HELP ME PICK A KNIFE - Live Vicariously

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FLYING BONES

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Nov 14, 2013
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OK, I'm Changing up this thread a bit! I need help!
I want a badd *** knife to carry daily, and I want one soon! So much lurking on the internet reminds me of the first AR I built, it's a painstaking process picking stuff. BUT I know this forum has infinite knowledge and you guys can probably name several knives I should look at. I'll buy new or used, so if you have or see something you think I should know about in the marketplace tell me why I should buy it!

My current favorite knife is a Direware S90 in damascus - can't afford it.
I love Carbon Fiber
I love Tanto
I love Damascus
I love the feel of the ZT 0801
I don't need all of these qualities
I'll spend 100-$300

Help me pick something tonight! or tomorrow, or at least this week...but soon!

(DISCLAIMER I have several Big5 quality knives and the most expensive tool i've purchased was a Leatherman Charge TI but I'm ready to up my knife game).
 
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How about a benchmade 909 stryker? Not really same beefy blade shape as the direware but I like the size and form as it bridges both EDC and tactical without being a super intimidating knife to bystanders. It also has an auto version if that is your thing.
 
Kitten Party, the Benchmade 909 looks like a very practical option, maybe what i'm looking for is less practical, more awe inspiring...but still capable.
 
Calling that a tanto is certainly a stretch.

I really haven't sent anything like it. The Grimsmo Norseman is close, just more of an elongated version of that but you're not gonna get one for three bills.
 
Evan, I agree it's a stretch calling it a tanto, I don't have the knowledge to give it a better description.

I got to hold a ZT 0801 Elmax Rexford Design. Wow, that knife felt great in the hand and the ball bearing pivot was awesome. In still searching and any tips would be great
 
Ok i'm changing up this thread a bit, because I trust the knowledge on this forum more than my own ability to cram through thousands of pages trying to get on your level. First off, thanks to @netshadeX you offered a bunch of good advice, and the time you spent explaining differences is appreciated!
 
ZT 620CF comes out soon. I think some places are taking preorders for it. Its carbon fiber, its tanto, and should be similar in feel to the ZT 801. It isn't Damascus but you could always get a sharpie and draw in a Damascus pattern on the blade.

EDIT: Ug, was typing while mk ultra posted. Great minds think alike.
 
Honestly, in the price range of the 0801, you aren't going to find a better made and more functional knife than the 0801 IMO. For a knife which is strong, practical, useful, in a great steel, carries well, and has a lock that will work now and 30 years from now, the 0801 is very hard to beat. The 0801CF is hardcore, but closer to $400-500. Crusader Forge and Medford both have some knives with characteristics to the Diretech, but they are all very expensive knives and likely have a lead time measured in months or even years.

The Umnumzaan is made in a tanto and a drop point, but again price is a little higher than $300. The Umnumzaan is like the Sebenza in that it is really a golden standard of the industry in terms of quality.

ZT has a few knifes coming forward which use many of the same designs from Rick Hinderer XM-18 knives, such as the Spanto blade which is a very strong type of blade, and carbon fiber. IIRC pricing is around $250-350, but chances are they are currently hard to find. IIRC steels for these knives are ELMAX and M390, which are both cream of the crop.

All of the knives I have mentioned are Sebenza Locks (frame locks) since you noted you like the 0801, which is one itself. ZT's work with the bearings is really in a class of itself IMO, and I imagine knives using this technology will have dramatically less wear 3 decades from now when we all drive flying cars and use lasers to cut our laboratory hatched food.
 
Like a couple of others have suggested - ZT 0620CF. M390 Tanto blade, carbon fiber front scale, titanium frame lock back scale, very close in size to the 0801. MSRP is $300 on these. If MAP is still 20% below MSRP, then you should be able to get one of these for around $240.
 
Digging in on the 0801 CF and 0620 CF.
That ZT 0801 CF! OMG! What I like is I get that feel of the 0801 that I know I loved with a really unique look!
I like the 0620 CF as well, but I think the 0801CF is currently in the lead, at $320 MSRP for the 0801 CF that should be well within my budget at MAP? Source?
 
@nwmetalbug check, been looking around...why is the stuff i like always unobtanium? LOL. I guess there are more coming out?
 
Keep an eye out you might get lucky. The new 0562CF is regular production I have the 0801CF but want the 0562CF to carry.
 
FLYING BONES said:
Digging in on the 0801 CF and 0620 CF.
That ZT 0801 CF! OMG! What I like is I get that feel of the 0801 that I know I loved with a really unique look!
I like the 0620 CF as well, but I think the 0801CF is currently in the lead, at $320 MSRP for the 0801 CF that should be well within my budget at MAP? Source?
Click to expand...

The best you can find the 0801CF is going to be closer to $400-$450 IMO. They came out a couple of months ago and dealer stock is drying up. You may save money buying it used from a member here in the forums, and it's a really good candidate to buy used as it is tough as hell and there are a lot of people who either have not used them at all, or have used them only super lightly.

The blade steel on the 0801CF is M390, which is one of the most popular super steels currently used on knives. Overall it is a hell of a knife. But with that said, it doesn't really have any functional advantage over the 0801, except the differences in blade steels (both are excellent, but excel in different performance areas).

The standard 0801 is titanium. What that means is for a very cheap price you can get it anodized practically any color or pattern under the sun. This finish looks super cool and you would have custom 801 for a super good price.
 
Um ; how about a Microtech Socom with tanto blade ? My best friend has one. Every couple years he changes the spring. Works well.
 
I'm realizing Carbon Fiber is one of my favorite attributes on the knifes, not suprising as i've always been a fan of it on other things!

I really like the Microtech Socom (delta?) CF...out of my price range at $700+

Are there any new CF releases that you can think of besides the ZT 0620 CF?
 
Zt 0562 cf and also the benchmade 940-1 both in your price range but not tantos (940-1 is close)
 
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