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Good Medium/Large folder for me?

Z

Ztmma

Joined
Oct 9, 2012
Messages
187
Hey guys, I asked about the Contego Vs Para 2 and socom elite a while back. I ended up getting the Contego but I really didnt like the handle ergos so I sold it. I really prefer fixed blades, but I would like to have a "go-to" folder.
Here are my requirements...
Decent steel, Sub $300 (less is better but if the knife is just THAT good I might buy it), Prefer the blade to be on the larger side.
I want something that is fast to open and has a solid lock. I would like it to hold its edge pretty well too. I dont mind stropping it when I get home, but throughout the day it will be exposed to rope, cardboard, twine, cloth, and other tasks.
I am strongly considering something from Emerson but I have heard mixed things about Emerson knives. I have also been thinking about the Para 2.
Your comments and opinions on knives that would meet my criteria are greatly appreciated.
 
When you say you would like it fast to open, do you want that via flipper or thumb stud? And do you care if it is assisted or not?
 
Para2
Military
BM 940
BM 520
ZT 550
ZT 560
Manix
Gayle Bradley
CS Recon1
Used Sabenza (maybe a bit over $300)
Don't rule out a mini-grip as a prefect EDC either
 
How about a Spyderco Southard? I have one on the way. I also have a PM2 that works well for most things you need a knife for.
 
Brous Blade's T4 Flipper
Zero Tolerance 0560 or 0561
Spyderco Southard Flipper

If you want an incredibly well over built folder for under 200 and don't mind weight I would recommend the Benchmade Adamas as well.
 
What's your definition of "on the larger side'?

Without knowing that my vote is for the BM710 in M390
 
I usually prefer larger blades 3" or more id say. The 710 looks good, I cant find any in m390 though :(
 
LionSteel SR-1A
Can be had for under $200
Thick D2 steel blade that's 3.70"
Mine opens lightning fast, though I've heard some people say theirs are stiff
Solid aluminum handle, framelock with rotoblock dial that makes it much like a fixed blade.
 
Ztmma said:
I usually prefer larger blades 3" or more id say. The 710 looks good, I cant find any in m390 though :(
Click to expand...

Oh ok then nevermind, lol. I was thinking you meant around a 4" blade.

In that case I'd get the Southard.
 
I like larger blades but that doesn't mean a 3" blade cant cut things. Anywhere in the 3-4 inch range would be fine for me...
Thanks for these suggestions you all, really spot on with all these suggestions.
Para 2, Gayle Bradley, Southard, SR-1, and CQC-15 all look awesome. Decisions decisions!
 
+1 for the PM2 or BM Adamas. I personally wouldn't EDC an Adamas because of the size, but for what you're talking about using it for, it could fit the bill well.
 
Ztmma said:
Hey guys, I asked about the Contego Vs Para 2 and socom elite a while back. I ended up getting the Contego but I really didnt like the handle ergos so I sold it. I really prefer fixed blades, but I would like to have a "go-to" folder.
Here are my requirements...
Decent steel, Sub $300 (less is better but if the knife is just THAT good I might buy it), Prefer the blade to be on the larger side.
I want something that is fast to open and has a solid lock. I would like it to hold its edge pretty well too. I dont mind stropping it when I get home, but throughout the day it will be exposed to rope, cardboard, twine, cloth, and other tasks.
Click to expand...

I'm concerned that you might be trying to simply throw (big) dollars at the problem without thinking more about your specific needs.

Cutting performance and edge retention depend a lot on the materials being cut and the frequency you're cutting them. It also depends a lot on the blade geometry and the distinction between large carbide and small carbide steels. My sense is that rope is best handled with a hollow ground blade with large carbides. Cardboard is best handled with a thinner, flatter blade, imo. Other tasks might be better handled with different blade shapes (clip, dropped, spear, wharncliff, etc).

My approach was different than yours. Instead of dropping a big amount of dough on a super knife, I experimented with a bunch of less expensive knives and then for a couple of years, I carried 2 with me most of the time (pocket, pack). I would trade back and forth several times a day, sometimes tackling a cutting job with both knives open.

This approach allowed me to figure out what kinds of steels (carbides or no), grinds, blade shapes, locks and handles I like.

You'll notice I'm not mentioning either a recommendation or a knife that I carry. I still have no idea what would work best for you and sort of suspect you're not sure yet either (which is very cool).

Questions I would seek to answer:
1) Do I prefer large carbide steels (440C, D2, etc) or small carbide steels (1095, 12C27, etc)?
2) What kind of grind do I prefer: flat, hollow, convex?
3) What blade shape do I prefer?
4) What lock style do I prefer?
5) What style of handle to I prefer?

You can get "decent" steels of both large and small carbide steels in knives at or under the $30 mark. Spend less than 1/2 of your budget on a mess o' knives and play around for a bit. That would be my suggestion.
 
Ztmma said:
Prefer the blade to be on the larger side.
I want something that is fast to open and has a solid lock. I would like it to hold its edge pretty well too.
Click to expand...

Zero Tolerance 0560 series. Trust me, you'll wonder why you didn't have one already. :)
 
Gayle Bradley would be my suggestion. M4 is awesome, and the knife is fantastic especially considering the price. If you want a knife still medium large but a bit lighter, grab a PM2. Also, for up to $300 try and grab one of the sprints second hand for better edge holding. 204P, S90V, 20CP, XHP, M390 are all upgrades in every way to S30V imo.
 
My whole EDC rotation would probably qualify for you but the ones that first come to my mind are the Benchmade 581 Barrage and the Spyderco Manix 2 XL.

Other contenders:
Spyderco Paramilitary 2
Spyderco Military
Spyderco Manix 2
Benchmade Presidio
Benchmade Griptilian- one of the limited editions with G10 scales
ZT 0560 or 0561
ZT 0562 (just announced)
 
Cold Steel Recon 1 XL Clip Point son...

[video=youtube;yoBszVB_xU8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoBszVB_xU8[/video]
 
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