Input on tactical folder

Having owned a couple of ZT's, I can't argue against them for normal use, however the spyderco salt line was designed for this application. Hell, this is bladeforums, so get both if you can swing it financially, but if you can't at the moment and you are going to be in and around salt water for any period of time, you'll want complete corrosion resistance offered by the spyderco salt line or something similar like a David Boye dendritic cobalt knife. Be safe.



Michael Janich quote from another discussion about h1/salt line :

Michael Janich said:
Thanks for your enthusasim for the Pacific Salt! It's one of my favorites as well.

I thought you might like to know that we're not alone. The black-bladed Pacific Salt has also been adopted by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft crews as an official-issue item in their SERE kits.

Great minds think alike... and appreciate great knives.

Stay safe,

Mike
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Hmm, so I suppose Benchmade's N680 knives aren't corrosion resistant enough? The Triage seems like something I'd want, though the 440C hook might not hold up as well. Still, kind of curious as to how N680 compares to H1.
 
Noctis3880 said:
Hmm, so I suppose Benchmade's N680 knives aren't corrosion resistant enough? The Triage seems like something I'd want, though the 440C hook might not hold up as well. Still, kind of curious as to how N680 compares to H1.
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I don't know. I've never used n680, nor do I know how much corrosion resistance is enough. I do know that a salt knife is rust proof from the blade to the screws. Also insteresting is that Benchmade was actually the first to use H1 steel, but switched to N680.
 
Id recommend Spydercos Salt line too. The enviroment the OP will find himself working in is high-risk for losing stuff. Instead of worrying about rinsing your knife everytime its been in the ocean, get one that wont rust at all.

That being said, if youre bent on a Strider or ZT, id recommend the ZT. Tough as nails and good value compared to the Striders.

Noctis3880 said:
Hmm, so I suppose Benchmade's N680 knives aren't corrosion resistant enough? The Triage seems like something I'd want, though the 440C hook might not hold up as well. Still, kind of curious as to how N680 compares to H1.
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Ive got the Triage, but i havent carried in a corrosive enviroment. The N680 is supposedly EXTREMELY rust-resistant, although H1 is practically rustproof. N680 holds a better edge than H1 though.
 
You may be asking too much of any one knife.

The ZT's are the popular tactical choice here. But they are large, heavy -- and not rustproof.

The Salts are -- either the Pacific with coated, black blade or even the smaller Salt Is for pocket carrying.

You might also consider the new Vantage Force models from Buck's tactical line. They are tough with grippy G10 handles and won't take up as much valuable space as the ZT's. The prices, especially for the Avid with Sandvik steel, won't leave you crying when you lose your knife.

Good luck -- and thank you for your service!
 
any knife (if maintained properly) will be fine.. unless you plan on not cleaning and properly lubricating etc... you shouldnt have any problems with a Zero Tolerance etc...
i would highly suggest getting a marine tuf cloth
exerpt from site:
Marine Tuf-Cloth was developed for U.S. Navy SEALS, based upon the successful lint-free, long-lasting, oil-free Tuf-Cloth, the replacement for oil and silicone rags for knives, tools, and firearms. Sentry Solution’s proprietary formula of non-toxic, dry-film corrosion inhibitors and lubricants provides a fast-drying, water-displacing, micro-bonding crystal barrier against rust, friction and wear. The Marine Tuf-Cloth is formulated with additional anti-corrosive ingredients. These special ingredients enhance protection of firearms, fishing tackle, dive knives and gear, boat and trailer accessories against the highly corrosive effects of saltwater and high humidity. Marine Tuf-Cloth also offers superb protection for gear that is stowed away long-term, keeping it rust-free and out-of-storage ready for your next adventure.

Remember a tool works only as well as how you care and maintain it... when i cleaned my duty guns and gear i always cleaned my knives... now that im retired i might do it less often but when i clean my guns.. i clean my EDC knives...
 
I have zero problem putting time into maintaining my gear (weapon, gear, body in that order). A secondary question; I have been using Break Free CLP (because I have access to tons of it) to maintain my knives, is this appropriate (will it degrade the polymer/G10 handles)?
I have used an SOG TF-5 Trident, and a Benchmade 550s but have managed to destroy them both, which is why initially I considered mostly overbuilt knives and a framelock designs came from. After a little more research it appears that m390 is very corrosion resistant. It seems that the Benchmade 755 MPR fairly closely fits the bill. Anyone have any experience with this knife?
 
LeviathanDan said:
It seems that the Benchmade 755 MPR fairly closely fits the bill. Anyone have any experience with this knife?
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GREAT knife!!!
a bit thick in the pocket for length of blade, but all around awesome.
I heartily recommend getting one.:)
 
First of all, the concept of a "tactical" folder is a joke. It's a term made up to sell to the armchair warriors out there who eat that stuff up. The fact that you're in the military means you have more options in terms of carry than a civilian. Why not just get a fixed blade. A good fixed blade will always be better than a good folder when it comes to efficiency. You can deploy it faster. You don't have to worry about a lock failing. And it sure as hell allows you to abuse it a lot more without worrying about it's reliability being compromised.

I know I'm going to get attacked by the khaki ninjas here, but it's the truth.
 
Radioactive said:
Why not just get a fixed blade. A good fixed blade will always be better than a good folder when it comes to efficiency.
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Alot of military personel prefer a folder due to ease of carry.
They already have to lug around all sorts of crap, and seeing as opening MRE's and other utility work is generally all the knife will have to withstand (maybe cut some webbing or rope too), a folder is plenty strong enough.
 
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