New knife for Paramedic...

Just to update, pretty sure what she really wants is a Pro-tech TR-3 with fish scales and a safety. She's not willing to carry an auto without a safety. But can't find one and it's not clear when they'll be available again. After handling the TR-3, she decide the ZT 350 is too heavy to carry.

Given she prefers assist or auto I'm considering a ZT 0770. It's close to the TR-3 in size and weight. Also looking at the ZT 804, which is bigger, and heavier, and a manual flipper. But I think she'd like it. Can't find one locally to try.

EDIT: not sure about 804 and CF handle. Probably not best for a work knife or in wet conditions. Likely FRN or G10. Would prefer micarta, but that's fairly limiting.
 
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If she's allowed to carry an auto, consider the classic Benchmade AFO.

I've got an original version stashed away: no safety. The newer ones all have safeties. I don't know what they fetch on the used market, but you should be able to find one for maybe $150 (I'm guessing here).

If you buy new, you'll have a choice of drop point vs. tanto, coated vs. uncoated, and plain vs. partial serrations. You can also pay a few bucks to have it laser inscribed, which is always a nice touch.
 
Buck 347 Vantage Alaskan Guide. Liner lock. Opens with the thumb or flipper. S30V blade with titanium aluminum nitride coating. Deep pocket carry clip.

 
That's a great looking knife and she can carry and auto. I can't get her a Benchmade. She went to the factory, looked at everything, and is still looking. So no point in me getting her something she's already rejected.

That Buck is a good looking knife. S30V and US made. Need to get her hands on one. She generally doesn't like deployment holes, but worth a try.
 
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Wanted to share an update. The wife has gotten her hands on several other knives. She's previously handled every Benchmade that looked close and has since tried most ZTs many Kershaws, and several others. Most of them don't work for one reason or another. I was positive the Kershaw Link was going to be it. I got the upgraded steel model so it would hold a better edge. She has no interest. Mostly doesn't like the handle.

She's very much likes the ZT 0562. She still likes the Benchmade Volli. But the knife she like the best is the TSF Gorgon. Not sure she's going to carry it based on cost and potential for loss, that's what she would choose.

My conclusion is that I have zero ability to predict what she will like - it's too personal. The Gorgon is too big and heavy based on her stated preferences. But in her hand, it just feels right. It's a large knife - larger than I would carry. Her hands are smaller than mine. So go figure. I will say the action on the Gorgon is great - that huge blade goes flying open and the lockup sound is fantastic. That may be part of it - that's just a great knife to flip open. It also looks great. Not that these matter for a work knife, but she loves the thing.

For a non-custom, more affordable knife (relatively) the ZT 0562 is it right now.
 
Right now, as in this week, I would take a look at the spyderco all steel Police 3. Authorized dealers have them on closeout fot around $115, which IMO is silly cheap for a knife of near legendary status that comes in plain, partial, or full serrated with a strong back lock. For $50 more, you can get the g10 handled version, still a great deal
 
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That's a great price for that knife. But in my case, the wife has hated every Spyderco she's held. Every single one. She dislikes the thumb hole and the camel hump, among other things. She's tried mostly G10 for FRN, but the handles don't work for her. The Slysz Bowie is obviously very different. Got her to hold one last weekend. Better, but somehow seemed unwieldy to her. Surprising given that the Gorgon feels great. The blade action was also very stiff, which may have been a big part of her dislike.
 
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RipD said:
That's a great price for that knife. But in my case, the wife has hated every Spyderco she's held. Every single one. She dislikes the thumb hole and the camel hump, among other things. She's likely only tried G10 for FRN, but the handles don't work for her. The Slysz Bowie is obviously very different. Got her to hold one last weekend. Better, but somehow seemed unwieldy to her. Surprising given that the Gorgon feels great. The blade action was also very stiff, which may have been a big part of her dislike.
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I will be your wife for a week if you buy me that knife.

Just sayin'.
 
Are fixed blades definitely not an option? There would be no problems with the lock being hard to manipulate and the ergonomics may be better.


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If she likes the ZT 562 it will only grow on her. Still the most favorite knife I have ever owned. I gifted mine and have yet to replace it.
 
Al Mar SERE 2000 Auto if you can find it.
I'll load pics tomorrow if I have time.
I think this will check all the boxes.
Cheers
 
Here is mine. Locking open/close, grippy aluminum, S30v, USA. There is a SERT model out there too that looks good.
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I think this has been one of the best paramedic knife hunt threads in a long time, generally they have someone ask about a mall-ninja rescue super knife, get told to forget about features and just get a delica, and that's it.

Any thought on the small fixed blades like kabar tdi and that sort of thing? heck a D'eskabar should be auto-clave proof.

I get the feeling its more of a general cutter than clothing and seatbelts? If she's trying to have it do too many things, the benchmade 10 hook looks pretty sick, combine that with a packet opener, and you might have a winner? I never could get into bandage packets wearing nitriles, just took the end off with my shears.
 
coyotes72 said:
Are fixed blades definitely not an option? There would be no problems with the lock being hard to manipulate and the ergonomics may be better.
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Can't carry fixed on her job. Regardless of size, fixed is seen as risky and dangerous.

highestpoint said:
GJC7Df

Emerson nsar
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I got her a Kershaw Emerson to try out. No good - she dislikes the wave. Her concern is it deploying when she doesn't want it to, or even the chance of it. She's not using it defensively and feels like she needs more control. She also won't carry a rescue tool. Per her, no medic or fire fighter she knows carry one. And if they do, they certainly don't seem to use them on the job. They have much better tools on their trucks. The three tools they don't have that she needs are a good knife, a good O2 wrench, and good sheers. For those three she carries her own. And a small pair of needle nose pliers in her bag. She used to carry a multi-tool and then realized the only tool she'd ever used is the pliers.

btw, I get that this is all counter-intuitive. But my assumptions about her job are mostly wrong, and she has her preferred way of doing things. She's all about efficiency and no extraneous stuff to get in her way.
 
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gadgetgeek said:
I get the feeling its more of a general cutter than clothing and seatbelts? If she's trying to have it do too many things, the benchmade 10 hook looks pretty sick, combine that with a packet opener, and you might have a winner? I never could get into bandage packets wearing nitriles, just took the end off with my shears.
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Exactly right. Sheers cut most stuff. She wants a very stout knife, and I agree her requirements sound like a fixed blade. When I've asked what the heck she's cutting she said "whatever needs to be cut." I'll ask her for some specific examples. I'm so clueless about her job I think it gets tedious for her to answer questions. I have to ease into it. And after working 18 hours with no break sometimes the last thing she wants to do is talk about it.
 
folder geek said:
Al Mar SERE 2000 Auto if you can find it.
I'll load pics tomorrow if I have time.
I think this will check all the boxes.
Cheers
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Is that an auto? She tried one of the SEREs last weekend at a knife show - can't recall which one. Liked it, but not as much as the Gorgon or the ZT 0562. And she doesn't want serrations. I know we all think she should, but she doesn't.

Her want-to-have knife was a ProTech TR-3 with fishscale handle and a lock. Could not find one with a lock and now I think she's moved on. If she doesn't carry that Gorgon I may try it as my weekend knife. Or sell it - would be good to get some cash back. :) I suspect she'll settle on the 0562. The handle fits her perfectly. The fact that it's made where she lives and that she can walk in and get it serviced doesn't hurt. May never happen, but it's appealing to her.
 
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RipD said:
Is that an auto? She tried one of the SEREs last weekend at a knife show - can't recall which one. Liked it, but not as much as the Gorgon or the ZT 0562. And she doesn't want serrations. I know we all think she should, but she doesn't.

Her want-to-have knife was a ProTech TR-3 with fishscale handle and a lock. Could not find one with a lock and now I think she's moved on. If she doesn't carry that Gorgon I may try it as my weekend knife. Or sell it - would be good to get some cash back. :) I suspect she'll settle on the 0562. The handle fits her perfectly. The fact that it's made where she lives and that she can walk in and get it serviced doesn't hurt. May never happen, but it's appealing to her.
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Yes it is an auto. They do make it in the plain edge, at least they did. Also you might want to look at the Al Mar SERT. I have seen these in stock now. Auto with lock.
I do not think they make the TR3 with a lock. Could be wrong.
Good luck regardless.
Cheers
 
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