Hey everyone! I'm new to the community and searching for a heavy duty, preferably frame lock folding knife for my edc. I'm hoping to get a lot of use out of the knife so i was wondering what brand a model would best serve my needs. I'm looking for something with a really good steel that'll have excellent edge retention while being relatively rust resistant. I'm gonna try and keep my budget at or below the $200 line but i'm willing to consider stuff that's slightly outside of that. I've been looking at a lot of ZT's and also a DPx Hest/F Milspec but i'm not sure what to think of the Sleipner steel. Once again, i'm new here and so i might be being a little vague as to what i'm looking for exactly but i'd appreciate any help y'all can offer!
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Looking for a solid, heavy duty edc folder that'll last forever
- Thread starter Jpchillin
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SVTFreak
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You didn't specify a size, or even particular use. That would help a lot.
I can tell you that I have a zt0550, that once I loctited the handle screws, served me very well. Some of those may be just outside of the price you set, but could be had for less in the exchange.
I can tell you that I have a zt0550, that once I loctited the handle screws, served me very well. Some of those may be just outside of the price you set, but could be had for less in the exchange.
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The Knifeworks exclusive Benchmade Contego with M390 springs to mind. Kizer makes a variety of framelocks that are within your budget and their quality is quite good, Manix 2 XL would fit the bill, Cold Steel makes the Recon 1 and American Lawman in XHP, or you could snag a ZT 0562 or maybe the now discontinued 0560.
Sonnydaze
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Your guess of a ZT is excellent. But check out their line, as they have loads of models and weights and blade-lengths and steels. I don't like to go over five ounces for my EDC, but many folks like heavier than that.
The ZT 0452CF has been on my want list for a while; is a four-inch blade and plenty long grip for larger hands or a gloved first responder.
The ZT 0450 is a slimmed down version...shorter, lighter. I like about a 3.3"-3.5" blade and 4.6" grip-length, about 4-5 ounces, in general.
Try for good blade-steel: M390, 204P, S90V for longer edge retention in stainless.
There are many other GOOD steels, but those listed are pretty well near the top.
The ZT 0452CF has been on my want list for a while; is a four-inch blade and plenty long grip for larger hands or a gloved first responder.
The ZT 0450 is a slimmed down version...shorter, lighter. I like about a 3.3"-3.5" blade and 4.6" grip-length, about 4-5 ounces, in general.
Try for good blade-steel: M390, 204P, S90V for longer edge retention in stainless.
There are many other GOOD steels, but those listed are pretty well near the top.
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Kershaw Cryo II would probably work, or Leek D2 Composite blade. These are well within your budget and tough. A Spyderco Stretch or any other knife with a ZDP-189 Blade is a good pick, a little more expensive. Any of the knives talked about on this forum should last a lifetime.
Thanks for the feedback! As for a blade size, weight and particular use, it doesn't really matter to me how much the knife weighs in my pocket, i walked around with an iphone 4s in an otterbox armor case for quite some time so weight in my pocket isn't much of an issue. For blade size, i live in ct so anything above 4 inches is illegal to carry i believe, i'm interested in anything between 3.25 and 4 inches in blade length. As far as particular use is concerned, i'm just looking for something that could be used to open boxes, cut rope, some slight food prep, nothing too extreme but i'd like for the knife to be capable of handling the extreme should i need it to rise to the occasion! Thank you all for your suggestions thus far and I hope this additional info is helpful!
brancron
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One of these Kizers would probably fit the bill: http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Kizer-F...e_length.high=3.49&filter.blade_length.high=4
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ZT 0550. I can't think of anything better as a forever knife for near the price.
Check out the Microtech DOC in Elmax steel. Elmax is tough and stainless, and Microtech put a good heat treat on this knife. I think you can find one on the for-sale subforum and stay within your budget. Heavy-duty knives like this won't slice as well as knives with better geometry, but they are tough.
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ZT0560 0562 both great both close to your price point. What about the maxpedition excelsa as a budget option?
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Kabar mule. Inexpnsive. Steel liners. Aus-8. Take a licking and keeps on kicking. I have posted several reviews, one with pics. Lost one in the mud years ago, found it recently, cleaned it up...and still cuts fine. Its a good knife for the price. Aside from that, Id recommend ZT.
Within reasonable $$$ :
CRK Sebenza, large or small.
Grayman Dua or Satu.
DPx HEST
Emerson Commander or CQC-7A.
ZT 560/61.
As to Sleipner steel, I have it in a few models including a HEST fixed. It's as good as anything else to me. Fairly easy to sharpen too, compared to, like, S30V, etc. It might be a little more stain prone if you get into some really bad stuff...but not a lot. I like the feel of it---reminds me of a stiff 1095 like the old Schrade-Waldens. I think it can be fired to a click higher RC too, but not sure what the HEST is hardened to.
By the way, even the HEST D-2 is very, very good D-2.
See what the metalurgists say......
CRK Sebenza, large or small.
Grayman Dua or Satu.
DPx HEST
Emerson Commander or CQC-7A.
ZT 560/61.
As to Sleipner steel, I have it in a few models including a HEST fixed. It's as good as anything else to me. Fairly easy to sharpen too, compared to, like, S30V, etc. It might be a little more stain prone if you get into some really bad stuff...but not a lot. I like the feel of it---reminds me of a stiff 1095 like the old Schrade-Waldens. I think it can be fired to a click higher RC too, but not sure what the HEST is hardened to.
By the way, even the HEST D-2 is very, very good D-2.
See what the metalurgists say......
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I just purchased the update of the ZT 0560BW with the additional steel lockbar insert. Awesome knife IMO.
I'm gonna say +1 +2 +3 +4.....on the zt 0560. I have a 0561 that is tough as nails damn great knives they are always in the exchange and could be had at great deals. Considering that you mentioned cuttig up food then the 0562 is also great. Can handle everything the 0560 can but has that slicer grind that will give you the slight advantage when cutting food. Still in your price range. And often in the exchange as well.
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One of the Kershaw models with upgraded steel (varies by model) would be no slouch, and quite a bit less of an investment than a ZT. There is an Elmax version of the Knockout, a couple of different Blur versions with different steels, and the Camber in S30V. Meanwhile, numerous ZTs are available brand new well under $200.
I'd suggest you research the Hogue EX series. The steel is tried and true 154CM, so nothing exotic, but they are very nice knives that fall well within your budget.
I'd suggest you research the Hogue EX series. The steel is tried and true 154CM, so nothing exotic, but they are very nice knives that fall well within your budget.