Sorry, another "what knife should I buy?" Thread. (HD EDC 3.25")

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Jul 10, 2015
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I'm sure you guys get threads like this all the time, but my Google fu is weak on this subject and there are so many different kinds of knife.

The short version is, what folding knife is near indestructible, good for cutting boxes, prying, edge retention. 3.25 inches long. Non serrated.
I really like the tanto look but it doesn't need to be.
Used to cut boxes that contain sand molds, shave wood, strip wires, general cutting and prying, cleaning fingernails (Lol)
Less than $160 msrp
Preferably American made. Not needed.
I'm a big guy so size aside from blade length doesn't matter. Weight doesn't matter.
I really like AO with a flipper. Deployment is much more convenient. But it doesn't need it.


Extended version:
After holding on to the same cheap knife for 8 months I decided I was ready to reward myself with a nice knife I wouldn't lose.
After some brief research I ordered a Spyderco Military.

Now I must not have done enough research because it doesn't work well for what I use it for. The flat grind doesn't work well for cutting boxes, its too long so its awkward to use for what I use it for, and I'm afraid of breaking the tip because I use a knife for everything a tool of that shape can possibly be used for.

Other than that its an amazing knife, its just not what I need.

What knife should I buy? :D
 
Zero Tolerance 350 or 566 maybe? Assisted with a flipper. 350 has S30V steel which should hold an edge for a while, 566 has ELMAX which holds an edge and is a very tough steel.

Also can say the Manix 2 is a great knife too. MUCH stronger tip than the Military.
 
I also vote for a ZT 566. The Elmax is in your price range new and used. I have the M390 blade and it's a killer...but may be above your price point.

Mike
 
If you could pick up a second hand dpx heft, I think it would be perfect for you and your uses. I'd recommend just get a new one, they are worth the coin. Or you can usually find one one the exchange in your target area. Most knives offered there are in perfect condition.
 
Yep, Manix 2, tank of a blade, but grind is so perfect for all types of cutting. I'd recommend against prying with any blade, mainly because of a gadget called the Pocket Widgy. It's a tip saver.
 
As an owner of nth a Zero Tolerance 0350 and 0566 I can highly recommend both. The 0566 is new and I love it, the flipper action is fantastic and the Elmax steel is incredibly sharp.

The 0350 I've had for going on four years and it has held up tremendously well. I prefer that 0566 because I'm not crazy about the recurve on the 0350 but I think that either would serve you well and fit your budget.

Another possibility could be an Emerson CQC-7, which does come with a tanto tip. I've never owned one, but I've considered it and understand them to be very tough tools.

Happy hunting!
 
FFG's will be better for cardboard than a saber grind, given the stock thickness is the same. The Mili is a renouned slicer too, so I doubt you'll find much better especially if you're keeping the prying ability in mind. I would agree though, the tip on the Military Is thin causing me to use it with trepidation... CQC7b would be a good option.
 
The ZT 0350 seems to fit all your requirements. If you've got large hands, try handling one before placing an order since some people feel the handle's a touch short. I've used mine a lot over the past few years and can't complain about its performance.

The DPx HEST 2.0 is a few bucks over your limit (I've seen it for $175 or so) but otherwise seems like just the kind of knife you're looking for.

A Delica or Mini Griptilian, if the blades aren't too short, might be worth considering.

Whatever knife you choose, you could pair it up with something like a Victorinox Pioneer. The screwdriver and awl are quite useful when it comes to prying and scraping and will save your knife some wear and damage (plus Victorinox has a fantastic warranty).
 
0566 can take the work! And if anything should happen, ZT has one of the best warranties in the biz. Hell, they'll replace a broken blade for $30!

 
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