Folder for an infantry solider?

B

BIG45-70

Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Messages
67
I'm looking for a new folder. Something tough, and easily sharpened in the field. My price range is $300 and under. I have an Endura, some buck knives and a Enzo folder but looking for something new.
 
If I were you; I would get a fixed blade not a folder. But, since you want a folder...

  • Benchmade 275 Adamas - $140
  • Benchmade 810 Contego - $140
  • Zero Tolerance 0550 - $200-ish?

Some people might say to get the Zero Tolerance 0301, but I really don't think you want a spring assisted knife; it's just another thing that could fail on you that isn't necessary to have. Others might also say to get the Zero Tolerance 0560, but I hate ELMAX steel. Look up some cut tests on ELMAX; it performs horribly and dulls fast.
 
Dude, spend an extra $85 and get a Rick Hinderer XM-18 3.5". You will never need another knife again....
 
My nephew when he was on vacation for Afghanistan (soldier in the Spanish Legion) carried a Ontario RAT II. With the spare cash buy yourself a good knife
 
As for the fixed blade I carry an Izula II I carry but want the option of a folder also. I've never owned a frame lock, is this locking system preferable?
 
You dont want to spend that much for a knife to take to war. When you come back you will want to leave it with a freind that needs one as you do not leave your friends in a war zone with out his needs being taken care of.

Get a SOG Flash II for $50. It is small and will cut open packages well and you will not be so attached to it that you will not give it up to a friend in need.
 
ZT0200. Send it to me for a wave mod.
 
I have sent several Swiss Army Trekker knives to soldiers in the sandbox. They have commented favorably on the utility and common sense of such a knife.
 
emerson cqc-7 or any emerson model really, If you can find a strider for 300 I would jump on that, Or yea since your active duty I would spend 385.00 for a Hinderer, hell buy 2 hinderers and you can sell one for 700-800 bucks and there you go you got yourself a free knife.
 
I can only answer your question with another question:

Do you foresee yourself needing to stab a knife into the wall of a demolished building in order to use it as a step to climb out?
 
Emersons are made to be easily sharpened in the field. CQC-7 is the only one I've played with, and it was very well made.

But I would at least consider a Rick hinderer XM-18. He sells direct at a really good price to active duty members, and that is a knife that will last a lifetime. Check out his website.
 
If you have $300 to spend, I would seriously consider a Three Sisters Forge BEAST. I just got one and it is nothing short of amazing. It reminds me of an officers size 1911. A ton of knife, in a compact package. Customer service is amazing and have no fear of a warrantee issue if you tear it up or field strip it.
 
I know that these are slightly out of the price range you stated but I would recommend Hinderer or Strider. I have several of both and have never had any issues.
 
I would have loved a Strider SnG when I was in the infantry. Too bad I didn't know a whole lot about knives back then!
 
I think it would be best to find what you need the knife to perform. Given that, a Spyderco Endura sure has a lot of performance, and what is it that you find you need more of? I would hate if you bought a knife that is hyped a lot and use it in a non-knife functioned, only for it to disappoint you.
 
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