grayman Satu or something similar

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kane22

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Feb 25, 2013
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I've been thinking about getting a larger overbuilt folder. I keep looking at the Satu, but still not sure. I hate to spend that much on something I haven't looked at in person. Any other knives in that price range I should check out?
 
Three Sisters Forge Beast
DPX HEST
Benchmade Adamas
Benchmade Contego 810
Lionsteel Sr1A
Spyderco Manix 2 XL

Just some ideas to browse...
 
ZT 0200, ZT 0300, TSF Beast (smaller than the Satu, more in the league of the Dua). There is also a thread on beefy folders that will give you ideas-a-plenty.
 
I've had my Grayman Satu (full titanium and all stonewashed) for about 10 days now. It's big, wide and heavy (11.5 ounces) but very smooth. It'll definitely put a smile on your face. Two things I would've changed. Firstly, make the dual thumb studs the stepped variety for easier opening. Secondly, I would've liked a stepped titanium backspacer instead of G-10 since it looks better and is stronger. The stonewashing all over is very nicely done. I really like mine. Very unique.

ZT 0600 looks great and is probably ZT's toughest folder. It's much narrower and lighter than Satu.

Here's a list of folders with blade lengths near or surpassing 4 inches:

  • Zero Tolerance 0600
  • Zero Tolerance 0200
  • Grayman Satu
  • TSF Gorgon (upcoming)
  • Curtiss F3 Large
  • Olamic Wayfarer
  • Benchmade 810 (or 810-1401) Contego
  • MicroTech SOCOM Elite
  • MicroTech SOCOM Delta
  • ProTech TR-4MA
  • Hogue EX-04
  • Emerson Super Commander
  • Emerson Super Roadhouse
  • Brous Blades Division
  • Brous Blades T4
  • Southern Grind Bad Monkey
  • Spyderco Szabo
  • Spyderco Ulize
  • Spyderco Military
  • Spyderco Tatanka (upcoming)
  • Spyderco K2 (upcoming)
  • Fox Meskwaki Tracker
  • Fox Deimos Citadel
  • Fox Col. Moschin (FX-SOK09CM01E)
  • Viper Start
  • Viper Rhino
  • Fantoni HB01
  • Extrema Ratio RAO (RAO 2)
  • Wildsteer WX
 
The Satu is a beast, but a very smooth beast. I like mine quite a bit, and have yet to come across anything quite the like. While those mentioned may be as long as the Satu, do they really compete in terms of tonnage? And does anyone actually carry it?

 
I have one on the way, should be here any day. I'm excited. The buying experience so far is top notch as well. I believe they have a return policy if its too big/not right for you.
 
jac_solar said:
What about the ZT 0600 makes it tougher than, ie, ZT0200, 0300, or 0560?
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Full thick titanium frame lock and handles with a beefy titanium backspacer. Frame lock face has hardened steel insert so no sticky issues and in case of lock wear it can be replaced. The B75P stainless steel (powder metal version of BG42) blade is a full 4.25" in length and 0.19" thick. For such a big folder (7.3 ounces) it flips remarkably well.
 
Well I just ordered a Jason Brous reloader. I'm not sure if falls into the hard use category or not but it looks like it's on the overbuilt side to me. I don't have any blades in d2 steel, and I don't have a flipper so I'm excited to get it. Being a limited run maybe it'll hold it value or go up someday.

It came down to the grayman, reloader, and some of the zt's. When I logged on to grayman's site this morning the Satu's with the green scale were already sold out and that's what I wanted so that kind of made my mind up. I have a real nice 4 inch fixed blade, and I kept thinking how much would I really carry the Satu as heavy as it is. So that kept me from pulling the trigger yesterday. I'd still love to own one, but since I'm poor working folk I only have so much money to spend on things that aren't really needed.

The zt's are probably the best bang for the buck, but the reloader wasn't much more and I liked the looks of it a little better. Hopefully it will feel as good in hand as I think it will. Thanks for all the input from everyone.
 
For what you're looking for there are really only about three qualifiers--the Satu, a Bradley Alias or a TSF Beast. Maybe a Medford.

Buy the Satu. It's probably the benchmark 'tank knife' around right now. Not only is it a great "big" folder, the Graymans are good to work with. And you can always send it back if you aren't happy with it.
 
kane22 said:
I like them too, but a little too much for me to spend. I'd be sick if I lost.
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Some of Medford's folder (like the TFF-3 or TFF-1) can be found for $550. That's not far removed from the price of a Satu. I like the design of the TFF-3 better than the Satu personally. I don't care much for sharpening recurve blades.
 
Grayman knives are some of the toughest overbuilt knives I've seen. I like the Dua and I've never handled a Satu but it must be a handful. They are wonderful folks to deal with.

If you like the look of the TSF Beast, perhaps check out the Gorgon that Jim will be releasing anytime now. Little bit different styling and shape, but even bigger and meaner than the Beast.
 
Spyderco TUFF. :D:thumbup:

I know that it's smaller, however the 3V steel absolutely trounces S30V in terms of hard use... Not just my opinion, but based on head to head comparison of my ZT0300 to my Spydie TUFF.
 
I've had the Satu now for about 2 months. I carry it everyday together with a Cold Steel Large Espada. The Satu is for use and the Espada for self defence. I forget about it in my pocket. It wears super awesome in jeans.

The Satu opens so smoothly it's ridiculous. The only thing I would have loved would be a wave feature. The rest is perfect!
 
Johann Trollip said:
I've had the Satu now for about 2 months. I carry it everyday together with a Cold Steel Large Espada. The Satu is for use and the Espada for self defence. I forget about it in my pocket. It wears super awesome in jeans.
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You are prepared.
 
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