Why I Like Folders

Personally I think all the folders in the world are not worth the strength, simplicity and reliability of a fixed blade. In all situations.

My EDC is a izula. In the forest, I use a Tramontina " bowie style " convex with a Hest.

All folders are too fragile for me.

Maybe the ESEE3 folder make me change my mind, but I asked to see ...


NaturalMystic, you like SAK, I have a test for you : sharpen razor SAK and cut two slices of cheese and ten of sausage and it will shave nothing, the steel is too soft!

;)
 
french,

the ESEE-3 Folder will not change your mind. No folder will be as strong as a fixed blade. Too many moving parts.
 
french_butcher said:
NaturalMystic, you like SAK, I have a test for you : sharpen razor SAK and cut two slices of cheese and ten of sausage and it will shave nothing, the steel is too soft!

;)
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Thank you for this information. It just so happened I was using my folder on some sausage and cheese for lunch and had plans to use it to shave right after.

That's why I come here!

:thumbup:
 
I have scouring the interwebs looking for a folding knife. I have a few requirements, that makes finding the one I want, a task of sorts.

My biggest issue is American Company, American Product. I know, I know, but I try to keep my play money in the states. Its my decision. Anyhoo, most folders now that I find, seem to made of some super steel and this and that feature, that drives the price up over $200 for a style, shape, and feel that I want (yes I've held and checked out most of them). CRK, ZT, Kershaw, BM, Spydies, and others are all great knives, but there is something about each one that makes me not want it. I know I'm being picky, but, I have a few good folders that I carry, but I am always looking for a new knife :D

I just want, simple steel, simple design, made in USA on it, and not cost the price of a new gun. My wife was looking over my shoulder last night, when I was checking out some CRK Sebs, she kinda snorted and said, "For that, I'd buy a gun". I really couldn't argue.

I like the ZT knives, but the designs leave me a little cold. Honestly, I like the looks of the new Recon 1, and some others. Simple, solid built, but Taiwan. Eh, I know I'm being picky, but hey, I know what I like and I know what I want, and I can wait until I can find it. Or maybe not. Time will tell.

This isn't a request or anything about the ESEE3 folder or anything, but it just seems there aren't enough American makers anymore tackling large folders anymore, or at least the ones I want to buy.

Moose
 
MHill said:
Thank you for this information. It just so happened I was using my folder on some sausage and cheese for lunch and had plans to use it to shave right after.
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Real men use sausage drippings (no, not that kind of sausage or drippings) to shave anyway.
 
moosez45 said:
but it just seems there aren't enough American makers anymore tackling large folders anymore, or at least the ones I want to buy.

Moose
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That's the damn truth. No one wants to be in the business either because to really do it right requires some precise work. Sure, there are folders out there but when you're talking Sbneza quality, the choices are limited for USA makers.
 
Hello Jeff, just wondering can we get a picture of the proto type your carrying???
 
french_butcher said:
.....NaturalMystic, you like SAK, I have a test for you : sharpen razor SAK and cut two slices of cheese and ten of sausage and it will shave nothing, the steel is too soft!

;)
Click to expand...

Actually I agree and rarely use the blades on my SAKs for anything more than opening mail, packages, etc. The only SAK I EDC on my body is the Midnite Minichamp, which I've used along with a Leatherman Squirt P4 to fully disassemble and then reassemble a large home computer/office desk with the screwdrivers and Phillips implements. Mind you this was because they were the only tools we had to get the job done, othewise I would have used my Leatherman Wave which I also EDC in my BOB.
Along with my Wave, my Huntsman stays in my BOB for when I need the bigger implements. The main folders I EDC lately are my Spyderco Caly3, or one of my Dragonflies or Mini Grips.
This is also why I'm looking forward to the Izula or ESEE-3 folders, I'm looking for something that can take a bit more hard use but with ergos that I like, and within my budget. Sure I could spend money on higher end knives like Sebenzas, Striders, etc, but I've got better things to do with my money and can't justify spending that much on a single knife. Too many other gadgets to buy!
 
R.A.T. said:
After all the ups and downs of trying to do a folder and seeing good companies screw things up, we will not do a folder now unless Rowen builds it. Period. I compare Rowen to Chris Reeve when it comes to attention to detail and precision. I know when he does the ESEE-3 it will not have problems, and not need to be returned or recalled. It will either be right or it won't get shipped. We know Shon too well. Sometimes things just work out the right way even though we don't even realize it at the time.

As for what I'm carrying, it's a prototype of the ESEE-3 folder. Gianni did a good job on the protos of our design (Tom was a major part of the design). Anyway, Mike and I are carrying them to make sure we don't want any changes before Shon tools up to do this project. Once these come to market, everyone will be impressed. I can gurantee that.
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Thats great news, can't wait :thumbup::thumbup:
 
R.A.T. said:
french,

the ESEE-3 Folder will not change your mind. No folder will be as strong as a fixed blade. Too many moving parts.
Click to expand...

Until now, I was not disappointed in your products and I think your folder will be an exellent quality, I have no doubt ... and I'll probably buy it but the folder will not alone in my pocket, I always with a fixed blade.
 
Horn Dog said:
This all seems so obvious and intuitive to me, I wonder why I am even posting this. But apparently, there are those who like to carry fixed blade knives for everyday use instead of folders. Why? What chores do you do with a knife that require the strength of a fixed blade?
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Every-day chores are not the reason I personally prefer a fixed over a folder if I can choose only one. It's rather a long list of possibilities I am aware of due to my past and present work, and my current geographic location. It's in knowing that I would rather have a fixed on me in a bad situation, and knowing all too well how many possible bad situations surround me. I like having a folder handy to be sure, it just makes life easier, but when I leave home I never know where my travels will lead me over the course of the day. When I am miles from my vehicle and even more miles from my home I want a small fixed blade somewhere on my person if at all possible.
 
I like my fixed, but I do like folders, I just find my criteria met easier with fixed blades.

I mean, why can't I find an US maker to make this knife, for under $150. I don't think thats asking much. I even want a carbon steel blade.

vg6g0k.jpg

Rendering by DawsonBob

Moose
 
I go by the 3 & 3/4 rule. I carry folders up to 3 & 3/4" and fixed blades beyond that.

The small regular Sebenza has been my poison for nine years, with ESEE quickly taking over in the fixed blade department.

I realize you guys get a lot of compliments on your products, warranty, and practices, but the truth is that you truly deserve them. ESEE was a much needed breath of fresh air in the production knife market in my humble opinion.

Professor.
 
I carried a variety of folders over the years but could never find one that truly suited me. I'm not crazy about the more modern style folders for the most part. I've got a Benchmade Griptillian that's kinda okay. Good knife, well made, just doesn't click with me in the end.

If I were to carry a folder it would be a old school slipjoint or single blade lockback. One that takes two hands to open. Antiquated maybe, but I do like them.

Once I got an Izula and then the Izula-II, I finally found EDC blades that suit me. Yeah, a folder may be more practical, most of them though just aren't for me.
 
i have come to love the cold steel tylite. i use it for everything. we all can agree that it is designed pretty much for one thing. and i am positive that it does that job better than most. out of the pocket, it's the fastest design to get into action. when my son was 10 he used to carry one with him to boy scout summer camp. the older boys would all be poppin their latest and greatest knives. he would walk up with the tylite clipped in his pocket. the older scouts would not take him serious. until he would bet his knife against theirs that he could get his knife out of his pocket and open before they could do the same with theirs. you should see all the knives he comes home with! he said some boys will break down and cry when they have to hand theirs over. and looking at some of the brands he comes home with, i can see why. if my boy lost a $200 folder i'd beat him half to death.... twice. last year he took his little hustle to the 100 year national jamboree. after selling off all his winnings, the trip was not all that expensive!
 
i usually carry my spyderco paramilitary, CRK small sebenza, and a small traditional slip joint. but i recently got a ZT 0350CB, so far it is awesome!
 
The French Butcher does a very well put together review when he decides to look at a knife. I suspect the French are rather good at sharp things having used the guillotine a lot over the years.:)
 
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