Looking at buying my first collector folder

[cm.]

So basically a few days ago I was looking into buying a super tough folder for my new career in the army. I pretty much knew nothing about them except that "knives are good for cutting shit and some are better than others". I am one of those people who research products obsessively before buying. I had only really ever heard of gerber and a couple of other run-of-the-mill brands, then I found unfamiliar brands like strider, hinderer, CF etc. Then I started researching the difference in metals, handle material, edges, finshes, thickness, locking mechinisms etc. By the end of it all I'm now looking into collecting them as well..... *sigh*

anyway, I've come down to deciding between 4 folders:

-CRK Umnumzaan (standard)
-Hinderer XM-24 (standard, probably my least favourite of the four though)
-Strider SMF (probably this style)
-Crusader forge FIFP EX (not sure on what style I want yet)

Seeing as they cost so much bloody money, I'm probably just going to stash it away as my first collector and buy a cheaper ZT for field use. The only issue I can see with the CF is that it has to be custom made and there will be a waiting period.

So guys, what do you think, which one should I buy first? I will buy all 4 eventually i think, but I want the "toughest" one first

cheers

 

[jbob24]

I'd say the umnumzaan or strider, just because you wont have to wait and waiting sucks.. Either should be readily available, all 4 are nice tho... I mean nice. Id love to have a crusader forge

 

[Poez]

Why not to buy something practical?
And if for hard use - a fixed blade would be the best choice, much more suitable or hard use than any of these pricey staff.
ZT would be certainly more practical choice, though it is too big, too thick and too heavy a folder if taken in combination with fixed blade.
If you want to limit youself to one knife only, a folder - than OK. I would probably go for Endura in that case. Lite, compact, with deceint blade length to take on most of the jobs... And if anything happen to it - no worry.

Sorry if I misunderstood the question.
If you want a knife a sort of to celebrate the start of new carrier - that is of course absolutely different consideration and you rather go for the knife you like the most, not considering the wait time or even the price. Arter all, it does not happen each day.

 

[cm.]

as I said, I will buy something like a ZT for field use, but to start my collection I want to get one of the above 4. Maybe I should order a CF now and then that strider after. Can't say I've seen many with the tan aluminum handle.

 

[gundude73]

for toughness and availability i would get the XM24. since you're military you dont have to wait and even get a discount.