New folder fix

Shorttime

Shorttime

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2011
Messages
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I bought my last new folder in late December, so I'm thinking it's about time for another one. So of course, I'm going to ask for opinions. But first, a few requirements.

1) Less than $80. I don't want to be afraid to use it.

2) No black blades.

3) Blade length of less than 3". This is a legal issue, as well as a practical one.

4) Pocket clip.

5) Must open and close one-handed.

6) Thickest blade possible for the price. Catering to my well-documented fascination with "hard use folders".

All suggestions welcome.
 
Must also stand up to classified 300+F without flinching too right?
:D
With so many restictions, I'm interested to see what will be offered up as suggestions
 
Mini Lawman or mini AK. The blades are black but the coating is easy to remove.
 
Damn, the ZT 0350 is just over 3" in length. Otherwise you can get them for about $80-90.

The Mini AK-47 is a good choice, and it's very small. The only negative is that the blade is AUS8 and the paint finish wears off easily. But then again you said you didn't like a black blade. They are only about $50, and you could probably sand/polish the black off of the blade. The lock on the knife is excellent and there is that catch-plate on top so the knife "automatically" opens. NOTE: Taking the blade finish off will cause the knife to be more prone to rust, since AUS8 isn't very rust-resistant.

Blade: Teflon coated AUS8
Handle: G-10
Blade length: 2.75 inches
Blade thickness: 0.125 inches
Handle length: 4.325 inches
Overall length: 7.125 inches
Weight: 2.9 ounces
AVG Price: $45-55



The Benchmade Mini-Griptillian (556) is a little more expensive, but you get the polished blade, 154CM steel, a lighter and overall smaller knife. Benchmade has an outstanding reputation and their warranty service is amazing. This knife has full plastic handles and has the AXIS locking system, which compared to Cold Steel's TRIAD, is pretty equivalent in strength. You can't go wrong with this knife, but it is almost double the price of the Mini AK-47. I have the Benchmade 551, the larger version, and it is an amazing knife. Fits very well in your hand and you barely notice you are holding it.

Blade: Polished 154CM
Handle: Valox (FRN-like)
Blade length: 2.91 inches
Blade thickness: 0.1 inches
Handle length: 3.87 inches
Overall length: 6.78 inches
Weight: 2.5 ounces
AVG Price: $70-85



Spyderco has a small line of folders that are very affordable, mainly because they are Chinese but they have Spyderco quality. One for you would be the Persistence, it has the same blade length as the Mini AK and is the heaviest out of all three knives. It is made of a better steel than the Mini AK, but still doesn't come close in quality to the blade on the Benchmade. The Persistence is a famous beater knife, they are very cheap and very good. I have a couple of the larger models (Tenacious), and I love them. This knife would easily sell for double what stores are charging.

Blade: Polished 8CrMoV13
Handle: G-10
Blade length: 2.75 inches
Blade thickness: 0.125 inches
Handle length: 4.125 inches
Overall length: 6.812 inches
Weight: 3.3 ounces
AVG Price: $25-35



Any of these knives are a great under 3" knife that you will not regret buying.
 
The ZT0350 is not $80, it's more like $120+ and higer since the prices have increased on most of their knives.
 
Better idea. Make it through the next 5 withdrawls to buy folders. Then buy a midtech with the saved money.

It is proven that you will continue to buy (Not PoS knives; but more so "Imperfect") knives until this is done for the first time to realize the difference.

I highly encourage this.
 
Tim616 said:
Better idea. Make it through the next 5 withdrawls to buy folders. Then buy a midtech with the saved money.

It is proven that you will continue to buy (Not PoS knives; but more so "Imperfect") knives until this is done for the first time to realize the difference.

I highly encourage this.
Click to expand...

:thumbup:

I used to buy loads of mediocre knives (Kershaw, CRKT, Gerber, etc...) and it's not as satisfying as buying one good knife for $100+

After my first Benchmade, I realized this...
 
RevDevil read my post in the Gear forum...

Yes, I do work in high temperatures, but not often, or for long stretches.

Last summer (2011), we had a couple days in my area of the country where the temps topped 95 degrees during the day, and the heat from the machinery where I work adds 250 degrees (no kidding) to whatever air temperature is. Normally, when we have to do something in that kind of heat, we rotate through the area at 10 minute intervals. But when something breaks and needs to be fixed, whoever is there works on it.

I have one or two work knives, and my non-work EDC's don't cross over, except my BM mini-grip, which just happened to be with me on an unplanned trip into the plant. It worked very well, by the way, in a role that I would normally entrust to a much larger knife. Credit to the AXIS lock!

I like Tim's idea. It's time to take the next step.


So.... suggestions in the $100 to $200 range??
 
I have to bust your chops Shorttime. Trying to find a thick blade under 3" is going to be tough
 
I know what I like, and I intend to continue to over-compensate for my other perceived inadequacies.

I do have a Kershaw Crown II that I carry when I know I'm going to be interacting with sheeple. It has what I consider to be a thin blade, but, if I'm being honest, it's fine for it's intended purpose (cutting).
 
Spyderco Endura 4 and scr*w the legal issues. Get a SAK for use around the feint of heart. :thumbup:
 
Shorttime said:
RevDevil read my post in the Gear forum...

Yes, I do work in high temperatures, but not often, or for long stretches.

Last summer (2011), we had a couple days in my area of the country where the temps topped 95 degrees during the day, and the heat from the machinery where I work adds 250 degrees (no kidding) to whatever air temperature is. Normally, when we have to do something in that kind of heat, we rotate through the area at 10 minute intervals. But when something breaks and needs to be fixed, whoever is there works on it.

I have one or two work knives, and my non-work EDC's don't cross over, except my BM mini-grip, which just happened to be with me on an unplanned trip into the plant. It worked very well, by the way, in a role that I would normally entrust to a much larger knife. Credit to the AXIS lock!

I like Tim's idea. It's time to take the next step.


So.... suggestions in the $100 to $200 range??
Click to expand...

If you want thick and stubby, you can get a BM 755 for that new price range. Never handled one, but I hear its incredibly tough for a short blade knife. Think is shaped like a sharpened brick lol.
 
The Blackhawk Hornet II fits your criteria (except the no black blades). It has a very thick blade for its size and I got one for $25 on eBay. Very grippy G10 and rock solid!
 
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