Giving up on folders?

4

420isaac

Gold Member
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Nov 16, 2016
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222
Hey everybody this is my first post and Im just wondering if anybody feels the same as me. I'm sure you all have heard this many times but over the past couple years I have tried so many different folding knives looking for "the one" and I just don't think it exists. Ive tried the PM2, the military, police 4, 0452, 0562, griptilian, crooked river and most recently a large sebenza 21.These are all amazing knives but I always seem to find something that I don't like about them and its usually something about the lock or blade to handle ratio. Maybe folders just arn't meant for me? I usually prefer longer blades but Ive been looking very closely at a small fixed blade like a TM hunt Magua or Bradford Guardian 3 or even the Bark River bravo necker and would love to know about any similar knives. Any thoughts or suggestions?
 
I don't get hung up on the blade to handle ratio crap. I buy based on my favored size range, how they feel in my hand, and how I expect them to perform. I tried neck knives too. Not for me. Have a number of them lying around mostly unused. The only time I favor a neck knife is when I'm in my kayak. It's usually a Blackjack 155 although I have other ones.

Added: I tried carrying smallish fixed blades and for the most part, I reach for my folder in my pocket over the fixed blade just about every time. So, I stopped trying and accepted that I like folders for EDC.
 
Not sure what you are doing or expecting that one of those couldn't fit your needs. There is no perfect folder. One knife can't be everything-long blade for slicing, shorter for control, light for easy EDC and heavy -heavy duty, but with a little adaption on your part one can get the jobs done.
It is system of give and take. Improve one aspect you likely loose something also.
Fixed blades are great and have the best lockup-They just don't fold well, which many find convenient.:)
or did I miss something?
 
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Folders for me are completely secondary in my knife interests. That does not mean I don't or wont own any (I have FAR more than I should) but simply if pressed I will choose a fixed blade pretty much every time. But there is no argument to be had, each has it's merits and each will have it's followers....it's like Blondes vs Red Heads vs Brunettes.... :)
 
odds are if you found a fault(s) with all those folders, youll find faults with smaller fixed blades as well.

maybe not though?

i prefer fixed blades for most tasks....but folders fill a need. so i still use them daily.
 
Welcome to the forums!

If carrying a fixed is legal in your area, by all means, try it out.

For normal, everyday tasks, I like a folder myself.
 
Being left handed, I can certainly understand a disappointment in folders and I almost always reach for the fixed blade I'm carrying first. That said, if you keep in mind that all tools have limitations, then you should be able to find something adequate enough to carry around with a fixed blade that you could use.
 
420isaac said:
.... over the past couple years looking for "the one" and I just don't think it exists ......but I always seem to find something that I don't like about them and its usually something about the lock or blade to handle ratio.
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The "one" does not exist. Stop searching. What in particular haven't you liked about the lock or locks and the blade to handle ratio? Maybe you just need to get used to a type of lock that you generally like and stick with it a while??

If you live in a place where you will feel comfortable wearing a fixed blade, by all means do so. Size matters.
 
420isaac said:
Hey everybody this is my first post and Im just wondering if anybody feels the same as me. I'm sure you all have heard this many times but over the past couple years I have tried so many different folding knives looking for "the one" and I just don't think it exists. Ive tried the PM2, the military, police 4, 0452, 0562, griptilian, crooked river and most recently a large sebenza 21.These are all amazing knives but I always seem to find something that I don't like about them and its usually something about the lock or blade to handle ratio. Maybe folders just arn't meant for me? I usually prefer longer blades but Ive been looking very closely at a small fixed blade like a TM hunt Magua or Bradford Guardian 3 or even the Bark River bravo necker and would love to know about any similar knives. Any thoughts or suggestions?
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Seriously, like Hackenslash Hackenslash said tell us why. Lol nothing is going to sound crazy chances are someone will have a worthwhile suggestion for you. I have owned everything on the list you provided and know how you feel. My problem is that I love them all. Some much more than others. My current kick is Spartan Blades I love the Pallas and Harsey folders. I would imagine the Pallas blade to handle ratio would drive you bonkers but have you ever checked out the Harsey? The more we know why you don't like the ones you have tried the more brilliant ideas may pop up.
 
I guess I should have mentioned that I am a picky person lol. I carry all of my folders with no clip tip up loose in the pocket. The axis lock is too difficult for my smaller hands to operate without the pocket clip as a pinky anchor. The ZTs, spydercos (except for the police) and my sebenza all have come open in my pocket. I haven't stabbed myself yet but this is one problem I have with most folders. I think my dream folding knife would be the sebenza blade shape with a triad style backlock and micarta scales. I do like the idea of trying a slipjoint and fixed blade together though and I think I may have to give it a try. Maybe I am asking for too much?
 
Have you ever looked at the Benchmade Mini Presidio II (manual axis lock folder with thumb studs). I left the clip on mine but was just messing with it and I don't think I would have a problem closing the knife with the axis lock and it isn't so big that it couldn't be carried without the clip being used. The knife should work okay with smallish hands and I can't see it opening in your pocket bending down, binding up with other pocket stuff, or rubbing against something.
 
420isaac said:
I guess I should have mentioned that I am a picky person lol. I carry all of my folders with no clip tip up loose in the pocket. The axis lock is too difficult for my smaller hands to operate without the pocket clip as a pinky anchor. The ZTs, spydercos (except for the police) and my sebenza all have come open in my pocket. I haven't stabbed myself yet but this is one problem I have with most folders. I think my dream folding knife would be the sebenza blade shape with a triad style backlock and micarta scales. I do like the idea of trying a slipjoint and fixed blade together though and I think I may have to give it a try. Maybe I am asking for too much?
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I think that you are overthinking things and also not carrying properly.

Modern folders with pocket clips are not designed to be carried loose in pocket. Using the clip I have never had one accidentally open in my pocket.

Sounds to me like you need to try the traditional slipjoint in the pocket with a small but capable fixed blade as well.

ETA: You actually may be a custom guy!:thumbsup:
 
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420isaac said:
Hey everybody this is my first post and Im just wondering if anybody feels the same as me. I'm sure you all have heard this many times but over the past couple years I have tried so many different folding knives looking for "the one" and I just don't think it exists. Ive tried the PM2, the military, police 4, 0452, 0562, griptilian, crooked river and most recently a large sebenza 21.These are all amazing knives but I always seem to find something that I don't like about them and its usually something about the lock or blade to handle ratio. Maybe folders just arn't meant for me? I usually prefer longer blades but Ive been looking very closely at a small fixed blade like a TM hunt Magua or Bradford Guardian 3 or even the Bark River bravo necker and would love to know about any similar knives. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Click to expand...

Imho the most comfortable to wear and my personal favourite edc fixed blade is a Spyderco Perrin Street Beat. It needs better sheath though because the one it comes with dulls the edge.

Street Beat on the left.
ddr92p2.jpg


I also strongly prefer carrying in waist band using a static cord.
knife-static-line.jpg
 
420isaac said:
I guess I should have mentioned that I am a picky person lol. I carry all of my folders with no clip tip up loose in the pocket. The axis lock is too difficult for my smaller hands to operate without the pocket clip as a pinky anchor. The ZTs, spydercos (except for the police) and my sebenza all have come open in my pocket. I haven't stabbed myself yet but this is one problem I have with most folders. I think my dream folding knife would be the sebenza blade shape with a triad style backlock and micarta scales. I do like the idea of trying a slipjoint and fixed blade together though and I think I may have to give it a try. Maybe I am asking for too much?
Click to expand...

Liner/frame locks could be your problem.

I am not crazy about lockbacks, but they are safe: The closing resistance of a liner lock is just a tiny ball detent: That will eventually skip open one day, from an unusual focused force most likely... I was injured badly once by a CRKT Apache, and never carried a liner lock again.

The only folder I own is a SOG Fatcat, which is an arc-lock. I don't like the recurved edge, but I do like the light weight for the 4.5" blade size: 5 ounces is easy to believe. Even if some sites quote far more, they are simply wrong: It really is big and light because of the Titanium, and the magnificiently designed Kraton handle, something a custom will never be able to offer.

And yes, it is a no-clip design from the start. This actually matters little to me: Far more important to me is that the blade is fully protected from pocket induced scratches by being fully seated inside the handle, and scratches on the Titanium polish off absolutely beautifully: You have to rub the 3200 grit on Titanium to believe it when they just "wash away" perfectly...

I used to think it looked over-designed (it does scream computer designed), but now I realize it is simply well designed (minus the silly recurved edge).

Gaston
 
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