Modern folder.....

GPyro

GPyro

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Apr 18, 2019
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I've been kicking around the idea of getting an Onset.
Sure it has mixed reviews but I like things about it.

I'm partial to the Sprint series knives.
I'm impressed with how they perform.
I already have a few.....

I'm not really looking for advice, but maybe hoping to open a dialog about Buck's current line of modern folders.

There's very little input here about the newer autos.
If you have one I'd like to read your thoughts.


What's you're favorite modern folder and why....?
Or maybe, what are you're concerns?

Thanks.😎
 
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I'm sorta partial to the "flipper" concept opposed to an automatic.

If I'm gonna put a knife in my pocket, I'm concerned about accidental opening at the push of a button.
I prefer that button deployed automatics be carried in a sheath.
 
My two favorite knives are my Buck Sprints, hands down. But personally, I’m not a huge fan of frame locks. They’re ok, just not my preferred lock. My two Sprints - Sprint Pro and Sprint Ops Pro - check all my boxes for an EDC: perfect size and weight, great looking and feeling handles, excellent blade steels, and perfect flipper action. I have five other Bucks (112 Ranger Sport, 327 Nobleman, 303 Cadet, 301 Stockman, and 656 Pursuit Pro), which I also like a lot, but not like the Sprints.
 
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I have a couple of 830 Marksman that are really nice bearing flippers but my favorite is the 347 large Vantage pro.
I have several in different steels, s30v, s35vn, cpm154, 20cv.

I don’t have any of the newer models yet, the sprint series looks good and the onset looks to be a great one.

Im kinda like you about automatic push button blades not for pocket carry. I use a sheath only for mine. But it is a nice function when I have a bum off hand or arm. But a flipper works just as well and I have better control over the opening.
 
I'm in CA where blades on autos are limited to 2 inches. I don't like the handle shape on Buck's autos.
I'm not much of a fan of flippers as the flipper tabs are big enough to be annoying to me in knife use. Buck's flipper tabs seem small enough to get past that. I have a Vantage but I found the flipper tab to be too small and I couldn't flip the blade to the locked open position. When I loosened the pivot I introduced blade play.
 
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Early on I was hesitant to like liner locks.
You heard horror stories of incomplete blade lock up, and then there was having to clean the mechanism if the knife was used while hunting.

Well, in time I figured "ok, so just use the liner lock knife as an edc".
While hunting I prefer a fixed blade but always chose to use a 110 as a backup.

At work I prefer the reliability of the 110. I work commercial and industrial construction.
What worked yesterday is what I'm gonna use tomorrow.

Outside of work I grab a modern version of what my old favorites have evolved into.

Mind you, I've never had issue with liner lock knives failing to lock up, but I honestly don't push the limits of their abilities like I do a lock back knife.

I'm curious as new things are introduced.
It's interesting.

I don't collect folding knives. I use them.
(Boy that's a lie, I've got knives I've never used. Lol, they're not the focus of my collection.)

But I have become quite interested in some of the new folding knives being introduced.
 
I have all the modern knives Buck makes and made more recently. I have two 040s....I did some whining on them when they first came out, but my fears did not come to fruition. they are a bit too pricey, for what they are, without any sales or discounts.


GPyro said:
I'm sorta partial to the "flipper" concept opposed to an automatic.

If I'm gonna put a knife in my pocket, I'm concerned about accidental opening at the push of a button.
I prefer that button deployed automatics be carried in a sheath.
Click to expand...
or a safety.....on autos. I dont believe in pocket carrying a side opener auto without a safety. it's not a matter of if, only when you'll wish you had a safety. George Schrade figured this out over 100 years ago on safeties. recessed button locks don't work as safeties in pocket carry. he went to safeties on all his auto knives. im amazed makers today ignore the wisdom figured out long ago on autos.....I get knife users haven't figured it out though. they are believing the makers wouldnt make it if it wasnt completely safe......little do they realize........
.
 
brianv said:
I'm in CA where blades on autos are limited to 2 inches. I don't like the handle shape on Buck's autos.
I'm not much of a fan of flippers as the flipper tabs are big enough to be annoying to me in knife use. Buck's flipper tabs seem small enough to get past that. I have a Vantage but I found the flipper tab to be too small and I couldn't flip the blade to the locked open position. When I loosened the pivot I introduced blade play.
Click to expand...
it's hit and miss on the vantages. also requires a fast firm straight push more than a pull finger down hard open.
 
I'm agreeing with folks on the Vantage knives. I really like them
I believe the Sprints are an improvement in how easily they flip open.
And there's no need for a safety button.
 
I’ve been carrying one or another of two standard grade Vantage 345 for about the last year and a half. I just got a premium grade Vantage Alaskan Guide 347 last week. The Vantage suits me fine for a modern knife, I’ve never noticed the tab once the blade is open and locked. Is the only difference between the 345 and the 347 the premium blade steel? OH
 
If I'm gonna carry an auto in a sheath, it'll be a 112 or a 110.

I'm interested in the Paradigm auto.
The bolster lock is intriguing.
That could possibly be an auto I would consider putting in my pocket with the pocket clip.
The non-auto is sorta pointless on that knife in my uneducated opinion.

It's a rather expensive knife to purchase just to get it in your hand and check it out.
If you could order it from Buck w/ BCCI pricing I'd probably get the black one.....

There's a new folder in my future.
I just gotta decide.🤔
 
I kinda have mixed feelings about modern folders in general. While the slim pocket friendly profile of many modern designs is nice for carrying I find them to be uncomfortable in heavy duty or extended time use. In that senecio I prefer something like the standard size 110 or 112.
For the light to medium use the slim modern designs are very handy and make for an excellent edc. I don’t have any concerns about them being liner locks, flippers or autos because like I say I mostly use them in light to medium duty and keep a 110 in my vehicle for the heavy duty stuff. I do rotate my 110 sport as edc and it is very nice. It’s not as easy to flip open but I can still open it one handed.
 
I am hands-down a huge Vantage fan--both sizes. My collection continues to grow of this great design. The action on all my Vantages has been splendid. Can't beat the pocket clip. I would love to see them nudge their way into Buck's Custom offerings.

I like everything about the Spitfires...except the pocket clip. I have replaced the pocket clip on my large Copper/Clad s30v Spitfire with the BM BO clip--perfect match.

I have a Paradigm. It is very nice with a Vantage-like pocket clip. Still...a bit beefy in the pocket. Solid design and action, however.

I have a Marksman. Tanto. Solid, yet beefy in the pocket. Fidget fun.

I purchased an Onset with the BCCI discount. Returned it within two days. Outstanding materials, action, and fit/finish, but the pocket clip stuck out with all corners. I don't like calling attention to a pocket clip.

I have grown to really enjoy my four Sprint Pro's. Just received my fourth this week. The pocket clip on the Sprint series is almost perfect...sticks out a bit on the very end (unlike the Vantage). The action is music. The handle material options are top-shelf.

My 112 Slim Pro TRX's are amazing for the traditional genre. Every aspect. Perfect.

All that said, I still hope that Buck will not only continue the Vantage series, but I hope that they continue to offer it in SFO, Custom (someday), and BOTM.

JMHO re: Buck modern folders. ;)
 
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