Need help/recomendations for next knife.

Charr

Charr

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Oct 8, 2013
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I've wandered around the forums by accident for years, bbut now I wanted to ask you guys what your opinion for a good next knife would be.

I'm looking in the price range of $100-$250, though there's a little bit of flexibility in that, and I'm looking for a folding knife with preferably high wear and corrosion resistance, so probably in the stainless department. I prefer 3.5in blades, and am limited where I live to under 4in, but I like the largest blades I can carry.
I know that this is pretty vague, so to get an idea of what I'm looking for, the current considerations are a Zero Tolerance 0561 ($220), a Spyderco Domino ($200), and an Emerson CQC8 ($208). The Emerson may be put on hold for another purchase, mostly because I'm looking for more of a heavy-use folder.
Right now I own 3 benchmades (940, Griptilian, Barrage), and 2 Spydercos (Endura, Manix 2 XL). I probably dont want another Benchamde, just because that's most of what I've been buying lately.

Any feedback is welcome, and thanks guys, I know I'm a bit picky, but that's how I am with my blades :D
 
First of all - Welcome to the Forums :)

But you´d better ask your question in "General Knife Discussion". This is the place for traditional folders and fixed blades... and the knives you are looking for are not really that traditional, in any way.
 
Sorry and thanks
Quite frankly wandering around a bit lost
 
Welcome to the forums! Manix 2 dominated my pocket for a long time but recently it has been bumped for the 2012 bladeforums traditional knife which is the GEC Saddle Trapper. The versatility of the clip and wharncliffe is fantastic and it is a lot more people friendly than my Spydies or Benchmades.

Give a traditional a shot, you might love it.
 
Why don't you share what you use your knives for? That would help give forum members an idea for what to suggest.
 
Take a look at GEC's Ben Hogan and Al Mar's Eagle. These are more tradtional, but the eagle with the thumbstud for opening and the talon blade is a "transitional" piece. Don't worry about being "lost" feel free to visit us anytime.

Ed J
 
Thanks for all the input guys!
Even though this was put on the wrong area, I'm glad its here too because I do like and enjoy using traditional folders, I just haven't seen any that really fit my needs.
I mostly use my blades for box cutting, occasionally I have to cut through plastic and heavier material, but usually for fairly long periods of time. My current non-work EDC is my Osborne 940, and my work knife is either my Griptilian, my Barrage, or the Manix 2 XL, depending on the rotation for that day.
I do like the Eagle, and it actually almost made my list for the original choices, but the problem is that delicate tip, and honestly I am not a huge fan of AUS 8, though I know it is still a good, reliable steel for most jobs, just not what I need this knife to do.
 
If you like the traditional/modern blends take a look at the Case trapperlock, it has the thumb stud and pocket clip but still has a very traditional look and feel.

Friction Folders like Michael Morris and Svord Peasant knives also offer 1 handed opening with the added bonus of not scaring the non knife folks.
 
Moving to General.
(Not to worry. Happens all the time. Come back and hang out with us talk about traditional slipjoints. )

Moving_van_tnb_zps0defcb83.png
 
Add a little extra and get a user Sebenza! ZT, Lionsteel and Bradley Alias all come to mind.
 
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cchu518 said:
Add a little extra and get a user Sebenza! ZT, Lionsteel and Bradley Alias all come to mind.
Click to expand...

I think I might hold out for a sebenza for a while. I don't think I could comfortably carry a knife quite that valuable, though I definitely want one and will be getting one probably at the end of next year. I really like the Bradley alias actually now that I look at it!
The lion steel would be perfect too if it weren't in D2, but I need to not have to worry about rust unfortunately. Love that deep-carry clip it has though!
I'll start to look for a non-serrated Alias, because my usual place to buy is out of them. See how the price stacks up elsewhere :)
 
If you pick one just get a User on the forum they show up often. A lot of the forum Sebenzas are safe queens so you won't get a discount on those of course. But the users do pop up for really close to your price range. The Alias is gorgeous! Not a fan of the Lionsteel's myself but I offered them up as well as the ZT's. I went for a Benchmade Pinnacle 750 at some point but it was too big to carry for me. You can sometimes find one of those in mint condition if you get lucky Ti, scales for middle of your range! Otherwise your just stuck getting the same old Spyderco's and Benchmade's which is the least of someone's problems. I have models from both too. Great knives. But if you're bored the Sebenza and Alias is a no brainer. They're both just beautiful knives and usable!
 
The ZT560 is pretty darned big. Personally I would go with the ZT550. S35VN blade, Ti framelock, just a great knife.
 
I still have second thoughts about the Sebenza, and would prefer to have a new one...even though it will hurt the wallet. I like the 750, though I carry only tip-up right hand, but finding one proves pretty difficult.
I'm probably going with the ZT 0561, and though I know it's a bit big, that's part of the reason that I want the knife. I definitely like the 0550, but I want to get the 0561 first, then get the 0550 later.
 
I've had lots of Sebbies, and have NEVER bought a new one. There is no need. You can buy a "large" for $325 on the Exchange most of the time, and a very cheap spa-job at CRK ($20 or so), if you ever want one, makes the titanium scales like new. I don't like scratches on the blade, but scuffs on titanium are no problem at all.
I've had 8 or 10 ZT from 350's up thru 0561 and now only own a 550. It's not so huge as the 56x line and still gives you everything you ever wanted in a heavier-duty knife.
I am first and foremost a Chris Reeves guy. Actually, my favorite...and my EDC is the Umnumzaan.
Be careful in buying a flipper...you might not like a flipper. Some do; some don't. Try to try one out at a dealer somewhere.
Good luck. The Search for the "Holy Grail" is what makes it all fun.
And remember, sir, that thinner blades cut and slice better than thicker blades. No way around that.
 
Sonnydaze said:
I've had lots of Sebbies, and have NEVER bought a new one. There is no need. You can buy a "large" for $325 on the Exchange most of the time, and a very cheap spa-job at CRK ($20 or so), if you ever want one, makes the titanium scales like new. I don't like scratches on the blade, but scuffs on titanium are no problem at all.
I've had 8 or 10 ZT from 350's up thru 0561 and now only own a 550. It's not so huge as the 56x line and still gives you everything you ever wanted in a heavier-duty knife.
I am first and foremost a Chris Reeves guy. Actually, my favorite...and my EDC is the Umnumzaan.
Be careful in buying a flipper...you might not like a flipper. Some do; some don't. Try to try one out at a dealer somewhere.
Good luck. The Search for the "Holy Grail" is what makes it all fun.
And remember, sir, that thinner blades cut and slice better than thicker blades. No way around that.
Click to expand...

While I do agree with you on the user Sebnzas now that I look, I just don't think that what I want the knife for this time matches with the Sebenza, at least not for me. I need this knife to handle very heavy cutting, hold its edge, and still be usable outside of work, and, personally, I like the look of the 0561, though I will admit that I also like the 0550, about as much.
I really wish there was a dealer in my area that I could go to and handle these knives, because if I could I would know in an instant which one is better for me, but the closest one to me is about an hour away, and I can't reasonably find an excuse to drive that far.
Thanks so much for the input, and you've definitely helped me put the Sebenza much closer to my reach, though I plan to hold out on it for a little longer.
And yes, you are without a doubt correct about the thinner blades...which is why my old RAT 1 went to an early grave when I hit a staple in a box and took a chunk out of the blade. Since then, I've just preferred slightly beefier blades (still bought another RAT 1 :)).
 
Have you considered the Spyderco Superleaf? Solid price, would save you a nice hunk of cash. Nice fat piece of Spyderco VG-10. Great ergos. Compression lock. Smooth as any knife I own (besides the Al Mar SERE 2000, which is my second recommendation).

The Al Mar SERE 2000 is my second recommendation. It is a bit expensive for VG-10 but honestly I think Al Mar's heat treat is probably the best of VG-10 in a production folder. Extremely smooth knive. Black deep carry pocket clip. Bomb-proof liner lock. Plus its an Al Mar :thumbup: ;)

Both compared to two knives you own:

IMG_20131010_032146_893.jpg
 
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I definitely like design of the Superleaf, but I can't really find a dealer that has one in stock right now, and I will probably pull the trigger on this one by the middle of next week.
As for the Al Mar, while I do agree that they do an amazing job with VG10, and, having handled one before, I also agree that they are tanks, a big part of me wants to get a Ti integral lock this time. I'm not really sure why, but it appeals a lot to me as a mechanism.
That being said, my original preference of the ZT0561 has changed, and now I'm fairly set on the 0550, partly because it is almost the exact same amount of USABLE knife (to me), for significantly less money (found it for $165 shipped). What i mean by this is the increase in handle size between the two is relatively nil, considering that the flipper/guard on the 056X models make about 1/2" of the handle non-used material. In contrast, the 0550 not only utilizes the entire handle, but also has the forward finger choil built into the blade, which I like a lot. I haven't ever been able to hold either of these knives, but I think that, after watching several videos of people who have very similar preferences to me, I think I will find the 0550 more comfortable.
In addition, unfortunately my budget came in a bit shorter than I thought it would be, and I can only now spend about $200 at the most, which makes the 0550 much more suited. I will probably be buying either the 0561 or be investing more into buying my first sebenza next year, and won't really be able to buy many more major knives until then, but if I do, I will definitely be coming back to ask again.
Thanks so much for all of your help and feedback, and if you still have any ideas please let me know (there's still a little time for me to change my mind)!
I'll let you guys know what I think of the new knife when it comes in!
 
Can't go wrong with the Spyderco paramilitary 2 and if you like your grip I would recommend a Doug Ritter Grip with Wilkins Scales.
 
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