Looking for a Folder

[augustus88]

I'm a Benchmade fan for EDC, so that's what I voted for. Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is pretty much the same. The Sebenza 21 wasn't for me, so I sold it.

I understand that WE Knife Co. isn't on your list, but their model 705 found its way into my pocket and kicked everything else out about a month ago. I've never been a Chinese knife fan, but this thing has blown me away! Best fit, finish, machining, and action of any modern folder I've ever owned including the Sebenza I sold.

 

[Jack88]

There's currently great availability for new Hinderers, though certain options in certain models may require a bit of patience and searching. Prices on the secondary market are generally lower than new, proportional to other makers' knives, and there are some good deals to be had on the Exchange. A few rarer or discontinued models may command a premium.

Here's my current favorite MP1 Hinderer alongside another favorite mid-tech--Olamic 247. Both are in the same price range as large CRKs other than Plain Janes.

Oh gotcha, yeah all these reviewers I've watched talking about their knives being $700+ if I was spending that much I'd get a Seb with Damascus and a nice inlay....

Someday that'll be my safe queen.

 

[Jack88]

I'm a Benchmade fan for EDC, so that's what I voted for. Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is pretty much the same. The Sebenza 21 wasn't for me, so I sold it.

I understand that WE Knife Co. isn't on your list, but their model 705 found its way into my pocket and kicked everything else out about a month ago. I've never been a Chinese knife fan, but this thing has blown me away! Best fit, finish, machining, and action of any modern folder I've ever owned including the Sebenza I sold.

View attachment 729966

Interesting one of the first no go's ive read for a Seb.

Very skeptical on anything Chinese made, but I'll give it a look.

 

[Mo2]

I can't comment on the Strider as I've never even handled one but the first two are from first hand experience fantastic knives with very different charms.

I'd also suggest a Freeman 451:

As solid in every way as the above knives with a lovely action and a button lock.

damn the decked out version is 400

found this great review. that is so smooth

 

[Mick_1KRR]

I ve never carried my most expensive knives for heavy outdoor work. Any knife with a price tag north of 400 dollars is just too uncomfortable for me to use too hard even though they might stand up to it fine. I m not sure I understand it myself.
I do know that working around moisture and perspiration with a metal handled knife is not good. I also know a well made strong knife of good materials with good ergonomics and good balance and relatively light weight is not that easily found. Don t be fooled by the low price of the Recon1. Comparable to the classic Military and 710, but seems more sturdy than either.
Try to hold one in hand. My favorite is the spear point blade, but the clip point is also very nice.
If spending a lot of money makes you feel better about the purchase ,I understand that. But it may not be necessary. Just sayin.

You know what..I've used, broken down and maintained so so many knives over the years - overbuilt, slicers, flippers etc. you name it From cheaper to super expensive, and i have to agree with you on the Recon 1. People can hate on Lynn Thompson because of his silly marketing style and thus carry that dislike over to Cold Steel knives, but i'll tell ya - Pound for pound the Recon 1 in the new CTS-XHP steel will hold it's own or beat almost anything in it's price range. Both in strength, cutting ability and ergonomics, you need to hold one and use it to understand. It's just one of those freak knives that is a home run in all departments. I have absolutely smashed mine over the years, both older models and new, broken it down countless times and it is still in the exact same condition functionally, zero play anywhere. I'd reach for it over my Militarys and 710's any day of the week if i need to do hard work. Not to discredit the other knives, they're all great, but the Recon 1 is just a freak.

 

[augustus88]

Interesting one of the first no go's ive read for a Seb.

Very skeptical on anything Chinese made, but I'll give it a look.

I purchased a Sebenza 21 (brand new from reputable dealer) with a bad lock that developed horrible stick after a day or so. I'm talking two hands to disengage the lock. Sent it back to CRK and they sent it back after replacing the lock side frame slab. It was perfect after that, but I waited about seven weeks. Having a $400 knife in my possession for only a couple of days out of the first couple of months of ownership left a bad taste in my mouth for CRK. Not willing to try another one of their knives.

After taking apart my Sebenza 21 a few times, I honestly don't find their manufacturing tolerances any tighter than the WE Knife 705. One of the other deal breakers for me on the Sebenza 21 was the open construction with the blade edge so close to the top of the knife handle in the closed position. The edge gets dinged up by keys and other pocket stuff way too easily. Add the fairly soft heat treat for the S35VN and the edge was hard to keep razor sharp. I keep my edges hair popping sharp and the Sebenza was a challenge. The WE 705 has a titanium back spacer that keeps the M390 edge protected. The M390 blade takes an amazing polished keen edge and keeps it. Sharpest edge I've ever achieved on my Wicked Edge Sharpening system. Hate the fact that it's not made in the USA, but it won me over!

 

[SpySmasher]

found this great review. that is so smooth

The one I got didn't even have any button stick. Mine is as perfect (mechanically) as a knife gets. If I were forced to live with just a 451 for the rest of my life, I'd be perfectly happy.

Full disclosure: I probably give it extra points because I am partial to button locks.

 

[Jack88]

I purchased a Sebenza 21 (brand new from reputable dealer) with a bad lock that developed horrible stick after a day or so. I'm talking two hands to disengage the lock. Sent it back to CRK and they sent it back after replacing the lock side frame slab. It was perfect after that, but I waited about seven weeks. Having a $400 knife in my possession for only a couple of days out of the first couple of months of ownership left a bad taste in my mouth for CRK. Not willing to try another one of their knives.

After taking apart my Sebenza 21 a few times, I honestly don't find their manufacturing tolerances any tighter than the WE Knife 705. One of the other deal breakers for me on the Sebenza 21 was the open construction with the blade edge so close to the top of the knife handle in the closed position. The edge gets dinged up by keys and other pocket stuff way too easily. Add the fairly soft heat treat for the S35VN and the edge was hard to keep razor sharp. I keep my edges hair popping sharp and the Sebenza was a challenge. The WE 705 has a titanium back spacer that keeps the M390 edge protected. The M390 blade takes an amazing polished keen edge and keeps it. Sharpest edge I've ever achieved on my Wicked Edge Sharpening system. Hate the fact that it's not made in the USA, but it won me over!

Interesting..

Never seen the Wicked Edge system before, impressive!

 

[DocT]

Bought this, loved it, never looked at another knife afterwards.

 

[whp]

I will admit, its the same with all my weapons (my guns especially) I just like using the best. Maybe I'm a gear snob? Probably, weapons are something I've always enjoyed collecting and a folding knife would get more use than anything else in my arsenal.

Have some other questions here:

Has anyone used the glass breaker on the Umnumzaan? Think it would break plexi glass?

Has the availability of the Hinderer changed, I've seen all these reviews of people saying they were marked up nearly 2x in most places and out of stock everywhere else... Not trying to break the rules with places, I know, but I see it in stock in a few places. Just curious if the supply situation has changed.

What do people think of damascus blades? I've always wanted to own one... this may be an opportunity... quite expensive, but I'm getting a very large raise in 3 weeks. Buying a new truck tomorrow also!

Congratulations!

 

[Velitrius]

Funny, I've never had any desire for a Sebenza, XM-18 or SNG. They just don't appeal to me.

You mentioned "quality materials and unparalleled craftsmanship". Chris Reeve knives certainly get described as such. I've simply never warmed to the Sebenza.

I'd go over and see Whitty at USAMadeBlade.Com and get a Southern Grind Bad Monkey. Drop point with OD green scales.

 

[Jack88]

Congratulations!

Thanks, can't say its by merit just time in service!

Funny, I've never had any desire for a Sebenza, XM-18 or SNG. They just don't appeal to me.

You mentioned "quality materials and unparalleled craftsmanship". Chris Reeve knives certainly get described as such. I've simply never warmed to the Sebenza.

I'd go over and see Whitty at USAMadeBlade.Com and get a Southern Grind Bad Monkey. Drop point with OD green scales.

I think all three of those are recognized to be well crafted knives beyond that it is a matter of preference.. I'll check out the bad monkey,

 

[DocT]

Another knife I think is a better buy than any mentioned, including the really fine Sebenza, is the Cold Steel Code 4 with XHP steel.

Of course, there is nothing like the bragging rights of having a $500+ knife to show off, for some folks. Me, I'd rather have the Spyderco Manix 2 Back Lock (linerless G10) or the Code 4. With these I get a much stronger lock than on those listed above, and just as good of materials, and nearly (sometimes just as) good of finish and fit.

 

[marcus52AR]

Copy, thanks for the info!


Is this your daily pocket carry? Is that top one a throwing knife?



Great info! Exactly the type of information I came here for. The hinderer I will admit is at the top of my list right now. I like the bowie blade design and the flipper aspect. The only negative thing I've found is that they don't cut nearly as well as the Seb's.

If it was just down to looks though I think the Sebenza would win.

Both great choices, I'll add that I like Hinderer's S35VN over CRKS. It seems to take an edge better, and stays sharper for longer. My slicer is a surprisingly good cutter too. Good luck with the hunt.

 

[GB940Rookie]

One more suggestion from the less than $200 class is the KC Manix 2 Cruwear w/CF scales. I think it's the best Manix yet. Beautiful and tough.

As far as the CS Recon 1 suggestions. If I had the money, I would buy every serviceman a Recon 1.

 

[spykez]

Another knife I think is a better buy than any mentioned, including the really fine Sebenza, is the Cold Steel Code 4 with XHP steel.

Of course, there is nothing like the bragging rights of having a $500+ knife to show off, for some folks. Me, I'd rather have the Spyderco Manix 2 Back Lock (linerless G10) or the Code 4. With these I get a much stronger lock than on those listed above, and just as good of materials, and nearly (sometimes just as) good of finish and fit.

That's a nice knife alright, but I've grown incredibly fond of rough textured scales myself. They tear up your pants something awful, though.

 

[fluffyblade]

I voted PM2,and i will also sugest the Nirvana.Much easy to open then the Sebenza,one solide piece of titanium,S90V steel...

 

[Jack88]

So I've come to a decision... I went and handled several knives the other day on my way to buying a new truck! yesterday was a good day.

It really came down to two knives for my main choice the Hinderer XM-18 and the Umnumzaan (I liked it better than the Seb)

I went with the StarTac, the Wilson Combat duality with Chris Reeves sold it for me. Wilson Combat makes great stuff, I've been impressed with their guns for a long time. The Hinderer will just have to wait to another cycle of buying folders (I'm going to put in for a Randall next)

But don't fret, I also will be putting in for a secondary knife. At this very second I'm heavily leaning towards the CS Recon I. The Spyderco PM2 is right there as well.

This decision came as I'm not worried about ever losing a blade while at work and its attached to my flight suit, not a problem. But I want a quality folder that I won't be as worried about losing as well. For taking out on the boat and such, have to say the Recon may break my hate for Cold Steel.

Cheers guys! Really appreciate the information and opinions. If you wish keep it coming, make this thread helpful for anyone else considering the same decision! Especially the poll keep the voting going!

 

[Hackenslash]

Congrats on a great knife! You made a good call, I love my WC Zaan!

 

[Jack88]

Congrats on a great knife! You made a good call, I love my WC Zaan!

Thanks man! Can't wait to get it, kind of ridiculous Wilson Combat doesn't do free shipping, so I'll be waiting for the ground shipping to get here... who knows how long.

That being said, I couldn't help myself and got myself a CS Recon I with the CTS XHP steel, and a serrated edge. Looks like it will be a great knife to take out on the boat! And wouldn't make me cry if it went overboard.