Looking for a new work knife

Armithius

Armithius

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Feb 24, 2013
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Hey folks, I've been carrying the same knives to work for a couple years now, and I think it's time for something different. At present, I carry a Spyderco Native Black Blade full serrated for all my rope cutting needs (generally half inch braided nylon rope) and a Spyderco Para-Military 2 for everything else.

The reason I'm looking for a change is that I'm getting tired of carrying 2 knives around on top of all the other crap I carry at work (multitool, flashlight, radio, etc) so I'm looking to get something that can handle all my cutting tasks. I generally don't care to use my plain edge knives for the rope because I cut a lot of it, so it's less strain on me and my knives to just use a serrated one. So I suppose I'm looking for something with a combo edge for the best of both worlds, as it were.

I'd like it to be made of something with good edge retention, as I cut a lot of really abrasive stuff, and preferably with a coating, since working in the elements my knives tend to get covered in rain, snow, ice, etc., and I can't always get in to dry them off right away. A strong lock is also a plus, since I can be a little hard on my knives, and I lack the option of carrying a fixed blade.

My budget is about $150-$200. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
I've had a few cold steel knives, and I didn't care for them. I don't mind paying for quality if it's gonna last me.
 
Just out of curiosity what is wrong with the native? :)

The spyderco rescue blades would probably do well with rope cutting as well.
 
Nothing, really. I actually quite like it, but I don't really like using serrated knives for much other than rope and such. Maybe it's because I'm a noob, but I find it to bind up when doing regular slicing tasks.
 
Isn't there a Benchmade Griptillian with M4 with Cerakote, a coating like DLC, which has HRC of 88. I think GP Knives sells them.
 
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HEST , D2 for a good tough blade,great lock,built like a tank and a bottle opener for after work haha
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ZT 200 ,I don't own this but it looks like it would do the job.
 
I've actually been eyeballing that HEST folder, but I've been reading mixed reviews on it, so I'm a little undecided on it. I have no experience with the company myself, so I've been going by word of mouth thus far.
 
Aah I missed the partially serrated bit. Both the endura and delica can be had with partially serrated edges and both are rock solid choices. So you are carrying 2 knives + a multitool now? Would a multitool with both a serrated blade and plain edge blade work for you? That cuts it down to 1 tool to carry. The benchmade contego can be had coated with a partially serrated edge, but I do not know about the ergos on that one.
 
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The blades on most multitools always made me nervous. They just seem flimsy to me, so I never trusted them that much. I do like the look of the Contego. I'll have to look into that one.
 
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^^ The blades on a multi-tool will work fine. It's what they're made for.
I honestly hate partially serrated knives because I don't think it gives you much of a usable edge of either plain or serrated.
I've done all kinds of work with plain edge blades and they handle everything just fine.
I think you would do fine just using a plain edge knife for the rope and everything else.
If it has good steel and edge retention, it'll make an easy job of any rope.

However, if you're really wanting something with a partially serrated edge, I say get a ZT with a coated blade. The scalloped serrations are the only serrations I'll even second guess getting. They are crazy sharp and hold their sharpness for a long time. Should do just fine for you, and likely make cleaner cuts.
 
Actually, speaking of multitools and plain edges and such, I just stumbled upon the Emerson Multitasker EDC-1. That looks...intriguing. And would probably be able to replace both my 2 knives and my multitool. Does anyone have any experience with this thing? My only concern is the blade being a little too short...

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Spyderco Southard for 230 , only a little out of budget. Cts204p is aggressive and holds a he'll of an edge :D. I use one at work though replaced it with a strider sng zwear
 
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