I Need Advice.....

valleytinworks

valleytinworks

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
1,373
Some of you guys know how hard i can be on knives......


i am looking for a new folder..... one that i wont destroy..... and since busse isn't gonna be making one any time soon i am looking for advice on which one to get.

i like big bladed folders, heavy but still slice good.... i hate spydercos.... my fave folder as far as size, handle etc has been the crkt crawford casper (i know its shi* steel)


please post pics or links to pics and specs....
 
I was in the same dilemma for quite some time. I tried several and ended up with a Kershaw ZT301. I would only be happier if it were INFI. It actually looks like something Jerry would design. Very functional and cool on the style side as well.

I'd still throw it out the window if Busse would just make a darn folder!!!
 
I like the ZT300 series folders for a good large around-the-house knife. They have a thick titanium lock side and a G-10 face side, good assist action with a positive lockup, they go for $295 new, but I have seen a lot for sale that are new from $225 - $250 on various forums. Here are mine, I pimped a couple of them by bead blasting the blade and the titanium lock side, plus added a black G-10 scale:





 
Strider RCC for about 300 and you can pick them up used for about 250. Then there's the Strider AR which is a big beefy knife. You could look at the Al Mar Sere, BM 630 as well as the BM Rukus..the Presidio is borderline big. You could look at the Lone Wolfe T3(BIG KNIFE)or the Tactical Ranger(also big) both sporting 4.8 inch blades. Lets not forget the Ontario Hossom Retribution, also the M.O.D CQD Mark II(beefy knife). If your into CS they have some big ole folders as well. Emerson Has a few big ones like the CQC 12 and 13(more but no need to list).

Thats a short list, I am a big knife guy like yourself, personally I like the AR...its an all out tank. The Mark II is a big knife but can be a little too big in the Pocket(imo). The lone wolfe is very nice because of the Flat Ground blade, they come and stay very sharp. Like I said its a short list and I am not sure what exactly your looking for as far as style but I hope I gave you a few your interested in.
 
Or you could trade me some INFI for one of my new Strider AR folders with digital camo blade and tan G10 scales ;);)
Oh, almost forgot, I already put a slight convex edge on one of them!
 
valleytinworks said:
DUCCI..... do you think i could put a convex edge on those ZT knives?
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They come pretty sharp, so I would think you could put a convex on one, it will be a little harder with the recurve.

 
valleytinworks said:
just bought one on the exchange..... but still looking for suggestions.....
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I see you bought the 201... If you aren't happy with that one don't rule out the 301. If I was going to be around I'd let you borrow mine to check it out.

Maybe Jerry's anniversary Steel Heart will have a hinge in the middle and we will all be able to stop searching!
 
winmagfrog said:
I see you bought the 201... If you aren't happy with that one don't rule out the 301. If I was going to be around I'd let you borrow mine to check it out.

Maybe Jerry's anniversary Steel Heart will have a hinge in the middle and we will all be able to stop searching!
Click to expand...

yeah... all his 300 series are coyote brown or oloive drab and have the super ninja coatings....lol i figure i will inspect fit and finish on the 200 and look around for a 300 that isnt so 'tactical' lol.....
 
The Benchmade 710 is a good big bladed folder -- and cheap at 120 dollars.

I still think CRK Sebenzas are the best production folder (although I must admit I haven't tried the ZT's --- wonder where all my discretionary money has gone lately???) Here's one a little dressed up w/engraving:

engravedsebenza.jpg


They'll run you about 300-350 for the large...
 
But for VTW's request for a heavy "big bladed folder," I would recommend the Sebbie as well. Great knife, and has been my EVERY day EDC for a longer stretch than any other knife has ever made it since my first swiss army knife that went 10 years or so.
 
If you get a chance, check out the Al Mar Sere 2000, I have tons of folders, and that is the one I keep sticking on my pocket.
 
VTW - just wondering why you hate Spyderco's??

I love them, and used to also hate them until I handled some of their line...

... not saying you haven't, just curious :p
 
valleytinworks said:
then again ducci could just send me that black with double cut blade he has....
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Hey VTW, If you want a 300 with black handles and a plain satin blade, they sell a "USN" version of that knife at Tadgear.

http://www.tadgear.com/edged tools/zt0300-usn.htm

I bought one because I didn't like the tiger striped blade and I absolutely love mine.

The thing is freakin awesome!!! I love the shape of the blade and it comes wicked sharp. It also has a "Speed Safe" assisted opening which is very cool. I talked to the company and it is legal in all states. I was kinda worried since I live in CA:D

IMHO, If you get one, you won't regret it.

rjd
 
CRK Sebenza, Large. This knife is perfect. Absolutely perfect. So perfect you get bored with it and start looking for knives that may be less perfect but have more attitude, like Striders, Kershaws and bigger customs from guys like Mike Draper and Rick Hinderer.

Speaking of Rick, I'm pretty sure he was in on the design of the Kershaw ZT's, along with (Strider?) and Onion. Don't quote me on that, I'm probably wrong on at least one of them. Just a rumor, lets call it. But given budget restraints I'd go with the ZT series if I was too much of a "bad boy" for a Sebenza. It looks to be functionally as good as any of the $400+ handmades coming out of the custom shops.

If I did have the money I'd skip the ZT and go straght to Rick Hinderer's Flame II or XM-18. I do have a smaller Firetac, and it is arguably as perfect as any Sebenza out there. Rick's work is phenomenal.

If you want great performance along with lots of attitude and great ergonomics the Strider SnG is very very good, and the SMF is simply badass. I find that the SMF doesn't offer significantly greater capability than the SnG, given it's greater size. It's something like 3/4" bigger, but only gives you an extra 1/4" more cutting edge. Unless you are a bigger guy, or need a stouter knife, the SnG may be enough.

The Strider AR and GB knives are immense. But for me their cutting edges just don't add enough to justify moving up to their additional mass, even compared to the SMF. But I doubt you'll find a stronger all around knife anywhere. If you're a big guy with big hands, you'll be very well served with one of these.

The Lone Wolf T3 and Ranger are great knives, strong, great fit and finish, usually at a decent price. Don't underestimate these just because they don't have a hype machine following them around. Take a good look at them if you haven't seen them before.

Just about any Emerson is worth having, very good knives, and if you lose one you're not out a small fortune. I've owned several and carried them in combat. Lost one in A'stan. Oh well. I bought another, carried it in Iraq. I love doing stupid stuff with them, like opening soviet ammo "tuna cans" and such. They hold up well, and justify their price very well. They aren't as pretty or trendy as what's above, just functionally capable.
 
I like the large micarta sebbie, but all the knives mentioned are great !
IMG_1815.jpg
 
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