Need help with a new folder purchase

M

Merlyn

Joined
Nov 27, 2005
Messages
7
Hey guys,

I'm looking to get a new EDC folder. Right now I have two knives that I alternate carrying and I don't really care for either of them. The first is a Boker Top Lock Tac II Auto which actually has a pretty solid opening and feel to it, but the blade is much too short and partially serrated and I really hate the way the handle gets smaller toward the bade of the palm. It really hampers your ability to get a good grip for heavy pressure cutting, and its a horrible shape for a tactical grip so I never train with it. I have no idea why they would shape a handle like that. It is competely ergonomically incorrect. Anyway, my second EDC knife is a SS Spyderco Endura. I like it a bit better. The blade is a little bit longer, but still a little shorter than I'm looking for, and the handle is just too thin for most uses, although its not too bad for tactical applications. Another problem I've had with both knives is that they won't hold en edge worth a crap. The Boker is 440A and the Spyderco is AUS-6. So, I've tolerated these for long enough and I need something new.

I have a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for, but I don't know what knife fits the bill. I'm very fond of the Al-Mar SERE 2000. In fact, if it was a little bit bigger and longer, it would be the EXACT knife that I would want, but I'm looking for a knife that is about an inch longer that the S2K.....preferably with a blade length of 4" - 4.75", and a little bit bigger, as I have pretty big hands. I like the handle style on the S2K, but I also like the coffin-style and other non-curved handles. Handle material doesn't matter and I don't really care which type of locking mechanism it has. I don't care what type of point it has as long as its not a tanto, but I do often need a thinner and very sharp point for precise applications. I'm especially looking for a blade that will hold a razor edge for as long as possible. The knife won't be used often, but when it is, it will be subjected to pretty heavy use cutting rope, cardboard, some wood, cloth, soft plastic, etc.

I don't think that I'm being too specific. I'm sure there are knives out there that fit the bill. Anyway, I'd love to hear any recommendations and I certainly thank any of you that could help me out. Money is not really an object as long as it isn't $500 or more. Thanks for your help.

Jester
 
Benchmade Rukus sounds like it would fit the bill: a big honkin' knife with S30V steel that should hold an edge very well. The Axis lock doesn't hurt either.
 
The Benchmade Skirmish is top shelf and inexpensive for what you get. The BM 710D2 replaced my Endura as my EDC, and IMO the 710 in much better. SOG Spec Elite II is pretty good too.
 
For $500 or less you can contact custom maker to make a knife up to your specifications.

There aren't many production 4"+ blade folders.
Benchmade Rukus, Skirmish and 42 balisong, Ontario Retribution, Coldsteel Vaquero grande.

BM 710 and Spyderco Military would be worth mentioning as well but they are both under 4".
 
I like the look of the SOG Spec I & II. I know I'm looking for a larger blade, but the 5" monster on the SE II is huge. I think the 4" on the Spec Elite I would be perfect.

On the other hand, that Lone Wolf T3 Tactical is a fine piece of work......not to mention the fact that I LOVE the Harsey D2 D/A Auto and I'm obviously going to have to buy it to replace my Boker Auto.

So, its probably between the T3 Tactical and one of the SOG Spec Elites. Maybe I'll just have to get one of each. So, the question is, which steel is better.....AUS8 or CPM S30V? Which holds an edge longer?

Oh, and by the way, I need a new sharpening system. Which sharpening system works the best to put a good edge on higher RH steels like D2 ( 60-62 )? I've heard good things about Spyderco's Sharpmaker. Any others?

Thanks again!

Jester
 
AUS8 or S30V?

I love AUS8, but S30V should DEFINITELY have better edge retention.

The Spyderco Sharpmaker is a good system . . . for touching up your knives. Don't plan on doing any heavy steel removal even with the diamond rods. For steels like D2, S30V, and ZDP-189, it will take you a little longer on the SM as well.
 
Thanks Lugwig!

What do you love about AUS 8? I've absolutely hated the AUS 6 knives that I have had, so what is the difference between AUS6 and AUS8? The AUS6 knives I've had just don't seem to want to put on a good edge and keep it. Of course, I guess that could be operator error. What do you think?
 
Id suggest the spyderco manix, BM skirmish or BM 710. All great workers and good for larger hands.
 
Several of the knives in my EDC rotation are AUS8 (Lightfoot M1, HK Ally, etc.). It sharpens up very quickly on my Sharpmaker, and for my basic uses, I rarely feel that I'm in need of a super steel that can hold an edge for months at a time. With my AUS8 folders, they get touched up maybe once every two weeks or so and that's fine by me.

I can't help you with the differences with the AUS6 and AUS8, but since you want a folder that holds an edge very well and will be submitted to heavy use, go with something like S30V, D2, etc.
 
I'll vote for the Rukus, just got one, The fit and finish are great, it looks good and feels good, opens smooth and quick. the blade is as thick as my Strider. Built like a Benchmade Gold series, b ut price of a Blue Series.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top