Linerlock Question!

snwbrdr202

snwbrdr202

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Mar 9, 2009
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Hey fellas hows it going? I think this might be my first post in this section of Blade Forums...:)

I am a fixed blade fanatic, and I think its time that I get a good linerlock for EDC. I would like a couple of recommendations on an American made workhorse linerlock, preferable a satin straight edge 440C blade but I am open to other steels if they aren't prone to rust (where I live it is humid as hell). I own a lot of Busse kin knives, and I want a linerlock of the same quality. Please throw them at me! I would prefer to stay under 100 bucks, but if there is something spectacular over that mark, no worries. Thanks for any recommendations fellas!

-Brendan
 
Take a look at Spyderco. They have some great knives. If you want a frame lock, the I would suggest you get a Sebenza.
 
Sebenzas way to high for him!! you want a hard use blade thats cheaper try the benchmade monochrome!!! its a framelock with the aussie equivilent of 440c!!! great little edc!!! other good options are the kershaw tyrade,the ontario rat 1, and pretty much any spyderco!!! if you like linerlocks get them but don't limit yourself to them!! lockbacks and other locks are great too!!
 
The Monochrome, while an awesome tool, is made in Taiwan. OP says he'd like American-made.
Kershaw may have some US-made options for you. Benchmade makes plenty here in the states, and they're really nice, so check them out also. The Stryker comes to mind, although it's a tad over 100 bucks. Look at Spyderco too.
Blade-Tech is a lesser-known brand of excellent quality (equal to that of these other three companies, at least) and is a USA brand. Take a look at theirs.

I think that you may have to raise your spending limit a hair, to around the $150 range, to get something good (unless you get something used in the Exchange forum).
 
snwbrdr202 said:
Hey fellas hows it going? I think this might be my first post in this section of Blade Forums...:)

I am a fixed blade fanatic, and I think its time that I get a good linerlock for EDC. I would like a couple of recommendations on an American made workhorse linerlock, preferable a satin straight edge 440C blade but I am open to other steels if they aren't prone to rust (where I live it is humid as hell). I own a lot of Busse kin knives, and I want a linerlock of the same quality. Please throw them at me! I would prefer to stay under 100 bucks, but if there is something spectacular over that mark, no worries. Thanks for any recommendations fellas!

-Brendan
Click to expand...

Spectacular for some is not so much spectacular at all for others. For example Emerson makes a highly functional liner lock but the chisel grind on the edge and many of the chisel (one side) primary grinds (not just the edge which they all are chisel type) on various models turn people off to them completely, especially when you consider that you can't change the grind or the edge to suit you without voiding the warranty. They do show up used for what you hope to spend and often times they are available in some models for just over $120 after shipping. I guess its worth mentioning that for the same money and sometimes for much less money you can get a liner lock with a much better fit and finish than a typical Emerson offers because many of their production folders have very visible laser cut marks and some have been shipped with sharp edges and rough edges a time or two. I hear several questions on this a year from folks not familiar with the line that are surprised at the finish or lack thereof for such an expensive knife. So, my point is, if fit and finish and a polished look is important you may not think they are so great. Many look at other things though like function and in that they do well although most are a bit grainy and the action needs a good break in the old fashioned way when you first get one new. It does not usually take long to break them in though and the Emerson line is certainly worth looking at if you can get past the other things mentioned.

Kershaw is probably your best bet for a quality liner lock for what you want to spend. Its still made in the USA in many cases, the warranty is great and for the most part the fit and finish is excellent as is the action right out of the box compared to others which need a break in, which many Emerson models do. Now as to warranty all of them have good warranty coverage but of course abuse or modification trumps all that.

Spyderco makes a great liner lock and offers a lot of various choices but you have to be neutral or appreciate the opening hole for the blade instead of a thumb stud.

The other choices I'd look at are Lone Wolf and BenchMade but chances are they will exceed your price hope so I'll just mention them in passing and leave it at that.

STR
 
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Actually, the Blade-Tech I was thinking of is this one at $99.95, although the M.L.E.K. series fits the bill also.
d_680.jpg



No, I'm not affiliated with Blade-Tech.

Edit: I think these are made in the states... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
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There is nothing at all the matter with BladeTech at all. If you like it thats a fine choice. I've had those sent to me a time or two for both sharpening jobs and pocket clip replacements and although thin liners are used they seem to be consistent and highly functional.

You may also want to check out some of the Kabar Dozier model liner locks too because I have had these mailed to me also and find them very very well built and highly appealing. They also use D2 blade steel on some of them which is an excellent edge keeper.

STR
 
There are many MANY awesome Kershaw knives in this price range with a linfer/frame lock.

I don't know a whole lot about the rust resistance of different steels though. (Except that H1 is rust-proof :D)
 
As mentinoed, Spyderco and Benchmad both make great liner lock knives and have many American made ones to choose from.
 
puukkoman said:
The Monochrome, while an awesome tool, is made in Taiwan. OP says he'd like American-made.
Kershaw may have some US-made options for you. Benchmade makes plenty here in the states, and they're really nice, so check them out also. The Stryker comes to mind, although it's a tad over 100 bucks. Look at Spyderco too.
Blade-Tech is a lesser-known brand of excellent quality (equal to that of these other three companies, at least) and is a USA brand. Take a look at theirs.

I think that you may have to raise your spending limit a hair, to around the $150 range, to get something good (unless you get something used in the Exchange forum).
Click to expand...

very true i overlooked the american made part!!! and yeah you might want to raise the price point for an american made blade!! spyderco, benchmade, blade tech, and bradley all make good blades!!
 
:D when you say workhorse do you mean small tank? One of the stronger built liner locks that comes to mind right off the bat is the ZT0350, it can be found for around $115 I think.
 
puukkoman said:
Actually, the Blade-Tech I was thinking of is this one at $99.95, although the M.L.E.K. series fits the bill also.
d_680.jpg



No, I'm not affiliated with Blade-Tech.

Edit: I think these are made in the states... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

I'll second the Bladetech. Another good choice would be a Benchmade Mini Dejavoo.
 
"I own a lot of Busse kin knives, and I want a linerlock of the same quality"

"but if there is something spectacular over that mark ($100.00), no worries."

Kershaw's Zero Tolerance line model 0200 (liner lock) is what I think you have in mind. ~ $128.00 street price (less if you buy it used) made in USA blade steel is stainless 154CM about 4 inches long, thick grips molded over stainless liners. Blade is black not satin thats the only downside to you. I think you should really have a look at it.

It seems to be the closest to what you want and is very hard to beat.
 
Like others have said, Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw and others make plenty of nice liner lock knives in that price range. It all comes down to what you like. Thick liner lock or thin, handle material and color, handle ergos, blade length, etc. Pictures are one thing, but actually going to a store and handling them all would help you make a better decision.
 
Second time in the past 1/2 hour that I have suggested the Kershaw G-10 Tyrade. It has virtually everything you wanted. This is a heavy duty knife with a 3.75" X .157" blade of composite 154CM and CPMD2 blade steels, with the D2 steel being the cutting edge. Liners are hardened steel and are ~.080" thick, also have the correct geometry between blade and liner meaning that lockup is excellent. The knife tips the scale at 6.7 ounces which gives it a very solid feel in hand, at least for me. The knife is set for tip down or tip up carry, and for right pocket carry only. I like the flatness of the knife ( .550" thick)as it rides easily in my pocket and with a variety of pants. For a heavy duty, and high quality knife under $100.00, the G-10 Tyrade is hard to beat!
 
Spyderco Manix 2 and the BM 710 are the two $100 folders that pop into my head.
 
Spyderco Military can be had for under $100 in plain black/satin
Here's a camo and black

digimillie.jpg

millieblk2.jpg
 
5.56 said:
Spyderco Military can be had for under $100 in plain black/satin
Here's a camo and black

millieblk2.jpg
Click to expand...

I've been trying to resist buying a black Military.... and then you go and post this picture.

Oh well, I would have bought one sooner or later - might as well buy one tonight.
 
I have;

Emerson CQC-13
ZT 0200
Spyderco Military

All $100 +
and made in usa

Would recommend any of them really, but I prefer the Emerson.

:)
 
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