Looking for a new EDC: tanto, 3"+, assisted-open w/ flipper, combo edge

S

SHydroxide

Joined
Feb 25, 2008
Messages
5
Hi,

Right now I'm using a Kershaw S110V combo edge, which is a nice knife and I like it quite a bit. I'd like to switch things up a little, though, and start carrying something a little more tacticool.

What I'm looking for is, as the title says, something with a 3+" tanto blade, assisted-open with a flipper like the Kershaw has. I've found a couple things that are close to what I'm looking for but I'd like to know what other options are out there.

Budget is pretty loose. I'd spend up to probably $500, but I'm obviously happy to pay less than that if I find something I like.

What I've found so far, which have been close but not quite what I'm looking for are:

CRKT M16-14ZLEK - I like almost everything about this but for the steel (AUS 8)... apparently it's not very good: soft and doesn't hold an edge well, so reviews say. Other than that, it's pretty close, though it's not nearly as tacticool as...

Extrema Ratio Glauca B1 - Okay, so this is pretty over-the-top. Probably about $400-450 (nobody has stock right now, though I've been in contact with someone at xtremeknives.com who is trying to get an ETA on more stock from Extrema), big (probably too big, frankly, at 6" closed and 10.5" open), and no AO. But goddamnit do I ever like it. I might just get it anyway, despite the drawbacks, just because I like how it looks so much. This is where I need some help.

I'd like to find something that is cooler than the CRKT, but more practical than the Extrema Ratio. I'm almost tempted to get both, seeing how cheap the CRKT is, but I'll probably feel stupid in 6 months if the Extrema has spent the entire time sitting on my desk.

What are my other options?

Thanks guys!
 
Maybe Kershaw Kuro?

That CRKT is not assisted btw

I don't know of many knives that fit the description, so maybe you can let us know what you are looking for in terms of functionality/purpose?
 
@Hadji:
The Blur doesn't appear to have a flipper...

@marcinek:
I'm glad to hear you say that... I have an idea that maybe people are too critical in their reviews.

@res1cue:
I actually don't mind the Kuro. Priced low enough that I may just snap it up as a lark, even if I don't EDC it... Not quite as fancy as I'd like, though.

Interesting as well to hear about the CRKT... It looked like it was in the video reviews I've seen, but maybe it's just easy enough to open that it doesn't make a difference.
 
SHydroxide said:
Why's that?
Click to expand...

Just unimpressed by them. I think by spending a little more (Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, etc, Cold Steel even), one can do much better.

Though I can't really say who else is offering a tanto, 3"+, assisted-open w/ flipper, combo edge knife. Not something I have looked into.
 
SHydroxide, you say you want an assisted folder with a flipper. To me that sounds like you are looking for fast deployment. Have you thought about a knife with the Wave feature (and various copycats)?

That would open up a lot of options.
 
res1cue said:
SHydroxide, you say you want an assisted folder with a flipper. To me that sounds like you are looking for fast deployment. Have you thought about a knife with the Wave feature (and various copycats)?

That would open up a lot of options.
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate? I'm not sure what that is.

EDIT: Okay, did a little Googling. Seems like this is a little hook or nub near the pivot that grabs on your pants as you pull the knife out of your pocket and deploys it automatically, kind of?

If so, that sounds intriguing, but really I'm just looking for convenient deployment, not necessarily fast. Feel free to recommend some knives, though... I'd love to take a look. Thanks!
 
SHydroxide said:
Can you elaborate? I'm not sure what that is.

EDIT: Okay, did a little Googling. Seems like this is a little hook or nub near the pivot that grabs on your pants as you pull the knife out of your pocket and deploys it automatically, kind of?

If so, that sounds intriguing, but really I'm just looking for convenient deployment, not necessarily fast. Feel free to recommend some knives, though... I'd love to take a look. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Yes that is it, you can youtube it to see how it works.

Emerson invented it, so you should take a look at their offerings. The CQC7 is a tanto

Cold steel makes a few that work similarly, but none are tantos. The AK47 may intrigue you though.

Spyderco has adapted a licensed version of the Wave on their endura and delica series, as well as the P'kal. None are tantos, but may interest you.

Some CRKT's can be used in this fashion as well, but they aren't advertised as such.

By the way, may I ask why you are interested in tantos and why you are interested in combo edges?
 
In my opinion, I don't think you should spend that kind of money on a knife with the specs you outlined.

How about a Benchmade WARN? Or WARN mini. Although it's available with a black combo edge, it also comes in a plain satin. It doesn't have a flipper, but it's basically a barrage, which has a strong assist. You just have to nudge the thumb stud slightly.
 
res1cue said:
By the way, may I ask why you are interested in tantos and why you are interested in combo edges?
Click to expand...

I'm interested in tantos because they're cool looking, and combo edges because I find them useful to cut cables and rope occasionally at work.
 
No one has mentioned my favorite yet?!
ZT 0400, you can still get it well under $150, you can get a plain edge or combo edge, s30v steel, thinner and lighter than most ZT's, 3.75" blade, nice liner lock, assisted, and discontinued! =]
 
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