Drop Point Needed

sabre cat

sabre cat

Joined
Jul 4, 2014
Messages
6,191
Hello Everyone,

I thought that I would ask for input from all of you fine folks before I spend any cash on my next drop point blade.

So here is the deal, I carry an American made Kershaw Zing as my small, light duty DP folder when I am not at work. My plan is to have two DP folders plus one fixed blade for a camp and hunting knife. The Benchmade 162 Bushcraft fits the bill on the upper end, but my problem is what to have as a mid level folder for between the Benchmade and Kershaw. Budget is $200 or less. Less is better. Way less would be great.

For size, I would like something that is about the same blade size as a Griptilian or a little smaller. G10 scales would be nice but are not required. The same holds true for a stonewashed finish on the blade and hardware. Axis, frame, and liner locks are all OK. So is style of lock used on the Buck 110. Can't remember the name if it right now.

I do not have a steel preference other than these two requirements: 1, it has to be stainless 2. blade steel has to be better than the Sandvik used in my Kershaw.

Right now, I have a Griptilian filling the void above the Kershaw, but I am not really happy with it. Never have been. Plaese do not suggest any Griptilian model.

Any ideas or suggestions?
 
Spyderco Nativ is perfect. Great steel...M390 I think.....and very easy carry. And I picked one up on sale for less than $100. Bucks.
 
ZT 0566 is my recommendation. Several models & blade finishes available. If assisted isn't your thing, they can easily be deassisted. Great size, ergos, and materials.
 
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If your looking for a DP fixed blade, I have been hard pressed to find a better knife for the money than the Buck LiteMax Drop Point hunter. It is comparable to the Buck Vangard in performace, and has the exact same steel 420HC for the a fraction of the price. I think they are around $25.

If your looking for a premium drop point, then I would snatch up a Bark River Loveless.
 
Spyderco Native-5 in S35VN and G10.
 
ZT 0562, 0550, 0801, 0566, 0350
Kershaw Blur in S30V or Elmax
Spyderco Stretch, Gayle Bradley, or PM2
Buck Vantage Pro (discontinued, but you may be able to find one on the secondary market)

Here are a few side-by-side that show most of the knives listed above (tried to include some next to knives you've said you already have)...

This one has a ZT 0350 and Blur next to a Grip
1064123_comparison_800x497.jpg


Here's one with a Blur and 0566 and a Grip
581_551_940_Blur_0566_0770_Skyline_800x482.jpg


Here's one that shows several models of ZT's, including the 0350, 0550, and 0566
ZT200_301_350_560_550_556_750_770_780_800x472.jpg


This one has both sizes of the Vantage Pro next to the Griptilians
1062228_comparison1_800x518.jpg


This has several Spydercos next to a large Griptilian
1172146_comparison2_800x449.jpg
 
Flarp,

Thanks for posting those pics!! I've been wanting to see how some of those knives compared size wise, but you can't always find 'side by side' pics of certain knives. Thank you.
 
Yes, thank you for the pictures. They really are a big help.

I handled a ZT 350 the other day. Nice knife. It is on my list for final consideration.

Who else has a knife to suggest? There has to be more than just nine of you. Keep it up!
 
If you dont mind a recurve you can get a Blur in Elmax steel with either a blackwash or stonewash blade for around $100. It is a heck of a deal for what you get. There is also the new Kershaw Camber that can be had, similar to a Blur, in S30v steel from around $80-95.

In ZT, I would recommend the 0566 over the 0350 for the steel. I really enjoy ZT Elmax over the S30v, especially when considering a recurve. Mainly because I find the Elmax easier to touch up than I do the S30V on a recurve. Then I would go a little farther and recommend the ZT0550 over both the 566 and 350. It is still by far my favorite folder by them and you can find them pretty cheap, especially if you get a Gen 1.

In Spyderco I would go for the Gayle Bradley. The biggest concern for this blade as an outdoor knife would be the rusting of the M4 steel. If you take care of it you shouldnt have any issues but it will patina most likely.

I would also suggest taking a look at the Ontario Rat or ESEE Avispa line of folders. I dont have an Avispa yet but I do have a Rat 1 and it is a really great value folder around $30.

To be honest I prefer all the mentioned blades I listed over the Griptilian series knives.
 
aquaman67 said:
What about a Cold Steel Recon 1 spear point?
Click to expand...
Or the Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 in spear point. 3" vs 4"


Since the OP's already a Kershaw fan, the Blur or, a step up, the ZT0566.

I prefer the lighter 3"-class folders like the Spyderco Delica or Native. But, if I were to buy an 'overbilt' 3", it'd be the ZT0566.


For a fixed bushcraft, the Ka-Bar Becker BK-16 ...
BK16Detail.png
 
sabre cat said:
Yes, thank you for the pictures. They really are a big help.

I handled a ZT 350 the other day. Nice knife. It is on my list for final consideration.

Who else has a knife to suggest? There has to be more than just nine of you. Keep it up!
Click to expand...

Knifeworks has a dealer exclusive ZT 0350 with M390 blade for well under your limit. IMO, that may be the best deal for a new 0350 right now. There's also the more recently released ZT 0350 with carbon fiber handles and M390 blade. It's a little over your limit, but you do get carbon fiber scales instead of G10, and the blade has a dual-tone finish (stonewashed flats, machine satin grind) that looks incredible. Functionally, they'll be the same, but the CF version does have an extra coolness factor to it.
 
flarp said:
Knifeworks has a dealer exclusive ZT 0350 with M390 blade for well under your limit. IMO, that may be the best deal for a new 0350 right now. There's also the more recently released ZT 0350 with carbon fiber handles and M390 blade. It's a little over your limit, but you do get carbon fiber scales instead of G10, and the blade has a dual-tone finish (stonewashed flats, machine satin grind) that looks incredible. Functionally, they'll be the same, but the CF version does have an extra coolness factor to it.
Click to expand...

Wow, You are 100% correct, sir, that carbon fiber model does look incredible. Love the dual tone finish blade. I have never used a knife that has carbon fiber scales. Sure is pretty.

Any one else have ideas for a good $200 (or less) drop point?
 
Check out the Buck Vantage Force Pro(can still be found on Blade HQ).
Spyderco Native 5(G-10 or FRN).
DPX H.E.S.T. 2.0 Folder
Maxpedition Excelsa - Killer deal for the money
 
Al Mar sere 2000, spyderco sub hilt vallotin since we're beyond DP' s now.judging from the.posted.pics
 
Just wanted to say thank you to those of you that had suggestions for me. Although the jury is still out on which knife I will buy, I have made some headway with your help.

First, no black finish on the blade or hardware. Stonewashed is the route for me.

Second, G10 is now a must.

Third, the knife has to be American made.

Looks like I have to start looking closer at Kershaw, Spyderco, and ZT.
 
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