product. However, that white Micarta is quite nice!)

Katz isn't a brand that I really know much of, but perusing some past threads here many people seem to like them. Worth another look at least.

-=[ grant ]=-
 
Check out Emerson knives. I've recently been turned on to their products. I got a CQC-10 and love it.

Look at the CQC-8, the Commander, and the Tactical Persian. They all have lots of belly (the Commander has an obscene belly, plus a really nice recurve), the 8 and the Persian are both upswept (the 8, in the era of its conception, was often referred to as the banana, or so I've heard), and they're tough as nails. They're built like tanks, and they still carry extremely comfortably.

Plus, most Emersons are available with or without the Wave feature. :D

Here's the link. Check out Emerson's other offerings, too. They have many blade profiles available, and several will fit into your target profile.

If you shop around, you'll find many excellent deals on Emerson knives. Prices range anywhere from $100 (or less, for a slightly used one) to $300 (for limited editions, semi-customs, etc.).

Peace.

Edited for a few pics, pulled directly off the Emerson website... (If anyone objects for copyright reasons, etc., then I apologize and will remove them. No harm intended.)

CQC-8:
C8BT_Lg.jpg


Commander:
COMMANDER-BT.jpg


Tactical Persian:
30303_ptac.jpg
 
You might want to take a peek at the "Wegner Professional Hunter-Lite" and the Spyderco Impala. Both are in your price range with similar blade shapes.
 
PythonDR said:
Question: when closed, is it as "wide" as the Khalsa? My one big complaint about that knife is that it takes up the space of two in my pocket! I've yet to see a picture of a closed Persian...

-=[ grant ]=-
Click to expand...
It's not as wide as the Khalsa, nowhere near. The Khalsa's design and placement of the Spyderhole make it so huge in the pocket. The other suggestions here are very good but I think the Persian is the only that fits your requirements so well and costs less than $100 NIB. Let us know what you choose.
 
Take a look at the Kershaw 1416. The XXL Starkey Ridge. They're discontinued, but there are some still around. The blade is ATS-34, liners-titanium, and the scales-G-10.
 
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