Recommendation? One knife to rule them all!

Well, after thinking back through the 75 or so knives I've bought over the last couple of decades;), I'd suggest a nice Buck Ranger (112) from the Custom Shop, choose your flavor as to steel (S30V is awesome), grips, rivets or not, brass or nickle silver frame, etc. I know mine's going to last me a considerable while...
 
JDX said:
I've heard d2 is prone to cracking? .
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No. Micro chipping possibly , depending on how you use it.

My ( discontinued) D2 HK14715 Axis and a section of reinforced ,steel braided , hydraulic line it just cut.

http://i67.tinypic.com/15qrllh.jpg[IMG]

I was also able to bring it back to arm shaving sharp with just the medium and fine rods of my Sharpmaker. So I personally dont agree with most that D2 is all that hard to sharpen.
 
Wouldnt let me edit my pic link in my post. See if this works.

15qrllh.jpg[IMG]
 
I'd go Paramilitary 2 in just about any configuration, I think they only come in S30V or better, beefy blade thickness while keeping a thin cutting edge, and solid for just about anything. Next option is a G10 Manix 2 those come with all kinds of good steels, new ones with S30V can be had under $100 or up to S110V under $150 IIRC. Maybe a ZDP-189 or HAP40 Endura?
 
D2 is actually quite tough, it's still used by many makers in 4"+ fixed blades for just that reason, (esp. in thicker slabs)...
Micro chipping on the edge can occur, (in most any steel), but heat treat, (and abusive/overly abrasive use), will play a bigger factor there then the steel itself. Lionsteel seems to do a pretty good job there with HT, they are a reputable brand name.

Another beefy knife you might want to consider is the Boker Plus Vox f3 II,
Frame lock
S35V
C.F. scale
Only 3" but .16" thick
Listed as a clip point, but for the size of the blade it's not a very pronounced clip by comparison.

Here's a d2 review of the sr1a vs the benchmade Adamas, (another thick beefy d2 option), by the well known apostle P, who does like his d2.
Skip to 16:30 to get his thoughts after cutting cardboard and tent stakes while cleaning the lionsteel.
21:40 mark to get his final thoughts.
 
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Get a Para 2 if you dont have one. People seem to love it. ( sold mine) :-) The 940 is great for your budget I think you could only get the 940-2 version (g10 handle). Its an excellent all around knife weight, blade size to handle ratio and super fast opening with lifetime warranty. Sage 2 is around that price. Sage 5 a bit smaller than what you may want.
Endura 4 wave is excellent and cheap. You could get that and a Dragonfly salt Se as the ultimate EDC combo. Thats probably what I would do if I didnt own both. As those two are my all time favorite most used knives. I own three of each actually.
 
I could suggest a Ritter Griptilian to anyone at anytime. I have an orange mini and I absolutely love it. Currently my Domino is stealing it's pocket time, but when I know I'll need a knife I don't hesitate and grab my mini Ritter.

A PM2 in any configuration is also a dynamite blade. It's a little big for what I personally want in an EDC knife, but that's the only complaint I could make about it.
 
You've already had a Southard and a Techno, so you have experienced great folders.
Nothing I can add to that in your price range. And yes, M4 is a great tool steel; just dry it if it gets wet and it will stay nice, clean and sharp.
 
I'd recommend the ZT 0220, although it's a little north of your flexible target price;


-s30v steel or similar (or better)
It has S35VN steel, which is an upgrade from S30V, but similar.


-g10, micarta or another sturdy handle material (no FRN or plastics please)
Two slabs of beefy, 0.16-inch Ti scales.

-blade length 3-4"
3.5 inch blade length, which is in the middle of the range you're looking for.


-no recurves
It has the slightest of recurves, but hardly noticeable so it may be OK for you.


-any locktype really, but would love to stay away from linerlocks
It has a mono lock/frame lock/Reeves Integral lock, with adjustable steel interface.

-no black coated blades
Just stonewashed finish to the blade.

-no preference on pocket clip
Decent clip, but nothing amazing.

-thick blade, I like beefy knives. But not a zt 0350 or most of cold steel for that matter
The blade is 0.156 inches at the spine, which is about as stout as you will ever need.

-Blade grind I'm open to
High saber grind with late distal taper. Drop point with shallow belly. The edge width is 0.0265 inches, which is pretty good for slicing, but still stout.

-no clip point or spear point.
None.

Extras:
Extremely well built.
Flipper action is extraordinarily good.
Weight is 6.19 oz, which is an indication of how solid it is. (By comparison, the ZT 0095, which is the same size, but thinner, slicer blade stock (0.12 inches), is 5.34 oz.)

Basically, it is a rock-solid, well-built knife with excellent ergos.
These run $228 at the big shops, but you can find them below $200 on the forum market. I bought mine there for $155.
 
On my d2 Adamas I got some small chips in the factory (presumably machine sharpened) edge through use. After a couple of hand sharpenings I haven't experienced any more chipping. I certainly wouldn't be afraid of another d2 blade from a company with a good reputation for what treatment.
 
You can get pretty good deals on a ZT 0801, though it's a heavy knife. I avoid S30V, I've had nothing but problems with it chipping.

Kizer's are great. I have a Ki 423 and am wanting to pick up a Gemini. Spyderco PM2 or Manix 2 In S110V are good.
 
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