First High End Production Folder

Bumblingtinkerer

Bumblingtinkerer

Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
107
Hey guys I'm looking into ponying up some cash and buying a higher end production knife. I've looked at some of the Emerson, Zero Tolerance, black box Benchmade, Spyderco Flippers like the Southard and the Domino. Should I go with one of these or should I go with something along the lines of a CRK Sebenza, an Umnumzaan, any of the Striders, more specifically the PT, or possibly a Brous "midtech" like the large Division or the SS Frame lock. Any recommendations? Preferably with reasons why you made it? Thanks guys, Tink.
 
I've owned the top three mid tech brands, CRK, Hinderer, and Strider. If you really like the Emerson type of knife, go with the Strider. If fit and finish is your big draw, go for the CRK. I've never owned a Brous so I can't comment on those. I've sold all my higher end midtechs, I just never carried them as much as my Emersons. I still have my Hinderer though, and if you can afford it I'd go with one of those.

Personally though, Emerson is my favorite brand of all. No nonsense, easily maintained, and take a great edge. I have 6 and I carry them all more than any other knife I've owned.
 
Don't start out with something as high end like a Strider or CRK. Buy a ZT or an Emerson, get a feel for knives like that, and slowly progress from there. If you come right out of the gate with a Sebenza, your knife expectations will keep rising and may not appreciate knives like Emerson's or ZTs. :)
 
I don't know CJZ, that's like saying you shouldn't buy a BMW if you currently drive a Kia because you won't appreciate cars like the Accord.

I get where you're coming from, but I think as long as he can appreciate the CRK, Strider, or Hinderer for what they are, anything in between is irrelevant.
 
Benchmade Blackbox. Or Strider if you have the $. Would like to have one but way to much $ for me. You could buy a Benchmade 810-1401 and 275 for the pice of the Strider and both are very excellent quality and can do anything the Strider can. I would steer clear of Emerson. Horseman was a let down for me. Any ZT looks like a good choice though haven't owned one. I don't like all the Spyderco lineup. 2 out of 3 i bought were a miss for me. The Para 2 is excellent though. Lionsteel SR2A or DPX HEST are quality knives also. Very recommended. Every Benchmade i've bought i've kept.
 
For a first foray into high end production folders, I would strongly recommend one of the Spyderco flippers, with a nudge toward the Southard. From there, I would take the step up to a CRK Sebenza.
 
I have never owned an Emerson but have owned at least one knife from all the other brands you listed. For a strictly production knife it is hard to beat the Southard or the ZT 0801. Mine were both nearly custom quality (well actually better than some customs). For the mid-techs I would choose CRK by a large margin, followed by Hinderer and Strider. I have never been disappointed by the quality of a CRK, and I can't say that for the other two. Of course these are my own experiences, others may vary... Benchmade is putting out some ridiculously delicious Gold Class knives lately but the prices are a tough pill to swallow.
 
CJZ said:
Don't start out with something as high end like a Strider or CRK. Buy a ZT or an Emerson, get a feel for knives like that, and slowly progress from there. If you come right out of the gate with a Sebenza, your knife expectations will keep rising and may not appreciate knives like Emerson's or ZTs. :)
Click to expand...

+1 on about progressing. You hit it on the nail imo.
 
CRKs and Striders are all great knives, but its a big jump for your first high end knife. I started with an Emerson Super Commander, and I strongly recommend any Emerson as your first high end knife. Overall, Emerson knives are high quality, reliable.
 
FWIW, In my experience, don't work-your-way-up. It was a waste of money for me...
I've got more than a dozen Spyderco, Benchmade, Buck, SOG, Cold Steel, and ZT knives I never carry anymore and am slowly passing on to others.
I can tell you I carry and use my Strider SMF's, CRK Umnumzaan, and Hinderer XM-18 the most of any of my knives.

If you can afford it, just go for the knife YOU like best! :thumbup:

Best of luck with your decision! :)
 
Knowing what I know now, I'd bite the bullet and buy a CRK Sebenza on day one if I had it to do all over again. That way I'd have the standard reference model I use to judge every other knife in my collection right from the outset.
 
bld522 said:
Knowing what I know now, I'd bite the bullet and buy a CRK Sebenza on day one if I had it to do all over again. That way I'd have the standard reference model I use to judge every other knife in my collection right from the outset.
Click to expand...

Excellent advice. I wish I had done that as well.
 
Originally posted by bld522 'Knowing what I know now, I'd bite the bullet and buy a CRK Sebenza on day one if I had it to do all over again. That way I'd have the standard reference model I use to judge every other knife in my collection right from the outset.'

Tasmaniac said:
Excellent advice. I wish I had done that as well.
Click to expand...

+1 to what bld522 said, I would go to a CRK or Hinderer if it was my choice, probably the Sebbie 25
 
First high end production.... Go with the one that sings to you the most, ignore minute quality differences (because they're all very good).
I say make your first a sentimental purchase.
 
n7titan said:
First high end production.... Go with the one that sings to you the most, ignore minute quality differences (because they're all very good).
I say make your first a sentimental purchase.
Click to expand...

Indeed. Screw what brand or what model, they're all great up there. If you have the money to spend, you've got such a wide selection of good decisions that it's really going to come down to what kind of knife you're into. What blade style, what kind of grind, handle shape, all that jazz.

I haven't reached that level of financial security yet, so take what I say with a teaspoon of salt. Currently, my knives top out at a Southard and a Lionsteel SR2 titanium, though I just put in a preorder for the ZT0562CF wihch will be my most expensive purchase by $9.95 (the Southard and SR2 were patiently found on the exchange for damn good deals). I love both those knives and they both constantly hypnotize me in the middle of use, and I have to stop and admire the design and construction. The Southard is as slick as they say and feels great in my pocket and in my hand. The Lionsteel is just a thing of beauty to the eyes, ears, and hands. Plus, I'm Italian so it's automatically superior.

Someday when I have the change to spare, I might like to get a Hinderer as I really dig his designs and I love flippers (hence the 0562), but I can't imagine myself ever wanting a CRK or a Strider. Just not appealing to me which at the end of the day is what really counts. If it's going to be in my pocket, I don't care how well made it is. I have to like it.
 
Buy a good quality used knife on the exchange, and decide what you like and don't like about it. Then sell it (or not), and buy one that's closer to your ideal. If your first purchase is a Hinderer, you won't be sorry, but you will be spoiled.
 
CJZ said:
Don't start out with something as high end like a Strider or CRK. Buy a ZT or an Emerson, get a feel for knives like that, and slowly progress from there. If you come right out of the gate with a Sebenza, your knife expectations will keep rising and may not appreciate knives like Emerson's or ZTs. :)
Click to expand...
I bought my brother a ZT and played with it for a while and liked it a lot. I might get another 0350 when funds allow
 
tchapman414 said:
For a first foray into high end production folders, I would strongly recommend one of the Spyderco flippers, with a nudge toward the Southard. From there, I would take the step up to a CRK Sebenza.
Click to expand...

That's where I was thinking about heading, especially the Southard, because I'm not a fan of the leaf blade shape.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top