Does the knife I'm looking for exist?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Oct 20, 2019
Messages
181
Hi all, looking to buy a new folder. I have looked using filters on knifecenter, blade hq and looked through many brand websites. I cannot seem to find the knife I'm looking for given the specific conditions I want it to have. The conditions are as follows, and while if a condition or 2 is slightly different I might still consider the knife, these are all pretty hard and set specs I'm looking for:

1. Blade length: between 3.75 and 4.25 inches. I could go slightly above or below, but I am really looking for right around that 4-inch blade range.

2. Weight: under 6 ounces.

3. Lock: Axis/crossbar lock or button lock would be ideal (This is a bit flexible as I would be open to other locks, but liner/frame locks are a hard no. Also I'm in Canada, so no autos.)

4. Not assisted: This is not a legality issue as assisted knives are legal here, I just don't like assisted knives. And I find removing the assist often screws up the alignment.

5. Handle material: Micarta, G10, or similar. Absolutely no plastic, or all metal handles. If the handle is majority micarta/g10 with inlays of other materials or the other way around I'd definitely consider that depending on the knife. Also, ideally something light in colour as I like rit-dyeing handles, but this would just be a bonus of course.

6. Blade Shape: I am specifically looking for a knife with a tip that is not curved up too much. This condition is quite important to me. A very small amount of belly would be ideal, but not necessary. So, wharncliffes, sheepsfoots, reverse tantos, shapes like that would be good. Even a drop or spear point with the tip not much higher (nearly on the same level) than the rest of the edge would be fine. I think you guys get the idea. Also the tip shouldn't be too thin and delicate, it should be fairly robust.

7. Country of origin: Ideally made in a country known for quality manufacturing (North America, European countries, Australia/New Zealand etc.) although I would still be open to a knife from other countries if it is from a quality brand (such as WE for example) if the other conditions are all met and I like the knife. But ideally a "Western" country, or a country known for producing quality goods.

Let me know if a knife meeting these conditions is out there. The only one I could find so far that meets all of these is the Benchmade Contego, however, I cannot find that knife for sale anywhere in Canada likely given that it is discontinued, and even the contego has a bit too much curve in the tip. I could post on the WTB exchange, but I prefer to buy new. And I have to buy from a Canadian knife dealer as our border seizes most one-handed opening knives, even though they are legal to have in the country, only dealers are allowed to import them. (Yes I know it is an extremely stupid law and it pisses me off a lot lol.)

Thanks guys!
 
Last edited:
I do a google images search with a few keywords and see what turns up.

Eg.



By the way. Sencut is We is civivi apparently.

Hi I'm Joe and we are absolutely not kinda trying to be American here to make Americans feel more comfortable about buying our knives.

Their marketing is so on point.
 
Last edited:
D Drop bear

Honestly some of the civivis look really nice. The chevalier and the sencut watauga fit my bill real nice, only problems are blades are a bit short and (not a dealbreaker) but they're made in China. If they had longer blades I'd be all over em.

Hashishiin Hashishiin

Nice suggestions. I really dig the native chief but my main concern with sypdies is how thin the tips are. I've broken tips in the past and am looking for something more robust.

Notaflashyguybyanymeans Notaflashyguybyanymeans

Never heard of Maxace, interesting looking knife, unfortunately not available in Canada. Same with the Schrade alpha class knives and the contego, not available through Canadian dealers. But that Radok fits what Im looking for pretty well it's a shame I cant get my hands on one.
 
You should be able to find a Benchmade Contego...just takes a bit of patience. (I admit to not knowing the weight, offhand; but it should meet the rest of the criteria)

*Edited to add: I looked it up - just under 6oz.
 
The following knives are made in China, but are of relatively good quality:
Sitivien ST109, Sitivien ST110, Sitivien ST124.
Allegedly the Axis locks work fine.
 
It looks like some of you didn’t read #7 on his list.

The Contego csme in M390 and M4. It fits all your criteria. You can find one here eventually. If only the Hogue Ritter or Spyderco GB2 were bigger I would suggest them.
 
Spyderco Shaman if you're good with compression locks. Plenty of aftermarket scales you can Tinker with.
 
It looks like some of you didn’t read #7 on his list.

And it looks like you (like me) didn't read beyond #7... He specifically mentioned the Contego & said it had too much curve at the tip. He also mentioned not being able to find one & that CBSA seizes too many knives to risk buying from outside of Canada

R RedWolf4 the site does have a Canadian section - watch there. I don't believe it has it's own Wanted To Buy forum, though; but you could still post in the WTB section and specify that you're looking for something in Canada.
What about an XM24 wharncliffe (I'm assuming it is available in that configuration)
 
Demko MG AD20S Shark Foot
Blade Length: 3.7 inches
Weight: 5.5 oz.
Lock: Shark Lock
Opening Method: Manual
Handle Material: G10
Blade Shape: Sheepsfoot
Country of Origin: US

So not exactly what you're looking for, but if you can be a little flexible with the blade length, I think you'll find the Shark Lock to share a lot of similarities with an AXIS lock. The biggest trouble is that this is a very popular knife right now and you'll have to ready to pounce on one when a dealer gets it in stock or when one shows up on The Exchange.
 
4” blade, S90V and CF, or S30V and G10, compression lock, <= 5.3 oz, made in Colorado.

1671628190977.jpeg

Fantastic knife. If you like straight edges, made in the US, and no framelock, that’s the way to go. There is not much else out there unless you go custom. If you are worried about the tip breaking, buy two.
 
Last edited:
And it looks like you (like me) didn't read beyond #7... He specifically mentioned the Contego & said it had too much curve at the tip. He also mentioned not being able to find one & that CBSA seizes too many knives to risk buying from outside of Canada

R RedWolf4 the site does have a Canadian section - watch there. I don't believe it has it's own Wanted To Buy forum, though; but you could still post in the WTB section and specify that you're looking for something in Canada.
What about an XM24 wharncliffe (I'm assuming it is available in that configuration)
He specifically mentioned wanting to buy a Contego so I affirmed that it is a good option as I have one.
 
Contego looks great on paper but the moment you hold it in your bare hand you will regret purchasing it. The ergo is off and the gimpings will destroy your hand unless you wear a glove. I tried two and sold both soon after. Presidio ii 570-1 would be a much better choice.

Spyderco may not be a good option to the OP except a few like Shaman, definitely not Native Chief.

If you are open to tri ad lock, Cold Steel Recon 1 tanto would be a great choice.
 
Hi all, looking to buy a new folder. I have looked using filters on knifecenter, blade hq and looked through many brand websites. I cannot seem to find the knife I'm looking for given the specific conditions I want it to have. The conditions are as follows, and while if a condition or 2 is slightly different I might still consider the knife, these are all pretty hard and set specs I'm looking for:

1. Blade length: between 3.75 and 4.25 inches. I could go slightly above or below, but I am really looking for right around that 4-inch blade range.

2. Weight: under 6 ounces.

3. Lock: Axis/crossbar lock or button lock would be ideal (This is a bit flexible as I would be open to other locks, but liner/frame locks are a hard no. Also I'm in Canada, so no autos.)

4. Not assisted: This is not a legality issue as assisted knives are legal here, I just don't like assisted knives. And I find removing the assist often screws up the alignment.

5. Handle material: Micarta, G10, or similar. Absolutely no plastic, or all metal handles. If the handle is majority micarta/g10 with inlays of other materials or the other way around I'd definitely consider that depending on the knife. Also, ideally something light in colour as I like rit-dyeing handles, but this would just be a bonus of course.

6. Blade Shape: I am specifically looking for a knife with a tip that is not curved up too much. This condition is quite important to me. A very small amount of belly would be ideal, but not necessary. So, wharncliffes, sheepsfoots, reverse tantos, shapes like that would be good. Even a drop or spear point with the tip not much higher (nearly on the same level) than the rest of the edge would be fine. I think you guys get the idea. Also the tip shouldn't be too thin and delicate, it should be fairly robust.

7. Country of origin: Ideally made in a country known for quality manufacturing (North America, European countries, Australia/New Zealand etc.) although I would still be open to a knife from other countries if it is from a quality brand (such as WE for example) if the other conditions are all met and I like the knife. But ideally a "Western" country, or a country known for producing quality goods.

Let me know if a knife meeting these conditions is out there. The only one I could find so far that meets all of these is the Benchmade Contego, however, I cannot find that knife for sale anywhere in Canada likely given that it is discontinued, and even the contego has a bit too much curve in the tip. I could post on the WTB exchange, but I prefer to buy new. And I have to buy from a Canadian knife dealer as our border seizes most one-handed opening knives, even though they are legal to have in the country, only dealers are allowed to import them. (Yes I know it is an extremely stupid law and it pisses me off a lot lol.)

Thanks guys!

Hogue is the best I can think of. They have several 4" button locks. Their funky wharncliffe might be good... or bad. It's a unique flavor, I liked I it when I had one. I'm not sure what their current offerings are but a few years ago, many of their models were available in 3.5" and 4.0" blade for manual button locks.

EX-01
1671630228987.png
 
Contego looks great on paper but the moment you hold it in your bare hand you will regret purchasing it. The ergo is off and the gimpings will destroy your hand unless you wear a glove. I tried two and sold both soon after. Presidio ii 570-1 would be a much better choice.

Spyderco may not be a good option to the OP except a few like Shaman, definitely not Native Chief.

If you are open to tri ad lock, Cold Steel Recon 1 tanto would be a great choice.
A lot of people smooth out the Contego with a bit of fine emery cloth. I purchased aftermarket scales for one of mine that were much smoother.
 
Not sure if it fits your definition of "too much curve" but the Benchmade Crooked River could be worth checking out. They have a factory standard G10 version, and the stabilized wood is a lot closer to Micarta than it is to a block of wood, since it is layers of wood impregnated with resin. There's also plenty of aftermarket scale options.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DMG
Thank you all for the suggestions and info, I will look into these. And about the contego - I meant that I absolutely would be interested in one if I could find one, my only complaint is the curve at the tip, otherwise it's the most perfect knife I've found so far given what I'm looking for. And I haven't heard about concerns with ergos/jimping on it before, I'll look into this a bit as well. But heavy tractioned knives usually don't bug me. (I'm used to cold steel). Also I do regularly check the Canadian exchange btw.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DMG
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top