Small frame locks (Gerber Torch)

[jorski3000]

I came across this Gerber, I believe it's called Torch:

(Centofante for size reference)

I know many people don't like Gerber, and there are many things I would do differently in this particular knife: the blade is too thick for any task suited for a knife this small, to begin with. And the clip doesn't work at all - too tight, and placed where the ambidextrous stud and the frame lock can and will snag. And that ugly inlay must go.

However, I'm impressed with many things: the flipper, the really solid lockup with no play whatsoever, the open frame and the fact that you can disassemble the knife down to the last little torx screw. Handle size and design are very good, jimping and flipper will make thrusting and working with the tip very safe. If you look at the top picture, you see that that's a lot of edge for a small blade.

So minus the blade, Torch has the makings of a decent pocket knife. And it's cheap.

My question: is there a cheap small frame lock folder with a decent slicer/utility blade? Clip is not necessary for a small pocket sized item like this, IMO.

 

[3mptin3ss]

gerber has some decent models despite a lot of the negative stuff people say here on the forums. i used to think gerbers were crap because of these forums, but i went ahead and got a gerber applegate and hinderer and i loved both.


i think the gerber torch 2 looks interesting as well, have thought about getting it.

 

[mlanghornes]

I have the Torch II, and I'm pretty pleased with it. Some may hate the partially-serrated tanto tip, but I find it is versatile enough for daily use. I especially like that it feels beefy in the hand. And, like you said, the lockup is great, with no play at all. Just my $0.02.

 

[Masteroffajitas]

Looks like a copy of a hinder folder. The xm-18 I think it's called.

 

[miro44]

That reminds me of a Rick Hinderer design...Anyway, Gerber quality is pretty lousy in my experience. All the knives I had by them literally fell apart while using them...

 

[AF]

The CRKT Drifter is decent. I got one awhile back at the auction site for like $5!

 

[jorski3000]

http://www.knivesplus.com/gerberknifegb-1584.html says Torch IS a Hinderer design.

I have the Clip Lock diving knife (for diving, duh) and the Guardian. Both very well made, but granted, they're older designs. As for the Torch... so far I've found three (!) design defects in clip placement and design. The clip must go. But like I said, I think it's pocketable.

Have to check out the Drifter. Thanks.

 

[Tostig]

is there a cheap small frame lock folder with a decent slicer/utility blade?

Depends on what your idea of cheap is

Kershaw Leek if your looking for semi-cheap

CRKT Padoza if you are looking for dirt cheap.

I actually really like my mini Padoza ( cute little bugger) , the lockup is strong , not the smoothest opening but I will trade that for solid lockup anyday. my two cents

 

[Steely_Gunz]

While I'm not a huge fan of Gerber, my wife bought me a little frame lock a couple years ago. I think it was called the Ripstop or something like that. She got it at Target.

For what it's worth, I beat the hell out of that little thing. Used it to cut a liner out of a pool, dragging it across concrete until the edge was almost gone. Did the job, though. Sharpened her up, and she's good to go. The part I hate to admit: It still locks up tighter than my Kershaw and Benchmade frame locks I don't mean that as a dig to those companies at all. This is a pretty small knife, but it turned out to be a pretty good value for around 17 bucks.

 

[EODPAul]

I have the Torch 2. I love it. It's a Hinderer designed knife, at 10% of a Hinderer's price, which I think is very cool. I like the blade, personally (versatile) with the partial serration, and the weight of it feels great, but I like substantial items. My old school theory of "if it's heavy, it's solid" makes me like this knife a lot. I wish the blade was a true Tanto, but mostly for the look...