Knife for airforce pilot?

T

Thetimefarm

Joined
Jul 28, 2015
Messages
98
Hey everyone,
I have a friend who's joining the airforce and I noticed he didn't have what I'd consider a good folding knife. Some friends and I are chipping in to buy him a nice knife as a going away present. My first thought was a CS Recon 1 tanto (he likes tanto blades) but someone else suggested a ZT 566. I mean is the ZT worth 2x as much as the recon 1? Also if we're getting in the ZT price range is it worth going a bit higher and getting a nicer ZT or an Emerson or something? Any recommendations would be great, especially from people who've been/are in the airforce.

For reference here are the links:
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Zero-Tolerance-Hinderer-0566-Knife--15192

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Recon-1-Tanto-Lockback--35176
 
Yes, a ZT 'can' be worth more. The Cold Steels are good knives but the ZT's can be a bit 'nicer.'

Take a look at the DPx HEST 2.0 line of folders. Rugged, quality and a few "extras" that are actually functional.

Emerson would be a good choice as well...Commander, Patriot, Super CQC-7/8, etc. for some of the larger ones. On the smaller side, some of the mini's.
 
I personally love the 0566 and would definitely recommend it. It's been my most carried EDC over the past year. It's just the perfect size and weight for me. I actually have one thats practically new for sale right now for a great price.

hindererhopeful
 
I would stick with the cold steel, odds are most people aren't going to find a functional downside to the cold steel over that ZT.
 
I am active duty in the Air Force. I also fly as my job. I would say to get a Benchmade or Spyderco. The the ZT 566 is to big for the pocket. I would say a delica or paramiltary. Or a Benchmade 908 or Barrage. I carry a mini Barrage in my flight suite every day. Also I'd say to your friend to watch his blade. People will walk away with your knife if loaned or left unattended. I've had a few grow legs.
 
PreppedZombie31 said:
I am active duty in the Air Force. I also fly as my job. I would say to get a Benchmade or Spyderco. The the ZT 566 is to big for the pocket. I would say a delica or paramiltary. Or a Benchmade 908 or Barrage. I carry a mini Barrage in my flight suite every day. Also I'd say to your friend to watch his blade. People will walk away with your knife if loaned or left unattended. I've had a few grow legs.
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Good advice here. Maybe gift the ZT and a Spyderco, pass on the knowledge above and let them decide which knife fits each mission/situation.
 
I'd look at maybe a Spyderco PM2 or Benchmade Griptilian. Something sturdy, simple & relatively inexpensive. I don't know about the AF, but I was a Marine & things have a habit of getting lost. We had a saying: Lock a 18 yo Marine in a bare room with three digging irons. Come back a half hour later & you'll find that one is pregnant, one is lost & one is broken.
 
one is pregnant, one is lost & one is broken.
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Hey . . . I work with that guy.
ha, ha, ha . . . that's awesome funny . . .

Seriously though . . .
would a small(ish) fixed blade be a bad idea ? ? ?

I got fixed blade on the brain. A few nights ago I went full retard and ordered three fixed blades at once. Don't get excited . . . small and inexpensive but probably no brainer / just plane useful to me.
 
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Thanks for all the advice. I'll probably go with a para 2 because I tend to like spyderco more than benchmade.
 
Thetimefarm said:
Thanks for all the advice. I'll probably go with a para 2 because I tend to like spyderco more than benchmade.
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right there, the Para 2. :thumbup:

you will be hard pressed to find a stronger lightweight knife, so well suited for a soldier of any divisions of the military!
 
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