Need some help with the current knife market

C

Cfaris

Joined
Apr 10, 2012
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Hi folks, I stumbled across this forum while researching some folders online. I haven't purchased a new knife in years and I'm a bit overwhelmed at the sheer volume of models and knife makers that have saturated the market. For years I carried a CRKT M16 Z as my daily and I used it extensively while camping/hiking. Somewhere along the line I have lost it and this time it has not made its way back to me. I was thinking about just repurchasing but I figured I'd take a look around the net and see what else was out there. I was wondering if any of you guys might have some suggestions on where I should direct my search? I am looking for a drop point folder, smooth edge (no serrations) preferably with a poly coated handle for good grip. A sliding blade lock would be a plus to lock it in both open and closed positions. I use my pocket knife for everything from opening boxes to whittling to spreading peanut butter. I'd prefer a smaller blade than what was on the M-16 maybe around 3". I also would like to get away from the military/fighting knife look as I feel like if I'm in a knife fight I've probably already made many bad choices up to that point :) I would appreciate any suggestions you folks might have. Also, great forum BTW, I've been stuck in my tracks here reading for the last hour!
 
Kershaw is a good recommendation. You can find many if your budget is somewhere around that CRKT.
 
Welcome to the forum.

Spyderco or Benchmade are good companies, as are many others. I think you might like a mini-Griptilian model 555HG. Has a sheepsfoot 154cm blade of just less than 3" and is very popular; available for less than $100. But look around and handle some if you can, before you buy. The Benchmade and Spydercos are handled by a lot of sporting goods stores. Could go with a Kershaw, available at WalMart.
Sonnytoo
 
Welcome!

Take a look at Cold Steel's triad lock knives. I'm quite fond of the American Lawman. But they have several brand new 3" bladed knives this year.
While they do have a slightly "Tactical" look, for the price you cannot find a stronger or more durable knife. Actually for 10x the price you won't find a tougher production knife.
 
I vote for the Benchmade Osborne 943. It's light, compact, easy to deploy, carries right or left, opens right or left, and has good ergonomics. There are several handle options including Carbon fiber, Titanium, and anodized Aluminum. Not many knives can be flicked open and closed. This one can. Use the thumbstud in public. Steel options are CPM S30 V and D-2 so far. The blade is short of 3.5" and the weight is short of 3oz.
 
An uncoated Rat-1 would be ideal for you. Cheap, better steel than the m-16z(which I carried for years) and a comfortable handle. Great flat grind, better all around cutter/slicer than the 16.
I have folders that I paid 3 or 4 times as much that are comparable.
 
Has anybody mentioned the Kabar Dozier? It is a good quality knife at a good price, and doesn't look too scary.

Otherwise Spyderco and Kershaw would be your best bets although CRKT, Cold Steel, Ontario and Benchmade all make quality knives in various sizes, configurations and price ranges.
 
A Buck Vantage Pro or Spyderco Delica 4 sound like really good options for you. Better steel, for sure, and just great EDC blades.
 
Sliding blade lock? Check out a Hogue EX-01. No poly coated handle, but Gmascus which is plenty grippy. Not really a small blade though. Maybe Kershaw OD1? Grippy handles, smaller blade, flips out with ease. No blade lock however. Oooooo, Benchmade 470 Emissary maybe?
 
There's also the Spyderco native.
for Cold steel the medium Voyager looks the least "tactical" or combat type imo
 
+ 1 on the uncoated Rat 1 even tho blade's a bit bigger than 3", a hell of a good knife for around 30 bucks.
 
Check out the spyderco tenacious or Delica or Endura, great knives, specially for edc, You'll love them, Check out the delica it sounds like everything you're looking for.
 
+1 on RAT-1 it's sturdy knife for moderate price, solid lockup, OK steel, easy to sharpen.
 
+1 on the Delica 4.

You cant beat the price, around $50 and color scale choice! Very nice quality knife!
 
I agree the Kershaw Leek is a good choice.

Here is the all black coated - model 1660CKT:
6809486923_85105f75b5_b.jpg


Here is the standard bead blasted - model 1660:
6786228287_1dd0bee731_b.jpg


And here is the G10 model with S30V steel - model 1660G10:
6809482641_d21dec2284_b.jpg
 
Welcome on board! Spyderco Delica 4 with it's variety of colors and excellent steel/grind is an option.
 
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