Folders with double edges

J

Joe Talmadge

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
4,842
Hello,

I'm interested in buying a folder or two that has two sharp edges -- or at least a top edge that is sharpened at least half the length. I'd like the top edge to be safe inside the handles when the folder is closed, since I'll likely carry it (yes, double-edge folders are legal in my state). I don't care what the blade format is -- dagger, clip point, wharncliffe, it's all good with me as long as both edges are sharp and fit completely in the handle.

I've completely ignored these types of folders for years, and now have a sudden interest, so I'm not sure where to look. I know about Camillus's Mad Maxx folding dagger (but at 5.5" blade, a bit larger than I'd like). What else would you recommend? You can include custom or semi-production knives under $350.

thanks!

Joe
 
The Gerber Fairborn folding dagger, but that is a liner lock. The Emerson Rhino is another option, but also a liner lock.

The Cammilus is a good choice in that it is a frame lock, but the top edge would need to be sharpened, (at least on the Bowie, I don't know about the dagger style). Though, I would imagine that would be a trivial task for you.

I have not seen an axis lock with a double edge.
 
I can save you a big stack of dough, Hen and rooster makes one. looks like the classic italian switchblade.The blade when closed is completely within the handle. it's a linerlock, aluminum scales it comes with either a full double edge or a half on top.
The top edge isn't sharpened from the factory But I wadger you can handle that.
$19.99 from smoky mountain knifeworks. comes anodized in blue, black and silver.

Very well built for a $20 knife, I don't know what kid of steel the blade is, (probably 440a or aus6).

On the other end of the scale, Peter Bauchop makes a folder called the warlock, Looks downright wicked I have seen one or two at gunshows and ebay go for around $350

Drew
 
Yoy could try the Ka-Bar Thorn, the one designed by Bob Dozier. I Don't think it is fully sharpened, but the edge is thin enough I'm sure you could properly sharpen it. Or you could buy the custom from Bob himself.
 
Those Gerber folders, as mentioned. Boker got a folder called ATF, but you will have tto sharpen the op edge.

I guess Microtech got some OTF, but that´s not, what you want?

In the german knife forum there has been a contest. Some knife nuts had to screw a folder type together, so they were somehow produktion. One of these was a double edge.

Your question did arise earlier in that www.messerforum.net
look there, you might get good information.

Don´t worry, if you got no cenection. Guess they gott some server problems. Try again.
 
Thanks guys. HJK, some of those knives look a tad over my $250 limit :) The others clearly have the top edge exposed, and wouldn't meet my requirement that both edges be safe when the knife is in a pocket. I noticed for a lot of the knives mentioned on this thread, you have to dig a bit to find a picture of the knife closed ... kinda frustrating when the maker practically encourages you to sharpen up the false edge, but you can see it sticks out of the handles when closed!

I like that Alpha. Even for an anti-liner-lock bigot like myself, the flipper will keep your fingers safe if the worst happens. In real life, I'm still more apt to pick up a framelock, I think.


Joe
 
Joe,
we are on exactly the same wavelength. I am very partial to double edged blades, but folders reliable enough for a sharp top edge are very rare. Even the best liner lock makes me nervous. The "daggers" are almost always have the blade securely folded.
The Pocket Hobbit is very secure open because of the locking mechanism. But the top edge is severly serrated, more for grabbing then cutting.
I'm always looking for an affordable specimen. I'd go a bit over $250, but the customs start about $450.

PS. I can't recommend the Gerber A/F. But a custom version may be different.
 
Originally posted by HJK
Joe,
we are on exactly the same wavelength. I am very partial to double edged blades, but folders reliable enough for a sharp top edge are very rare. Even the best liner lock makes me nervous. The "daggers" are almost always have the blade securely folded.
The Pocket Hobbit is very secure open because of the locking mechanism. But the top edge is severly serrated, more for grabbing then cutting.
I'm always looking for an affordable specimen. I'd go a bit over $250, but the customs start about $450.

PS. I can't recommend the Gerber A/F. But a custom version may be different.
Click to expand...

I picked up a Jim Burke folder that had a framelock, and if I remember right was under $300. Workmanship was excellent; at some point I might ask him to try his hand at a double-edged folder (top edge safe, of course)

Joe
 
The upper edge of the Maxx Stiletto's blade is exposed when closed. Otherwise it would be a great choice.

The Ka-Bar Thorn, designed by Bob Dozier, might be your best option. The upper edge is fully covered when closed and it has a grind already, although it is not sharpened. Also, the Thorn uses the Dozier "Tab Lock" which appears to be very robust.

--Bob Q
 
I would say the Gerber Applegate/Fairbairn Covert.

It is a linerlock, but it also has the safety(forget the tech term for it) that will keep it from closing. and it is a very good design for a double edged knife.
 
You may be right about the double-edged version of the Covert. Any idea how the lock safety works? I've handled the lock safety on the single-edged Covert, but the safety on the double-edged version appears different, for some reason.

Joe
 
The Dalton SOF00 is a 9.5" OAL with a dagger blade, top is a bit more than half sharpened. If you can find one, perhaps it would meet your needs.
 
The best one that I have ever seen is the Harsey custom Applegate/Fairbairn. Way better than than Gerber version.


Heh, just replied without realizing the thread was as old as it is.
 
The discontinued Benchmade 350 would fit your needs. It has a spear point blade with top 1/2 almost sharpened. Five minutes to grind and sharpen. ATS-34 steel and under, or around $100 when it was new. Blade length is 3" with a coffin handle.
 
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