Need help on choosing good folder

Joined
Feb 24, 2009
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Hi, I need some help on choosing between some knives mostly for EDC use and possibly tactical. I need a EDC folder that I can easily fit into my pockets, and serves as an excellent tactical knife as well since my neighborhood is kind of on the rougher side. I have 4 knives come to mind, Emerson CQC-7, Emerson Mini Commander, Spyderco Military, and the Zero Tolerance 350. Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks
 
What about the Blade Tech knives? I'd take one of those over any of your suggestions.

I like the full flat ground Pro Hunter. If you want a pointy tip, go with the MLEK.
 
They are certainly good knives, but I was hoping to choose 1 of the 4, do you have any suggestions?

I was actually going to say that any of the 4 you mentioned would do but since you mentioned that your neighborhood is rough, get the largest flashiest blade( not black). I think ZT only comes in black.
 
Of the 4 you mentioned in my mind the clear winner Military is the one I would choose. Next is the ZT and the mini-commander in a two way tie for second, last is the CQC-7 simply because personally I’m not a huge fan of tanto blades. That being said you named 4 good knives and I doubt you’d be disappointed with any of them.
 
Of the 4 you mentioned in my mind the clear winner Military is the one I would choose. Next is the ZT and the mini-commander in a two way tie for second, last is the CQC-7 simply because personally I’m not a huge fan of tanto blades. That being said you named 4 good knives and I doubt you’d be disappointed with any of them.

Oh sorry, I meant Paramilitary, but it wouldn't matter too much right?
 
Out of those, I'd go with the Military. It is a 'standard' for a reason and the lock is usually reliable. I carry one occassionally when I foresee being able to take advantage of the great slicing ability the blade has and the great hand-filling handle. Well made is the rule with the Military, too.

Personally, I wouldn't choose any of the them as an primary EDC.

The Emerson CQC-7, Emerson Mini Commander, Spyderco Military, and the Zero Tolerance 350 are all liner-locks and I no longer recommend such due to inconsistant lock-failure at trivial loadings. Nothing like discovering an apparently reliable lock failing through totally unexpected pain and blood.

Also, the Emersons have tanto blades, a limiter in their use; Emerson does make knives other than tantos and I do like some of the features his knives have, such as the use of more common fasteners.

The 350 is big and bulky, with an AO feature I don't find to be overly useful. As to the AO, if you get used to the feature, you also loose speed in opening other knives without the feature. Muscle memory and all that.

If by 'tactical' you mean self-defense, I'd recommend choosing a knife first for utility, one you'll use regularly and be comfortable with, and practice basic defensive moves with that knife.
 
Oh sorry, I meant Paramilitary, but it wouldn't matter too much right?

I’ve got a Para in my back pocket right now, so…I would still choose it of those mentioned. That said I think the Military is a more well regarded knife.
 
I am scared if the Spyderco Paramilitary is kind of weak because of the compression lock, the liners dont seem that thick, what are your experiences with the lockup and pivot strength of the spyderco paramilitary? Thanks
 
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