work folder

Joined
Dec 8, 2002
Messages
18
I'm in need of a tuff folding knife with a 3inch MAX blade. I want something that quick and very tuff. I was looking at another Voyager, but i would like a liner lock. THe CRKT knives with AUS 8 steel appeal to me, but i'm not sure. Suggestions? I dont want to pay an arm and a leg for it. It would also double as a carry knife when i go to Michigan (why i need the 3inch blade, otherwise my 5inch Voyager would go with me).


cyberhick
 
I guess I'll beat everybody to the punch and suggest a Small Sebenza. I've been carrying a loaner for about 3 weeks now, and I gotta say it is a solid knife. Not much to look at, but a very solid piece of work. You can find a used one for $250 or so (sometimes more, sometimes less). For about 20 dollars or so, you can have it completely refurbished and sharpened by Chris Reeve Knives.

Mike

Edited to add: Just saw the "arm and a leg" issue. If the price is a problem, then you can find several Benchmades that meet your criteria for around $100. Oh, and welcome to the forums.
 
Mini-Socom is as tough a 3" knife as you will find and it is very well made. I can't say enough about the customer service of Microtech.
 
The guy says he doesn't want to spend an arm and a leg, and the first suggestion is a $250 Sebenza. :rolleyes:
 
BM 730 Ares, although if you've been reading arond here you'll read that there seems to be some concern over the Omega Springs on the Axis Lock, I've had mine for 2 years and not a problem, I clean it out, and rinse it a lot.

This knife sees hard use as my EDC.
 
my m-16-03-z is a little long in the spearpoint for you but you might check on the shorter tanto version. The carson flipper is really quick and the whole thing is pretty tough. The lock up on mine has a little (and I mean LITTLE) wiggle but I've mercilessly abused this poor thing. Check out the exchange forums, you might be able to get a pricier knife that's like new for the same money. Either way you could do a lot worse than CRKT.

Frank
 
Yeah, the Sabenza and Microtech is a little pricey, i'd be afraid to use them. BM's are a little on the high side, but i have found places that have good prices on the 350's and low end AXIS folders. One thing that concerns me is the way i hold a knife defensively, my thumb would be right ont he release of an AXIS lock, so i'm not sure about that one.
That Camillus looks promising. Spydercos dont impress me, i prefer a thumb stud, with my big hands some of the Spydies i've held are a little difficult. Plus, they just dont feel right.

cyberhick
 
Well how about a Benchmade 705? It has a three inch blade and is certainly a tough knife. My other suggestion is a Spyderco Navigator. It is a rather small knife but for $29.99 from SMKW it is difficult to go wrong!
 
If you have large hands, finding a 3" folder could be a little on the tough side. The EDC may not be too comfortable for you. The BM 705, small Sebenza, and mini SOCOM are the three that would probably work the best in your hand...all either out of your price range or lock choice. The BM mini Griptilian and Spyderco Delica are also good choices. As far as liner locks, CRKT are probably the best you will find for the price point. One of the M-16 models should meet your specs. Good luck with your search.

Paul
 
Originally posted by RH
The guy says he doesn't want to spend an arm and a leg, and the first suggestion is a $250 Sebenza. :rolleyes:

Well I guess you had the same problem as I did and didn't read the post carefully, because if you had read my entire post you would notice the edit at the bottom clearly stating that I didn't notice the "arm and a leg" part SA. :rolleyes:

Mike
 
I would go with a CRKT M-18, mine has seen much use/abuse and is still fine, no problems. Aus-8 is a good EDC steel, easy to sharpen with OK edge holding, and it doesnt chip it will roll first, which is good, i hate sharpening out chips.
 
Take a look at the new Smith&Wesson FL (frame lock) models. Very simular to the Camillus EDC, both are Darrel Ralph designs. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=218832&highlight=fl2
If you read the thread it talks about the 4 inch version, but they come in small, medium and large and all for under $35.
Do a search and you will find a bunch of positive reviews and several places to buy. Here's but one that I found. http://www.knifeworks.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=369&1=541&2=-1
 
I have been happy with my Camillus EDC for work. I use it mostly for opening boxes, cutting up boxes, plastic zip-ties etc. I have even used it to pry, and had a few encoutners with staples. The steel is very good for the price the knife sells for. The only real reason I use it for work is its size. It is small and not very threatening. The recurve does help it to cut like a larger blade.
 
CRKT small Crawford KFF Professional might be a nice choice. Good looking folder, good grip, useful blade shape and the LAWKS lockup safety.
 
Spyderco Delica or Native, should fit right in the 3" rule.
 
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