The Best Tactical Folder

E

Ed Grendel

Joined
Sep 22, 1999
Messages
16
This title has probably come up a million times but my Benchmade Couger just died and I need to replace it with something new. I am looking for a folder with a blade between 3-4 inches, a blade that won't close on my fingers, and an internal mechanism that is not prone to tightening up. My best guess so far has been the CRKT S-2. Any better ideas?

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ED Grendel
 
Have you looked at the REKAT Carnivour? It has the awesome rolling lock and the handle is great. It works great it standard and reverse grip.

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-Dennis


 
If you like the S-2, you might give the Benchmade Monolock a try, same price range with similar design with better steel, better handle to blade ratio and made in the U.S.A.

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James
San Francisco, CA

 
For tough, well made utility folders, nothing beats a Sebenza. (IMHO)

If cost is an issue, I really like my Mini-AFCK in M2 HSS.

AJ
 
The Kasper Fighting Folder by Pat Crawford. I just got mine about three weeks ago, and it's definitely the sweetest folder around. Tons of options; just ask Pat or Wes.

If you don't have the bucks, anything by Spyderco or Benchmade should suffice. Heck, even Cold Steel is cool too! Actually, any knife is better than no knife!
 
I have looked at all the knives and they all have great and similar characteristics. I still think I am sold on the CRKT S-2, though. The reason is: all the knives use great steel ATS-34 and the like, All have great locks, but the S-2 is the only one that has a titanium pocket clip. I know it sounds stupid, but, I have managed to catch the clip of every folder I have owned and bent it to the point where it is almost useless. Plus the S-2 has the kevlar spacers instead of the ceramic spacers that have continuously worn down in my Benchmades. I thank you all for your help.

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ED Grendel
 
Ed, considering all the available choices, that's as good a reason as any. I hope you enjoy the knife.

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James
San Francisco, CA

 
Have a look at the Spyderco Military and Starmate. Both are linerlocks you can TRUST, with blades of perhaps the best steel available in production knives (440V). They both have light and sturdy construction and a opening hole, which most folks agree (do a search) is the most reliable, fastest one-hander. If you like BIG and with a pronounced forward grip, the Military is a top choice; if you like a bit smaller and with a "straight" profile, look at the Starmate. Can't go wrong either way
wink.gif


M-2 AFCK is also definitely worth mentioning in this class.

-Drew
 
If you want to stay in the price range of the S2 I suggest the CRKT M16-04. Depends on the budget.


Regards,

Tom Carey
 
benchmade axis confiured for a reverse grip draw. change the clip to left handed and put it in right pocket. wicked for quick draw!
 
Ed,

With Integral lock folders, sebenza, pinnacle, apogee, etc. the lock bar on these all hit the blade tang in the middle. As they wear the bar will move slowly across and still ensure a solid lockup. This isn't true in the S2's case however. On the S2's I have handled, the lock bar either hit the other scale or came very close to hitting it. This means blade play will develop very quickly. I've heard stories of people that developed blade play in under a month. The fact that the lock bar face is probably the smallest out of the integral folders mentioned doesn't help either.

If you still want to buy it for the reasons you mentioned above that's fine but just thought I'd let you know.

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Johnny
[]xxxxxx[]=============>

 
Hey Ed,

If you have to get a Frame-lock I would definately go with a BM "Pinnacle".It is a really nice knife for the money and IMO is a much better knife than the S2.The handle to blade ratio is not good at all on the S2 and I have also heard the design of the clip is bad in terms of catching on things.

Overall,I agree with Drew.I think the Military and Starmate are "Topdog's" as far as "Tactical" knives are concerned.I personally favor the "Hole" over other opening devices.I like the Starmate alot but the Military is my main carry.Let us know what you decide to get.

Later,

Bobby
 
BM AXIS 710 bb or black, plain or serrated. fast and reliable opening and closing.

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RICK LEFTIES UNITE


 
The "best tactical folder" does not employ the liner lock. The best production knives in that size range are the Benchmade Axis lock (710 and the Pardue), Benchmade Pinnacle, REKAT Pioneer and Carnivore. These are the strongest and most reliable. Notice the absence of liner locks. In my opinion, the best liner lock is not as reliable as the Rolling lock or Axis lock, simple as that. The S-2 is pretty good too, but I never liked the handle to blade ratio, or the shape of the handle. If you want to spend a little more, the SpeedTech Synergy is extremely strong and precise, a little more money gets you a Sebenza. More money, and you are in the handmade integral locks and special locking mechanisms like the Sawby lock and button locks on various handmade automatics. But the value curve pretty much plateaus around the Synergy and Sebenza.

The best one for me is the Darrel Ralph large Apogee. Big, easy carrying, utterly strong and reliable, high-tech steel(CPM420V), and pretty too. Costs four times as much as an S-2 though.
 
I think a big strong tactical dude could crumple the liner lock on a Military with his bare hands. Not so with the Axis lock, Rolling Lock or integral lock.

[This message has been edited by Steve Harvey (edited 11 October 1999).]
 
Elishewitz has started to offer his designs with an all Ti integral lock handle. This sort of blows the field wide open.

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James
San Francisco, CA

 
That thing Elishewitz calls his bolster lock is really an integral lock too. Strong stuff.
 
I saw a couple of Janus' (Janusi?) with the bolster lock, nice pieces, overbuilt and oversized for gents knives with MOP and Apple Coral scales over the Bolster lock. Great idea, I would love to see the lock used on more knives.

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James
San Francisco, CA

 
Ed, Ed, Ed. You only THOUGHT you had made your mind up! LOL! As I read this thread, I notice that Ed decided on his blade of choice awhile back, and these rabid forum brothers of mine simply won't let go! Ed, I hope you learn from this. Never ask a juicy question unless you're ready for at least 50 responses. By the way, my friend, the Carnivour is the knife to get. Now send back that CRKT you thought you were so happy with!
Laughing at how much we like to talk knives, Paul
 
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