Tech Crew?

A

Airsoftgun99

Joined
Jul 26, 2013
Messages
120
I need a new knife for stage crew. I need a large knife, weight isn't a concern. easy opening, and half serrated. black would be really nice for no glare, during shows. under 100. I looked into kershaw, maybe clash?
 
Check out the cold steel folder lineup, especially the Recon-1 series. They can be had as big or small as you want, and are built to last.
 
I agree with El Bandit0. Cold Steel does large, strong and affordable very well. The Recon 1 has all the features you're looking for: black blade, combo edge and it's built like a tank. If the coated blade is not a must have, then check out the Voyager line as well, I like them more than the Recons.

Other options, a bit more expensive but with better steel would be the Spyderco Manix 2 and Endura. Benchmade Griptilians are in your price range, too.
 
Lots of great kershaw options for you. For under $100 you could take a blur and clash
 
I'd look at the Spyderco Endura blackout version. It's under $100, is all black even the hardware, the blackout version only comes in a combo blade so you get your half serrations, it's large but not "Tacticool", and it opens easily with either hand.
 
I would think a multi tool would be the ticket for that kind of work.

What do you expect to be cutting?

What do you think is a large knife?
 
Get a couple rat 1's and beat the hell out of them without worrying.

Use the money you saved on beer or food.
 
Hard H2O said:
I would think a multi tool would be the ticket for that kind of work.

What do you expect to be cutting?

What do you think is a large knife?
Click to expand...

I'll be cutting tie line, zip ties, lots of tape, and pretty much anything that pops up. I would consider any of the ZT knives large, but they're out of my price range. I use my leatherman, but I'm looking for a beater knife.
 
Zip ties are tough for any knife, and bigger blades may have trouble getting in between the tie, and whatever it has zipped together.

I second the Cold Steel recommendation, and I would also suggest the Carson M21 lineup by Columbia River Knife & Tool, although with the caution that CRKT's heat treat is hit-or-miss: some of their knives just will not get sharp!

For zip ties and other thick plastic items, you should consider carrying a small metal shears, band cutter, a pair of trauma shears, or some other thing that is made to cut heavy plastic or light metal. It will make your day a little easier.

You might even consider the Kershaw Raptor: a scissors-based multitool. Not as high-speed, low-drag as ZT, but maybe better suited to your needs.

There's also the Bladeforums answer: get one of each!

Or a smatchet. I don't think that answer applies, here....
 
I would think a utility shears or side cutter to be best for cutting zip ties. Even the scissors on my Leatherman Juice S2 can handle zip ties.

For tape any old knife will do. What kind of cord is the tie line?
 
Just my thoughts, but I've been working in theater for...a while.

The all black knife isn't that essential, the black holster...yes. It's rare that you will be using your knife where an audience member might see it, but setting down your knife in a dark mostly black environment will happen a fair amount when you use your knife backstage. Being able to clearly see your knife when you go to pick it up again is a good thing...even my black handled knives have uncoated blades.

One hand opening is good, but being able to safely and confidently close the knife with one hand is essential. If you can open and close the knife one-handed with your non-dominant hand as well that's even better

Cutting a cable tie with a knife is a "last resort" option for me, I prefer diagonal cutters..but if none are handy I grab the cable tie with the pliers on my MT and twist. That usually either breaks the tie or stretches it enough to use the cutter in the plier jaws.

I don't care for serrated blades personally, I find a plain edge cuts theatrical materials as well or better, is more useful for scraping and pin-splitting tasks, and faster to maintain...but YMMV

FWIW I mostly carry a Griptillian and a Swisstool X.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top