HELP! What folders come in desert tan handles?

Daniel L

Daniel L

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 2, 1998
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When wearing lighter coloured trousers / shorts, my typical black handle / black clip folder tends to contrast too much. Something that blends in is much preferred.

I'm looking for a folder that has full desert tan handles (both scales, not desert camo) but is also:
- tip up carry (i.e. clip at the butt end)
- plain edge only (not combo)
- NOT tanto or recurve blade
- around 3.5" blade length
- under $200 retail

It seems there's a real shortage out there....
Buck Strider SBMF - had 2, locks easily failed spine whacks
Kabar MULE Desert - didn't like it
Boker AK74 Desert button lock - I often carry this one, but want something nicer
Mil Tac Knives - don't like the looks

Nothing from BM, Spyderco, CRKT, Emerson or even Cold Steel meets ALL of the above specs as far as I am aware. I don't want to have to do a pimp job but it looks like it may be necessary to get what I want.

So... HELP, there must be a folder out there!
 
The Buck/Strider SBMF that "failed" the wack test has now been upgraded & they say the problem has been fixed ( made the linelock thicker ), I think it's from the 2005 models ~ current models. Look into to make sure don't take my word for it :p Also check out the CRKT Desert Cruiser -Jim Hammond design - Iraq freedom model :thumbup:
 
Sorry guys, but CRKT stuff like the Desert Cruiser and the newer desert ones have either tanto only blades or combo plain-edge/serrated.

I could be wrong, but if you post a specific knife I'll check it out but I've been pretty thorough I think.
 
Daniel L said:
Sorry guys, but CRKT stuff like the Desert Cruiser and the newer desert ones have either tanto only blades or combo plain-edge/serrated.

I could be wrong, but if you post a specific knife I'll check it out but I've been pretty thorough I think.
Click to expand...

I own CRKT desert tan zytel handled ones and own a CRKT spear point. You can unscrew them and switch blades. Remember that the liner locks for tantos are not usable for the spear points and vice versa. But you have to buy both and then switch. A M21's blade on a M16 folder.
 
FWIW, the Zero Tolerance 0302 is "Coyote Brown."

Except it's got a bit of a recurve to it, and it's (a little) over $200...
 
Skean Dhu said:
Benchmade makes a Griptilian with sand colored handles and I've seen it offered with a plain blade.

It would seem to fit all of your requirements.

Google it, you'll find several places that sell it. I know New Graham Knives had them at one time.

Good luck.

How about this:

http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=44371
Click to expand...

Ahhh - thanks... now that's more like it... have played with a Griptilian before and it was ok. Might look into it again.

The ZT 302 knives unfortunately aren't full desert tan and its a real brick! This is proving to be pretty difficult!!
 
I've seen dessert color natives before, but I know have many are around.

This might sound stupid, take the knife you have now and hit it with a coat of krylon.
 
There is the Timberline Delta 18 series, but I think they are only combo edge?

18Delta1landing.jpg
 
Pretty sure the tan Griptilian comes with the standard black pocket clip. That will stand out against your Khaki pants. Of course, you could strip it to the bare steel or paint it tan.
 
There are desert tan Spyderco Natives floating around... and the Foliage Green G-10 looks awfully close to tan from the pictures I've seen.
 
Sorry, I know this isn't exactly what you are asking for, but it seems to me that the clip style would be far more important than handle color if blending in is your main concern.

When I'm wearing tan/khaki pants, I usually grab a Spyderco that has a wire clip.
 
sherlockbonez said:
This might sound stupid, take the knife you have now and hit it with a coat of krylon.
Click to expand...

If that's stupid I must be because that's the first thing I thought of:p Take off the scales and spray 'er up. A lot of folks I know do it to their firearms why not do it to a folder?
 
Lurker said:
Pretty sure the tan Griptilian comes with the standard black pocket clip. That will stand out against your Khaki pants. Of course, you could strip it to the bare steel or paint it tan.
Click to expand...

I normally get my black clips bead blasted. As for selection, other than all the knives mentioned so far only the BM Griptilian seems to meet the critieria.

Spydie Native in Desert Tan is combo / serrated only.
Timberline Delta is either tanto or combo drop point.
SOG Trident has desert camo handles, not plain.

Yeah I'm fussy :)
 
Lurker said:
Pretty sure the tan Griptilian comes with the standard black pocket clip. That will stand out against your Khaki pants. Of course, you could strip it to the bare steel or paint it tan.
Click to expand...

Lurker is correct.

My tan Griptilian does have a black pocket clip...but if you're going to get it bead-blasted, this obviously won't matter.

Ray :)
 
Funny, I was thinking the same thing last week. I'm as picky and have several of the same criteria. All I wear, in the summer, is khakis. A black knob sticking out of the pocket is a little obvious.

I have a small BM Griptillian and really like it. Refinishing the clip of a full size, with Krylon or Dura Coat, wouldn't be too hard. The ZT302 would be a lot of weight in the pocket.

Does anyone know where to find tan/coyote G10 sheets? Adding that to an Emerson would be nice.

Thanks!
 
Daniel L said:
When wearing lighter coloured trousers / shorts, my typical black handle / black clip folder tends to contrast too much. Something that blends in is much preferred.

I'm looking for a folder that has full desert tan handles (both scales, not desert camo) but is also:
- tip up carry (i.e. clip at the butt end)
- plain edge only (not combo)
- NOT tanto or recurve blade
- around 3.5" blade length
- under $200 retail

It seems there's a real shortage out there....
Buck Strider SBMF - had 2, locks easily failed spine whacks
Kabar MULE Desert - didn't like it
Boker AK74 Desert button lock - I often carry this one, but want something nicer
Mil Tac Knives - don't like the looks

Nothing from BM, Spyderco, CRKT, Emerson or even Cold Steel meets ALL of the above specs as far as I am aware. I don't want to have to do a pimp job but it looks like it may be necessary to get what I want.

So... HELP, there must be a folder out there!
Click to expand...

I've seen a tan model of a (Boker) "Kalishnikov", push button, but non-automatic in a copy of the summer 2008, "Bud-K" catalog. It has tan scales and a black blade. It can be found just on the inside of the cover page of that catalog. There is also a tan handled folder on page 27 of the same catalog. Check out their web page at "www.BUDK.com". There is an automatic version of the Kalishnilov also. You can see those on "BladeAuction.com". Good hunting.
 
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