Looking for a decent folding knife

I think that part of the problem that has been run upon here is one of terminology. When Hair says “junk knife” the rest of us here junk knife. However, the definition of “junk knife” as defined by Hair is a knife that at least meets 99% of all expectations of 99% of all people. Based upon that definition, and by extension, I would propose the next level of knives be called “knives that you carry and use but don’t let friends use for fear that they may abuse them.” The level above that may be “knives that you carry and use but don’t let friends see for fear that they may steal them.” Not bad company to be in for one or two steps above “junk knives.”

Now back to the question at hand. I have never bee terribly impressed with the knives made by Remington, Berretta, Browning, Winchester, Smith & Wesson, etc. Your results may vary. I believe that gun makers should make and market guns, and knife makers should make and market knives. Knives marketed by gun makers always give me the feeling of an advertising ploy. Maybe it is just me.

I did go to a local gun and knife shop about a week ago with the express intent to look at four different knives. The shop did not have two of them, but they did have the Leatherman e306x. I was very impressed with the knife. The knife I handled was free of cosmetic defect (at least to my cursory inspection in the store). The blade flipper worked as advertised (something that I had doubted), and the blade flies out from the handle and lock crisply. There was no vertical or horizontal movement of the blade when in the open and locked position. The lock engaged without binding the tang (low end liner locks tend to bind and can be very difficult to disengage). The knife blade and all of the tools opened and closed easily with one hand. I did not have the chance to try the tools, but they look as though they should be useful, but unobtrusive to the main function as a knife. I very nearly bought this knife, but sitting next to in on the counter was a Benchmade apparition that I had asked the attendant to bring out as well. I had gone in with the intention of buying only one knife, and after handling the Benchmade I could not leave the store without it. I still hear the Leatherman e306x calling my name, however.

Pros of the Leatherman e306x
154CM is high quality and high end steel. Equivalent to ATS-34.
Blade flipper works as advertised.
Cosmetically free from defect. (at least the one I handled).
Comfortable handle (at least to me)
Tools probably useful, but unobtrusive.
Probably won’t be mistaken for a weapon at the next office holiday party.

Cons of the Leatherman e306x
Handle is a bit thick (for carry, it is very comfortable to use)
A screwdriver is a poor substitute for a knife and a knife is a poor substitute for a screwdriver. Even a knife with a screwdriver is a poor substitute for real screwdriver, or hole punch, or cork screw, or toothpick, or whatever it is that your multi-use knife has on it (that is, if you have the whatever in your other pocket). I ultimately decided that if I need a screwdriver I will bring, or go and get, a screwdriver. However, if you are in a jam and really need a screwdriver (or bottle opener), not having to use your knife blade is a definite pro.
Leatherman e306x is not a real snappy name that rolls off of the tongue. Okay I may be reaching now.

It may be a junk knife by the definition of some people, but it will most likely be the next knife I buy.
 
I would suggest you look at Spyderco & Benchmade. Like someone stated about S & W being one step above trash is so true!! You can not go wrong with a Benchmade or Spyderco!! Welcome to BF!!
 
I once owned a S&W SWAT knife. It was really bad.

It's hard to believe that you can buy 2 Kabar Doziers for the price of one SWAT. The Dozier is ten times better than a SWAT.
 
Alright guys here is the deal...

I actually bought the Smith & Wesson Swat knife and I ended up sending it back based on what advice I was given from the posts here and by the weight and bulkiness of the knife.

I have to admit though that the thumb stud was very comfortable, however the blade was not as sharp compared to another knife I just purchased and received which is the Kershaw Vapor II. I am not an expert yet on the grades of metal but from my understanding the S & W was a 440C steel where as the Vapor is a AUS - 6 which is supposedly a better grade of steel.

However the comfort of the Vapor particularly opening and closing the knife is a bit of a challenge. The thumb stud is very painful to use. I can't believe they would make an opening device such as this that is going to cut your thumb in the process of opening the knife. I end of using my thumbnail to move the knife outward and continue the motion of opening it fully and locking it in place. You must have good grip in being able to close the knife which takes quite a bit of pressure to unlock it.

As far as cutting it's a straight edge as I don't plain on cutting any kind of meat with it but to use it just for general usage. I can tell however that the blade is much sharper than the S & W Swat knife made by Taylor.

I am not completely sure if I wish to keep the Kershaw Vapor II as it's not very comfortable to open and close and is not flashy enough for me.

When I first started looking at the Spyderco knives I really did not like the appearance of them because I was used to a pure straight edge with no curves. However, by looking at some of the models pointed out in the posts here and some of the models that interest me I am finding that they look very stylish and very comfortable to use.

In addition the grade of steel I am looking at it seems as if it's at the top of the line.

The three Spyderco knives I am looking at are: Adventura ATR Stainless Steel All Black
 Native Black Blade

I am having a difficult time in deciding which one is more comfortable to use and which one is of the best value while holding a very good appearance. Both the Aventura and the ATR are a grade VG-10 steel whereas the Native is a CPM- S30V. The Native might be the most comfortable out of all of them however the Adventura is a really cool looking knife.

I don't know why the ATR is quite a bit more than the Adventura? Is it because it's all black?
 
I really like the Natives myself, I haven't handled the other two Spydies you mentioned. In case you don't know, Wal-mart sells silver blade Natives for 40$.
 
I agree with your opinions regarding S&W knives, I bought an S&W Karambit because I wanted to see if I would ever carry that style of knife without investing a whole lot of money. It's a very heavy knife....needless to say I'm glad I didn't spend a lot....

Also I'm sorry to hear about your disappointment with the Kershaw knife, I find Kershaw knives to be very good for the money, I bought a Strom II recently and love it. But knives are like clothes if it doesn't fit right there's nothing you can do.

Ok now back to Spyderco the ATR is probably more than the Adventura because it's bigger, finished in black and it looks like a modified frame lock. Both are excellent choices , I happen to like the Adventura better, you can buy them for around $80.00.
I own a native and as far as being an excellent tool , it is , but I wouldn't call it flashy at all.

If you want the look and feel of a larger Spyderco without spending a fortune try their Byrd line , like the Cara Cara ( $30.00). Or check out the Spyderco Endura 4 ( $45.00)
 
The best folding knife on the planet, for my money, is the Spyderco Endura. VG-10 steel. Nice, comfortable, black handle. Easy to use thumb hole (much better than a thumb-stud, for me). Can be had for around $42.00 at your nearest gun show. Best value out there, as far as I can tell.

Todd
 
Chuck289 said:
Kershaw Storm or Storm II.
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i'll second that,i bought one a while ago and was very pleased (dollar for dollar) the knife held up well and was given to a friend who still uses it as an edc. at 30-40.00 it's money well spent.I would also recomend a benchmade 910,i have one that a friend gave me and i'm pleased with it to say the least.
 
I don't know how many of you are "LOST" fans but the last episode there was a really nice foldable knife with a glossy wood finish on the handle. I'd like to see if I could find a knife similar if not identical to that.

I like the spiderco knifes however the only one I could find with a wood finish was the Volpe and that isn't even all wood, it's steel with pieces of wood on it.

I have checked all of the recommended manufactures that were listed here but no dice.
 
EKA makes a number of sturdy, wood handled, lockblades that seem to be well regarded by people here. You can see them at Ragweed Forge.
 
S&W knives are not bad, and actually I picked up an auto Tanto which was sharp but a fairly and reasonably priced. But, I sold it for less, and prefer various Benchmades aka. AFCK mini and full sized partial serrated black blade. Very slimline, and sharp and pointy and ATS-34 steel is good stuff. I also
have a liking for the Delica black blade regular blade, and my Enduras. Enduras are such a good knife and so slimline more so then the AFCKs. I just picked up two Waved Enduras and they are impressive in VG-10 steel. I rotated daily between my knives for carry whether I am wearing pants or shorts, I tailor my day with the most compatibly and efficient knife of the day so to speak. Now, Emerson are Elite for carry also. I am a lefty and at times I carry a waveless commander which is so "sweet". My CQC7 waved blade is carried in my left pocket and can be deployed as fast as in the correct pocket the right one. it took practice, but it is fast and indecisive as a weapon. I love my knives. have a nice day.
 
Decent folding knife? In my opinion:

Less money: Spyder Delica/Endura 4
More money: D'Allara DP (BB lock rulez!)
Lot more money: (Mini) Manix or Military
 
The wood handled knife I am referring to has a wood grain that is light and dark, a rectangle handle with rounded edges (non-circular) and the wood finish is artificial and glossy. The blade is silver and it points up towards the end.

I just have a quick question though about the collector knifes. Do most people use collector knifes as an everyday tool or are they strictly made to be kept in a glass cabinet to look pretty and increase in value?

I also have another question regarding the blade. There are about 3 choices, Plain edge, Combination edge and Spider edge. Now plain edge is a smooth blade, Combination is to have a blade half smooth and half serrated while Spider edge is a blade fully serrated. What blade selection do you usually choose for the application that you’re using it for?

I would think for my purposes I would either go for the combo or plain edge blade, however I rarely cut meat with my pocket knife.
 
Knifelover1223 said:
I just have a quick question though about the collector knifes. Do most people use collector knifes as an everyday tool or are they strictly made to be kept in a glass cabinet to look pretty and increase in value?
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There's a wide range of what people might call collector knives. You'll find that people here will readily use their custom-made knives, numbered knives, limited production run knives, modified knives, etc. Good maintenance is more the order of the day than pedastals.

I also have another question regarding the blade. There are about 3 choices, Plain edge, Combination edge and Spider edge. Now plain edge is a smooth blade, Combination is to have a blade half smooth and half serrated while Spider edge is a blade fully serrated. What blade selection do you usually choose for the application that you’re using it for?

I would think for my purposes I would either go for the combo or plain edge blade, however I rarely cut meat with my pocket knife.
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First off, Spyderedge is basically Spyderco's name for their fully serrated blades. People might look at you funny if you use that term on non-Spydercos.

The general rule is that serrations are good for sawing through more fibrous material. Rope and cardboard are the usual materials that come to mind. The tradeoffs are that serrations are harder to sharpen (easily overcome with some sharpening systems though) and the fact that precision of cutting goes down a bit since the blade saws instead of just slicing.

Plain edges tend to be favored since they have more uses overall and can still cut through the stuff serrated blades are designed for, plus it's possible to sharpen them in such a way as to give them a coarser edge that has some of a serrated edge's strengths. A combo edge is just a bad compromise, except for a few cases where the serrations make up the vast majority of the edge (the Spyderco Native's combo edge is almost all serrations for example). Unless you know you have to rip through a lot of fibrous material, a plain edge is the best way to go.
 
Smoky Mountain has an incredible deal on a CRKT 7503 S-2 frame lock knife. It has a premium ATS-34 stainless steel blade and a handle made from solid titanium with teflon coated stops. The knife is on sale for a paultry $25 and is discontinued. Blade length is nearly four inches.

Can't get a better knife for the $$$.

--Confed

CR7503.jpg
 
Anything made by Spyderco is decent. eg. Endura/ Delica.

Stay away from S&W knives. If you want a good knife (with the name of a firearms manufacturer on it) go with the Heckler & Koch versions made by Benchmade, more expensive -but worth it.

P.S. Go with a plain edge. Serrated edges are only good for cutting rope. A sharp plain edge made from good steel (ATS-34, S30V, etc.) works well with everything.
 
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