Knife Recommendation for a Friend

Don't think anyone has said this yet (surprisingly) but kershaw blur. It's a tough, assisted knife that seems to fit the requirements
 
I would love to help in these threads but it always seems easier to throw darts in a dark, spinning room while blindfolded. Looks like he has to know something about blade when he has a preference for steel type. I will be the first to say this...a very small % of knife folks really need to be concerned about steel type. I'm not saying buy gas station crap knives, but what I am saying is this is a way for companies to increase prices for the latest super steel when the steel of yesteryear worked just fine. So, now a Buck 110 doesn't work? I bought a Kershaw Black Horse when I joined the US military 26 years ago...still have it and it cuts anything I need it to...so some new steel comes out and I have to run out and buy that one? Most of it is marketing techniques. I didn't buy Air Jordan's when they came out either, my sneakers worked just fine. Ok, sorry if this sounds like a rant, but it kinda is.


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AusLoX said:
Only reason I don't carry assisted for backpacking is its harder to close 1 handed. I can open most knives just as fast as assisted. It's truly not needed.
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Once more, I also told him this. I tried explaining how I can open and close my axis locks with one finger (minus the others holding the knife) and he still isn't impressed about it.

Coastiekevink said:
I would love to help in these threads but it always seems easier to throw darts in a dark, spinning room while blindfolded. Looks like he has to know something about blade when he has a preference for steel type. I will be the first to say this...a very small % of knife folks really need to be concerned about steel type. I'm not saying buy gas station crap knives, but what I am saying is this is a way for companies to increase prices for the latest super steel when the steel of yesteryear worked just fine. So, now a Buck 110 doesn't work? I bought a Kershaw Black Horse when I joined the US military 26 years ago...still have it and it cuts anything I need it to...so some new steel comes out and I have to run out and buy that one? Most of it is marketing techniques. I didn't buy Air Jordan's when they came out either, my sneakers worked just fine. Ok, sorry if this sounds like a rant, but it kinda is.
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Um okay so don't "help" and don't post lol. I agree to a certain extent about the steel but at the same time I've used just about all of it minus some here and there but from what I have tried I can definitely tell a difference in the majority of them whether it be edge retention, corrosion or toughness.

Simply this the reason in mentioning it, is that he's wanting something better than AUS8. No need to heard up all the steel Nazi's and suggest there's nothing out there better because it all gets used and all gets sharpened so it's all the same. Reason being is because on a 3 or 4 day trek some properties of steels are better than others so if you needed a sharp knife after using it to baton firewood or do food prep why wouldn't you want something better.

Oh and to add he doesn't really have any sharpening skills (only uses a pull through) but I'm going to work with him to get a decent sharpener but that's for another day. & he doesn't take it on his backpacking trips.
 
Yeah the zt 770 seems pretty close the aluminum is in your price range.

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A level up from the Blur is the Zero Tolerance 0350. S30v steel, great assist, under $150, and very strong. Oh, it is .5 oz over 5 oz in weght. Is .5 oz a deal breaker?
 
AusLoX said:
Only reason I don't carry assisted for backpacking is its harder to close 1 handed. I can open most knives just as fast as assisted. It's truly not needed.
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AusLoX said:
Does he like any of the ones suggested so far?
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I mentioned the S30V Blur, ZT 0350 and the Izula 2 and haven't heard anything back yet.

whp said:
A level up from the Blur is the Zero Tolerance 0350. S30v steel, great assist, under $150, and very strong. Oh, it is .5 oz over 5 oz in weght. Is .5 oz a deal breaker?
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To most people No not at all. To him, probably very much so. He's a little drama queen about it lol. He was talking about removing other various stuff from his pack to drop it down to 18lbs. I see 18lbs as nothing and don't think .5 or even 1.5 ounces would be a big deal but he justifies it as the SOG does it's job (not well) but still gets it done so why waste the money on something heavier.

Honestly just about to send him a knife. I even offered to buy which ever one he buys as long as it's decent.
 
highestpoint said:
I mentioned the S30V Blur, ZT 0350 and the Izula 2 and haven't heard anything back yet
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How about the Protech TR-5 I mentioned? That's one meets all his requirements except price maybe. It's about $50 over his price range. I really like that knife and it has a great spring build.
 
Cold Steel Swift 1

4" blade and a/o and under 5 oz.
Large handles over 4.5"
CTS-XHP (much better retention, no serrations needed, still reasonably friendly to sharpen)
If he's all about "what if", the CS back(mid )lock is much sturdier and reliable then liner and frame locks, if his life ever depended on it.

Throw in a Mora companion to warm him up to the fixed blade idea. For the price, why not, and it's so lightweight it's great for backpacking.

Only downfall for him, is no deep pocket, but not a "must", and I've never had issue with CS clips.

Also, zt0770 in elmax is a bit smaller and lighter, and a liner lock if he prefers.
 
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