New Knife Woes

Mitchell Knives

Mitchell Knives

Knifemaker
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 21, 2000
Messages
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I just can't decide what folder to get next. I'm having a really hard time just narrowing it down. First off, I'm looking for something other than a liner lock. While I think a well made liner lock is great, I just want to try something else. Also, I want something around the 4-5 inch range. I'm pretty fanatical about blade play so, secure lock up is a must. High quality steel is also necessary. $150.00 is the upper limit. Any suggestions?
 
You might want to consider the BM 710. It's a bit shorter than the 4" length you specified, but has the excellent Axis lock and is available in your price range in either 154CM or M2 steel.
 
I was thinking about the Maxx. I wish they would hurry up and come out with it. I'm not sure if it would be too big to carry though. I don't know about the 710, I think it's kind of ugly. Maybe a Spyderco Chinook or Police would do the trick. Still leaning towards the Maxx though.
 
The Police is a big knife, but the Chinook is massive. You need a big hand to get around that one.

I just got a 710, and I think it's great. The handle all but disappears in my hand, the action is very fast, the blade is beautiful: sleek and sharp.

I have a Maxx on the way, and a CS 6" clippoint Voyager. I finally got to handle a real Madd Maxx, RDT had one at the ECCKS, and I had to be careful not to drool on the blade.

The CUDA will be here soon! Ya gotta believe!
 
Try any one of the Benchmade AFCK series, they are all within your specs and price range. This will still be my all time favorite, EDC knife, it handles well, it sits low, quick on the draw, quick to open,and to top that off affordable.
 
"The Mad Hungarian"

Isn't that redundant? :D

I used to live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Still a heavily Hungarian neighborhood. Good guys. I think they raise the only polite teenagers in NY!
 
The REKAT Sifu would be a good choice if you want it's 5.4 inch blade, and 12 inch over-all length. For slightly under the 4 inch mark, there is the REKAT Carnivour. Both are excellent, tough folders.
 
I thought about the Sifu too but, the frame lock on the Maxx will be stronger. D2 should be better also. Still, I like the Sifu's recurve. BTW, didn't REKAT stop making the Sifu? Maybe I should get one just for that fact.
 
Every so often, someone posts for sale a red handled Sifu with black blade, the Bladeforums version. That would be nice to have, and you know you could panic the public with it!
 
CUDA MAXX!
5.5" of D2 w/ an anodized titanium frame lock on a sesame seed bun :)
if you crave big folders, this is THE one.
 
I have a Madd Maxx with a 5.5 in. dagger blade from Darrel. This is the ultimate Sheeplefreaker and well-worth the extra $$. :D :D However, I also have a Cuda Maxx coming and hope the quality will approach the real thing. If so , it will be your answer, without a doubt.
 
Chinook? Police? If you don't want any blade play, don't get a lockback.

Get a SERE 2000 and be done with it.
 
komondor, you've got to be kidding! I'm not putting down the SERE, but I've got lockbacks you could hardly tell from fixed blades. I used my Vaquero Grande for a machete and a light axe. There is NO play after years of this abuse.

Liner locks are inherently hazardous.
 
Esav,

It's a known tidbit that lockbacks are inherently loose. Loose, that is, as compared to other types of folders. If you say you have had success with yours as a machete or ax (?), and it still has no blade play (??), then you are either full of shyte (no disresepct) or you are incredibly lucky.

Good liner locks are pretty safe. No, not as safe as an Axis, but they will do for most anything. After all, the two most rugged folding knives in existence- TOPS, Strider- are both liner locks.

The SERE 2000 is seriously heavy duty, and is well known for lock up that is second to none.
 
No, I'm not full of it, and I've had Cold Steel, Spyderco, and Buck lockbacks, and I have never seen blade play in any of them. Ever. It isn't luck, it's good manufacturing of a reliable design.

I would say the most inherently rugged folding knives were the integral lock Sebenzas and TNTs and Apogee/EDCs. But any design can be overbuilt or customized to outperform its nature.

Cold Steel and Spyderco, for example, put out highly reliable lockbacks at extremely competitive prices with excellent quality control.
 
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