Suggestions for a folder with a deep blade

S

shinbone

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
90
Hi All,

I am in the market for a new folder, and not having much luck finding what I want. This will be an EDC general use knife that is used in the field. Plan is to use it forever, and then have my heirs fight over it.

One close example is the very nice Koenig Arius. Koenig Knives is sold out of the 204P blades, though. The Lionsteel SR-1 is close, too, but I don't like the Rotoblock feature, and I'd like a steel a little further up the food chain than Sleipner. While missing some key features, I also like the Spyderco Slysz Bowie, but they are out of production and prices on the secondary market are, IMHO, crazy-stupid (typically about $400 minimum, used) for what the knife is.

Just looking to see what else is out there. Since the knife will be a working knife, buying used is fine with me. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

The features that I strongly prefer are:
1) A deep blade geometry (such as the Arius or the SR-1)
2) No finger choil
3) Upgraded steel such as M390 or S90V, doesn't have to be stainless
4) Some sort of blade lock
5) If it is a frame lock, it has to have a steel insert
6) $500 max price, would go as high as $600 for something which is absolutely perfect for me

Other features I would like are:
1) About a 3.5" blade length
2) Sharpening choil
3) Hollow grind
4) A front flipper would be cool
5) Deep carry pocket clip

I am currently rocking a Real Steel Megalodon in M390. I like this except I'd like a deeper blade.



My SR-1. I like the blade shape, but am not a fan of the Rotoblock, and would prefer an upgrade over the Sleipner.


My Kizer Wanderer in S35VN. Ideally, I'd like a little more blade depth, and want a geometry with a little more belly. And, while the S35VN is a great all-around steel, I'd like something with more wear resistance.


My Spyderco Farid K2. I like this blade depth and the CPM 10V is the kind of steel I am looking for. But, the handle ergos need more refinement, the 4-1/2" blade is a little too intimidating for some to be usable everywhere, and the terrible lock stick is a deal breaker.
 
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The ZT 804CF is similar in shape, a bit larger and not a hollow grind. It's discontinued but you should be able to track one down for around retail (half your budget).
 
I have two suggestions and like Boon’s as well.

ZT0562 but you might need to go secondary market to find the right steel.

Demko AD-15 - this is one a handful of knives I’ll never give up. It doesn’t tick all your boxes and you’d need to stretch your budget, but it’s a very impressive knife.
1B1D45B1-104C-4BC4-A4DC-1999BF189B17.jpeg
 
Doesn't meet all your criteria but Lionsteel tm1 in carbonfiber or micarta. Deep blade and integral backlock on bearings.

I love mine.
 
With that budget, you may be able to get a custom piece.
Not a tall blade, but Spyderco Gayle Bradley would be something to consider.
Very nice hollow grind on it.
 
S shinbone I think you and I have very dissimilar taste in knives. I generally dislike wide blades (or "tall" if you prefer, from edge to spine). I don't care much about upgraded steels. I pretty much hate steel lock bar inserts--I've seen many more issues on framelocks with steel inserts than I have on knives without them (e.g. ZT 0452 lock bars sliding to the presentation side).

That said, I have some knives that I like despite these characteristics that may possibly be in the direction you're looking for. You'd have to find one on the secondary market, but the CKF Ratata might be up your alley.

WdqPEFu.jpg


Features:

  • Titanium framelock with steel lock bar insert
  • 3.66" M390 blade that is surprisingly thin and slicey
  • A blade so tall it's practically a spatula
  • Carries very small for a big knife--great blade to handle ratio if that's a thing you're into
  • Weighs only ~4 ounces
  • Runs on bearings and flips great
I like mine so much (despite the too-wide blade and stupid steel lock bar insert) that I have two. The other one is heavily customized and looks like this:

nljSIsd.jpg
 
Might not check all your boxes / preferences, but if the priority is a deep blade in a high performance steel, the first one I thought of was the CS 4Max (also a Demko design). Easily the broadest blade I own in a folder and it is a great cutter. There is a choil, but so much cutting edge that it works. Downside is that it is a big, heavy knife for a folder. Mine goes in my chore coat pocket, not pants pocket.
 
Although the technique for opening and closing is very particular with the knife, I love my ZT 0909 for a tall blade and harder duty. However, it might be more of a crude knife than the ones you are comparing it to. Although discontinued, you might still be able to find a few online dealers that have a couple left in stock.
 
dogrunner said:
Might not check all your boxes / preferences, but if the priority is a deep blade in a high performance steel, the first one I thought of was the CS 4Max (also a Demko design).
Click to expand...

The CS 4Max was my first thought too. Also the Cold Steel Colossus I and II?
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Colossus-I-Lockback--34610

Fox might have a few that checks most of your boxes. Finger choil on the handles tho :(
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Fox-Knives-Pro-Hunter-Folder-Liner--47596
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Fox-Knives-Desert-Fox-Liner-Lock--36588

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Viper-Knives-Vox-Fortis-Flipper--49480

Ahh, just realized Aleforme mentioned both Fox and Viper

Reate?
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Reate-Knives-Fallout-2-Flipper--51445
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Reate-Tashi-Bharucha-Baby-Machine--83610
 
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Just a thought after seeing the SR-1 but there is the Spyderco Lionspy same knife in most aspects except on washers, iirc SR-1 is on bearings, still has the rotoblock but steel is Elmax. It is discontinued but typically can still be found for a fair price on the 2ndary market.
 
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