Recommend me a flat ground folder...

M

MIKE1218

Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
22
I enjoy the blade shape of the SOG Flash II - very visually appealing to me. Drop point, fully flat ground, 3.5", 1/8" thickness, relatively narrow edge to spine.

What I am looking for is a knife sharing these blade characteristics, chiefly flat ground, and relatively narrow edge to spine dimension, in a stronger knife. I have searched but nothing has caught my eye. I find the shape of this blade to be very useful for pretty much any task but I enjoy carrying things like ZT or Wilkins scale griptilian. Heavy, solid feeling knives - most of which have wide blades that are sometimes difficult to use for slicing tasks.

Please recommend me a heavier duty (than the Flash) knife with a blade as mentioned above. I'm not particular as far as locking mechanisms, however I do not like to use lock-backs. If I found the right knife, the budget could go as high as $200 or so.

I realize I might be vague - I'll try to answer any questions that are posed which help narrow the selection.

Thanks!
 
Any flat ground Spyderco: Endura, Delica, Paramilitary 2, Manix 2 (there are flat ground models), Police G-10 (if you want narrow, this one fits the bill), Military and so on. Personally, for a good all-around folder, I'd pick the Paramilitary 2.

If you don't mind the size, the Benchmade Dejavoo and Onslaught are great (I love Bob Lum's designs).
 
The Ontario RAT1 (3.6") and RAT2 (3.0") are ridiculously inexpensive ($20 - $40 each) and yet high quality folders. Probably two of the highest value knives. They're also very easy to sharpen.




If you're looking for something with better blade steel, take a look at the Spyderco Caly3, ParaMilitary2 (hard to find lately), or perhaps the Delica or Endura (I prefer the Caly for the finger choil).
 
Does it need to be a full flat grind or can it just be a high flat grind? I really like the 950 Rift but it is probably wider than you are looking for. Maybe a 710 would work since it is a bit narrower. I'm pretty sure it is also a high flat grind.
 
Ontario RAT-1 is the closest that comes to mind. The SuperLeaf might also be worth checking out. It's a modified drop point and doesn't quite have the same belly as the Flash and RAT, but it is a really beefy knife.

Flash2_RAT1_Superleaf_800x517.jpg
 
Thanks for the suggestions. BM 710 might fit the bill, plus I adore the axis lock. As far as spyderco, I could do with another pm2 in one if the fancy steels - I have the s30v. I love the knife but really looking for something else...

I might snag a RAT just to see if I like it. I have seen it has a pretty good following here. The blade shape is almost exactly what I want.

It was asked if full flat is a requirement - not necessarily. High flat is okay too
 
My suggestions would be the ones above, Rat 1, Sages, Superleaf, and I'd add a BM Ritter Grip. That one'll give you an AXIS lock, S30V, and a high flat grind with a thin enough blade at the edge to be a great slicer. I believe that A G Russell also has a couple of flat ground folders under his brand on his web site. His knives are well made and certainly worth checking out.
 
This.^
A Para Military will cover all bases and check out a Carbon Fiber Sodbuster from Case.
 
Ritter Grip suggestion: I have a griptilian... the point of this is to have a narrower blade. The Ritter has a wider blade than the grip I already have.

As I mentioned before, I also have a PM2 but not looking for that blade shape right now.

As far as the Sodbuster, which has been mentioned twice - I'm really looking for a knife that is stronger than the Flash. I think I will trust the arc lock over a spring.
 
I suggest the BM581. It seems to meet all of your requirements. Flat ground, narrows toward the tip and looks like a gentlemans knife. Being made from M390 is just icing on the cake.
 
Last edited:
Another FFG drop point... Opinel (maybe No. 8 or 9 for the size you're looking for). They might not look it, but they are pretty tough.
 
I recently picked up an Enzo Birk folder with ffg S30V blade. This thing is without a doubt the sharpest knife out of the box that I have ever seen. Not cheap - $160 or so on ebay. AWESOME!
 
Tracker 1 said:
I recently picked up an Enzo Birk folder with ffg S30V blade. This thing is without a doubt the sharpest knife out of the box that I have ever seen. Not cheap - $160 or so on ebay. AWESOME!
Click to expand...

Beautiful knife. A (admittedly quick) search only showed scandi grind though.

BM 581 - almost perfect. I've never owned an axis assist - what I've always like about the axis lock is how you can let it close by pulling the lock. I'd have to play with a 581 before I buy, I think.

I have an almost subconscious draw to the BM 710. I'd love to snag one in m390. This might be the one. Love the long, slender(ish) blade.

Decisions... of course I have also been thinking about buying a completely different knife to fuel other desires - ZT0300. Love the 0350 too much to not have the big brother.

Thanks for all the input folks
 
Spyderco Caly 3 or 3.5. I would go for CF/ZDP.
Spyderco Stretch - Has a nice thin blade FFG for slicing, but makes a perfect EDC for any tasks. I would get the BRG ZDP-189 version.
 
BladeChick777 said:
Spyderco Caly 3 or 3.5. I would go for CF/ZDP.
Spyderco Stretch - Has a nice thin blade FFG for slicing, but makes a perfect EDC for any tasks. I would get the BRG ZDP-189 version.
Click to expand...

I would second the Caly 3.5. I know the OP said he wanted to avoid lockbacks, but it really is such a great knife...

C144CFE_L.jpg


Maybe a Sage 2? I've been looking at buying one recently, but since I don't mind lockbacks, I think I'm going to stick with the Caly 3.5 I already have, lol

C123TI_L.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top