Recommendations for my first folder.

Ironkid883

Ironkid883

Joined
Jun 29, 2018
Messages
664
Hey to all on here ...
Personally i am guilty off giving away all my folders down thru the years .
Not I am currently hoarding fixed blade bacon offerings from busse .
I like em buff said they are only a few other fixed blade I'd like to try .
But now I find myself looking for a folder just to throw in a back pack going out to the woods if I'm not out shelter building or hacking up dead shit blowing off steam .
I would like a folder that is pretty tough .
Hopefully sub 200 dollar mark .
But I'd like a super tough steel to boot .
In other word I'm looking for a folder that would most likely surviva the blade at least if I turn in to a human fireball after a bike crash or a zombie apocalypse happens when I blink ...
I liked the shape of zt0350 but think its overpriced and other offerings in 154cm seem dated .
Any input or recommendations appreciated ironkid out
 
My suggestion based on you liking the zt 350 is the Kershaw knockout. The usa made blade exclusive in m390 is an awesome knife.
 
if you want a 'hard use' folder, to do anything, personally I'd avoid m390 and those types of steels, they hold an amazing edge but give up toughness to do it
(similar to d2 and a bunch of other really high carbon steels)

3v might be the best choice, and only 1 knife really is available in a tough folder in 3v under your budget - bm bailout
timthumb.php
 
Bestech and Kizer make some pretty knives in that that range but I'm not sure about hard use on them and I've heard warranty can be hit or miss. I'd probably stick to used hinderer or spyderco
 
I'm quite pleased with the Spyderco Native 5 and the Benchmade Mini Presidio II folders. Lots of very good factory made knives around. I keep the Vic One Handed Trekker in my carry bag in the woods for those moments that I need to saw something small or cut something a bit larger than my very small Vic Small Tinker would normally handle. For some reason, I always reach for the folder in the woods and not the fixed blade on my belt. I like simple knives.
 
SK Blades Smoke Jumper (clip point and red FRN handle) or The Shield (drop point and blue FRN handle) Buck 110LT.
Both have a CPM154 blade.

Copper and Clad offer the brass and wood Buck 110 with a 5160 carbon steel blade, with a couple choices for the wood covers.

For $200 you could get all three and have enough left over for a large pizza or two at Pizza Hut or some such place.
 
Waitaadamnminute! If you like the ZT0350, buy it. It's one of the least expensive models Zero Tolerance makes. It was my first ZT, and still the first ZT I'D say anyone oughta buy. (Not necessarily the best, just the "most" ZT.) It's wide, but thin in the pocket. S30V is a fine steel. It thwacks open like a 1911 going into battery. The recurve is a little challenging to sharpen, but it CUTS. The wide tip isn't the best for opening envelopes, but you probably have a Barlow for that.

I have a few ZTs. My 0808 might see a little more pocket time (just because it matches my titanium watch.) But my 0350 puts a smile on my face every time I hit that flipper. I bought it because I really liked my other Onion designed knives and L J Gibbs (almost) carried one. But it's a keeper.
 
Last edited:
Overall i'd recommend an Umnumzaan as an all around badass folder. But its over your price range by a fair bit.

Maybe a Spyderco Manix 2? Theyre fairly tough and the regular ones are only about 90 to 100 bucks.

Or a protech TR3 if you wanna try an auto. Absolutely love that one, and 154cm isnt bad just because there are newer steels.
 
I think you can give a try to the 0350.
ZT does s30v very well and it is a robust blade
It was my first “high end” knife and I have been very pleased with it

After some time I have replaced it by a PM2. I have used and abused a black/black s30v version and it is really good
I have now a s110v version but the s35vn may be better for backpacking

The Benchmade bug out is not as tough as the 2 others but it is very light.
You trade some strength for weight ... so it depend on what you want to do
 
A poor man's Shirogorov is a Real Steel Megalodon Ti framelock in M390. Under 4" and $210.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top