Transitioning from fixed to folding EDC

If you can spend the $, Sebenza. Solid as f***. Spyderco Manix2 comes to mind, a lot of people will likely suggest a PM2 instead but my Cruwear Manix just feels more solid. ZT's of course are tanks too, 0550 big and solid. I think if you have a brick and mortar nearby, checking a few out in person is your best bet, if not perhaps a few more details of what type of blade and handle, perhaps steel choice? Budget? I know you said under $200 but in my experience that # usually gets thrown out the window or else 3 or 4 knives later...$$$lol!
 
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spyderg said:
perhaps a few more details of what type of blade and handle, perhaps steel choice? Budget?
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Blade Length: 3"-5" (preferably no more than 4)

Blade geometry/shape : Fg or ffg drop or subtle clip point

Blade Material: preferably stainless or semi-stainless not too picky here no massive desire for super premium steel

Handle material: not too picky here either, though I'm not a huge fan of carbon fiber

Lockup: also not picky, I enjoy axis locks and frame locks, not to big on lockbacks

While I'd like to stay under $200 a little over for a real winner is not out of the question I'm not in a position financially to spend >400 dollars on a knife, and I think I'd also hesitate to carry it, not out of fear of breaking it but just on the off chance I'd lose it.

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Spyderco Gayle Bradley. I've used mine for years. The lock is solid. The CPM M4 steel does get some surface corrosion in the summer but it stays sharp for a long time in my experience.

If you care enough about the lock then a triad lock from cold steel is probably what you want. They are very vocal about their lock. I've never had any trouble even with slipjoints, but YMMV.
 
I don't know why my search wasn't showing up...

All I did was go to custom fixed blade in the exchange and searched for "Gentleman" and scrolled through the results.
 
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I used to feel the same way about losing a knife but the addiction got me past that! While I still think a Sebenza would do it for you, (look for a good used one perhaps), either of the Spydies I mentioned would fit the price range as well as giving a very solid feel. There is a Manix xl too. The Manix uses a lock similar to the axis without the side to side play you tend to get with them. I don't own a Military but from what I hear they are rock solid too, if you want something larger. I have a ZT 0452 that's good and solid too, but the lock bar, when used hard, can move all the way across and stick a bit. Doesn't cause any issue other than being a bit annoying.
 
+1 for the Gayle Bradley too. I have one that I modded to lose a lot of unnecessary material and made some denim micarta scales, great knife, (m4 is great but will rust if you sweat a bunch! No problem for any normal cutting however). I hear good things about the GB2 as well.
 
Alright I think I've narrowed it down to:

Spyderco GB, Manix, or paramilitary

Cold steel recon 1

ZT 0350, or 0452

And I have been hearing good things about Kizer's although I don't know if they really fit the hard use bill, any opinions?



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Regarding my suggestion for an Opinel N10, stonproject opined....
stonproject said:
definitely not even close to inspiring fixed blade confidence in a folder.
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For hard cutting, lateral stress and even battining, the Opinel 10 is the toughest folder I've ever used.

And if the OP wants a folding knife that can be dropped in the dirt or sand and still function correctly and safely, again, the Opinel is the most reliable and dirt tolerant folder I've ever used.

But I f the OP wants to stab or pry down (closing force) on a folding knife, any folding knife, then he's rolling the dice and begging to loose his fingers. I don't even consider that as a reasonable consideration folders. Folders are not fixed blades no matter whose writing the add copy.
 
TheWambo said:
Alright I think I've narrowed it down to:

Spyderco GB, Manix, or paramilitary

Cold steel recon 1

ZT 0350, or 0452

And I have been hearing good things about Kizer's although I don't know if they really fit the hard use bill, any opinions?

Check out the Spyderco forums for more insight on their models, I go by same name over there and have pics of modded GB. I've heard mostly good things about kizer but their models don't really speak to me, any that do, don't seem to come with lefty option : ( while I don't see any opinel fitting the bill here, I do agree that a folder, well any knife for that matter is not a pry tool. I like a locking knife to be able to withstand a solid bump and not close as accidents happen, and to be able to handle some pressure from different angles as sometimes you just have to get in a funny spot and cut at an odd angle.
Click to expand...
 
pinnah said:
Folders are not fixed blades no matter whose writing the add copy.
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This much is true. I personally like Opinel's just not for an EDC knife, not that there's anything wrong with that, I just prefer a modern folder with a clip and one handed opening.

My objective in this post was two fold, one to shoot the breeze over not being able or willing to carry fixed any more and two to explore what really solid folders were a common alternative to a fixed blade.

I tend to always err on the side of caution when stressing the lock on a folder in any way. Typically I only use my pocket/belt knife for food prep, minor cutting and maybe some whittling, but if I ever need to toe the line between use and abuse I like to have a knife with a lockup I can trust. The main catch is that I'd need to have that knife on me and I know that the Opinel would probably be at home.

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Your fingers. Your call. No snark meant.

You may want to hit the Wikipedia page on " Risk Compensation". It's a well known phenomenon that people tend to seek out the same level of PERCIEVED risk. So, the primary impact of adding safety compensation devices is that people take more risk.
- Skiers who wear helmets ski faster.
- Drivers with ABS equipped cars drive into corners faster.
- Car drivers drive closer to cyclist wearing helmets.
- Skiers with Avalanche training are more likely to ski on days with moderate avi risk.
- Climbers with helmets are more likely to proceed in the face of rock fall hazard.

I've seen published papers on each of these findings except the last, which is a famous observation by Paul Petzhold, founder of NOLS.


Sounds like you're narrowing in on knives that please you aesthetically. That's excellent.

My advice is to not think one bit about lock strength. If you've not owned or used a large slip joint, you spend $20 on a beater large Sodbuster, just you can internalize the tipping point of a folder. Carry that fear and respect with you when carry a locking folder.

And when confronted with a situation that asks you to push the limits, retreat.
 
I take your point, no snark or saltiness here but fyi this was my first knife and it still makes its way into my pocket from time to time. I appreciate that the only safety that counts is between my ears.

9511fe72ff286c3d0714e154637fab76.jpg


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TheWambo said:
Of the three brands which do you like best? I've been eyeballing the ZT's for a while but I've never had a chance to handle a Hinderer or Strider personally. I'm trying to stick to a sub $200 price range (EDIT: so unfortunately Hinderer is out)

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Click to expand...

I really like the ZT and Hinderer XM-18.

I see your price range of >$200.00 and the ZT 350 you listed is a great option. I own a ZT 350 and it's a great knife. I suggest going to a knife store and handling a few of them to find out which ones you like and feel good in the hand.
 
The ZT0350 handle is too short for me to get a comfortable grip. It's also awkwardly tall. The assisted opening feature is annoying when closing the blade and annoying when it smacks open loudly. The lock isn't anything special despite the advertising. Handle one before purchase to see how you feel about it.
 
What I found is the folders that "inspire confidence" tend to be mediocre knives and weigh as much as a full-tang fixed blade.
 
If you want fixed blade strength in a lock the closest thing would be the Cold Steel Tri-Ad lock. That lock is insane. This is coming from a guy (me) who mostly carries Spyderco, and the occasional Kershaw Skyline or Mini-Griptilian.

The Ultimate Hunter, and the American Lawman from Cold Steel are what I think you might like.
 
Cold Steel's Tri-Ad Lock is very strong and inspires a lot of confidence. They make knives featuring that lock in a wide range of sizes too.
p820Ntj.jpg
 
pinnah said:
For hard cutting, lateral stress and even battining, the Opinel 10 is the toughest folder I've ever used.
Click to expand...

So? That doesn't mean that it is actually tough. And as for " Risk Compensation", that doesn't mean all people do what you described. There are some very stupid people in this world and they do dumb things. So guess what? In a study meant to measure stupidity, stupid people get measured. There are also plenty of bad studies "published". Without knowing actual things about them it is worthless to use them as evidence. If you care to get into specifics, post some links to the actual peer reviewed empirical studies. Wikipedia doesn't count.

pinnah said:
Your fingers. Your call. No snark meant.

You may want to hit the Wikipedia page on " Risk Compensation". It's a well known phenomenon that people tend to seek out the same level of PERCIEVED risk. So, the primary impact of adding safety compensation devices is that people take more risk.
- Skiers who wear helmets ski faster.
- Drivers with ABS equipped cars drive into corners faster.
- Car drivers drive closer to cyclist wearing helmets.
- Skiers with Avalanche training are more likely to ski on days with moderate avi risk.
- Climbers with helmets are more likely to proceed in the face of rock fall hazard.

I've seen published papers on each of these findings except the last, which is a famous observation by Paul Petzhold, founder of NOLS.


Sounds like you're narrowing in on knives that please you aesthetically. That's excellent.

My advice is to not think one bit about lock strength. If you've not owned or used a large slip joint, you spend $20 on a beater large Sodbuster, just you can internalize the tipping point of a folder. Carry that fear and respect with you when carry a locking folder.

And when confronted with a situation that asks you to push the limits, retreat.
Click to expand...
 
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