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looking for a high quality tactical knife

R

Rakot

Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
4
Hello.

I need some help choosing a tactical/all around knife. I'm planning to use it where I go, and whatever I do. I want it to be 100% weather resistant - whether it stays under the rain or water for a few hours or spends some time in mud or sand - I don't want any corrosion or bluntness. I want the knife to be reliable and ready to take on any task, cutting wires or rope, chopping wood, prying something, gutting, etc.

All in all, I want a tough and reliable knife that I can trust. I don't have any particular brand or material preference, as long as the above mentioned points apply to the knife, I'll take it. Blade type doesn't matter, I don't mind either locking or fixed. The only requirement is blade length - no less than 10 cm (~4 inches).

My budget is up to $300-350.

I've also done a little research and have found that SOG SEAL Team Elite matches most of my requirements, but it seems a little too cheap for what it offers. I'll never believe that there isn't a better knife out there.

Hoping to get some nice suggestions.
 
Ive never had a strider knife, but they are supposed to be good heavy duty work knives. Dont know how well they resist the weather though. Youll have to look the steel up.
Maybe a spyderco manix
I know benchmade make soemthing down your alley.
Sog has some nice heavy duty folders as well as new ones comming out soon.
Uhhh....
 
Maybe a Busse BATac (Badger Attack Tac) (5 inch blade) INFI is not rust proof, but is as rust resistant as many stainless steels. They are also coated so the only exposed steel is the edge. It will handle all the hard use you can throw at it.
 
There are so many custom and semi-custom fixed blades that fit that description I can't even start. As far as folders go. Strider, Hinderer XM-18, Tripwire, Trident, Benchmade Ruckus, or Spyderco Manix.
 
i would look for a knife with cpm3v tool steel as a blade it is what you will want and it is tool steel!! zero tolerance knives makes one with cpm3v and it is arround 300-350. no matter what out of any knife you get try to get it with that tool steel great for prying and chopping on things, also know to cut your way through wreckage like a downed chopper things like that!
 
Since you mentioned water, I would suggest something from the Spyderco Salt series. The knives have blades of H1, and it will not rust.
 
Rakot, welcome to Bladeforums! :D

As you can see, we've got a few enthusiasts here.

It's true, there are many custom and semi-custom knives that will cost every bit of what you've budgeted. But it's as true for knives as for watches or cars or any other high-tech gear -- you can get great products for a reasonable price, but the very best will be MUCH more expensive.

Do you really need that extra toughness, sharpness, corrosion-resistance? Or can you maintain a knife that's no more than excellent, and will get you through anything short of the end of the world?

No currently available material will give you total corrossion resistance and an undullable edge. For example, the Beta Titanium of Mission Knives will not corrode. But it won't hold the edge that 3V will -- but 3V is notorious for rusting if you don't maintain it carefully.

Widely used steels like S30V and VG-10 will give you a good balance of characteristics, as will the older and cheaper 440C and AUS-8. You might want to browse the Steel FAQ By Joe Talmadge.

Since the possibilities for what you want are so varied, I would suggest you stick to fixed blades. Lots of good folders out there, but in a pinch, the fixed blade will have the advantage.
 
Umm rust proof? Not until Spyderco puts out the H1 fixed blades. For what you describe, I would say a Busse as well, the coating will protect against rust, and those thing are the best for woods work bar none. If you don't like the coating, maybe an Entrek, since they are supposed to have perhaps the best 440C, and that wont rust as easily as some other stainless.
 
Cheaper doesn't always mean not as good. I switch off between a Sebenza and a XM-18 but, a Spyderco Salt for $50 will do just as well for almost any task that the latter can do. If you don't mind doing some basic maintance then get a Sebenza, Strider, or a hard use custom such as the XM-18. They are well worth the asking price.

Remmember that H-1 steel will NOT rust under any circumstance and the edge will work harden up to I think 67Rc. The lock on a Salt is a typical backlock which is fine but, not as good as a well made frame lock IMO. The FRN handle is grippy and durable on a Salt but, will flex somewhat. Also, the Salt series blades are pinned not srewed so there is no adjustment possible.

Use the search function and research each knife and make your own educated decision.
 
mm3 said:
Also, the Salt series blades are pinned not screwed so there is no adjustment possible.
Click to expand...

I used to adjust pinned folders all the time, with my grandfather's little brass-headed hammer. Lay the knife on a hard surface, wrapped in a cloth to prevent scratching, and gently tap-tap-tap with the hammer till the pins are a bit tighter and may even peen a bit.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I used to adjust pinned folders all the time, with my grandfather's little brass-headed hammer. Lay the knife on a hard surface, wrapped in a cloth to prevent scratching, and gently tap-tap-tap with the hammer till the pins are a bit tighter and may even peen a bit.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected:cool: . Even still a pinned pivot still isn't the same as a screwed pivot.
 
http://www.tridentknives.com/

I have the Oberland 01, the Oberland03, and the TCFM02.

I think Maciej can provide you with a knife that fills most of your desires.

If you don't mind some preventative maintenence then the 3V steel knives from Fehrman Tool & Die will get you about as tough a knife as you could want.

Ciao
Ron
:cool:
 
Take a look at the SOG Seal Pup Elite...I think it'll fit your needs. http://sogknives.com/store/E37S.html

I have one and it's been great - camping, some fresh water scuba, just all around general use. I've only had to touch mine up once with the sharpmaker after chopping kindling while camping. Retail is around $ 60 to $ 75.

You can get the partially serrated blade, but I prefer the straight edge...

If you do get one, get the nylon sheath. The Kydex is junk.
 
Well, I would suggest a Cold Steel G.I. Tanto or maybe a Sog Demo 2.0. Ive heard alot of very positive reviews on the Cold Steel G.I. Tanto. Look at some of the reviews on amazon about it. I have the Sog Demo 2.0, but I havent got around to really going over it, but its a awesone knife.
 
Hard to find but Survive GSO 4.1 in M390 stainless is an excellent knife. Good luck finding one. With patience you could land one for about $300
 
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