need a tactical folder

[Joe Talmadge]

Mercury,

I'm not fixated with what the Axis is designed for, I care more about what it's good at! First and foremost, the lock is strong and reliable -- most likely, more strong and reliable than any other knife mentioned here so far, certainly more reliable than the standard liner lock fare. It'll almost certainly outslash any knife here of similar size (the VG is certainly the king of the string though with its 6" blade), due to the recurve. The point is dropped nicely for control and good transfer of power. Yeah, the axis was designed as a utility knife, but beats most purpose-designed defense knives for that use, IMO.

The only weakness of the Axis is the comfortable (to me) handle, but which could be a bit more secure for defense use. Some people hate the Axis handle, finding it neither secure nor comfortable, and for them the Axis wouldn't be a good defensive choice. I find it exceedingly comfortable, and very secure (though nowhere in the class of, say, the Carnivour), enough that even slightly low marks on the handle don't counterbalance the blade and lock advantages.

Joe

 

[TerryR]

With all of the excellent choices everyone has posted, you can't go wrong. I like the BM Stryker the best for defense carry. It just seems to suit me perfectly. There are so many factors that affect the feel of a knife from person to person. The overall size and proportions of your hand, your hand and fore arm's strength characteristics, the shape of your fingers, and even the roughness of your skin. The CQC7 is great folder and also fits my hand well. But, something about the Stryker's handle that just makes the knife feel like an extention of my arm. But that won't be the case for everyone. The last time I was at a gun show, a vendor had just about every knife made (Ok, not every, but it was 9 tables full of knives). It's a great place to make a tangible assessment of your new knife purchase. Hope this helps.