Folder for Christmas???

Joined
Nov 9, 2005
Messages
1,513
As, very unfortunately, I’m not getting a Busse Folder :grumpy:. So, I’m looking for a nice folder from somewhere else.:) I want it built like a tank yet still very functional for semi-precise cutting. I want a minimum of roughly a 2 7/8” cutting edge and 4” maximum blade length. I would prefer it to be made from s30v, D2 or other premium steel (no 154cm – I just don’t like the steel) and .150”ish thick. I am not a fan of liner locks (but I love frame-locks) and I don’t want to spend much more than $450 for it (roughly).
I was thinking a Strider SnG or PT but I know they can be hit-or-miss (in no way do I mean to bash Strider knives as some of my best and favorite’s are Striders). I was also thinking a CRK Sebbie. Spyderco’s discontinued Lil’ Temp in leaf configuration (not that I would care much if it was TP) was also a first-thought knife. So I guess the preferred blade-shape would be similar to the leaf or spear-point.
I know the ZT knives are nice but I’m not too keen on re-curves. But a nice Zero Tolerance folder is certainly not out of the picture. I would also highly consider a BM 630 or 635 Mini Skirmish.
What do you guys have/carry? Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
TIA,
-Joe
 
ZT0551
Here with a few friends
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for a tank folder the zt301 is hard to beat and it is in the s30v steel, i have one and have considered getting a holster due to the heavy weight, for a light carry folder in the same steel, i carry a microtech mini-socom, it is a very nice folder and built well.
 
Benchmade 710 d2
I have been carrying mine for 5 years it is the best folder I have except for the bussmade ofcorse
And the warrenty of benchmade is out standing I have sharpend it so much the blade was getting short so I sent it in for a new blade it cost 35 for a new blade they sent me a new knife and they laser engrave for 5 so my benchmade has beaverseat on it as well
I can't recomend this knife enough it is great and it is under 200
 
For the money I don't think a ZT can be beat. I've had one since last may and its been my go to knife for all kinds of tasks. I refuse to believe I'll get any more knife out of something twice the price. Its such a stout, well made knife.
 
ZT0551
Here with a few friends
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DSCF0193.jpg
I'm with Jroden on this one. I have been carrying a 0551 for the last few weeks and I love it. It has the styling cues and some of the ergonomics of a XM-18 but has IMO a far more usable blade. Not to mention it's 1/3 the going price of a XM-18. Takes a great edge and carries very well. I think it meets almost all of your requirements in a very nice package. :cool::thumbup:

Another option that is one I also carry a lot and rotate between the 0551 is a Paramilitary II. It meets most of your requirements too except it doesn't have a frame lock. Still it is one of my all time favorite EDC folders.
 
I second the ZT 0551, which was recently released. Unlike the ZT 030x series, its blade is not recurve.

Another to consider is the Lion Steel SR-1, which is available in the US through Blade HQ. See: http://www.lionsteel.it/fast/k/en/eur/products/mm/35

It is not only a frame-lock knife, but its handle is also a single piece of titanium, which is a feature that is shared only by the Scott Cook Lochsa.
 
Another vote for the ZT 0551 or even the HEST Folder when it comes out soon.

Cant beat them for the price.
 
If you'd be willing to put up a little more $$$, check into Trident/Crusader Forge folders...they are definately built like a tank. They might be a little bigger than you want, but still worth looking into: http://www.crusaderforge.com/

Good luck in your search:thumbup:
 
I second the ZT 0551, which was recently released. Unlike the ZT 030x series, its blade is not recurve.

Another to consider is the Lion Steel SR-1, which is available in the US through Blade HQ. See: http://www.lionsteel.it/fast/k/en/eur/products/mm/35

It is not only a frame-lock knife, but its handle is also a single piece of titanium, which is a feature that is shared only by the Scott Cook Lochsa.

.

I second the Lion Steel SR-1 recommendation, I have two and think it is a very well built knife for the money. It has all the features you want and more........

.
:eek:
 
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DAng. Awesome new ZT! How could I have missed that one. Love the 300 series still ;).

Also, awesome SJ man!
 
CRK Sebbie - large regular and no need to get one of the fancy versions. If its going to be used a plain one works very well. Mine locks up like a safe when open and it really is built like a tank.

Its the only folder I have and I hate to admit it but it gets carried more often than my Busses..:eek::eek::D:thumbup:
 

Its the only folder I have and I hate to admit it but it gets carried more often than my Busses..:eek::eek::D:thumbup:

I hate to say it too but, my folder is on me every day while my Busse rides in the back . . .:eek::D


Sure wish I had an INFI folder for Christmas.:(:p
 
Bang for your buck = ESEE/DPX HEST or Spyderco Paramilitary2

Sebs are nice to, I carry one daily but they are sooo vanilla after a while... that is why WE NEED THE BUSSE FOLDER!!!!!!!!
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, it's much appreciated! :thumbup::thumbup:

The ZT0551 looks outstanding! As does the Lion Steel SR-1, the H.E.S.T. and, of course, the Sebbie. So far, (and by the end of the day I have to choose 3-5) all models in the thread are on my list. I will pick out a top-five-list to give to my wife and she will pick one out of that list, so I have a surprise on Christmas.

Again, Thanks All,
-Joe
 
The four you've got listed are the four I was going to recommend. 0551 is sweet and kershawguy has the black bladed version's preorder list up and running in the dealer section and 0550 is only a month or so away. I have a DPx HEST by Lionsteel on order and I want a SR-1 at some point. You can't go wrong with a Sebenza either. Get 'em all!
 
Another one to consider would be the A.G. Russell Acies, which is manufactured in the USA by Kershaw.

http://www.agrussell.com/product.asp?pn=RUS-UF12ZDP

Lifetime Warranty, and it has many premium features:

Titanium Framelock
ZDP-189 steel Drop Point Blade
Uses Hinderer Stabilizer
Switchable pocket clip for tip up or tip down carry

Just another option I thought I'd throw out...cost $375
 
CRK Umnumzaan
ZT 0551
Benchmade 755 MPR (smaller, but a real little tank)

The Lion Steel is also nice, but too big for my liking.
Good luck and be sure to post pics of what you decide!

Alex
 
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