Folders (non Busse)

As mentioned before size and weight really matters to the recommendation. My everyday folder is a Benchmade Contego in M4. The axis lock is very solid and M4 or M390 will hold an edge for a long time. If the Contego is to big, the Rift is easily carried and the 154 CM is a reasonable steel, especially for the price. The reverse tanto blade style is incredibly strong and useful.
 
Large Inkosi is probably my favorite folder right now but Large 21 is right up there. These two get pretty much all of my pocket time. Small 21 Insingo would probably be 3rd

If you think he could do something to break his knife, I’d highly recommend Benchmade or ZT. Both have a really good warranty and the most you should ever have to pay for a repair would be $30 (blade replacement) while pretty much anything else would be free. Here are some of my other favorites in no particular order

Benchmade:
D2 Griptilian
Presidio 2
M4 Griptilian(he’d have to go custom shop or secondary market)
940-1(tougher than you’d think
Bugout as maybe the most practical modern folder on the market

Spyderco:
PM2
Gayle Bradley 1
Endura
Stretch
Native 5

Koenig Arius
 
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I have seen two people already mention the Benchmade Adamas...I just received mine in the mail yesterday and carrying it for the first time today...Built like a tank !!!
 
Sounds like your friend needs the last folder for use he’ll need.

Chris Reeve Inkosi Insingo or whatever blade he likes.

If he wants a pocket knife that slips away in pocket and is budget friendly - the Benchmade Bugout. There’s a couple of colors, out there now.

Also, why not a Slippie from GEC? Easy to sharpen and no one will bat an eye. The new Lionsteel Slippie knives are really top notch as well, if he’d like more modern cutlery with a traditional design.

In an office environment, a flipper is not what I’d use.
 
I edc a Spyderco PM2 or Strider SNGCC. Never even know the PM2 is in my pocket until I need it - Best $100 I have spent

Whatever he gets, make sure he knows the difference between a knife and screwdriver/prybar
 
All mentioned sound awesome and I have experience with most outside of the customs listed. ZT's are good for the price for sure. I am very taken with my Todd Begg Steelcraft mini-bodega, very solid, a little flashy, and want to get the larger version as well. These are made by Reate (china), and are masterfully done in my opinion.

Out of the Medfords I have, the infidel is the best one for EDC/real world use, in my opinion...

I like Quartermaster Knives, I have several different models and the Mr Roper is tough, big blade and either tanto or drop point...solid knives for the price point especially - I have a "smaller" tanto knife of theirs as well, and I have used it pretty hard. Cannot remember model. I really, really like these knives. Rock solid in every way in my opinion, and beefy for hard use and they come very very sharp.

I like Hinderer a lot...the XM's are very tough to beat, and they feel great...the 3.5 is not huge but it is a very full size knife for sure...I prefer the smaller one for pocket wear around town, and in general...still a lot of knife.

Striders are great and expensive as heck. I have 2 folders and one fixed blade - love them all...I have 2 SNGCC variants - I would hate the idea of losing one of these (or any knife really). Supposedly they have a no questions asked replace/fix policy as long as you don't fiddle with the mechanics of the knife too much. They will not replace if lost!!!

My favorite ZT is the smaller Les George model you can find around almost anywhere, small tank of a knife and I love it. It looks like it has a big brother now - the ZT 0909, and that looks like a freaking tank as well...just a lot bigger/heavier...

Chris Reeve Knives are very, very well built, super solid...I would go for a used one to jump on in and use...

Man, I have so many folders, too! AHAHAHHAHAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! It's ridiculous...

I would start him in the $130-$250 range and let him work himself up.
 
Also - recently got an Emerson Sheepdog - that is one kick ass tough knife with a blade shape that would support all around use in a plant/factory/shop setting.

Also - Brous Blades are awesome although most models would be too pointy for the environment you are speaking of, I think. Rock solid, D2, and smooth as hell. They might have one model that has more belly and less of a pointy tip. You can usually find these at a pretty decent discount off of regular retail.
 
I have a bunch of ZTs, Spydercos, a couple CRKs, and some others, but my EDC is a Benchmade 484-1601 Nakamura (the wood-handled KnifeCenter exclusive version). Not as tough as a ZT, not as heavy either. It just feels right.
 
COPIUOS said:
Also - recently got an Emerson Sheepdog - that is one kick ass tough knife with a blade shape that would support all around use in a plant/factory/shop setting.

Also - Brous Blades are awesome although most models would be too pointy for the environment you are speaking of, I think. Rock solid, D2, and smooth as hell. They might have one model that has more belly and less of a pointy tip. You can usually find these at a pretty decent discount off of regular retail.
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I loved the sheepdog, awesome bowie shape, I sold mine and got a cqc13 because I just couldnt get used to the flipper tab. But its a gorgeous bowie blade.

JohnTheTexican said:
I have a bunch of ZTs, Spydercos, a couple CRKs, and some others, but my EDC is a Benchmade 484-1601 Nakamura (the wood-handled KnifeCenter exclusive version). Not as tough as a ZT, not as heavy either. It just feels right.
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A benchmade afck was my first folder and 15 years on its still nearly perfect. Of course all i do is flick it open, after thousands of flicks it still flawless in function.
 
Forgot about Demko, I have not owned an AD10 yet, plan to - but the AD15 I have is about as bullet proof as anything I've owned. I do have the made in USA version of the Cold Steel 4Max and it's a real beast, biggest folder I own currently and not for the faint of pocket. Looking forward to visiting Andrews table at Blade.
 
I could investigate, but sure someone here could quickly tell me the difference between the Demko AD10, and AD15.

Thanks.
 
DamascusBowie said:
One vote for Emerson. Very similar to Busse in their approach to knife design. They are rock solid, reliable and heavy duty knives, IMHO.
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Emerson all day long. Love ZT, Chris Reeve, and Spyderco and if he is looking to really throw down...admire the William Henry and Brian Tighe blades if he is looking to get flashy...
 
AD10 is a proprietary lock Andrew designed that he calls the scorpion lock I think. Essentially a leaf spring spine with a pin that drops into the tang to lock it open. Similar in function to a lock back other than hand pressure helps keep the lock engaged (not that it needs it) and you lift up to unlock it.. The AD10 is his Triad lock which is a modified lock back.

While not gadgety in the derisive sense, the AD10 is a unique system with hi marks in the gadget factor. Very simple, clean and smooth operating.
 
Lots of good recommendations here :thumbsup: Sounds like your friend needs something tough, and you mentioned "plant", so I'm guessing not an office job. That allows a little more leeway as far as appearance; you don't have to worry about scaring people. FWIW, all these are either in my colletion now, or I've had them in the past, I won't mention anything I don't have experience with. That said, here's what I like:

For under $200 I like ZT & Spyderco. A ZT 0566CF w/Elmax cost me $147 several years ago. A Ti Military is $190 at Knife Center.

Step up into $300-$500 and I like Hinderer XM-18 3.5", the 24 is a little big for me. They're great knives, tough, lots of options, easy to get (now), lots of parts available and you won't void the warranty if you take it apart.
I also like the Medford Praetorian Genesis T, (mid-sized version) brand new they're more but used you can find them in the $500's.

Getting into customs, the Demko AD-10+P (full Ti model) is probably my favorite, although they are spendy. I also have an AD-15+P, they can be had for a bit less. There was one on the Exchange a few weeks ago for $650.

Another one I like is Brian Tighe. I have an integral Ti Tighe Breaker that was $850 and IMHO that knife could easily go for $1,200. The flipping action on it is like no other knife I've ever handled. It's fast but smooth and controlled rather than just snappy, it's almost hydraulic if that makes sense.

A few others to receive Honorable Mention are Direware, Rassenti and Mosier.
 
tuica said:
I could investigate, but sure someone here could quickly tell me the difference between the Demko AD10, and AD15.

Thanks.
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Check out PeteyTwoPointOne's pics on the first page. In the first 2 pics, the left column has an AD-10+P with an AD-15 MG below it and an AD-15 below that. MG is a machine ground blade instead of hand and doesn't have the extra lock, the 15 has a lock for the lock, makes it like a fixed blade, pretty unique, the right has all AD-10's.
Man that's a nice +P ;)
 
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