Good, low priced tactical folder recommdendations

J

jrmy_1

Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
5
I'm new to this forum and have read quite a bit on knife recommendations but need more help. I don't have a lot of experience with knives other than buying cheap knives from gas stations on occasions, etc. Anyway, I want to start carrying a folder used for specifically for self defense. This is kind of what I'm looking for in a pick:

good, anti-slip grip so it doesn't slip out of hand when in contact fluids
easy one hand opening (prefer not to have an assist that may break but would consider with reliability data)
would prefer a thumb knob but not required
strong liner lock (important)
good sharp blade made of quality steel (important)
~3.25-4.00" blade

I was looking for a knife that is under $50 if possible. I don't want to buy junk that might break. If a knife is going to wear out more quickly and it shows so there's time to purchase another that is fine but I don't want catastrophic failure, e.g. one handed opening is impossible during a life-or-death situation because assist didn't work or suddenly broke.

I've been looking at the Kershaw knives, e.g. JYD II even though there isn't any thumb knob, LEEK, and also some of the KaBar knives. The KaBar knives seem very reasonably priced but I don't want to buy something that dulls or breaks, etc.

I'm also looking for some deals on knives. Is there a forum where knife specials are listed or can anyone recommend a vendor???

Thanks for all your help and I'm happy to be with the forum!!

-J
 
Consider the Byrd line of knives, such as the Byrd Catbyrd, G10 Cara Cara or G10 Flight. The recently released Spyderco Tenacious sounds like it fits the bill as well.
 
Does it have to have a thumb stud? There are several Spyderco Models that would get the job done. You can find Mini Griptilians for close to 50, but they are 3 inch blades. How about a benchmade Ambush or mini ambush. I consider them all utility knives however, and not really suitable to SD. Most knives are just that however.
 
I'd avoid liner locks. Look at the spyderco waved endura. Perhaps not the greatest/most secure handles out there though. A benchmade griptilian might offer better grip and a better lock. Maybe a spyderco tasman is worth a look too. -Plain or serrated hookbill.
I'd look on ebay. They often have killer deals. I'd also say you should try to save up and get a chinook 2 or 3 for about twice of what you'd like to spend. Either way, just make sure to keep it sharp.
 
You sound like someone who can take care of himself, but just remember from a legal standpoint, using a knife in self defense is just about the same as using a gun. I know a guy who got into a bit of hot water just for pulling one out when threatened by a drunk. I'm guessing you've had some training (from your profile).
 
Spyderco Native at Walmart for $39.95. Thumbhole instead of stud, lockback instead of linerlock. But, it's made of s30v steel, which makes it a frickin bargain as far as the steel goes. Good ergos, the blade is about 3.125"(the sharpened part more like 2.75"), and the Spydie name backing it up. Plus you can switch the knife to left hand carry if you so happen to be a lefty. All in all, a really nice little knife.
 
the spyderco byrds are pretty cheap, but are still good knives, i recommend a cara cara with g10 handle.otherwise as someone before me said, a boker trance is also good
 
+1 on the delica. The cyclone is also a good knife but lacks the non slip grip. newgraham.com and knifecenter.com have excellent prices and service.
 
I've been looking at the Kershaw knives, e.g. JYD II even though there isn't any thumb knob, LEEK, and also some of the KaBar knives. The KaBar knives seem very reasonably priced but I don't want to buy something that dulls or breaks, etc.
Click to expand...


Check out the Kershaw Blur and Lahar also. Me and my son were both skeptical of the JYD2 when I got one because of the lock of the thumb stud but the more I use it I see it is realy a matter of getting used to it and I can open it as fast as my other knives now. The JYD2 is a fantastic knife. Do not over look the Storm 2 either and you can check those out at Wally World.
 
Delica or Endura IF you can find them under $50.

Also, as a knife dealer, I have noticed (as she looks around for a large rock to hide under) that Frost has made a big effort recently to make amends for their "peddling pure junk" stage they went through, and they are making some decent tactical folders for $20. The "Silence" line is very nice, as are the ones with rootwood scales. Of course, you're still dealing with a liner lock, but their tacticals seem to have good liner locks--I test each one out, and none of them have failed yet.
 
I'm not sure of any high quality liner lock folders for self defense in that price range. If you would be open to a different lock and could bring your price range up about $5 or so, I think a Spyderco Endura 4 Wave would be a great candidate.

Blade Forums has a section where members can buy, sell or trade their stuff. There are a lot of great deals there that you won't find anywhere, but it's hard to get exactly what you're looking for because it's not a store that holds inventory. There are plenty of online stores that seem to have great reputations at good prices. One that comes up often is newgraham.com

Welcome to the forums:).
 
jrmy_1 said:
I'm new to this forum and have read quite a bit on knife recommendations but need more help. I don't have a lot of experience with knives other than buying cheap knives from gas stations on occasions, etc. Anyway, I want to start carrying a folder used for specifically for self defense. This is kind of what I'm looking for in a pick:

good, anti-slip grip so it doesn't slip out of hand when in contact fluids
easy one hand opening (prefer not to have an assist that may break but would consider with reliability data)
would prefer a thumb knob but not required
strong liner lock (important)
good sharp blade made of quality steel (important)
~3.25-4.00" blade

I was looking for a knife that is under $50 if possible. I don't want to buy junk that might break. If a knife is going to wear out more quickly and it shows so there's time to purchase another that is fine but I don't want catastrophic failure, e.g. one handed opening is impossible during a life-or-death situation because assist didn't work or suddenly broke.

I've been looking at the Kershaw knives, e.g. JYD II even though there isn't any thumb knob, LEEK, and also some of the KaBar knives. The KaBar knives seem very reasonably priced but I don't want to buy something that dulls or breaks, etc.

I'm also looking for some deals on knives. Is there a forum where knife specials are listed or can anyone recommend a vendor???

Thanks for all your help and I'm happy to be with the forum!!

-J
Click to expand...

Kershaw Storm II solid framelock,smooth opening,3.5" recurve blade,non-slip grip,under $30:thumbup:
 
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