Recommendations? SD Folder

F

fignozzle

Joined
Sep 19, 2002
Messages
34
Hi, everyone!

I'm learning a TON here! Thanks!!!

With each purchase as I search for my perfect SD knife, I learn a little more clearly what I'm after. Still no 'love match' as of yet.
NOTE: SD for me ideally is Reverse-grip, Edge-in a la Pekiti-Tirsia.


So, I'll give you the list of what I've bought, and why it's not quite "the one"...

1) Old Spyderco rescue fully serrated (gift) --
PROS: light weight, rides well, smooth action, good lockup.
CONS: The tip (or lack thereof), and the fact that I lost it. It WAS my EDC, and a good utility. Wish I still had it for that purpose.

2) CRKT large Kasper Crawford part-serrated--
PROS: WHAT A BEAST! Sharp, sturdy, surprisingly smooth action, L.A.W.K.S.
CONS: WHAT A BEAST! Too heavy for EDC, liner lock, serrations. Handle design/shape dedicated to "Saber grip"--forward grip, edge out use.

3) Cold Steel Large Voyager PE Tanto-- PROS: This is a SERIOUS BUSINESS blade! Sharp! Light weight for such a big knife. Good lockup!
CONS: Action WAAY to stiff; the FRN/plastic handle seems like "not enough", or too thin and small for all that blade.

4) Timberline Large Kelly Worden Tactical PE with the 'wood' handles-- Basically a 'beauty purchase'. PROS: Beautiful blade! Beautiful handles. Silkiest action of any knife I've owned so far. SO well-balanced. CONS: Just too pretty to carry. Clip is Tip-down. Handle just like the CRKT--Saber grip is the only realistic option.

5) Kershaw/Onion Whirlwind.
PROS: Light! FUN speed-assist. Smooth action. WAY SHARP from factory. Nice shape.
CONS: Handle good shape, but TOO SMALL--dangerous in a social situation, since it'd be easy for me to drop! Handle material, while indestructible, seems a little slippery. Liner Lock.


WHAT I'VE LEARNED:
SD for me is Reverse-Grip, Edge-In a la Pekiti-Tirsia.

For a SD folder, I want:
--Tip-Up carry (or ability to be modified that way)
--Easy one-handed opening.
--Rounded (or at least substantial) handle a la Kershaw Whirlwind, but BIGGER
--WAVE- or "Kershaw Talon"-type, bottle-opener hook on back of blade that I can pop open on the pocket as it comes out (or an automatic? never had one.) I can dremel it this way if necessary.

Does such a beast exist?
Can it be had for at/under $100?
Suggestions?


Guys, I'm still a total newbie, so please correct me if I've made any wrong assumptions on any of this. I really value and appreciate your help!





Thanks in advance!!!
Fig
 
You'll wish you carried tip down after you stab your thumb good a few times digging for it.

I learned the hard way and refused to not carry a knife because it was tip up. After three stabbings of the thumb over a 1/2 year and the last one [ stab ] causing issues I will NOT carry tip up anything.

We each have our own thoughts on criteria for our self-defense needs. One of the criteria I have is that the knife not bite it's owner.

Carry tip up long enough and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Besides, tip down is as fast or faster than tip up if you have the knowledge base to perform the techniques. I can get them out either way about as fast but when I dive for the blade with my fingers I no longer have to worry about holding the knife when deployed due to my own nasty wound on the thumb.

Brownie
 
Thanks Brownie!

You mentioned:
Besides, tip down is as fast or faster than tip up if you have the knowledge base to perform the techniques.
Click to expand...
I guess I need some help/practice with this.

When I carry tip-down, the knife comes out of my pocket, and rotates forward and up into a Saber grip; I then have to re-orient 180 degrees AND rotate it 180 degrees to have it in a RevGrp/EgIn position...kinda reminds me of the scene from Indiana Jones with the knife guy doing his windmills and Indy just shoots him! ;-)

Is it something I just need a lot more practice with, or am I missing the point?

Also, just to clarify, when I carry tip up, I want to be able to press the wave/hook against the BACK of the pocket, holding the handle as the blade rotates to the rear...hope I was clear. Sorry if not!
 
If your only con with the Spyderco rescue was the rounded tip, why not go for the Spyderco Endura. It works perfectly for an SD knife but is really a hard working utility knife. They can be had for under $50, and the new VG-10 steel kicks ass.

You may also want to take a look at the Benchmade Griptillian or the SOG Flash which has a spring assist blade opening.
 
PhoulPlae,
Thanks!
Endura and Native are two I'd really like to fondle, and see if they'll fit the bill.

BM's are a little on the high end $-wise, and I don't really know much about SOG's, but I'll check the local shop and see if they've got some of those, too while I'm after the Endura/Native.

Any other recommendations, anybody?
 
How about the Spyderhawk?

sc-77sbk.jpg


pic is from 1SKS.com
 
The Matriarch was made with SD in mind. I would probably do the Spyderhawk if the knife were going to also be used for utility.

sc-12sbk.jpg
 
Whoa, Dennis!!!
My eyes are POPPIN'! :eek:
Those are BOTH right along the lines of what I was imagining!

Not gonna ask it to do double duty. I'll carry something like that for the off-chance of a social situation, and some form of pocket or mini multi-tool to do the daily chores.

Got a hot lead for me on where to find the best price on those?
I happen to be pretty close to you geographically, so an online source is good, or if it's a brick & mortar store, that's cool, too.
 
fignozzle:

If you are using the wave the knife will be oriented tip up as the pivot area is where the wave works from as the knife clears the pocket.

Your description of your tip up technique was concise and understood. Thats how I and most others open theirs in tip up.

You would then have to rotate it as described for reverse grip, also as stated.

I don't use the wave and consequently am not restricted to tip up. The wave works as intended but precludes your moving the knife to the rear and then redirecting to what you are facing. It obviously is fast but requires two motions in opposite directions. Many like yourself really like the wave and I would discredit it.

Though I can manipulate the blade between hands or from sabre to reverse, etc I would not be apt to do so in a real confrontation and risk Murphy showing up at the wrong time like he's known to do.

My suggestion if you are staying with reverse grip from the draw stroke as you describe is to not change unless you decide sabre is a better defensive position for most scenarios.

Brownie
 
Hi fignozzle,

welcome to BF...

I have a few thoughts but I have to say up front that these will be outside of your price range...still, perhaps this can provide some "inspiration"

1) there are a bunch of new knives on the market designed for Pikal (reverse-grip blade in) fighting...basically, the blades on these knives are "upside down" (sharp edge on top)...I have this Trace Rinaldi Disciple on order (this should give you an idea)...the folder versions should be out soon

standard


2) try carrying the Commander in your LEFT pocket (clipped toward the front)...you can pull it out with your left hand and deploy it into reverse grip with the Wave (or put a lefty Commander in your right pocket if you want to withdraw with your strong hand)

3) see Michael Janich's "Fighting Folders" videos for a simple technique to withdraw and "flick" (inertia opening) your folder into reverse grip...basically, you turn your hand so that it is palm out, your index and middle finger go into your pocket and grab the knife, then you rotate your hand back to normal (after the knife clears your pocket) and flick the blade forward (it will be edge out though).

4) get a double edge folder...these are very rare but you can find them :)

RL
 
dullone,

I can see how this knife knut thing can REALLY get out of hand fast. When I saw that Cuda (Regular price: 169.95) for 39.95, I jumped on it and ordered one.

Still looking at a little Meerkat or Dragonfly for utility...
Not to mention the Native, Endura...Matriarch, Spyderhawk...
Etc...
etc...

Does it ever END???? :eek:
(I hope not) :D
 
The Cold Steel Vaquero Grande...It is one HELL of a "SD" knife!.:D.
 
dullone--

You're killing me! My wife is gonna take all my credit cards away.

Question on SMKW: I live about 30 minutes from their store, and I wonder if that price is only good for internet orders, since I'll also pay shipping AND tax (same state).

Anybody know?
 
Glockman99--
Vaquero & Vaquero Grande ARE monsters. I guess I'm looking for something smaller at this point, since I found the CRKT Kasper/Crawford to be about the right size, but too thick in the handle and too heavy.

I'm probably still going to buy a Native (dullone? Got a steal for me someplace? ;) ), but will give the Cuda Claw a try, too since it was at that unbelievable price and will lend itself to Pikal/Pekiti-Tirsia.

You guys are great! Thanks for the help.

Fig
 
Question on SMKW: I live about 30 minutes from their store, and I wonder if that price is only good for internet orders, since I'll also pay shipping AND tax (same state).

Anybody know?


SMKW knows! Give'em a call.

Now if you want a REALLY good deal ................;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top