Looking for a high quality lock knife with thumb stud for easy opening.

too solid

too solid

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I'm new to collecting and use my knives mostly when I'm on the boat fishing or for simple everyday use. I have a couple spring assist Gerber's and Cold Steel locks. I'm looking for a high quality lock knife with the thumb stud (not sure what their called exactly). Can you guys help me out and point me in the right direction. Budget isn't a huge issue but ideally $100-$150 range would be great. So far I've found the Gerber torch ii, but have read a few bad reviews.
 
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You should look at some of Spyderco's offerings at that price. They use a thumbhole instead of thumbstuds but they work just as well if not better then thumbstuds. Some of my favorite offerings at that price are the Paramilitary 2, Gayle Bradley, Military or the Sage. If thumbstuds are a must, look into the Zero Tolerance 0350 or a Benchmade 940/710/707. Some of the best companies (IMO) to look into for folding knives are Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Kershaw and Benchmade.
 
For EDC, Spydercos are hard to beat. Check out the Para 2, Sage Series, Manix 2, Stretch, Caly, etc. Also, check the Salt Series with H1 blades that do not rust.

I personally like thumbholes better but if you NEED a thumbstud, Benchmade and Kershaw are the way to go. For Benchmade; the Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, 940 etc.

Kershaw has some lower priced knives, but they own Zero Tolerance which are higher priced, heavy duty knives.

Go to dealer websites, pick one you like and maybe watch a review on youtube.

Stick around, you learn a lot.;)
 
I'd check out the benchmade Axis lock knives. Incredibly easy to open, one of the strongest locks out there, plus thumbstuds.
 
Spyderco is a good choice, I love my Kershaw Leek, I find Benchmade have a much higher price for not much more than other companies, and I don't find the handles that comfortable (if all you want is and EDC).

I'm not a fan of Gerber and their mystery steel.
 
Cold Steel 2010 AK-47 w/ the Tri-ad lock. It's a good solid blade with a even more solid locking mechanism. I rarely ever recommend CS knives, but this one impressed me a lot.

Spyderco Manix 2 - can't go wrong with a Manix 2. Lock is very solid.

Benchmade 710 - Very popular knife. Very popular lock.

Cannot go wrong with any of them.

P.S. Forget Gerber. Seriously. At best, they're OK. My opinion, of course.
 
Thanks for all of the recommendations!

I have been liking the Zero Tolerance. I know most will go against assisted blades but I think for my use (not very heavy duty) it will fit the criteria.

I think I have narrowed down my search, but I am still searching and open to ideas.

1. ZT 0301 OR 0300

2.CKRT M21-14SF

3. ZT 0350

If anyone objects or agrees on these choices please chime in I'd love to hear your opinions.

I am new to knife collecting and I'm not really sold on the Spyderco look. I do like many of the Benchmade's mentions, but I think an assisted blade is on my wishlist now. I mostly will be using the knife as an EDU, also when I go up north fishing etc. As for the CS AK47, I already have a Recon 1 which is some what similar in size to the AK47 which is holding me back, although I do like the look of the AK better. I have never held one and don't know if I would prefer the opener on the blade (not sure what its called) vs the thumb stud on the Recon 1. I wonder if I should flip the Recon and go for an AK47 instead?!?!? hmmm
 
for boat fishing i think one of the spyderco H1 folding knives or one of the new benchmade rust proof knife i think the steel is n680 would be a good option.

i just got off a fishing trip with my delica 4 in my pocket all night no problem
 
Definitely the ZT 300/301 over the CRKT. CRKT is decent on a budget, but not as well built as the ZT knives are, imo. With the possible exception of the new CRKT Ken Onion designs.

Keep in mind the ZT 300 is not a light knife. I personally never found it all that heavy, but everyone that's held it has said, "wow, that's heavy". YMMV.

By the way, if we're taking fresh water fishing, I don't think that'll be an issue for most knives, if properly cared for. Make sure you have a lanyard on your knife tho! :o


The opener on the CS AK-47 works just as well using it like a thumb stud or as a "wave" opener when extracting from the pocket.

If you're looking for a strong beefy knife, then your #1 choice is best, imo. If you want a very light, sturdy knife the AK-47 falls in line with that. However, if you prefer a more premium steel that holds a better edge, there's better alternatives there too. It'll drive you nuts after awhile!
 
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You mentioned that you are looking at the ZT 0300/0301...Don't forget to also take a look at the ZT 0200.
 
Out of those choices given, definatly go with either Zero Tolerance. You should try to find a local dealer to see which one feels better in your hand. The CRKT isn't too great...
 
IMO find somewhere you can actually hold a spyderco before ruling them out. A lot of people are turned off by the looks until they use one and realize every curve and they way things are laid out are that way for a reason. I really can't think of a way to describe the para2 in hand, I can pull a splinter with it just as easy as cutting a piece of thick leather.
 
Do you want a heavy duty knife or more of a gentleman's folder? There are knives out there that are very smooth and just as fast to open as an assisted opener, but are manual. I actually like assisted openers, but I find that they aren't necessary at all on a well-made knife. If you like A/O, though, Kershaw/Zero Tolerance makes the best assisted system out there. Their quality and customer service is also tops. You could look at one of the upgraded steel Blurs and still be well under your budget, or go with the 0350.
 
It's a TiNi AUS 8 blade, but the SOG Trident does a very nice cross between EDC and tactical, and for me thats the true definition of a good EDC. AUS 8 does tend to rust if you do not take care of it but the TiNi blade takes care of that problem very well. Out of all my knives it's always my SOG Trident then whichever other knife I choose to have on me. Plus with a lifetime warranty it's hard to do better than that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbhA0ppF-ag for a quick review by Nutnfancy.
 
If you're considering something in the price range of a ZT 0301, I'd go for a ZT 0551 instead as it offers better edge retention and cutting ability and doesn't feel like you're carrying a brick in your pocket.
 
Update, I'm still considering the ZT 0300 and 0350. Now also looking at the SOG Trident (thanks to Michigan Fancyman) and the Benchmade 581. I'd like to buy today or tomorrow but I keep changing my mind. Decisions decisions..
 
too solid said:
Update, I'm still considering the ZT 0300 and 0350. Now also looking at the SOG Trident (thanks to Michigan Fancyman) and the Benchmade 581. I'd like to buy today or tomorrow but I keep changing my mind. Decisions decisions..
Click to expand...

The best made knives of those options would be the ZT's IMO.
 
Just recently picked up a ZT0200. I love it! The size and weight is not an issue at all for me. I plan on carrying this knife as much or more than my 0551 actually.
 
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