Looking For a New Knife

T

TimFletcher

Joined
Aug 19, 2014
Messages
6
I'm not sure if this is the right forum section, if I'm wrong could a mod please move?

I have lurked here for some time, reading various threads, but I need some advice and I was hoping I could get some here.

I was given a cheap Gerber knife as my first real EDC knife. I liked it, but I wanted something a little bigger and with assisted open. I purchased a SOG Trident, and for the most part like that, but I recently lost it and need a replacement.

One thing I really liked about my cheapo Gerber was the aluminum handle, just felt better. I am looking for a knife with a aluminum handle, assisted open, a tanto tip, and any lock that isn't a lockback style. I would like something for my EDC so preferably not to bulky.

I know it is picky, and perhaps such a knife does not exist, but I would love suggestions. Thanks in advance
 
Not an aluminum handle, but the Kershaw Cryo I / II series may be worth a look. The hunt for the right knife is half the fun. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your stay. :thumbup:
 
I do like the finish on the Cryo, and the flipper. What is that handle made of? Does 410 refer to a type of metal?

The Blur tanto looks promising. I have never owned a Kershaw, are they (in general) a reliable brand?

Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Hi Tim, welcome to the forums.

410 is the grade of stainless steel used in the handles. The Cryo also has a titanium nitride coating.

The Blur is the only knife I can think of off the top of my head that meets your specs. Kershaw is a company which is owned by KAI. KAI also owns Zero Tolerance, which is just a higher end version of Kershaw in my opinion. Both brands are among the best and most respected in the industry. They also have amazing customer service.
 
410 is a type of stainless steel.

Have you thought about branching into other handle materials? G10 would melt your face if you liked the Trident's ABS handle at all.
Many people try out G10 on the Spyderco Tenacious:

C122G_L.jpg
 
Thanks Moxy for the clarification, I would probably be fine with a steel handle as well.

The Random Leek
Cryo II
Blur Tanto
Cold Steel

These all look pretty good! The Random Leek and Cryo II are a little on the short side (shooting for around 3.5-3.75). The Blur is about right, I may go with that. The code 4 makes me want to break my "no lockback style lock" rule, anyone tried opening/closing with one hand?
 
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TimFletcher said:
Thanks Moxy for the clarification, I would probably be fine with a steel handle as well.

The Random Leek
Cryo II
Blur Tanto
Cold Steel

These all look pretty good! The Random Leek and Cryo II are a little on the short side (shooting for around 3.5-3.75). The Blur is about right, I may go with that. The code 4 makes me want to break my "no lockback style lock" rule, anyone tried opening/closing with one hand?
Click to expand...

Any Cold Steel knife with the Tri-Ad lock can be closed one handed. Just depress the lock bar and close the blade shut against something. (I usually use my leg)

It is also the strongest lock you can get on a folder. If you are looking into the Code 4, I'd recommend taking a look at the Recon 1 as well. Maybe even the Recon 1 mini.
 
Kershaw is the king of assisted opening IMO. I personally don't care for a/o, but to each their own.

You do not state your price limit, but I'll keep it reasonable (under $200 say)

Kershaw Blur Tanto as others have stated. Very nice knife.
Kershaw/Emerson CQC8K--Not assisted opening, but the wave feature on the blade catches on your pocket and opens it as you are removing it from your pocket. Fastest way to draw and open a folder in my experience. YMMV
ZT0700--Big tanto blade, not assisted, but uses a very smooth flipper which is just as fast as a/o IMO. Discontinued I believe though, so may be difficult to find.
ZT0350--Not quite a tanto, somewhere in between a tanto and a drop point. Assisted, S30V, flipper or thumbstud.
Benchmade Barrage 583 Tanto
ZT0620--higher end version of the kershaw/emerson CQC8K.
 
Yeah you're looking for a Kershaw Blur Tanto. It'll beat the pants off the knives you lost and look good doing it.

Aluminum Handles
Speedsafe Assisted Opening
Tanto blade shape option
Plain Edge or Combo
Made in the USA
$50 or less.
 
Thank you all for the advice. I didn't realize how much I didn't know about knives...

K.O.D, you have given me even more for my wishlist! Can you explain how exactly the "wave" feature works? Sounds interesting.

I have yet to hear anything bad about the Blur, and it looks about perfect. After seeing all your suggestions, I may have to pick up a few of your suggestions as "backups" once money allows.

Also, what exactly is G10 made of? It seems to be some sort of resin? What does it feel like? Does it feel less "cheap" than the glass reinforced nylon (like on the Trident)?
 
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G10 feels much better than SOGs zytel handles. On to the wave. When the knife is clipped to your pocket, when you pull it out quickly there is a wave shaped protrusion on the spine of the blade that catches on your pocket and opens the blade as you pull it out. Featured on Emerson knives, Kershaw, zt and Spydercos as well. Dpx gear has a similar feature on their heat and hest folder. Good luck finding your perfect knife.
 
As many have said before me... a Kershaw Tanto Blur would be a great fit based on your preferences.

FrankenBlur_1670TBG_front_800x315.jpg
 
Yeah G10 is a very tough, high end, composite material. It's stronger than carbonfiber in my opinion, but not quite as lightweight. Out of all the handle materials I like titanium and G10 the best.

http://kershawguy.com/products-page/?product_search=blur

Kershaw Guy has a nice selection of different Blurs (some limited editions) if you decide on that model.
 
just know that with the code four the triad lock (lockback) on it may be a deal breaker depending on why you don't like lockbacks. Being a beefy steroided lockback has its benefits but also it is harder to close compared to other lockbacks I have used, but it is still manageable with some practice.
 
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