Knife suggestion for LEO Son in Law.

As an LEO, I carry ZT knives usually...very stout, very sharp, and I prefer assisted open when on duty...

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This is a ZT 360...I got it as a gift. Quick assisted open, thick pointy blade, grippy G10 and a glassbreaker. I personally think it the perfect LEO knife. I think they sell for about $175ish
 
You might consider this thread I did a couple of wks ago. The 710 vs the PM2 and ZT 0550.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1118670-So-you-want-an-EDC

These folders have quite different thicknesses of blade-steel, and you should match your cutting requirements and usage to your choice of knife. The maximum blade thicknesses, are 0.114" (mod 710), 0.147" (PM2), and 0.156" (ZT).
Generally, a thinner blade is a better slicer; a thicker blade is more easily capable of withstanding heavy-duty uses.

One excellent heavy-duty knife that hasn't been mentioned in the Spyderco TUFF. It is produced in 3V blade-steel which is ultra-tough, likely a heavier-duty blade than anything mentioned here...short of the Strider SMF perhaps. Most of these TUFF models are available ANIB here on the Exchange for $200-$210. Some of them have had the rep of being a two-handed opener, and this is NOT a desirable thing. I have a new one, however, that opens with one hand just fine, and I'm ...way....over the hill.
Sonnydaze
 
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With 15 years on the streets of a decent sized ubran department, I have finally settled on these for everyday carry.
The Smith is an older one and obviously it is used as my pry tool more than a knife. There hasn't been many doors it hasn't been able to open.
It stays tucked behind my magazine pouch. It is is sharp and can be used if all else fails.
Your defensive knife should be carried on the non gun side to allow you to keep a hand on your gun to prevent the bad guy from pulling it out while deploying your knife to stop the threat.
The Spyderco Gayle Bradley is my defensive knife in case there is a fight over my handgun. Modified to act like the wave it allows for one hand opening while in a struggle.
If your son in law is a righty the Gayle Bradley will allow him to move the clip to carry it in his left pocket.
Lastly the ZT0350 goes in my left pocket and is my go to knife for any normal cutting duties.
I also carry a Gerber multi-tool on my belt as well. It gets used a lot to tighten door knob screws, cut wire, and generally is my tool box in a pouch.

I've carried Emerson, Spyderco Police and Military, I've found the versatility of the Gayle Bradley to be the key to for me.

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I routinely carry a Benchmade 710 and have since they were first released sometime in early 2000's. When on patrol I carried one clipped to back pocket and one clipped in left front pocket. Used the 710 in the rear pocket, which was the M-2 steel version, for dang near everything (cutting dope, cutting a plastic bumper of a car off, popping locks on interior doors, cutting window screens, cutting det cord, styrofoam, cardboard, delivering a baby in a front yard of a house, etc). Best knife I've ever owned. I've retired it, but still keep the original 710 in ats-34 and a newer D-2 version in operation. The OG 710 is mostly semi-retired now.....
 
All the knives listed in this thread will work. :)
Maybe just ask in passing what size of knife he thinks is normal to carry, and use that as a guide.
 
Endura 4 is a great option. So is BM griptilian, whatever you choose I would think weight is a large factor as L.E.O.s where so much gear.
 
stabman said:
Spyderco Endura 4.
Good steel, proven lock and design, and won't weigh him down.
Clip can be repositioned for tip up or tip down carry, left or right.
The hole makes for easy opening.
Priced reasonably too (street prices, not MRSP).

Available with "wave" if you like that sort of thing.
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Ditto
 
EldoEsq said:
As an LEO, I carry ZT knives usually...very stout, very sharp, and I prefer assisted open when on duty...

This is a ZT 360...I got it as a gift. Quick assisted open, thick pointy blade, grippy G10 and a glassbreaker. I personally think it the perfect LEO knife. I think they sell for about $175ish
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Hey, and they even have a decent sale on it right now. I just bought one; it's lighter than the 0350 and has a glass-breaker, which is a "must" for my LEO son-in-law. Just "google" ZT 0360 to find it. It's a special knife for law enforcement and military. Reviews on that site are done by LEO's and they love it. It is assisted and works great with gloves also. I'm going to check it out when I get it, and might buy another for myself. I've had several 0350's, so this should be even better...and the glass-breaker could be a life-saver.
Thanks to Eldo for a great recommendation.

Sonnydaze
 
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Benchmade 710 (or 707 if he likes smaller blades) or even an Adams 275 (or 375 fixed blade). Spyderco military or PM2, spyderco stretch. Not my cup of tea but several ZT's in that price range, the 0350 is the one I most considered, also the 0560 but not sure if you can find one under your price yet or if they're still to new.
 
I'd also agree with the Griptilian. Lightweight, good steel, phenomenal lock, and very ergonomic. Not much more than you can ask for. You can also pick between 3 blade styles. (Drop point, tanto, and sheepsfoot w/ hole deployment)

I also agree with the ZT0360.
 
I'll add yet another recommendation for the Endura Wave. It's a great knife for the money.
 
Sonnydaze said:
Hey, and they even have a decent sale on it right now. I just bought one; it's lighter than the 0350 and has a glass-breaker, which is a "must" for my LEO son-in-law. Just "google" ZT 0360 to find it. It's a special knife for law enforcement and military. Reviews on that site are done by LEO's and they love it. It is assisted and works great with gloves also. I'm going to check it out when I get it, and might buy another for myself. I've had several 0350's, so this should be even better...and the glass-breaker could be a life-saver.
Thanks to Eldo for a great recommendation.

Sonnydaze
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No problem Sonny...all the knives listed here would absolutely do the job, but the 360, to me is perfect. As a "special edition" it is not that well known, but it is priced pretty well. The 360 makes a great slicer, is very "pointy" for self defense, and is stout enough to withstand prying.

A lot of guys on this board aren't fans of the assisted open, but as an LEO, having to use a knife as a backup to a backup weapon, an assist or an auto is the ONLY knife I would carry. Fine motor skills under stress are out the window...good luck manipulating a manual folder with gloves on, in the dark, where you are executing a high-risk warrant which you were briefed for hours on the dangers, your firearm is knocked from your hands and you feel completely helpless. There is no time for re-grouping...no time to take a breath...you have to ACT. I have tried to manipulate a Spydie-hole with gloves...it is plain difficult WITHOUT stress. Others on here may train for hours upon hours to be adept at this, and that is fine. I train for hours and hours on my primary and secondary firearms.

I live on Long Island, work in a neighboring county which is obvious from my previous pic. I want to thank your son-in-law for helping to keep my family and friends safe.

Sorry Sonny...just realized you were not the OP. FL...NY...no difference...thank your son-in-law for keepin the streets safe.
 
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EldoEsq said:
No problem Sonny...all the knives listed here would absolutely do the job, but the 360, to me is perfect. As a "special edition" it is not that well known, but it is priced pretty well. I want to thank your son-in-law for helping to keep my family and friends safe.
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Thank you, Eldo. I have managed to hijack Ickythump's thread, and I apologize. He and I BOTH have LEO sons-in-law. He and I have emailed several times, and we're good. I've read many threads on this subject of LEO/EMT blades, but your post pushed me in the direction of ZT and SKD Tactical's collaboration. That model has MANY LEO's reco's on the SKD website.
Based on your reco, I researched the ZT0360 and bought one for my SWAT sil on Saturday at a nice discount. It has a glass-breaker which is an added advantage over many similar folders. Yes, I'm a fanboy of ZT and have had more than a few.
Today I figured out that perhaps I should have a 0360 for me also...I'd like that glass-breaker for safety's sake...
So I ordered another one for me today...also at a nice discount.
Ichythump and I both are proud of our LEO relatives, and you are also in my prayers. You guys have a rough job. Thank YOU!
Sonnydaze
 
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