Looking for a Specific Kind of Folder

N

Nephron44

Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Messages
979
Hey there!

I haven't posted in a while; moving and starting a new job really takes a toll on free time and money! Anyway, it's good to be back! So I was thinking...new city, new job, new knife!

I really really like the look and feel of the Zero Tolerance Emerson folders, but I really don't like the wave function or the price tag. I would prefer tip down carry, but with a strong enough detent, I can deal with tip up. I looked at the folders directly from Emerson, but I don't really care for the fact that if you sharpen it wrong, you void the warranty (I'm not an expert sharpener) and I've heard that Zero Tolerance has better fit and finish anyway. I also looked at the Zero Tolerance 0566 and actually used to have one, but I just couldn't get past the assist and would prefer to not deassist myself.

Here's what I'm looking for:

Similar in style to the Zero Tolerance Emersons

No wave

No assist (and I'd rather not try deassisting, I want no assist from the factory)

Durable enough to not worry about cutting tough materials (thick rubber, thick leather, car seats, electrical cord, etc)

Durable enough to not worry about stabbing through the above materials

Built well enough to last for years after being used daily (if cared for properly)

Blade length 3.6 and under (work restrictions)

No more than 150 USD new, but not a cheapo knife either.

Sorry I'm so picky! If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know! Thank you in advance!
 
Last edited:
Look at some knives designed by Bob Terzuola. Spyderco makes several models but I can't think of any specific ones.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Until I got to the $150 part I was thinking the ZT0909 would work well for you. At $180 new it is just a bit higher than your range. I will keep thinking and see what I can come up with.
 
Riley12 said:
Look at some knives designed by Bob Terzuola. Spyderco makes several models but I can't think of any specific ones.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I like the Spyderco Native 5, but I couldn't find one with serrations that had steel liners...only in the lightweight. Not that I have to have serrations, I just like the look of serrations on Spyderco's designs for some reason. How is Spyderco's warranty? I heard it wasn't as forgiving as Zero Tolerance or Buck...
 
Nephron44 said:
I like the Spyderco Native 5, but I couldn't find one with serrations that had steel liners...only in the lightweight. How is Spyderco's warranty? I heard it wasn't as forgiving as Zero Tolerance or Buck...
Click to expand...

I've used their warranty once. And I have owned probably 50 spydercos over the years.
You could always find a used Emerson on the exchange. Sharpening them is actually not as difficult as it seems. There seems to be a few waveless models up lately.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I have hear horror stories about Emerson's customer service. I have no experience with them myself, so I can only go off of what my friends say, but I have heard both good and bad. However, I have never heard anything bad about Zero Tolerance, Buck, or CRKT in terms of warranty...but if I never needed to use the warranty...
 
I also take it you're wanting an Emerson looking g-10 folder.
Check out a spyderco military as well. Or the PM2.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I do like the look of the Emerson G10 style, but I'm not stuck on it. I looked at the PM2, but that tip scares me for stabbing through tough materials. The military is just too big.
 
Nephron44 said:
I have hear horror stories about Emerson's customer service. I have no experience with them myself, so I can only go off of what my friends say, but I have heard both good and bad. However, I have never heard anything bad about Zero Tolerance, Buck, or CRKT in terms of warranty...but if I never needed to use the warranty...
Click to expand...

I've sent one Emerson in for work, and it's the one I currently have in my pocket, the Horseman. It was gone for two weeks. And back without me having to pay for anything other than shipping. Again, I've only had great experience with Emerson as well as spyderco.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Here is my recommendation. ZT 0808, has web pricing of $200, but I normally buy NIB or as-new from Exchange for much less. I just got mine for 140 or 150 and saw another at same time for similar price. It's perfect. UNassisted flipper on KVT bearing and flips just great. Excellent quality. 3.25" blade of S35VN, 0.160" spine. Titanium slabs. Replaceable hardened steel lockbar insert, so lasts forever and will NOT ever stick on tang. Chamfered grip so it really feels good in my hand. Very smooth in operation. Light enough to EDC; tough enough for whatever you want to cut. Impressive, and I've owned a LOT of ZT's. Deep carry pocket-clip available from customer service at no cost.
NO-stick lockup at a solid 40% on the tang. Solid as heck. About 4.3 oz and a nice mid-sized folder. Very "clean" design. Just keep your eyes open and check out one for yourself.

 
Last edited:
Cold steel mini recon 1. Thats your best bet. Strong knife, tactical looking, great blade steel. Its tip up but it wont open on you. Well within your budget.
 
Spyderco manix 2
Spyderco Gayle Bradley
 
You like the Emerson look and want waveless, quality build, great customer service and under $150?
Easy. You want an H&k 14715 or the smaller 15716.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top