Next "must have" blade?

you should definitely check out hinderer (xm-18 3.5" sounds like it's in your size preference)... they can get pricey buying retail (above the others you mentioned), but law enforcement can order direct through RHK at a lower cost (below the others you mentioned).

 

I know I've been obsessed with Emersons lately. Politics has always kept me from picking one up. I finaly gave their designs a good look and am hearing alot about qc improvements, so as of right now they are top on my next buy list. Others to check out would be the southern grind bad monkey, reate(I'm playing with my hills right now), and if you want to bump up your price a little more a hinderer. I'm sure there are countless others, but those are the few that came to mind.

 

I would second both the Hinderer and Emerson vote. You'll get a better price when you prove that you're law enforcement to Hinderer. I think a 3.5 XM-18 would suit you well.

As for Emerson, well I think everyone should try a knife with a Wave. Look into the CQC 7, 8 or 15.

 

Well, I just recently kind of fell into the knife loving hobby. I am a gun guy by nature...so, this was the next step in my progression I guess.
I just picked up a Benchmade 300 Ball Axis Flipper with D2 steel...it's the Cabelas exclusive model. I have been drooling over the BM Adamas 275bk plain blade....im pretty sure the wife got it for me as a Christmas present.
Previously, I was drooling over the ZT 0300 and the ZT 0560...but...I got a little discouraged with all the discontinuing going on.
So, I am a Benchmade guy. Pretty sure I made the right choice...for now.

Ron

 

Well since you mentioned you enjoy the 0561 (personally my favorite), I would have to recommend a ZT 0620. It is an Emerson/ZT collab and if you want a "nice" one they offer it in carbon fiber as well as G10. More for your consideration for your preferences would be
1) ZT 0562CF
2) As mentioned by drrickso a 3.5 inch XM-18 (Rick has awesome knives, and he gives a discount for law enforcement, if ordered directly through the website).
3) Microtech DOC ( many variations)
4) ZT MUDD I mention this one because it can survive a beating and still operates after being thrown in mud, but they are getting harder to find.
Hope this helps. Happy holidays and I wish you the best of luck with you knife hunt:thumbup:.

Austin.

 

Agreed- MT DOC is another great choice... comes in auto as well if that interests you.

To throw another choice in the mix, an HTM Gunhammer also has several blade and action options.

 

My patrol knife is a Benchmade 810 Contego.

It's a big, tough folder and is not the kind of knife I choose to carry anywhere but work.

 

Think an Emerson super cqc 8 would fulfill your requirements. The wave feature has the blade open as soon as it clears your pocket and the blade shape and size are.very functional. The ERGOS are fantastic, locks into your hand like it was born there. A little practice waving it so it becomes a reactionary action as opposed to a thoughtful one and you have your last ditch tool/weapon

 

Also cqc 8 available in 3.5", 3.9", and 4.3" if the super is to big( 4.3")

 

What he said. At 385 for direct buy from Hinderer can't be beat. I am ordering one with the next batch of 3.5" blades.

 

Hinderer or Curtiss F3 would be my vote. Hinderer if you like to customize/personalize and curtiss if you want a slick flipper.

 

My vote is for a Southern Grind Bad Monkey over an Emerson, But that's honestly just my opinion. The XM-18 is very much a matter of opinion if you like them or not. In my experience you either love them or hate them. Me, I like them a lot, but there are other knives that I like to actually carry more, so I don't have one right now.

Other than that, there are a TON of good knives in that price range, but these are some really good ones:
-ZT 0562 either Elmax or the cf/M390
-ZT 0620 if you want a ZT with a wave
-BM contego in M390
-Diskin Fire dual-action auto
-If you like OTF, microtech ultratech, but they're an aquired taste I think
-Ferrum forge Ferox (if you don't mind looking after Carbon Steel blades)
-Spartan Blades Akribis, similar to CRK, but with a faster action you can flick, and scales in G10 and Carbon Fiber.

 

ive just been patiently waiting for the xm-18 market to die down so i can pick up one for what i see is a reasonable price

 

Good luck on that Ecohrs197. It shows no signs of doing that. In fact, some of the best deals I've seen in awhile have been on the Exchage in the last few days. I expect after Christmas it will roll right back to normal. That makes it tough on those of us trying to find a few RHK's. For myself at least, if I can make a reasonable deal on one I'm going to get, I grab it and move on.

 

dbl-post.

 

Very likely is true. The XM-18 in a 3.5" slicer or spanto grind would be a good knife for you, and with the LE discount, a good choice.
I am also partial to a Strider SMF or perhaps SnG (a bit smaller), and their customer service is great.

I've had multiples of all of the above. Would say Hinderer (for the price), Strider, Emerson in that order. For a bit less, check out the ZT 0360 SKD collaboration, which is what I bought for my SWAT-cop son-in-law; a special production for LEO's and military use. ZT's are well-known for that.
Also, a Benchmade Adamas 0275 manual folder (D2, 4") is also great heavy-duty folder for law-enforcement.. I've had several of these also, and it will not break.
http://www.skdtac.com/Zero-Tolerance-0360-SKD-Knife-p/zto.117.htm

 

I've admire Alan Davis knifes for some time now. Don't have the bankroll for one currently though. Does he take custom orders; or just be on the lookout in the KnifeMaker's Market?

 

No Grayman in the mix??

 

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Hinderer with the LE discount is worth it.
Brous Strife & Caliber are quite sweet.
Grimsmo Norseman
Chaves Redencion 228 midtech Would be my top choice (if you can find one)