I want a hard use / tactical folder with a 4" blade, less than $300

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wdriver

Joined
Dec 12, 2012
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I'd like to add another folder to my collection. I would like it to be a hard use / tactical folder with a 4 to 4.25 inch blade. Must be spring assisted or have a bearing system. I'd like another Gun Hammer, but they don't have what I'm looking for unless I go for an Alpha 3D Gun Hammer (4" blade, but around $1000). The RJ Martin Devastator is another great example, but again, too expensive (for my current budget). So far, the only knife on my list of possibilities is a Zero Tolerance 0560 or 0561. That knife has a 3.75" blade, so it's not quite what I'm looking for. I am impressed with the knife even though I've never handled one. Must be a clip point or a drop point. I would like to spend less than $300. Suggestions?:confused:
 
Spend $60-$65 on Amazon and buy a Cold Steel Recon 1, it has a 4 inch blade and I dont care what any knife snob says its a solid piece of gear that will stand up to abuse.
 
ZT 0200 is a tiny bit larger then the 0560 at 3.875" blade. Or you could go with the 4" Hogue EX-01 all g10 or all aluminum handle with smooth button lock.
 
Or go for something diff like i did

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Viper start, and btw it waves perfectly, not sure how
 
What type of lock and pivot system is on the Military? It is the right size that I'm looking for.....
 
Why assisted and bearing system?
Try a used Strider or an Emerson or... a CRKT M16.
 
wdriver said:
What type of lock and pivot system is on the Military? It is the right size that I'm looking for.....
Click to expand...

It's a liner lock (unless you get a Ti Military, then its a framelock). The pivot is a standard phosfor-bronze washer system. But I have to say my Military is one of, if not my smoothest folder. It glides open like it was on ice. I'll admit it had a slight grittiness when I first got it. But with a bit of lube and some break in and some slight adjustment to the pivot, it surprised me with how smooth it was. It's a great great knife. And the S30v blade gets SHARP and stays that way a good while. The handle is adequate. It was designed for the gloved hand so there is plenty of real estate and allows for a lot of grip options. Some say its too big but I've come really like it.

Another knife I'll throw out is the Benchmade 581. Also as smooth as butter. Comes spring assisted (I took that out since I'm not a fan of assisted blades). It's not quite four inches but there is plenty of M390 blade there and it is an awesome blade material. The axis lock is awesomely strong. I just got mine about a week ago and it's just blown me away. The fit and finish is spot on which is no surprise coming from Benchmade. Even after taking the assist out the blade just flies open and is so so so smooth. Another reason I love the axis. I don't know if I'm still in the honeymoon phase but I absolutely love this knife.
 
Lycosa said:
Why assisted and bearing system?
Try a used Strider or an Emerson or... a CRKT M16.
Click to expand...

I like assisted knives or ultra smooth and fast knives with a bearing system.

xjzhx said:
It's a liner lock (unless you get a Ti Military, then its a framelock). The pivot is a standard phosfor-bronze washer system. But I have to say my Military is one of, if not my smoothest folder. It glides open like it was on ice. I'll admit it had a slight grittiness when I first got it. But with a bit of lube and some break in and some slight adjustment to the pivot, it surprised me with how smooth it was. It's a great great knife. And the S30v blade gets SHARP and stays that way a good while. The handle is adequate. It was designed for the gloved hand so there is plenty of real estate and allows for a lot of grip options. Some say its too big but I've come really like it.

Another knife I'll throw out is the Benchmade 581. Also as smooth as butter. Comes spring assisted (I took that out since I'm not a fan of assisted blades). It's not quite four inches but there is plenty of M390 blade there and it is an awesome blade material. The axis lock is awesomely strong. I just got mine about a week ago and it's just blown me away. The fit and finish is spot on which is no surprise coming from Benchmade. Even after taking the assist out the blade just flies open and is so so so smooth. Another reason I love the axis. I don't know if I'm still in the honeymoon phase but I absolutely love this knife.
Click to expand...


I have a Benchmade 580SBK ( almost the same as the 581 except 154CM and Valox) and like it very much. It serves me well but I still want to add a 4" blade to my collection.

Can the Spyderco Military be opened (fully) one handed without having to flip your wrist?
 
wdriver said:
I like assisted knives or ultra smooth and fast knives with a bearing system.




I have a Benchmade 580SBK ( almost the same as the 581 except 154CM and Valox) and like it very much. It serves me well but I still want to add a 4" blade to my collection.

Can the Spyderco Military be opened (fully) one handed without having to flip your wrist?
Click to expand...

I'm sure it can if the pivot is adjusted correctly.
 
Johnny is right. Some slight adjustments with the pivot and some lube, she'll fly open with very little effort. The detent is perfect. Once you overcome the detent pressure that blade just sails. No wrist movement at all. None.
 
Try looking into spyderco TUFF, nice large tactical hard use folder amd definitely at the top of my wish list.
 
I may have it narrowed to the ZT 0561, Microtech Socom Elite, Hogue EX-01, or Spyderco Military. Research continues...
 
I just received a new military Ti. $228.00 delivered. Opens fully and easily one handed. Frame lock with steel insert. Very pleased. The only other knife for me in opening smoothness is the PM2, and that is a bit short for your requirements.
 
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