In search of 3.75"+ folder (Help!)

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nianni

Joined
Dec 14, 2006
Messages
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I've been looking for a nice combat or combat/utility folder (one hand opening, preferably) that is at least 3.75" in length, durable, and also available in plain edge. So far I've looked at some knives in the Emerson line (Emerson CQC11 Wave UTCOM Plain Edge 4.1" Silver Blade, which can be viewed here) the ZT200, and even the Kershaw OFFSET (as seen here).

Any help would be nice, recommendations, links to reviews (I really have no idea where to start since there are so many folders out there) or anyting you have to offer. Additionally people could supply links to 4"+ folders out there that would be great, I can't seem to find many of them out there.
 
I tend not to be a Spyderco fan (not saying their knives are bad in any way, I just don't like the physical appearance), but the Benchmade 710 looks like a nice knife. How do you think that compares to the Emerson CQC11 Wave UTCOM?

Also, any recommendation on blade types, I've never looked into a tanto style blade, etc., but any information on those would be useful.
 
I would recommend the ZT0200, I have not received mine yet, about a week to go, but check out the zt passaround thread. It has gotten some really good reviews by people who have actually handled the knife.
 
There are so many good folders that meet that desription that the "best" becomes a matter of personal choice and ideosyncracy. Large folders from Benchmade and Spyderco are among the top choices of people who post here, and many of either are available to fit your bill.

Personally, I EDC a Lone Wolf T2. I like the design: the straight edged, flat ground drop point blade is strong (if I remember correctly, it's 2/16" at the spine) but cuts/slices better than anything else I own or ever have, quickly deploys, and has a rock solid liner lock that is both robust and well-mated to the tang. The handle is comfortable and large enough to use hard. I provides a positive grip (I've the Kraton scales). It's light-weight, open design allows easy cleaning.
 
sorry you don't like Spyderco but the C07 Police would have to figure. Even more so if you are prepared to find one in G10 or carbon fiber
Phil
 
I don't like tanto-style blades. I don't find they're generally as useful for cutting/slicing as others and you'd better be damned sure you can afford to lose fingers to go stabbing hard objects with one. It offers arguably superior tip strength if you want a sharpened pry-bar.
 
Well after reading some of the posts on this thread, I'm torn between the zt0200 and the Lone Wolf T2. I like the extra blade length on the zt0200, but I favor the looks of the blade on the T2. How do they hold up comparatively (durability wise), and since I'm looking for an easy opener - does one stand out in that catagory?

Thanks for the help everyone, my first day on this forum and the community is full of helpful people instead of smart-asses ;)

P.S. - Has anyone looked at the Emerson CQC11 Wave UTCOM yet? I haven't seen anyone talk about it but it looks like a fairly nice folder.
 
Other than the handle design, the initial "wow" that sold me on the T2 was how smoothly it opened and closed. I believe Lone Wolf uses bronze washers--and whatever magic they apply works.

If you must go for a larger blade, look at the T1.
 
Well, while I'm at it - how about the Boker knives? I owned a Boker Ceramic Infinity (Link) which I liked, but haven't seen many comments on this board about any of the Boker knifes. Are they just lower quality, or is there something about the T2/ZT0200 that set them apart?
 
The only Boker I've ver owned or had nay experience with is a little slipjoint, so I can't speak to that. The T2 has a blade of CPMS30V, and I've never had a steel that I prefer to this one for edge retention, final sharpness, and ease of retouching. But personal preferences vary.

Many, but not all, Boker knives have a one-hand opening system places too far forward on the blade. The result is that it can interfere with cutting/stabbing, by acting as a stop. Maybe this isn't an issue for others.

The Benchmades I've owned have all been top notch, reliable tools that have outperformed my expectations. The same can be said of the Spydercos I've owned. I prefer the BM for a variety of reasons, and I've never put Boker in the same category with those two (or Emerson, or Lone Wolf). I'm not sure why Lone Wolf isn't more popular--perhaps availability or QC (there've been some cosmetic FandF problems it seems).

Perhaps others can speak more ably to the issue of what distinguishes knives like Emersons, etc. from the rank and file.
 
As far as durability goes, I doubt that many people actually use expensive, well-designed and constructed knives hard enough (note that I don't say test knives) to break them. I know I don't.

I've never had nay of my knives fail--locks, tip breakage, etc. in part because I don't use them to pry, smash, chop, etc. I did, however, get involved in a discussion of batoning and decided to put my old Buck 110 to the test. No problem on a 2" sapling. I'm certain my T2 could take that, but then the Emerson probably could too.

When I was in LE, a guy I knew used a CQC7 to cut through the wall of a trailer. Don't ask why...
 
Edge retention will depend on:

1. The steel
2. It's heat treatment
3. It's finished edge (angle, degree of polish, etc.)
4. What you do to it.

With any high quality, modern super steel (CPMS30V, etc.), the edge retention of properly heat treated, 20-30 degree beveled edges is amazing. Really. Light-years beyond 440c, Aus8, or even ATS-34 in my experience.
 
nianni said:
Well, while I'm at it - how about the Boker knives? I owned a Boker Ceramic Infinity (Link) which I liked, but haven't seen many comments on this board about any of the Boker knifes. Are they just lower quality, or is there something about the T2/ZT0200 that set them apart?
Click to expand...

I owned a Böker. It was simply the worst knife I've ever had. I get rid of it quickly, and since then I've seen at least three Bökers fail miserably. They couldn't hold en edge to save their lives, their locks were unreliable, their fit and finish were sloppy. Worse brand than Gerber, nuff said. :barf:
 
I've got a CQC8 and CQC11 and both are excellent knives. Some people don't like the fact that they're chisel ground but I don't use my knife for fine slicing chores, like splitting arm hair. My favorite feature on them is the use of flat-head or phillips screws. Weird I know, but those Torx wrenches always seem to strip on my no matter how lightly I use them.

Just my .02
 
nianni said:
I've been looking for a nice combat or combat/utility folder (one hand opening, preferably) that is at least 3.75" in length, durable, and also available in plain edge. So far I've looked at some knives in the Emerson line (Emerson CQC11 Wave UTCOM Plain Edge 4.1" Silver Blade, which can be viewed here) the ZT200, and even the Kershaw OFFSET (as seen here).

Any help would be nice, recommendations, links to reviews (I really have no idea where to start since there are so many folders out there) or anyting you have to offer. Additionally people could supply links to 4"+ folders out there that would be great, I can't seem to find many of them out there.
Click to expand...



Although they are out of production, the Boker Walter Brend tactical folders fit your needs. The blade is just a hair over 3.75 440C sharpens up nice and holds the edge good. Titanium liners. Smooth opening, no blade play nice ambidexterous thumb stud. The funny thing is I bought mine some years ago I carried it a lot but I bought other knives I liked and and it worked it's way to the back of the drawer. I pulled it out the other day and asked myself why I stopped carrying this one. I got out the lansky and sharpened her up and she is back in my pocket.

Like I said this knife is out of production but if you watch ebay you can probably find one. They came with all black textured G10 scales (no bolster), Cocobolo scales with Brushed titanium bolster, and the one I have Black textured G10 scales and brushed titanium bolster.

Some people complain Bokers liners are too thin, These are about .040 Pretty average thickness for most liner lock folders. I was attracted to this knife because of the size of the handle. (I have big hands) It's nice and large and comfortable for a big hand. Because of the titanium it's lighter than similar sized folders with steel liners. It doesn't drag your pocket down too much when clipped to baggy pants. There is a very slight recurve to the blade but not so much that you can't use a flat narrow stone like with the lansky or DMT to sharpen it.

I sharpened mine at a 25° angle and tested it out on some junk mail and it sliced right through it. (holding the envelope from the left hand side in my left hand vertically facing me so I could read the address, the rest of the envelope unsupported I sliced down from the top edge through diagonally) Probably 7 thicknesses of paper. Clean slices one after another till I ran out of NRA questionaires, charity solicitations, credit card offers, About a dozen total cut each a few times. Still lickety split sharp. (this is by no means a definitive test)

If you can find one of these, Buy it. It's a pretty good knife. Mine cost me about $75 - $80
 
I know you said that you don't like Spydercos, but maybe give the Manix a look. The Manix is a very heavy duty folder with a blade design that cuts and slices very well. The blade is made of S30V, the handles are very grippy G-10, and the lock is superb (this knife made me rethink lockbacks). I EDC this knife everyday. I do not like many Spydercos as well, I think they look funny, and some look kinda cheap. The Manix is awsome, and very different from most Spydercos.
DSC01223.jpg
 
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