What is it about the giant sized folders???

C

cutter17

Joined
May 16, 2006
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6,873
Most are not practical for every day carry, the blades are usually too thick to make really great slicers, and then the looks one gets when pulling it out and opening it?! Why would you ever buy one? I do because I LOVE THEM!!! I always have and guess I'm too old to change my ways now, 57, and don't really care too anyway. I have a very nice Victorinox SAK that can do all the fine slicing I need done, but as far as hardcore goes, bigger is better!

Though over the past year I had to sale off most of my knives to complete paying off the hospital and rehab bills from the spinal cord infarction (stroke) I suffered in July 2012. I also had a couple go missing during the time period also. Now my largest is the ZT0600 with a 4.25" blade, down to my smallest at 3.5" blade, a ZT0801, with the rest between those two. Still in the hunt for a second ZT0600 and also on the list for a ZT0801CFM390, so I don't have a lot of money to spend for some of the larger offerings I would like to have. But there are several nice larger knives that can be had for a reasonable price. And I am talking around the $100 to $200 range.

I mentioned in a recent post that I had a Cold Steel Ti- Lite with the aluminum handles and the 6.0" blade. Over the past year that particular knife has gone missing and I do not remember selling it. A member here at BF read that and sent me an email offering me the 4.0" bladed, aluminum handled, model, and offering it to me for FREE! It never ceases to amaze me at the kindness and thoughtfulness of the BF members!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

At the same time I had gone ahead and ordered another of the 6" bladed models and according to the tracking info it should be here tomorrow. As I remember my old one I was really amazed at how well it was put together, the fact that CS uses the top grade of aluminum alloys, 7075, which is denser and stronger than the more commonly used 6061 aluminum alloy. Of course there is no way I could tell the difference between the two alloys so I just have to take their word that this is what is used. The locking liner is bent in an L shape so that it locks down the center and across the top of the blade tang, making for a really strong lockup. It also was very smooth opening, with a strong detent, and a perfectly centered blade when closed. Of course it has a thick edge given it's dagger style grind, and it's narrowness from top to bottom. Still the grinds were even and it came hair shaving sharp from the box, and after a couple minutes on my Sharpmaker it became hair popping sharp!

I've read several reviews of this knife at the Cold Steel website where it's virtues as the ultimate self defense tactical folder have been praised, and I guess it would make a fine last ditch weapon, but I would be more tickled to carry it for the WOW factor it brings. And again, I'm too old now to care what others may think, and after having a life changing event to occur I'm just content to carry what I want as long as I remain the upstanding citizen that I am, no joke intended as I really am an upstanding citizen......besides for personal defense I carry a Sig Sauer P232, at least I will as soon as my CCW permit gets issued!

So I know there are many others out there that like the XL-XXL folders that are to had in this day and age. What are some of your favorites and how do you feel about carrying them???

web image of the aluminum handled 6" bladed ti-lite



web image of the 4" & 6", aluminum handles and zytel handles

 
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I prefer folders to be somewhat thin and small so they dont take up so much space in my pocket.

fixed blades should be larger.
 
I like large folders. They can do most of the things that small ones can, but they can also do a lot of things that small ones can not. I also enjoy making the sheeple twitch
 
I LOVE my Cold Steel XL Voyager. The handle isn't as wonky in person as online photos look (still could be better...), but the blade shape, solid lockup (just a hint of wiggle that doesn't bother me), the nicely dense handles,... The XL is the best value for a very large folder; I also like the L as a hard work folder though mine was just a touch small for my huge hands.
 
The Recon 1 or Kabar Mule is about the biggest folder I'm willing to carry, and lately I've found that I prefer smaller options for day to day stuff.

The biggest hangup for me with these large folders is the "public" factor. If you whip out your Espada XL to open a box people are gonna freak out. If the cops catch you with it, you're gonna have some explaining to do.

Frankly I just don't want the drama. My ideal everyday folder is 3 inches.
 
I always thought the Benchmade LFK was pretty badass.

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HwangJino said:
I prefer folders to be somewhat thin and small so they dont take up so much space in my pocket.

fixed blades should be larger.
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:thumbup: I don't mind a longer blade as long as the profile of the knife is thin and carries well in the pocket.
 
why would I have some explaining to do?
its knife not a sub machine gun.
as a rule around here at least the compare the blade to your hand palm and if the blade smaller you good to go
I'm a big guy and my ZT 0300 blade fits inside the palm of my hand
 
I like big folders, but not tanks. Not into Medfords and the like. Spyderco Military, Ulize, Police, Calypso 3, Endura 4. Those are all right in my comfort range.

With a 4"+ blade you can get alot of work done. I also have big hands, thus larger knives are more comfortable to me, unless the ergonomics on smaller stuff are well thought out.
 
I used to have an early SOG Pentagon Elite II and it was a beast. I sold it and bought a Benchmade 710 in M390.
 
Although I know that the ideal kind of knife for my daily needs is one with a flat ground 3.5" blade (not too thick), I still enjoy carrying large bulky knives from time to time just because they are fun.

My main problem with them is that they don't fit in my pockets comfortably. I spend a lot of time in sweatpants (sports being a big part of my day), and my ZT 0300 would drag them down to my ankles. When I'm not wearing sports clothing, I wear polo shirts or button up shirts and khakis, my XL Voyager doesn't fit well in those pants.

Whenever I'm wearing pants that have enough pocket space, or a jacket in the winter, I'll throw an Adamas or something like that in my pocket.
 
Hi cutter -

I am glad to hear that you are back in the game after your stroke, and seeing you wanting knives is a good thing (at least it is to a knife fan like myself...)

I parallel you in that I carry a Victorinox (Waiter) for use in cutting up fruit and smaller cutting chores, but I love knives and I like big knives.

I have the 600, and a 300, and a Cutters Brend - which are all larger than average folders. I don't find them to be awkward to carry, and I just like having a big knife.

I never consider my knives as anything for self defense, they are just shiny sharp things that I like to have. My knives satisfy the little boy that remains in me, and which I hope never goes away.

I like the stiletto look of the CS knives you posted, so thanks for another knife I will have to investigate (there's that little boy again lol...)

Are you in Illinois? I ask because of the CCW reference, many of us are waiting for that to come to fruition.

best

mqqn
 
I like the big folders, but I find that I seldom carry them. I view them as a substitute for a fixed blade. That is an okay thing.

I have yet to purchase a large ZT or Sebenza, but I have to admit that I keep looking at them.

My interests have tilted toward traditional knives in the last couple of years. Been carrying a fairly large GEC #42 (Missouri Trapper) in a pocket sheath along with a SAK.
 
sechip said:
:thumbup: I don't mind a longer blade as long as the profile of the knife is thin and carries well in the pocket.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Honestly even a 2" blade works for me as all I cut at work is boxes of frozen items. But it must be light, im already carrying other items for work.
 
I like my giant cold steel rajah 1...it is awesome! And really as big as you get for folders. Loud, authoritative lock up! 1/4 steel and great build quality make the rajah something special.
IMG_20130518_112617.jpg
 
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