Recommend a folder

You guys have likely noticed my posts over the last month or so, (or perhaps not)repleat puzzlement, silly questions, and lots of hand wringing. Here's the deal; I own Buck hunter and, 3 fillet knives. So I know next to nothing about blades. It was lousy fillet knife performance and a new computer that lead me to this site. I hadn't been aware that tactical/practical folders even existed. In my world, there were pocket knives, and really big ones. Well I'm aware now, and I've gotta' have one. Based on the following criteria, if you were me, which ONE would you buy:

1. As light at possible, <4 oz ( will carry in sport coat or slacks pocket).
2. ATS-34 (or better) blade.
3. Small size, (blade < 3.4 ") Got to keep the OAL as short as possible.
4. As good a lock system as the size and $ allow.
5. Around $100 or perhaps a bit more.

This tool is to provide an opportunity to exercise personal responsibility as a last resort, gut trout and salmon, slice bagels, as well as fruits and vegetables (as needed), cut fishing line, carboard boxes, etal. I've put a similar question out before, but I didn't know enough to appreciate the answers. Oh, to anyone who cites their preference, please explain why that would be your choice. Thank,

Jack
 
the4th

the4th

Joined
Mar 20, 1999
Messages
1,163
IMHO - Since size is an issue, here, in no particular order, are my a few of my recommendations.

Benchmade Mini AFCK
Benchmade Mini Stryker
Benchmade Leopard Cub
Benchmade AXIS (I think there is a smaller one about to be released.)
REKAT Pioneer
Spyderco - pick one!
Buck Odyssey II
Masters of Defense Tempest
EDI Genesis II
Columbia River - S2, Apache 2, or Mirage
Cold Steel - pick one!

Even the more expensive models listed here can be had for around $100.00. Several of these I have purchased through www.bladeauction.com at a considerable savings.

[This message has been edited by the4th (edited 03 April 1999).]
 
I concur with the4th. Almost any Spyderco or BM will work terrific. You maybe could even get 2 for around $100. The Cold Steel folders are good too. All of these are light, strong, and super sharp.
 
You do have a wide variety to choose from, all the knifes mentioned so far are fine and many can be had for much less than what you want to spend.

Of the knifes I own the one that best meets your description is a Boker/Klotzli made G-10 handled, 440C steel liner lock.(BOKL 200) You can see it here http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/spyderc/walkers.html and it is right in your price range. It is a very classy and solid folder, tough yet great looking, with as solid a liner lock as I have seen. It is also clipless, which I prefer with slacks or suit coat. I bought it on a whim when Howard at the knifecenter had it on sale, but it is still a good buy at the regular price.

Take a look, and good luck deciding
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With those specs you listed I would go for a REKAT Pioneer, probably thier drop or clip point.

Or double the fun and get 2 Cold Steel Medium Voyagers, one tanto, the other clip for price you listed.

Can't go wrong with the above recommendatiosn, either. Believe it or not, I don't own a Benchmade....yet.

------------------

~Greg~
 
I would have said the Spyderco Military in 440V. But for something a tad smaller
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how about the BF Native in 440V?

Regards,

Tom Carey
 
cold steel or spyderco will give you the biggest bang for the buck.Most important is to handle several models to see which fits your hand the best.Do this and stay with a quality brand,such as above, and you can`t go wrong!
 
Of knives I own, in the size you require, I like ...

the Spyderco Calpyso Jr. -Black Micarta. This is a very attractive knife, with a flat grind and thin edge for superior cutting. Good steel (AUS-8) that sharpens nicely and won't rust. Strong enough for any normal cutting task and very light.

I also like the Benchmade Leopard Cub. Also flat ground. Sharpen it thin and it'll take a great edge. The handle is fairly straight, so this is a good knife for peeling fruit. Solid feel, with aluminum handle. Positive ball-detent--a must for a liner lock folder. My only complaint about this knife is that one of the holes in the handle behind the clip causes the knife to hang up on the ridge of my back pocket. This is one of my shirt-pocket knives.

Of knives I don't own yet, I'm seriously considering the drop point REKAT Pioneer and the Spyderco Native (waiting for the new one to come out, with CPM 440v steel).

You'll notice I tend to favor drop-point blades.

Something else you should not rule out is a small fixed blade: the Spyderco Moran with an after market Edge Works Kydex slip sheath (available from Chai Cutlery). Get one of these and you won't regret it.

And there are others. Have fun choosing.

David Rock

 
Tom - I'm delighted with all the input. I'm familiar (at least having looked at the pictures) with most of the knives which were recommended. I hadn't looked at the Boker, and until recently I could not figure out what a REKAT was. It wasn't until someone in a posting happened to use the words for which the acronymn stands that I figured it out. The knives are only listed in the Round Eye web site. I'd looked at the Military; it was the steel which sucked me in, even though that one is a bit large. But, I'm not familiar with the BF Native. If that's the Spyderco Native, I've only seen it listed in GIN-1 which on a par with 440B as I understand it. Where can I find that knife? Thanks,

Jack
 
Jack, the Native, like other Spyderco knives made here in the U.S., is going to be done in CPM-440v when they do new batches. BladeForums.com is sponsoring a special edition Native in 440v with blue G-10 handle. If you want one, contact the forum administrator, and he'll put you on the list.

David Rock
 
Jack,

I understand the "hand wringing". I been into knives a little over a year. My first purchase was preceded by a lot of looking and reading.

I think any of the recommendation would be fine. It just depends on how much you willing to spend for your intended purposes.

But, sadly, I project that (like the rest of us) you'll soon say, "Gee... I wonder how that other folder would feel?" or "Got to have that new cool design!" At that point, you are on your way to Knife Knuttiness that holds these forums together.

sing
 
Jack have you checked out a Microtech Mini Socom..Very easy to carry and well built.But may be smaller than you want? The Spyderco Starmate will be out soon I think? That would fill the bill, not sure of its cost.I also agree with David Rock, there are so many good choices...Just go buy a few..thats what we've done..Didn't somebody say spend your money before its all gone?
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Jack I agree with Stjames that the Klotzli 200 is a nice knife, I like mine. you might also consider the Klotzli "BK-KL030" it is the one with the(chartreuse) green carbon fiber handles with black dots in it. It was designed by Christain Wimpff (President of the German Knifemakers Guild), it is a really cool looking knife, slim light weight linerlock with a coated 440c blade. I like mine it has a lot of style and is made in Switz. Chris, Top of Texas Knives
www.toptexknives.com

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Lots of good suggestions !
I'll toss the Klotzli anodized aluminum (red or blue), and the Vero Beach Machine UDT into the hat. Both are around $110.
These knives have 440C blades. They won't "shave your arm hairs" like ATS-34, but you won't be afraid to USE these knives. 440C can be made quite sharp too.
Uses like cutting a tomato or other high acid fruits and vegatables (Klotzli) or cleaning a trout and rinsing the knife in the stream (VBM-UDT).
Sharpness is relative to increased maintainance. Take an ATS-34 blade camping and use it for everything. But you better also take a Tuf-Cloth. Slice a tomato with ATS-34 and fail to immediately maintain the steel and see what I mean.
440C w/o the worries is better for me.
There are (2) exceptions. REKAT's ATS-34 is hardened, quinched and finished in a way that they are very durable to stains and rusting. BG-42 is also great stuff.
Happy Easter Everyone.
Bill
 
Cold Steel's Voyager and El Lobo ought to do you very nicely. Good strong locks, a choice of plain or serrated edges, decent steel, and a nice price. Ditto for Spyderco. Benchmades and Microtechs won't outperform either of these, and definately not enough to warrant the price difference in my opinion. Cold Steel and Spyderco seem to give the most bang for your buck.
 
Bill,
You've got me again. I'm unfamiliar with the Vero Beach Machine. Where might I find a picture and its vitals, eg. blade length, wt. $, etal?

Thanks,

Jack
 
It's a good thing you guys reminded me of Spyderco. I went back and revisited all the makes and models. Geez, they've got an enormous selection. Does anyone have first hand experience with both the mini AFCK and the Spyderco Wegner jr. On paper the two are almost identical and priced nearly the same. Would anyone give either of them the... (oh man, should I actually say this? Heck yes - after Danelle's "Hi Jack," I'm entitled)...edge over the other? Or is it a...take your pick..., you can't really go wrong with either?

Good one Danelle; you deserve a raise.

Thanks,

Jack
 
I don't have an AFCK, but a friend has one and it's very nice. I really like the size and the shape of the blade. I've never been a really big fan of the way the AFCK looks, but it's not bad and it works well.

I have a Benchmade mini-Spike which I find to be a nice size and far more practical than I expected. The narrow, sharply pointed blade frequently comes in handy. I also like the way the narrow handle doesn't take up too much room in my pocket. I also have a Benchmade Leopard Cub that I like, though I prefer my mini-Spike.

As has been said frequently, you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions here.

-Brett


------------------
brett@rahul.net
www.rahul.net/brett
 
I think what ya need to do is pick up a Spyderco Delica98 or Endura98. Just for starters. They have a good steel(ATS-55) made just for knives. They have the reversible clip. They have plain edge, serrated edge, or combo edge, your choice. Plus Spyderco is an excellent company and the Delica or Endura won't break the bank($40-60.00). Carry the Spyderco for 6-8 months, then get something a step-up from the Spyderco's. A Benchmade AFCK(or Axis Lock), EDI Genisis, REKAT Pioneer, Spyderco Military or something new we haven't seen yet. If anything in 8 months you'll have two knives, one for left(Spyderco Endura or Delica) and right carry(New knife).
smile.gif

Blades


[This message has been edited by Blades (edited 05 April 1999).]
 
Heya!!!!

Lesseee..... Personally, I'd recommend the Axis as the best all around pocket poker out there. For a smaller knife, the BM 812 is awesome. The 800 can rock your world, too.

I've never trusted any blade more than my Axis, however.

I hope it helps. Your fingers are worth a whole lot more than the extra bux for a lock that works.

Paul
 
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