Large folder-help me decide.

L

ls1

Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
36
Alright, I'm stuck in a conumdrum. I want to get a new 4"-5" folder that will be used for well...edc/self defense (as even a back up to a fixed blade at times). I at one point had a Gerber Fairbarin-Applegate, but it has now been lost (shealth and all somehow:rolleyes:). My budget is about $100. It is also required to have a very sturdy lock (no liner locks unless there is a secondary), and be able to be dissasembled.

Without further Ado...I give you what I've come up with.

Another Gerber Fairbairn-Applegate ($90)
Pros:
easy steel(420hc) to sharpen (I use a stone free hand)
Lock is very secure (secondary lock is great) this is very important to me
Double edged
I'm already trained in it's use muscle memory wise
Great handle
Steel liners (I prefer this and I have my reasons)
Great thrust cutter-
Trust Fairbairn-Applegate design

Cons:
Mainly a thrust cutter
Possibly more threatening to others-I like being under the radar
Not thrilled with the pocket clip
Already owned one-I might find my old one someday but unlikely

K-Bar Mule ($38)

Pros:
Decent steel (aus 8)
Lock back SHOULD be secure
Blade grind and shape means it should be sharp
Good pocket clip design
steel lined

Cons:
Worried about lock strength-how deep is the notch?
Grip looks like it could be so-so
Not the most attractive knife


Ka-bar Bob Dozier Bobcat ($40)
Pros:
Steel is ok (aus 8)
Lock back should be secure
I trust Dozier's design
Pocket clip looks good
steel lined
Cons:
Not thrilled with the blade grind
not much belle to the blade
Wondering how deep that lock notch is

Cold Steel Spartan ($50)

Pros:
Handle shape
Blade shape-should be a great slicer
Decent steel in aus 8
Wave feature *could* be fun.
Tri-ad supposed to be an excellent lock
Steel lined

Cons:
"Inspired by 300"
Has SPARTAN stamped on it
Says "look at me!"
Very wide overall


Cold steel Recon 1 clip point ($58)

Pros:
Blade shape and steel (aus 8)
Good pocket clip
Tri-ad supposed to be very strong

Cons:
not steel lined (yes this is a con for me personally)
Tough on pockets-mod required


So what do some of you think? Owned any of these? How do they suit your needs?

I'm open to other options

Knives I have considered but do not qaulify/interest me: Cold steel ti lite, Crkt m16, crkt m21, cold steel ak-47/american lawman, Benchmade onslaught (cannot afford)
 
I have thought about getting a Spartan and a Mule or Bobcat as an option instead of say, just the Gerber.
 
I don't understand why people keep whining about Cold Steel knives being "tough on pockets." The G-10 does come pretty grippy, and left as it is will chew up your pocket. sure. But really, removing the clip, sanding it down for 10 seconds with a scrap of sandpaper and reinstalling the clip is hardly what I would call a "mod".

People really need to stop listing that as a CON on their pro-con decision making lists.

Also, the new Recon 1 is a definite step up from previous Cold Steel offerings. Doesn't need steel liners to make it any tougher. That's something else people need to get over too.

But feel free to not listen to anything I have to say, as I have never bought a knife with self defense as a primary motivation. :rolleyes:

-nate
 
Of the above I own the 2010 Recon in clip point. Great ergonomics, comes razor sharp, locks up like a bank vault and is built like a tank. In other words get one.
 
Ankerson said:
The 2010 Recon 1 is the one to get IMO. :)
Click to expand...

A+++++ The new Recon 1 is without a doubt one of the toughest, sharpest and most comfortable knives that I own. In spite of it's size, it carries well in the pocket and allows easy access to other items (money) in the pocket. The G10 is very 'grippy' and secure, so the comment above about being a pocket eater is accurate. However, the easy way around that is to bend the clip out slightly and the grip becomes easy to extract with little pocket wear.

I can recommend the Recon 1 with a clear conscious to any of my friends, as it is a knife that is truly as advertised.
 
A.P.F. said:
A+++++ The new Recon 1 is without a doubt one of the toughest, sharpest and most comfortable knives that I own. In spite of it's size, it carries well in the pocket and allows easy access to other items (money) in the pocket. The G10 is very 'grippy' and secure, so the comment above about being a pocket eater is accurate. However, the easy way around that is to bend the clip out slightly and the grip becomes easy to extract with little pocket wear.

I can recommend the Recon 1 with a clear conscious to any of my friends, as it is a knife that is truly as advertised.
Click to expand...

Yep, that is what I did with my Recon 1 and AL, just bent the clips a little. :thumbup:

Why bother with sandpaper when it only takes a few seconds to fix it. :D
 
Hmm, just found the Recon 1 for $54. I could still pick up a Bobcat or Mule and the Recon 1.

I'd like to hear from someone who owns a spartan or Mule/Bobcat. I'm trying to get a broad scope of things.
 
To your list you might add a Cold Steel "Large Voyager". It has a 4" blade of VG1.
 
I actually just decided on a spartan. I got it for $57 total including shipping.
 
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