Noob requesting guidance on EDC folders

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Padawaneric

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Apr 17, 2015
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Hello all, first post. I'm pretty new to this, and I know many of you have years of knowledge and experience that I'm hoping you'll be willing to share.

I've been carrying a gun for a while, and I've added a knife to my EDC. My current EDC knife is a Cold Steel Code 4. Nice knife, but doesn't hold an edge like I would like. I also have a Cold Steel Safe Maker II for close encounters.

I'd like to upgrade without breaking the bank... maybe in the $200 or so range. In reading what I can, and looking at styles I like (Bowie, clip points, etc), I've come across three knives I wanted your thoughts on, or any other recommendations. The three I like for now are the ZT0350BW, DDR Gun Hammer Bowie, and the Boker Plus Vox F3.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
 
Take a look at the ZT 620/630 line. The 620 is Elmax and the 630 is s35vn, with both landing at $200 on the button. You can likely find it for less in the exchange.

What do you have in regards to sharpening equipment?
 
Is your code4 the older aus8 steel?
They (very) recently upgraded their blade steel to cts-xhp which holds an edge considerably longer the aus8. If you like the knife, buy the newer model...

If you're hell bent on something new, can't go wrong with something in ELMAX or s30v, or s35v.
 
strategy9 said:
Is your code4 the older aus8 steel?
They (very) recently upgraded their blade steel to cts-xhp which holds an edge considerably longer the aus8. If you like the knife, buy the newer model...

If you're hell bent on something new, can't go wrong with something in ELMAX or s30v, or s35v.
Click to expand...

This. The new XHP is leagues better than the Aus 8. If you're not happy with that though I'd take a look at a Spyderco in ZDP-189. Spydie looks take some getting used to (I always thought they were fugly), but once you get it in-hand you'll understand what's all the hubbub bub.

I like the Manix 2 LW in s110v or the Stretch in ZDP-189. Both will hold an edge for a very long time.
 
Yes it's the older aus8 steel. I had read the cts-xhp was much better, in the 60HRC range.

What would be the best tools and method to keep a higher end steel like that sharpened?
 
Diamonds for the really high end stuff, stones and pastes

Ceramics and even good water stones work well enough on maintaining the midrange stuff (though you'd still want to at least start with diamond to reset an edge that is really dull just to save time).

Stropping is your friend though to maintain an edge in between sharpening.....
 
Go diamond for all and never have to worry about sharpening any steel. The lower steels will sharpen quicky and easily. The higher steels just take a few strokes more.

If the Code 4 has good ergos for you, simply upgrade to the CTS-XHP version.

If you like overbuilt folders like CS and ZT, then go with a ZT.

Personally, I'd go with a Spyderco Stretch in ZDP-189.
 
Strategic has it.
Strop more often and sharpen less. This will get you more life from your knives by lessening the material removed when a simple touch up is needed.
Look into a cheap 10" ceramic rod, it is fine for easy touch ups.

The lansky will work for just about any steel in regards to keeping a set angle, as long as you don't modify that, and you are able to reclamp the knife in the same location so as to not change the bevel angle on the belly, you will be ok.
To be honest, even if you are close, the angle shouldn't change drastically enough to change the angle noticeably aside from a small amount of convexing over 10+ sharpenings.

Just remember, to allow the stones to do the cutting by not pressing down on the knife harder than needed thinking it will cut faster. You will only succeed in tearing the diamonds from material holding it in place. Light-med pressure is preferred.
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Regarding elmax vs s35vn, I Think elmax is the tougher of the two and s35vn can obtain a keener edge at comparable hardnesses.
I am sure others can weigh in on that if you are interested.
 
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