Looking for a new Tactical Folder-3" max

A

Aaron04

Joined
Nov 27, 2001
Messages
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Hello, I'm looking for a new tactical folder. It will be used for utility use as well as potential SD uses. Because of this, I definitely want a black blade and handle, to keep a low profile. I also want a rapid opening blade, along the lines of a Flipper, Axis lock, or Wave. Because of the laws where I live, I also need to keep the blade under 3 inches. That last requirement rules out a lot of very nice blades :(

I'm thinking mostly along the lines of the new Emerson CQC-14, or the Benchmade 707. I haven't handled a Benchmade with the Axis lock, but I've heard good things about them. I have owned other Benchmade's though, and have been impressed with them. I have owned a few different Emersons, and I think they rock, although I think that the Spyderco Wave works better than the Emerson wave does. I already have a CRKT M16 series, and while I like it, the frame is too slick to get a good grip on, so I'm leaning away from those, plus the liner lock in it isn't as reliable as other locks. The Emerson's have a great "combat" grip, everything is knurled in all the right places. So it looks like I'm leaning toward the CQC-14 for now.

Any other suggestions? Does anyone own a BM 707 and feel that it's better than the Emerson CQC-14?

Thanks
 
You make it sound like deployment time is a very important part of your decision. That's why I'm mentioning the following:

This may not fit with what you want but after many years of carrying a folder, I switched to carrying a fixed blade about 3-4 months ago. When it comes to draw and ready speed, knife safety (lock will never fail), and concealment, it's by far superior to a folder, IMO. My only regret is that I didn't think of it sooner.

I carry one of several different FB's that I own. They are all within legal concealment limits of my state (3 1/2"). They are all set up for a horizontal cross-draw when I can war a sweater, jacket, etc. and an inside the pocket or inside the waistband sheath when it's summer. The knife I carry the most is a Dozier Arkansas Traveler but there are others that cost less. You can get any design or style of sheath made that you want. I have several for the same knife (only the Dozier at present).

Just for grins, here is a 3" Tops with a multiple functioning Kydex sheath.
http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=68

If this it not something you even want to consider, myself and other will be glad to help you find a folder. But just think about it. Also, if I think I need a folder, I grab one but still leave the FB on.

Regards
 
Benchmade's Mini Griptilian knives are excellent quality, and handle great. I had to tighten up the blade pivot out of the box, because it opened a little bit too fast for Southern California.
 
Waved Delica 4 , Strider PT (sub 3") . The plain Delica 4 ( has a readily available trainer - very important ) .

Chris
 
bladeprince said:
Your title says "3 inch max" and in your text it says must be "under 3 inches". Which is it? Makes a big difference.
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Isn't that the same ? Maximum of 3 inches = under 3 inches, given that you cannot measure infinitely small distances :)
 
I think the CQC14 "Stubby" has a lot going for it. You get a full grip and a shorter blade. I think that's probably what you're looking at. I haven't tried the 707, but I used to have a 710 and I thought THAT knife was way to thin for me. I just couldn't get a good grip on it. Good luck and let us know what you end up with!
 
BenchMade HK29 would be my first choice. I have an Emerson CQC14 and its not bad either. Has a better grip than the HK but its not near as smooth.

STR
 
Waved delica 4. The delica 4 is already a classic utility workhorse, and with the addition of the wave, the SD capabilities are great.
 
Thanks guys. I already have a Waved Delica 4. I'm quite disappointed with it. The blade has already rusted somewhat. I find that unacceptable. They don't offer it with a black blade, which is also unacceptable. I made a post on their forum about that, and I was called a "dark ops wannabe", a "commando wannabe", and other silly things. I guess none of the people there have walked down the street at night, while carrying a blade for potential SD purposes. Blades that have a black coating are also much more practical due to their rust resistance, and my 5 year old (and heavily used) Emerson has not seen any oil at all and has not a spec of rust. In addition to that, the pivot screw fell out a week after I got it, and I'm still waiting on Spyderco to replace it, about 5 months later.

Unfortunately, living in the Soviet Socialist State of Michigan, carrying any fixed blade at all is a felony, if it is concealed. This includes my 1" Cold Steel Mini Pal that I used to carry on my keychain. It is also a felony to carry any folder over 3" concealed as well. I will often carry my Mini Commander with the clip in my pocket, but as soon as I put on a coat or flannel, I'm a felon, so I prefer to keep it at 3" max.

Thanks
 
Aaron04 said:
Thanks guys. I already have a Waved Delica 4. I'm quite disappointed with it. The blade has already rusted somewhat.
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What have you been doing with the thing? I've had my Delica 4 for about 6 months, carried it pretty regularly, used it to open packaging, cut apples, etc. Touched-up the edge once. Not a spot of rust on it anywhere.

Aaron04 said:
Blades that have a black coating are also much more practical due to their rust resistance, ...
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That's not necessarily true. It depends on the nature of the coating/treatment.

Aaron04 said:
Unfortunately, living in the Soviet Socialist State of Michigan, carrying any fixed blade at all is a felony, if it is concealed.
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My goodness, there are a lot of hunters in this state that will be quite disconcerted to hear that! :rolleyes:

Aaron04 said:
It is also a felony to carry any folder over 3" concealed as well.
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Well, that's kind of open to interpretation. The law reads:
Michigan -750.226... Carrying with unlawful intent
Any person who, with intent to use the same unlawfully
against the person of another, goes armed with a pistol
or other firearm or dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or
knife having a blade over 3 inches in length, or any
other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, shall
be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in
the state prison for not more than 5 years or by a fine
of not more than 2,500 dollars.
Click to expand...
(Emphasis added)

So, theoretically speaking, as long as you're not carrying "with intent to use the same unlawfully against the person of another" you should be good to go. Nonetheless: Not being one to provoke the authorities unnecessarily, I tend to keep it to 3" or under for EDC, myself.

Btw: That quote was from http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/mi.txt - where there's also some case law cites.
 
Might I suggest a BM 705 or BM 707 Sequel. I would favor the 705 but they have become kind of hard to find.
 
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