Looking for a tactical lockback

Midget

Midget

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Jun 1, 2002
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I like tactical knives. Cause 'useful' is nice. Thing is, every "tactical" folder I've ever come across has always been linerlock/framelock. This seems like the knife world's biggest contradiction, to me, but that's another story. And decent framelocks, well, I can't seem to afford.

Anyone know of a good, useful, tactical lockback knife??? I've always had a good track with lockback designs, and I'm surprised that they don't occur more frequently.

I want the thickest blade I can get. Length must be 3 inches or sub three inches. Textured, grippy scales is good too. Pocket clip, tip up, dual thumbstuds but preferrably a hole. Under 4 oz. would be nice.

I've already taken a look at extrema ratio knives, but they kind of pull a high price tag. :(

Any ideas people?

Thanks a bunch.
 
:)

Had some experience with several Natives already. The SS one was too slippery, heavy. The FRN blade is too thin, primarily when it comes to the tip (the stupid top swedge is what did it). I don't like how the clip makes the knife ride high and conspicuously in the pocket.

I haven't had experience with the Native 3D, however, if the blade doesn't get too thin at the tip, I might try it again. I just read in a recent spyderco post on how the wire clip can be bent to ride deeper in the pocket.

Thanks for the input though, mschwoeb.

Anyone else???

:):)
 
Slim profile, affordable, one hand open, one hand close. Lockback with unique opening tab on the spine of the knife. Highly recommended.
 
Have you looked at Katz knives?
I don't know a whole about them, but I've never read anything bad about them. I'll post a link.
 
i don't usually advertise for EKI, but...

It seems to float your boat. And they're inexpensive:

http://www.emersonknives.com/HardWear_index.html

the "traveller" is 3". lockback, opening hole, nice zytel-ish scales, tip-up carry. good front guard.

"bonus" is AUS8.

it has better front guard and a less swedge than the native.

i don't think you'll easily find (if at all) a full-spine-thickness ground < 3" knife... they get a little blunt when the primary grind has so little height to work with.

-j
 
You didn't mention price.
If you want a truly excellent folder, also take a look at the Microtech SOCOM. It's NOT a linerlock, okay, it kind of is, but it really isn't. They call it a locking bar mechanism. It's strong really strong.
 
I've put some thought into the Emerson Hard Wear line before. I really like the ergonomics of the Traveller. How thick is the blade, though? And does anyone know how it rides in the pocket? I can only find a pic of the left side of the knife.

Quiet Storm, I have an FRN delica. It's my backup, I carry it factory sharp IWB of my boxers. I don't like the blade shape/size for EDC carry. But good recommendation. :)

I didn't mention a price, you're right. And the Microtech SOCOM is definately out of my grasp. :(

Let's cap a price at about 150.00.

And if 3" is too short to get any decent width out of the blade, I'm willing to delve into the 3.5" range..

Thanks everyone.
 
how about the spyderco endura in VG10? i had one and would've kept it if not for the lack of a finger choil, like that of the native. Of course, with some time, a choil could be filed into the frn, just my personal preference.

Edited to add: oops, didnt read the 3 inch part, sorry.
 
Originally posted by Midget


I want the thickest blade I can get. Length must be 3 inches or sub three inches. Textured, grippy scales is good too. Pocket clip, tip up, dual thumbstuds but preferrably a hole. Under 4 oz. would be nice.
Click to expand...

Tachnically, this meets almost all of your requirements...ultra strong lockback (errr "frontlock"), thumb hole, grippy scales (with a safety ring :) ), tip up, 3" or under etc...and it's tactical! so what if it's a karambit :)

SP-002.jpg
 
The one I've got clipped to my waistband right now would be an excellent choice. That Knife is the Spyderco Police (older stainless steel version with Gin-1 blade steel). Either the stainless steel or carbon fiber handled versions would work just fine. VG-10 is the current blade steel and that's great, because I really like VG-10. This knife feels really comfortable in my hand and it has no blade play at all. If I had to choose again I wouldn't get the serrations, but that is a personal preference.
 
If the regular Native doesn't meet your needs, consider Benchmade's 705. It's not a lockback, but it's still a safe, strong happy lock, a versatile blade shape, and very ruggedly designed.
 
the SOCOM isn't out of your grasp.
Keep an eye out on ebay. seriously.
$150 should get you one.
 
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