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need a good folder, needs specified

fixed blade knives are not illegal in CA as long as they are not concealed in anyway. there are no restrictions on folding knives of any size being concealed.
 
To add my 2 cents about the legality of unconcealed fixed blades (which is a common ordinance in many communities, all around the world). Just because it may be legal to carry a visible fixed-blade knife--and I personally have no problem with the law--keep in mind that doesn't mean you won't necessarily have a hassle-free day wearing one. Even on the street, especially in large cities, police officers are likely to spot it, get suspicious, and stop you to see if you have some nefarious scheme in mind--especially if you are young (under 30), a visual minority of any kind and/or have a non-conservative/mainstream clothing style.

Basically, if you don't have a work-related reason for carrying a knife (ie: courier, butcher, etc.), you are going to get hassled.

Again, just my 2 cents.
 
dd61999 said:
spyderco Manix

USA MADE


presidio_manix3.jpg
Click to expand...

Didn't Spyderco discontinue the Manix?
(i hope i'm wrong about that)
 
endura 4 delica 4
mannix
para mili
griptillian
ascent
one hand trekker
native
police
bm707
just o name a few
 
I believe that anything under 4" can be concealed, fixed or no. Also must be single edge. That being said, my idea of the closest thing to a fixed blade in a folder is a Kershaw Shallot. Stainless handles, frame lock, plain edge. It does have a slight recurve, but it is not too bad w/ crock sticks.
 
Since you found out that you can, indeed, carry an unconcealed, single-edged, fixed blade knife in California, I heartily recommend you carry the fixed in the wilderness :thumbup: A single-edged knife is the only reasonable way to go for wilderness use, anyways; every try to shave wood into tinder placing your hand on the "spine" of a double-edged knife? :p

The California knife laws sound somewhat similar to those here in New Mexico. I, personally, don't worry about being hassled or given dirty looks. When I'm in the wilderness, I carry my fixed blade knife unconcealed; I'm doing nothing illegal and have the knife for survival purposes. I've never had a single problem from law enforcement or civilians.

Ok, now to your initial question :) Here's a list of stout folding knives I've researched over the years:
- Zero Tolerance 0200 and 0300. The 0200 is about $100 cheaper and, from what I've read, is stout as all get-out
- Ontario Hossom Retribution 1 and 2. Various posters here at BR call these knives "frame locks with micarta slabs", as the liner lock is uber-thick :thumbup:
- Spyderco Manix and Chinook. Both are stout with strong locks, have great ergonomics and steel that holds an edge well.
- TOPS CQT Thunder Hawke, "hunter's" (drop) point. It has a thick blade (5/32") and a thick, titanium framelock with a G-10 slab on the opposing side. This knife is currently at the forefront of my "I wanna try it out" list. In fact, here's a link: http://www.knifesite.com/Tops-CQT-Thunder-Hawke-p/tkcqtthk02.htm
I don't know about the reliability of that specific e-tailer, I just googled the knife model and picked a decent site.
 
ZT 0500 would suit your needs. It is heavy duty but disapears in the pocket. Also, the lockup will likely never diminish in quality if you drop it in dirt, sand, mudd, or water. The pivot area and lock are sealed with O-rings.
 
The zt-500 looks perfect! now just where can i find one of those, hmm.
i always carry fixed blades in the wilderness, they are a neccessity.
i would appreciate any more feedback on the zt-500
 
California law allows folders of any size to be carried concealed, although some cities, such as LA, have more restrictive rules. California law also allows open carry of fixed blades, as long as no part of the knife/sheath is covered. Just be aware that the moment you step off the street and into a car, you now possess an illegal fixed blade in the passenger compartment of a moving vehicle. And concealed carry of a fixed blade of any size is illegal.

What is your price range? Most of the suggestions given here are in the $70-120 range, with some higher. If you want a reasonably large folder, some good ones, as already suggested, would be:

Spyderco Military
Spyderco Manix
Spyderco Chinook
Benchmade Griptilian (regular, Cabelas D2, or Ritter version)
Benchmade 710

Some of those occupy a large amount of real estate in your pocket. For me, the Manix is too large, but the Military is fine.

Some of the Kershaw models, like the Junkyard Dog and Cyclone, might also be worth investigating.
 
bowieman said:
A fixed blade is automatically a "dagger" in Cali?
As far as I know, I have'nt read the law in a while, but last I checked a 4", unconcealed single edge knife with less than 1 1/2" of serrations (if I recall) is legal.
Click to expand...


What? Why the hell are serrations illegal?
 
stitch_paradox said:
Well I asked my brother in law who's is a police officer if I can carry a fixed blade legally. According to him it's legal as long as it's not a dagger or any knife with the similarities of a dirk, dagger, or an ice pick.
Click to expand...

Damn - you mean I can't bring my ice pick over to CA............Apparently the movie - Basic Instinct - had a big policy impact in that state!
 
I've heard that serrated knives are restricted in some local areas...mostly because the look scarry, but don't underestimate the quick cutting of tough material from a quality serrated blade. It wouldn't be my primary as I mostly prefer plain edges, and I really don't care for the partial serrated blades too much, but I have and still do at times, carry a second folder that is fully-serrated (either a Spyderco Military or the smaller Native)...they have come in handy for me at times.

I won't comment on the laws as I don't know them for your area, but a simple, cheap Mora is pretty inexpensive insurance and I wouldn't be concerned if it was found in my pack...a simple excuse of "oops, my little fishing knife I forgot to leave at home". Even if confiscated, I have a several replacements at home:D

Aside from a fixed blade, there are a few folders I have and have used that I could rely on for tough tasks and chores.

1) Sebenza (probably a little over budget)
2) Benchmade Rukus...highly recommended
3) Spyderco Manix...highly recommended
4) Benchmade Skirmish (slight recurve, but still effective)
5) Spyderco Chinook (I have the original...stout folder)
6) ZT 301 (a monster!)
7) Emerson CQC12 (well designed frame-lock)
8) Benchmade (HK) 14205
9) Benchmade 710
10) Benchmade/Ritter RSK-1

A few large folders that rival most fixed blades in size that I like are:

Ontario's large Hossom (liner lock bigger than most frame locks)
TOPS CQT-Magnum 747 (large stout blade, well-executed liner lock)
Lone-Wolf Harsey T3 (large folder, good steel, well-executed liner lock)

Once I get my camera back from my daughter:grumpy:, I'll post pictures.

ROCK6
 
I'm going to go off on a bit of a tangent from most of the suggestions made here and recommend a good ol' SAK. langston302 mentioned the OH Trekker which is a great suggestion, but really there are a lot of models that would do the trick. I'd go with one of the ones that has a saw and I personally like the second smaller blade on my Hiker for whittling.

That having been said, I always carry a Spyderco Native or Delica clipped on my right pocket and my Victorinox Hiker in my left. I also usually carry a Victorinox Swiss Tool on my belt which makes the Hiker a little redundant but I still like carrying both. When I head to the woods I add a fixed blade of some kind. . . A Mora or Spyderco Temperance usually. . . and I usually put my Fiskars hatchet in my pack if I'm going out for an overnighter.
 
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