What's a good tanto folder?

I have the cold steel voyager tanto with the 4 inch fully serrated blade. This is my cut anything go anywhere and not worry about it knife. I've had this knife for about 7 years and its been in the ocean, the lake, dirt, and sand just rinse it off and it ready to go. The blade is still razor sharp, and no signs of rust. I believe they are going for under 100 now. If you look around you can find them cheaper.
forrest
 
So how about an Arizona built Severtech. Currently $250 but you might find a nice used one a bit less. The M1Abrams of auto knives, and legal all over AZ. Here are my pair. Only available in black now.

IM000688.jpg
 
I recommend a Boker Armed Forces Tanto Folder II. Böker may not have had the best reputation for quality knives in the past but right know they are getting their act together and offer several decent knives like the Tanto Folder or the fixed Tanto. The Tanto Folder got a lot of favorable reviews in Germany.

Here's a link to few pics on a German knifeforum:

http://www.messerforum.net/showthread.php?t=35267

As could be expected, the review is in German.

If you have any question, let me know and I will try to translate.

A few specs of the Armed Forces Tanto Folder II:

Blade steel: 440C
Blade Length: 9,4 cm (3 3/4")
Length closed: 14,3 cm
Overall length: 23,7 cm (9 1/3")
Weight: 194 g (6.8 oz.)
Handle: G10
Lock: Liner Lock

Boker USA offers it for $ 49.95.
 
Or how about the boker reality based folder? From what i have heard the thing is built like a tank!:thumbup:
 
Another candidate is a tanto Griptilian. NGK is out of the PE, has CE. Not too pricey at around $70 I think.

cheers

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Tanto Griptilian, with 80mm Manix.
 
Wow, thanks for all the replies. (I didn't expect to get this many), all your tips are greatly appreciated :D.

As for my preferences when it comes to tanto folders, I'm looking for something with a plain edge, and a blade between 3.25" and 4.5". I'm looking for a sturdy knife that holds an edge reasonably well, and is resistant to corrosion.

Thus far, my favorite blade steel has been AUS8, but I've only owned knives made of 420J2, 420 Sub Zero Quenched, 440A, 440C, 13C26, AUS6, and AUS8. I've heard a lot about blade steels like 154cm and ATS34, and I am curious as to what they are good for, and how well they hold an edge, and things of the sort.

I intend to use the knife as an EDC knife, for SD, and any cutting chores I might run into during the day to day.

Thanks for all the info.
 
I'm fond of my Colt Tactical tanto folder. It has serrations, but they're the kind that can be sharpened with a straight sharpener (which is damned nice). Sturdy, holds an edge, and is only about $30. Despite the low price, it's a damned good knife.

Okay, I can't seem to find this knife anywhere online for some reason. I got it at Kmart (blush) and a couple days ago they still had it. It must be one of those promo things where only Kmart sells it. Sigh, oh well. It's a great knife. This is the closest thing I can find to it. Mine has a longer blade and is matte black.
Colt Cobra

A friend of mine has the Ka-Bar Tanto and swears by it. I haven't played with it myself, so I can't say personally.

Another friend has the Kershaw Tactical Blur and it's his everyday knife. It gets a lot of use and holds up great. I've played with it several times and almost got it, but the handle is way too big for my hands. That's why I like my Colt.
 
The Zero Tolerance Scavenger's (0400 & 0400ST) are just hitting the streets. KO tanto design, AO, S30V, MSRP $160.
 
...for the Spyderheads amongst us this may be the tanto folder of choice, the Lum Tanto Folder.

lumpair.jpg
 
Yeah, I've held one of the Spyderco tanto's designed by Bob Lum, and I really like them. The problem is that they are way outta my price range right now :(. Awesome knives though. The only thing I don't much is the fact that they are San Mai blades, which can be great for rust resistance, but San Mai blades can be a lot less sturdy then blades made of one piece of steel.

To refine the 'requirements' of what I'm looking for, I definitely don't get a knife with a mirror polish. I'd prefer to get a tactical blade :p.
 
Got to mention the Cold Steel Voyager tantos. I have both Gunsite models and they are tough as nails and not very expensive. The 5" incher would be a nasty knife to have to face.

Good luck
 
Sweet, I've been looking into the CS Voyagers. as they seem pretty sturdy. Do you like yours?

And GarageBoy, thanks. I thought they were all San Mai, but I could be wrong. The one I handled was a San Mai, so I guess its possible that the san mai bit is a limited run.
 
I suppose it could be, that or a custom design....I'm not sure though. I handled it at a knife shop. It belonged to the guy that was helping me, and he was the one who said that it was a San Mai, and the guy seemed pretty knowledgeable. But it could just be a mistake on my part or his.
 
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