First timer

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lowendrider

Joined
Dec 28, 2012
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Hi everyone, first time poster here. I'm not new to knives but at 39 years old I've developed a greater interest in them. I've always had cheap knives and recently started stepping it up in terms of quality.

On to my question...having recently picked up a Leek and really liking it, I'm looking to add something a little beefier to my arsenal. I'm thinking Kershaw again because I love the flipper and the speedsafe opening of the Leek! Any recommendations that will give me the qualities I like in the Leek but in a heavier duty package? Thanks in advance.
 
Blur if you don't mind not having a flipper (does have speedsafe). ZT 0350 is a bit heaftier but has speedsafe and a flipper. Or if you want to go for 20oz burger beefiness, jump up to the Zero Tolerance 0300 :D

The Piston and Knockout also have their share of followers (and are flipper + speedsafe).
 
The Shallot would be the next step up (size-wise) along that same onion series. The Blur is also an excellent knife, although it does not have a flipper. The Skyline is another great lightweight flipper, but it doesn't have Speedsafe.

The OSO Sweet is somewhat comparable in size to the Leek, but it is a bit thicker (handle) with a different blade profile. The Cryo is a pretty hefty little knife. It's shorter than the Leek, but due to its all-steel construction, has some decent heft and feels very solid. The Zing SS has a somewhat similar blade profile as the Leek as well.
 
I just recently became addicted to knives too. My first knife was the carbon fiber blur and I have to say I absolutely love it and now I really really want to get ZT 0350.
 
Welcome to the advanced world of knives :D

If you like the leek, and the flipper, and speedsafe there are a few that come to mind. First is the Blur, multiple styles and steels to choose from, it is a great knife but lacks the flipper. The Shallot is a good choice. The Speedbump is a knife I really enjoy and carry a lot for work, is uses a different lock system too. The JYD 2 is a big folder, not assisted but a smooth fast flipper and a fun knife.

Zero Tolerance is a great line to look at, its Kershaws big brother. You can get a ZT 0350 for a little over $100 and it has premium steel blade, flipper, thumbstuds and is assisted.
 
On the budget end if the spectrum is the Clash. It's a very robust package for $20ish and has a flipper/speedsafe.


Brian
 
The ZT 560 would be a great choice. A lot larger, very beefy, super smooth opening without the need of any assist.
It is the knife these days that spends the most time in my pocket.
 
Lowendrider, you didn't specify a price range so you're seeing recommendations from $20-something to $200-something. About how much are you looking to spend?
 
If you like Kershaw and are looking for something beefier, you should look into the rake. It's a speed safe assisted open with g10 handles. It has a D2 edge with 13c27 steel for the rest of the blade. It's under $100.
 
Thanks for the replies, I'll be checking out some of these for sure. You're right RJ, I didn't specify a price range and honestly even though I don't mind paying for quality, at this point I'm slowly climbing the price scale. Its still a little hard to let go of a franklin or two for a knife...lol.
 
We all started out like that, and we slowly climbed the ladder of prices. As you start getting higher quality knives and hang around here (we are all enablers), it will become easier and easier to justify spending more and more on knives. Right now I can easily justify buying any zt I want but not a hinderer which is on of my grail knives. That being said I know fully well that it is only a matter of time...
 
I am myself somewhat of a first timer. I've only owned one Kershaw Blur, I got it about 5yrs ago and it's served me well. I recently picked up a Cryo and it got me hooked on the frame lock.
 
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Excellent choice on the 0561. KG's PayPal email is steelhead15@juno.com. If you send him his asking price for the 0561, just specify in the note/message that you can send with PayPal that you want an 0561, he will mail it to the address linked to your Paypal. He ships fast too, I understand him taking the holiday but you will be amazed how soon you get it.
 
You can also verify that email by finding one of his posts (he has it in his signature on here). That way you have the peace of mind knowing it is actually his.
 
Completely up to you, he won't mind either way. Some people do as a way of showing gratitude for all he does for us.
 
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