Recommendation: a Big Folder, a Small Folder

B

B.F.U

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Jan 1, 2013
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I am in need of both a large folder and a small folder. By large I mean bladelength of over 3.5", comfortable handle, and capable of real/tough cutting. By a small folder I mean something small enough to go unnoticed (preferrably in my watch pocket), under 3" blade, but still useable and comfortable. I will buy from Spyderco or Benchmade.

Large knives I'm considering: Endura ffg, Endura se, Pacific Salt se, Ulize, Manix XL, 710, Contego

I have always wanted to try a fully serrated knife from Spyderco, but my girlfriend and brothers all say that a serrated edge would be less useful. Also, I am leaning toward the Endura/Pacific salt knives. I have a Native and love it (especially ergonomics and blade shape), but I'm wondering if the Pacific Salt would be a little smoother opening because of the increased blade size? The Contego is interesting, but I'm afraid it would not feel right in my hand.

Small knives: Ladybug, Ladybug Salt Serrated, Ladybug Hawkbill Salt Serrated, Cricket se, Squeak, Dragonfly, Dragonfly Salt se

I like the ladybug salt se, but I'm not sure of the very small handle. I would go with the dragonfly, as I love the blade shape clip and choil, but I don't know if it would be as unnoticed. Also, I would like to try this H1 steel.

I may also choose not to get any of these knives and to get a Mini Tuff Lite as a small knife and a Large Voyager, or Rat 1, as a large knife, but it would be beneficial to get Spyderco or Benchmade.

I am extremely careful to know that I will like what I buy, which manifests itself in pickiness and overly detailed decision making. So sorry if this is too long or I've asked it in earlier threads. (Should I put this in Spyderco or Benchmade sub-forums?)

ALLHSS
 
Detail is good in a question like this. Most of the time it's something like "Recommend me a knife!" and everyone is scratching their heads saying, "What do you want it to do?"

I know this isn't in your original desire, but have you looked at the Zero Tolerance line? They have large, heavy duty knives. The 0200, 030x, and 056x lines are all reputable as large, comfortable and heavy use knives. Sorry that I don't have much else to say; my experience is limited. Best of luck!
 
I want to say spyderco military for the large knife and a dragonfly2 salt or zdp198. The military is very well known for taken huge amounts of abuse and keep on cutting and the dragonfly2 has surprisingly great ergonomics for such a small package.
 
Blade-fiend said:
I want to say spyderco military for the large knife and a dragonfly2 salt or zdp198. The military is very well known for taken huge amounts of abuse and keep on cutting and the dragonfly2 has surprisingly great ergonomics for such a small package.
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I know the Military is lauded for its strength (and pretty much everything else) but I'm still wary of liner locks. It just seems unnecessary when there are other, arguably I guess, better locks out there.
 
annasoH323 said:
Detail is good in a question like this. Most of the time it's something like "Recommend me a knife!" and everyone is scratching their heads saying, "What do you want it to do?"

I know this isn't in your original desire, but have you looked at the Zero Tolerance line? They have large, heavy duty knives. The 0200, 030x, and 056x lines are all reputable as large, comfortable and heavy use knives. Sorry that I don't have much else to say; my experience is limited. Best of luck!
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I appreciate the recommendation, but it actually brings up another one of my problems: I want a bigger knife, but I hate thick/wide handles. I have only handled a couple Zero Tolerance knives but they have all been much too hefty for me.
 
Hmm, if you ever decide to try out liner locks again, give the Millie a shot. Ergonomics are second to none for a working knife with its thinness, and the blade is a work of genius.

I'd say get the zdp Endura if you can't go the Military route. I don't have much experience with their very small knives, but whatever works well in your hand... can you try any out in a store?
 
Well, regrettably it's kind of a rush type thing. I would have to go at least an hours, and I'm not sure they'd have it.

I may warm up to the military.
 
ALLHSS said:
Well, regrettably it's kind of a rush type thing. I would have to go at least an hours, and I'm not sure they'd have it.

I may warm up to the military.
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oh, and there is a framelock military if that changes anything. Though I generally look at frame and linerlocks as the same thing, with just a different feel.
 
Benchmade 275 adamas is a big brute with axis and d2 steel it will take anything you can throw at it
 
Too bad you don't like wide knives because I agree, the 275 is a seriously tough knife. But short of that, the 710 is an outstanding knife in that size range. The 810 is a hit and miss. Some people love it, others don't.

For small, I think the Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189 is a terrific watch pocket knife. It cuts way outside of its size and the ergos are terrific for such a small knife.
 
Get a Gayle Bradley for the large--incredibly tough, and wonderfully made. The steel is phenomenal.

DJK
 
Large Griptilian or Bone Collector for the big knife. Dragonfly in H1 steel, fully serrated for the small knife.

The Griptilians are very tough, and the Bone Collector ups that to D2 steel and G10 (or wood) handles. The Dragonfly will fit in the coin pocket, has a clip and lock, and will give you a chance to experience H1 and full serrations. From everything I've read, fully-serrated H1 performs very admirably. The Dragonfly has a deep carry wire clip that only exposes about 1/4" or so of the handle, so it does conceal pretty well. It's also thin and lightweight, so it is very unobtrusive.

I like the Endura a lot as a large knife, and it is a very well constructed and solid feeling knife. But I don't get the impression it's quite as rugged or robust as the Grip/Bone Collector. On the other hand, I recall seeing a video some time ago where a guy chopped down a small tree with his Endura, so it is probably a lot tougher than I give it credit for.
 
Small folder hands down the Three Sisters Forge Beast. Best small folder I've ever owned bar none. Large folder look at the new CS Talwar, very well executed. For more bucks look at the Pohan Leu Bluephin, Sebbie, Martin Tejas if you can find one,...keepem sharp
 
I don't have any salt knives, but as I understand they sacrifice alot of edge retention, so might be annoying if you don't want to sharpen it often.
PS: I can vouch the Cricket, I love that little knife. The S-shaped blade is a super aggressive cutter, its slim, sort of gentlemanly and well proportioned.
 
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