Suggestions Needed

Yosemite Sam

Yosemite Sam

Joined
Dec 17, 2001
Messages
1,055
Hi all. I'm the new guy.

I'm looking for a new tactical/combat folder. The primary purpose of this weapon is as a last ditch backup for a handgun, or as a defensive weapon when I don't have a gun with me. I have a Cold Steel Spike (or will soon, it's on order), and will have that with me if I think I'm going into a dangerous situation.

I've got the quest narrowed down quite a bit. Primarily, I want to stay under $50. I want one-handed opening. I like Tanto styled blades, though from reading I see that this isn't a real popular option with the purists. I'd like to stay below a 4" blade. I'd like a pocket clip.

I'm currently looking at the CRKT M16-02Z, the Cold Steel Voyager, the Camillus Lev-R-Lock, and a few others.

I know the Camillus doesn't have a pocket clip; Does that lever dig into your leg while it's in your pocket?

I really like the M16, but am concerned about the liner lock. Should I be? CRKT has a real good reputation, and the M16 in particular gets a lot of good press.

The Voyager is looking to be the strongest of the bunch, or at least of the three I've got listed here. Is it that much better than the CRKT?

Anything else screaming out to me that I just can't hear?

-- PG
 
ParaGlock, I won't comment on the choice of knives because I don't own any of the above. Just wanted to say welcome to the forums! :) 'Tis a great place, even if it can get a little silly at times! Glad to have you here!
 
Hi ParaGlock. Welcome to the forums. Having owned all three knives mentioned, I'll ad my 2 cents. The Camillus Lev-R-lock does not have a pocket clip and is rather small for defensive use, but is very lightweight so you don't even know it's in your pocket. It's a fun little knife, but my only gripe with that little folder is the amount of blade wobble these tend to have. The CRKT M-16 is a great knife for the money, both aluminium and zytel versions, and have an atractive bead blast finish. The Cold Steel Voyagers are good all around knives and have been around for a while. It sounds to me like the tanto Voyager would probably fit your needs for a defensive backup knife. If you plan to use it as a utility peice, the clip point version is more useful.

Good luck and stick around the forums. It'll be fun. :)
 
Thanks for the welcomes!

I'm finding that I'm spending a lot of time thinking about lock mechanisms. Is it worth the effort? I know that "some" liner locks are looked down upon; Is this not the case with CRKT? Are they engineered enough for this to not be a problem?

Add to the list (above) the CRKT Point Guard and Urban Shark. The PG (hey! it matches my username! :)) has the LAWKS lock, and the US just looks so damn nice. I'm seeing some real good prices over on Ebay.

I may just have to give up on a Tanto blade afterall...

-- PG
 
Get yourself a plain-edge tanto Voyager. Depending where you measure it, the blade on the "large" is just a hair under 4 inches. The "medium" Voyager measures in at around 3 inches. The Voyagers are made with AUS-8A stainless steel, and are pretty well-built.:).
 
Welcome to BladeForums.

Seriously consider the CS Voyager. For the money you can't beat them. Good strong lock, very very sharp. Also check with Roger or Kristi at Bayou Lafourche Knife Works. Their prices are great and their service is the best in the industry.
 
Honestly, if you're looking for a defensive weapon and you are at all worried about the locks on the folders you mentioned, I'd give serious consideration to carrying a small fixed blade. That Spike (if it is the knife I'm thinking of) should be great.

Now, if a folder is a must (as it is with me) I would lean toward the CRKT M-16. I've only handled it once, but I was impressed.

Just my $0.02, and welcome to the forums. What a great place this is.

-Al-
 
That's why I got the Spike. :D Well, ordered it, anyway. The fact that I ordered it from Botach may mean that I won't actually ever get one (or at least get one from them; I only read of the horror stories after placing my order - damn!). If I get the usual runaround from them I'll buy one elsewhere whilst I wait for my money back...

Yeah, I keep coming back to the Voyager, too. Some of the others are more aesthetically pleasing (to me), but the CS knife definitely looks strong. I'll probably go with the 4", but the 3" would most likely be enough (and would conceal better).

What do y'all think of the Nogales point blades? (El Hombre, Vacquero, etc.) There's a little more style there than in the Voyager, and it looks like the blades are slightly heavier/thicker, too.

-- PG
 
PG,

If you really like CS, try Top of Texas knives. They have a huge selection of CS, charge very reasonable prices, and I have recieved every purchase from them in mere days (and didn't even pay for the fast shipping option as I remember). Not a plug here, just trying to help.

-Al-
 
I'm not set on CS at all, but thanks for the link. He does have good prices.

In looking around I'm finding more and more that intrigue me. Sigh. Nothing is easy. :confused: :p

I do like the Scimtars, but they're too big for daily carry. Might end up with an El Hombre, if they're strong enough. But then there's that sexy little Wasp, or the Urban Shark, if I didn't want to spend that much. Decisions, decisions! At least they're cheaper than guns! ;)

-- PG
 
Being cheaper than guns is not a financial advantage, as you buy more of them!:)

I have both CS Voyagers (Gunsite II and the XL tanto) and love them. Whether steel clip or older plastic clips, they carry well for me, and I'm a lockback fan. I also have an M16-13Z and have to admit the linerlock is solid on my example, but I don't like the clip as well--it's harder to use.

Also check out Spyderco, which are my favorites. Enduras and Delicas are within your price range, and the metal clips are ambidextrous switchable (although I prefer the robustness of the older, all plastic handled models).

Check around the for sale forums for some good deals. I've had nothing but good luck with fellow forumites there!

Karl
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top