Step up and place your vote! Which one?

Atomic Zero

Atomic Zero

Joined
Oct 11, 2001
Messages
475
I know threads like these are tiresome, but I'm fishing for opinions. Please keep in mind that I researched all these knives seriously and no true negative evidence turned up that would separate one knife from the other. Most reviews were glowing.

I was looking to purchase a sort of "defensive" knife to keep in my EDC pack and occassionally carry in my pocket. It will be used some for utility purposes, but those duties will mostly fall on a custom from our very own Ferret (more on that when I get it). It will mainly be a second knife when I need a large, rough folder. To pander to my egotistical side, it'd be nice if it was pretty.

Feel free to suggest another knife, but I'd prefer to pick from the ones below to save from confusion. The criteria I had was 3.5 or larger, about 150 bucks, reversible clip and southpaw friendly opening. This will also be the last knife I'll buy for a while, so a high knifesturbation factor would be a plus.

With that said, I'd like to hear your arguments on the following contenders:

* MT LCC
* TOPS Magnum 747
* REKAT Sifu
* Emerson Commander
* Buck Strider
* Spyderco Civilian

I know some of these don't meet criteria, but they're overall deliciousness got the better of me. The only one I can handle in person is the Emerson Commander, so I'm flying a bit blind.

Thanks in advance!
Zero
 
I've owned a Buck Strider tanto and it is a very stout knife. I carried it every day for 4 months and it is cool but unless you need[/B it, it is too big for carry IMHO.

I just got a Mini Commander and now I want the full size. That knife is designed for defensive use. It waves. Out of all of those , the Commander is what you want.
 
Go with a Benchmade 710,I'm a lefty too and when I started using the 710 I threw all my other knives into a drawer and only take them out to sell them off.
Mike
 
If I had to choose one of the knives from your list, it would have to be the LCC. They are a great knife for the money. Very solid and very well finished. Most likely the one that comes closest to being custom quality.

However, bearing in mind the fact that you are looking for a lefty friendly knife, I would opt for the BM 710 in M2 steel. If I had to choose one production folder, this would be it. Simply a well executed knife.

I own and carry both, each having their own merits. You can routinely find the LCC for sale on BFC for $100-$125 which is all the better.
 
Dammit, I don't know how I forgot about the 710. Thanks for the reminder...

Thanks for the replies! Keep 'em coming...

Zero
 
Self Defense is the only thing a Civilian is good for. For self defense I wouldn't trust a liner lock. I don't know how lefty friendly the Buck Strider is. The LCC doesn't have a good enough grip at all for self defense(A guy named BlackRazor cut open his hand a while back when rammed his LCC into an old couch and fingers slipped on to the blade).

I would go with the new Benchmade Axis AFCK 806D2. You can get one for 106 bucks right here: http://www.knifeworks.com/product.asp?3=1634
It has a very secure grip, steel liners(stronger than the old titanium ones), and the axis lock is completly lefty friendly. So is the clip. You might be thinking of the omega springs breaking, but if you only open this up for self defense(which is hopefully never) then you shouldn't have a problem with wearing out the omega springs.

knifeworks.com has some of the best customer service also!

Jeff
 
I've never had an online retailer treat me as well as Bayou Lafourche has in the past. I did all my Christmas shopping there and they were patient, thorough, and very FAST.

The knife I'm looking for is something that's designed for "tactical" use, but it will see some utility work. If I was ever attacked, I'd probably run like a little girl anyway, but it'd be nice to have a more purpose-driven folder on me. You nver know.

The AFCK looks good too, but I left it off for now since it was relatively new. Just in case any kinks are revealed or the price drops with time. It's a PC tech instinct ;)

Zero
 
I like the Commander, but a lefty version is hard to find. There was on on the For Sale forum, but I missed out. If I buy it direct, it's over 200 bucks(!).

Zero
 
The 710 would be a great choice. The new AFCK axis is a good choice as well. I love my Sifu. There is a lefty Sifu for sale now in the forums. That is fairly rare.
 
Have to agree with jefroman about the handle of the LCC. It's a great looking knife, but not much to keep your fingers off the blade(especially now with smooth aluminum bolsters, like on mine) I also own an 806D2, just great. I wouldn't worry about kinks in the design. The lock and blade/handle design were already well established independently. This knife (and the 805) just bring 2 great things together. The price probably won't change either.
 
Atomic, IF you want a knife that will take all the rough utility
work you can throw at it ......and .........be a used as weapon......and
.....be pretty enough to make other people drool......and .....have a
great warranty to boot.

There is only one knife I can think of that's truely affordable......and ..
made just for you to your specs. Well, I've got just the knife for you
IF you're interested....... Sound good??

It's a Buck 110 from Pete's custom shoppe!!!!!

While the 110 isn't one of the younger set's favorite knives it will do
all that you say you really need for ......now this is the good part.....
the rest of your life if you don't loose it. Such a deal!!!!!
 
Pete's Custom Shoppe is one of the coolest damn sites out there. Everyone needs to check that out, whether you like the 110 or not. I have a 110 (and the smaller one, I think it's the Ranger) already and I love it, but it usually stays in the office. My department has become accustomed to just taking it out of my desk whenever they need a knife. I will get a customized one down the road.

I remember the thread jefroman mentioned, but I didn't remember that it was about the LCC. I think that's sufficient evidence to remove that from the running. Oh well. It looks great, but it'll get ugly fast if I can't use it.
 
I think you need to define your needs a bit. For instance, the Civilian is all tactical and has about 0% utility value. That said, the BM 710 is an overall great choice.
 
Yeah, I knew the Civilian would throw some people off. I kinda put that in there at the last minute.

The knife will basically be a big folder in my bag, used some for utility, but able in defensive situations.

The 710 and the AFCK are looking good, as well as the Strider and TOPS folder.
 
I don't have the MT so I will not comment on that. I have some of the others. The Buck Strider is very stout and strong, although a little wide for every day carry.
The Emerson Commander is a good choice and the wave is a great feature, however, I feel that the liner lock is thin and kinda week.
The TOPS 747 I have not owned although I did have a Tops 711 (Mangnum Tanto version) it was a hard to open although I was told that was not the norm but it is VERY BIG and not a good everyday carry knife.
The REKAT Sifu: Awsome knife very large and scarry looking it has a thin profile so it is easy to carry. But some people are limited by law to a smaller blade length and some have had complaints about the lock. I own three and all have served me well and several friends have the knife and they like the knife as well.
The Spyderco Civilian: I really like mine. It is thin and it carries well even in dress slacks the quality is great and the lock up very solid. It has very little purpose in the "utility" catagory but then again it wasn't designed as a utility folder.

With all that said if I had to pick one I'd go with the Sifu with a very close second to the Civilian.
 
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