Input: Getting a duty folder for my buddies son graduating police academy.

[Hawk45]

The son of one of my best friends is graduating the police academy in the next week. I want to get him a nice folding carry knife for duty or at least EDC off duty.
I looking at sub $200. I've been going through my collection and experiences and trying to figure out what to get him. His dad said beefier is better than thinner, but I know too beefy with all kinds of gear or socially just doesn't get carried. So I'm thinking middle ground between say a ZT 200/300 and a Spyderco Endura.

BTW, I'll be making him a custom fixed blade later this spring for a wedding gift, so he'll have that to carry if he wants on duty also. For now, just looking to fill the folder need.

So these are what I'm debating on, but it's hard to get into someone elses head, so just looking for a great tool. I'm really leaning towards the CQC-15 b/c it's probably my favorite of the bunch and is a true tool. It's not super bulky in the pocket (the ZT and Commander get a little wide in pocket). The modified tanto blade is do-all and the wave makes super fast opening.

He's a righty. I think tip up is the fastest platform for opening so that's what I want to go with, which is why leaving the Spyderco Military off the list.

Emerson Commander
Emerson CQC-15 (#1)
Emerson mini CQC 15
Emerson CQC-8
Emerson mini CQC-8
ZT 560
Spyderco Para2
Benchmade Contego
Benchmade 14715

So let me know what you guys think.

 

[asdf12345]

I would go with the 8. Its handle shape is more forgiving of different sizes and shapes of hands. It's easier to sharpen than the 15.

 

[drrickso]

For a beefy knife that still carries very well, I'd recommend the ZT350. short and stout and fits into a variety of pockets/pouches. Assisted flipper for speed, and comes in either G10 or Carbon Fiber depending on which one you want. Depending on steel/model, you can get them for between $100-200.

Out of your list- I like the Contego most and even the larger Benchmades don't raise eyebrows from non-knife folks as much as a ZT.

 

[collim1]

I carry the Contego on duty. It was a gift. I am quite fond of it, it's a tough knife. Most importantly it had never come out of my pockets. The polyester uniform pant pockets are notorious for losing knives, it's a thin and slick material. The Contego has a deep clip with good spring tension and it has always stayed in place.