New here, looking for some advice

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VTRonin

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Oct 14, 2014
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I have been lurking here for a bit looking at reviews on certain models. Throughout the years I have owned many different models for carrying. I'll admit that when I saw something that interested me I would purchase it. I have owned CRKT, Boker, Kershaw, HK (apparently made by Benchmade ?), ect. I would carry the knife until I found something about it that annoyed me or I lost it. I never would really abuse it. Only use it for basic cutting tasks.

With that being said, for the past 12 years at work I have carried a CRKT (M16-12). I have not really had many issues with the knife except it has some rust spots and since day one I have not been able to get it to open smoothly. I have done some research about knifes that I am interested in (open to new suggestions) thinking they have the specifications I am looking for.

Since it may help you in your advice I will tell you the basic specifications for which I am looking for. I need this knife to have a great grip (all weather), a strong blade as it may be used to pry if needed, a strong lock in case immense pressure is placed on it, something that opens easy with little effort, it will be exposed to elements, and cost under $150.00. As far as combo edges I am not sure if there is an advantage to it or not but it seems that most of the knives I have owned have been combo.

I have been researching the following:

Cold Steel Recon 1
Sog Flash II
CRKT M16

I have mixed feelings about getting another CRKT but the other held up well although (not abused) and I have read mixed review about CS and the SOG. Can anyone give me their opinions? Is there a huge quality difference between CS and SOG?

Thank you in advance.
 
Cold steel is overpriced for what you get, and from what I heard on my thread, "Kershaw VS CRKT", CRKT's can be hit or miss on quality. The cold steel recon I held felt really solid, but weighted a ton and all the flash 2's have blade play with a weird feeling handle. I'd recommend a Kershaw Oso sweet or Kershaw Volt 2, check those out and see what you like.
 
I would wholeheartedly suggest looking into what Kershaw has to offer in the same price range. They now have quite a nice spread of options, and for the price, are some of the best knives out there. If willing to move up in price a bit, you may want to take a look some of the Seki City Spyderco offerings.
 
I'm not really a Spyderco guy, but a Paramilitary 2 or possibly even a Delica (in VG-10) would work really, really well. If you seriously feel compelled to carry a fat blade, try the Techno.

That said, some people brag all about the Cold Steel Triad Lock and how strong it is. I find it a total pain to disengage (likely becauses the knife isn't broken in, but I won't carry it much because the lock tends to stick with the blade deployed--embarrassing).

Let's be clear, a frame lock or a liner lock will not carry "immense pressure". They just won't. That's not their niche. If you need a pry bar, carry a pry bar. Or a Strider.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley at just under $150. Wonderful knife. CF/G10 Scales, M4 Steel, very tough knife.
 
First off, if you plan any prying, I would recommend a good small fixed blade like an ESEE 3 or 4 or a small Bark River.
If you need a strong folder, the CS Recon is super tough. While AUS8 isn't a super steel, it is easy to maintain, which is important to some.
I disagree the CS is not worth the money. Strongest lock south of a fixed blade, great grippy G10 and fantastic ergos.. for $70
The Gayle Bradley is a great recommendation if you want a tough blade, but I find the handle needs aftermarket scales if you want good grip in weather. The carbon fiber does not provide the best traction.
If you cut rope/belts/zipties, get a combo edge. If not, go plain edge.
I regularly recommend the CS Recon for a tough work knife. Sure CS has cheezy ads, but the products are for real, at least at their price point.
A Manix 2 or Manix XL may be suitable as well or at least worth a look.

Best of luck.
 
Just ordered a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 as a gift for someone going into harm's way. 3.44", S30V, G10, Compression Lock, 3.75oz, $120


Speaking of prying ... I've seen a knifemaker offer custom "tactical" pry bars - 4"~5", titanium, sharpened edges.
 
Sub $100 Knives: Can't say enough about the Spyderco Native FRN, or the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur.
In your Price range Check out the ZT 0770 in G10.
Fit and finish on my CRKTs have always been average at best. Don't know the SOGS or the Cold Steels
 
Sub $100 Knives: Can't say enough about the Spyderco Native FRN, or the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur.
In your Price range Check out the ZT 0770 in Aluminum Handle. (Whoops)
Fit and finish on my CRKTs have always been average at best. Don't know the SOGS or the Cold Steels
 
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Thank you for all your replies and suggestions. I see that the overwhelming support for Kershaw and Spyderco. I have never owned a Spyderco and am wondering effective is the hole on the top for opening? I have only owned one Kershaw and it was the Steven Seagal Knife. I really liked that knife (maybe it was subpar) but I lost it. I have some homework to do now on the suggestions. To be honest I was leaning towards the CS before this post and now wonder why all the CS hype? So far I like the Tanto Blur, ZT0770, and the Volt 2. I guess I like Tanto points, I am not too sure if they have an advantage.

Yes, if I need to pry on a regular basis I would carry a pry bar, but if the case arose I would like to be able to do some light prying if needed.
 
And has anyone done business with Smokey Mountain Knife works? The prices seem too good it makes me wonder if they are authentic or counterfeits.
 
VTRonin said:
And has anyone done business with Smokey Mountain Knife works? The prices seem too good it makes me wonder if they are authentic or counterfeits.
Click to expand...
I have ordered from them many times over the years and never had any issues. Another folder that you may want to consider is the ZT0350, I bought one for my son last year and he loves it. Price should be well within your budget depending on which model you prefer.
 
Right now Knifeworks has the Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear or Clip point at a special price of $41.95. I have the Mini Recon and it is one very tough knife. The Triad Lock would stick for the first few times I used it, but once it broke in, the knife became the smoothest knife to open and close that I own.

You can still find the Spyderco Dialex Junior with a thick blade and the Compression Lock at some dealers.

You can also get the regular Spyderco Manix or the Benchmade Axis Striker (hard use) knives with similar locks that are very strong.

I would not buy a liner lock for hard use and neither would I pick a frame lock as my first choice.
 
Spyderco Manix 2 has a fairly stout blade made of S30V, a ball bearing lock, G10 scales and full stainless liners, all for $85. I would also suggest a pry bar, or at the very least a SAK or multi- tool to pry with. Every time I see someone pry with a knife I cringe.
 
I would throw Benchmade Griptillon into the discussion.

Please do not use a knife as a pry bar. My nephew broke the tip off of a very robust knife that belonged to my father (long story). You may imagine how unhappy I was (knife came to me after my father died).

Cheers, Ed
 
I guess I'm one of many Cold Steel Recon 1 owners who just isn't in love with it, in this case "it" being the tanto version. Very sturdy, sure, but it's actually a chore to carry. However, another tanto folder worth mentioning is the Buck/TOPS CSAR-T, with the top-of-the-line version having a 154CM blade. While I have to concur with the preceding advice against prying with a folding knife, the CSAR-T is one of few folders I own that I would truly designate "hard use" and be comfortable carrying it in that capacity. It can be carried with its belt clip or the very nice included sheath. The price is well within your stated limits.

Zero Tolerance has already been mention, and I would add the Benchmade 275 Adamas to your list of knives to check out as well. I was on the fence about buying one, but I'm glad I eventually did. Another brand to consider is Hogue. Meanwhile, I just can't think of a CRKT that I'd really consider on the same level as other knives being mentioned. I have a couple of their fixed blades that I really like, and I do have a fascination with the Hammond Cruiser that hasn't been cured even though one of mine was a complete QC disaster and had to be returned to the seller for replacement. Unfortunately, I just don't think their folders are a good value considering relatively high prices for low-end materials. The same could be said for SOG and Cold Steel, but I do think that those two have some pretty respectable knives that get a bad rap for the frequent use of AUS8 steel.
 
Out of the knives you're considering, I would go with the Recon 1, hands down. They are tough as hell, lightweight, and an absolute bargain for the price.

I don't know where some fellas get their info, but for G10, AUS8, tri-ad lock - the price you can get them for is an absolute steal. A best buy in it's class IMO.
 
Grab a computer and order a zt0350 blem from kershawguy. Dave will have your head swimming at how fast he delivers! You'll be prying and cutting in no time!
 
I want to thank everyone for their recommendations and inputs. I looked at all the knives recommended and three caught my attention, being Blur, BM 275 Adamas, and ZT0350. I have read and watched all reviews I could find on the knife from sources that to me seemed to come from an objective point of view. With my limit being $150.00 I have decided that I am going to get a 0350 blem (Kershawguy) when they are back in stock, and Recon 1 from Walmart because they are selling them for a great price. Originally I was going to forego the Recon 1 but I just need to satisfy my curiosity on this one. If I hate it I am sure I can sell it. There are no retail knife places near me where I can handle them so I may hate myself with the CS but I think I will love the 0350. As soon as the 0350 hopefully serrated gets back in stock I will order and update!
 
I wouldn't get a Spyderco if you're going to pry. I think the 0350 will suit you good as long as you can handle the weight and bulk. If you get a coated blade you get a little extra weather protection (avoid rust if you don't really take care of the knife).
 
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