Higher End Folder

H

Honzinem

Joined
Nov 4, 2016
Messages
11
Hello,
I have decided to get myself a robust folding knife to variegate my EDC rotation. I have a few that caught my eye, but will also consider any other knife you recommend. The problem is, that in my surroundings there is no place where I could handle knives that caught my eye so I decided to ask you about your opinion.

The knife I'm looking for should fullfill these requirements :
Blade length of 3.4" - 4.0"
Blade Steel: 154CM, S30V.... (I'm not really knife snob, 420 on Gerber AF served me well, but something better would be nice)
Weight: Doesn't really matter
Lock: Linerlock, Framelock, Compression Lock, Lock back...
Handle /scales: Titanium, Micarta, G10, carbon fiber...
Deployment: Flipper will be amazing, but I'm looking for any manual opening, so NO assisted or auto models please
Price: $100 - $300

At this time I carry mostly my Spyderco PM2 (DigiCamo / DLC), along with Gerber AF Combat Folder and ZT 0350SW I recently bought but don't really like that knife due to assisted opening.

The few I'm considering :

ZT 0200
+ manual opening
+ similiar to 0300 I originally wanted but rejected due to SpeedSafe
- not sure if I'm able to find any as they are discontinued

ZT 0804CF
+ looks amazing
+ materials seems top-notch
- price is over my limit, so I would have to save some more money

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 S110V
+ know it suits my needs
+ more "civil" look, not really necessary but won't scare people
- already have one
- the tip isn't very robust

That's probably all I can think of. I'm open to any suggestions.
Sorry for my english as it's not my native language.
 
You put that your price is 100-300....the ZT0804 is $280 in stock with kershawguy so that is right into your limit.

Two other ZTs with top notch materials that I think are worth a look would be the 0452CF (220) and 0652CF (240). At an absolute bargain for 189 is the 0620CF--CTS-204P, CF, Emerson wave, titanium framelock, etc.
 
Spyderco gayle Bradley 1 or 2. A tank and a slicer. Plus it will gain character with use. Of coarse I like a blade that will patina.

At 300, your so close to a sebenza, I would start there hands down.
 
Consider taking a looking at WE Knife Company. They are at the higher end of your range but offer a wide range of models.

Another popular option is the Freeman 451 Button Lock Flipper which is made to order directly from that company exactly how you like it.

There are certainly others too.
 
Big folders for you to consider:

- Spyderco titanium military or Kinfeworks exclusive green g10 military
- ZT 0804cf, ZT 0560/1/2, ZT 0452
- Benchmade 710-1401 or 810-1401
- Or if you can wait a bit, ZT 0920, Spyderco military cf/ti
- Or if you don't mind used (but in great condition), Reate Horizon D CF or Ti, CRK Sebenza large (these two will be close to $300 used).
 
What about the Benchmade 15080-2 Crooked River? S30V, 4 inch, axis lock, big but friendly looking, fairly robust tip. Good looking too.
 
sharp_edge said:
Big folders for you to consider:

- Spyderco titanium military or Kinfeworks exclusive green g10 military,

... Or if you can wait... Spyderco military cf/ti.
Click to expand...

This was going to be my suggestion if you like a PM 2. Dont let the tip down carry scare you away. It works better than tip up for a knife of that size. The Titanium versio has S30V and has performed well for me. The G10 has CTS 204P (Carpenter's chemical equivalent of M390) and it has been the most amazing steel I have used in a folder and is way easier to sharpen than S30V. The Ti Millie is in stock in a bunch of places and knifeworks still has the 204P exclusive in stock. If you can wait the Knifeworks should have the ti/carbon fiber/S90V exlusive soon.

If you are looking for a blade with a thicker tip, then I might look at the spyderco Slyz bowie and the Gayle Bradley 2 or some of the ZT offerings.

I will tell you this, the last two years have been the best time in folding knife history. I feel like there are more mid to high end options than ever! Ironically though, with all this variety, not much catches my eye these days
 
Last edited:
Watch the Exchange here and pick up a lightly used Hinderer XM-18 in the blade grind of your preference. Will be a touch over $300 but not much. Or maybe a Les George Talos or VECP if flipper isn't a must.

Grab yourself a mid tech :)
 
Thank you for all advices, really appreciate them :)

Although I understand your opinions and agree with most them, I've decided to buy a ZT 0200, because it's discontinued and would be harder and harder to get your hands on brand new, the fact that I was lucky enough to find one for quite good price from a local store made the decision even clearer.

It arrived today and I can't be happier, it's exactly what I've been looking for, the only downside for my is the pocket clip, but that has been discussed before and I knew about it, so no news here ;)
 
I somehow get a feeling a ZT is what you want. They have heaps of different flipper framelock models, don't they? Should have a nice one that's not assisted opening.
 
ZT0804CF is my favorite ZT and one of my favorite larger EDCs of all my knives. It is large but for me carries great. It is rock solid and can take some serious use. The CF helps bring the weight down and CTS-204P like M390 is awesome. I'm typically not a fan of coated blades but it fits the aesthetics of this knife well. Highly recommended.
 
P2P said:
Spyderco gayle Bradley 1 or 2. A tank and a slicer. Plus it will gain character with use. Of coarse I like a blade that will patina.

At 300, your so close to a sebenza, I would start there hands down.
Click to expand...

Ditto, get a used plain jane large sebenza 21 drop point or insingo. U wont be disappointed
 
Good choice with the 0200. I love mine and it's shape fits my hand great. It is a beast of a knife.
 
The ZT 200 is a great knife ... I think you'll like it from your posts.

The one I would give a look if the 200 doesn't turn out to be what you want or if you want another knife fitting the criteria ... check out ZTs 0909 ... it is a manual flipper but fires out and locks up rock solid as you'd expect from a ZT ... and I've found it handles everything I throw at it and is still a good slicer. It quickly became my favorite ZT.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top