Howdy all, The urge to upgrade my EDC folder has hit again. Actually, I'm still carrying two, technically. I got into carrying two blades constantly. I'm carrying a Skeletool as an everyday tool, and as something that doesn't scare people too much in public. I'm also currently carrying a Cold Steel Recon 1 (older model) for heavier cutting tasks and as a better weapon in need be. This is the one I want to upgrade. It's a great knife. Handles well, and has a lot of cutting power for a folder. But, the AUS8 steel doesn't hold an edge worth a darn. And yes, I am indeed sharpening it properly! So, here's my criteria: Around a 4'' blade. Decent steel, at least 154CM or better. Easy one-hand opening. Preferably either assisted or something I can just flick open with my wrist. TOUGH. Not incredibly beefy would be nice, but I want it to hold up to just about anything. And finally, price. Street price under $175 or so would be vastly preferable. What do ya'll recommend that fits these criteria? And lastly, yes, this question is currently up on several different forums! Trying to get a wide variety of opinions and options. Thanks guys! The7thNazgul
Zero Tolerance 0200 sounds pretty close. 4" blade, 154CM steel, assisted. Tough. I don't own one, just making a suggestion. EDCF Forum store has them for $160 and will ship for free. http://www.jsburlys.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=zerotolerance0200
Benchmade 940 Osborne Around a 4'' blade. - 3.40" of very usable blade in a reverse tanto shape, cool looking. Decent steel, at least 154CM or better. - S30V, sharp out of the box Easy one-hand opening. Preferably either assisted or something I can just flick open with my wrist. - Non assisted, but using thumb stud or axis lock it is the smoothest knife I have handled. TOUGH. Not incredibly beefy would be nice, but I want it to hold up to just about anything.- Mine has held up great since i got it a few months ago, even some prying. Tough as nails as far as I'm concerned and it hides in any pocket easily. The clip is black and VERY strong. Not the kind that will break when rubbed against something.
Spyderco Military or Police or for a few extra bucks a Tuff (big, heavy knife but very cool!) If you can make do with a 3.5" blade I highly recommend the Spyderco Para Military2. The Zero Tolerance 0350 is another 3.5" blades knife that is very cool (I don't have one but wish I did).
Easy, Benchmade 710. Just slightly under 4" blade, great slicer, easy carry due to thin handle profile, available in up to M390 Super Steel (PM me if you want to know where), and easily one of the top 10 knives ever made. This one is mine: D2 (semi-stainless) Tool steel, and just a touch over $120 street price Not assisted, but very easily flicks open with one hand (either by wrist or by thumb alone)
Spyderco Gayle Bradley. M4 steel is better than anything else mentioned and the knife is super tough and super sexy. Wish I hadn't sold mine.
Ditto on all replies and +1 to ZT0200 You can check your self. They heat treat their 154cm the best.(Benchmade 58 to 60 RC, Emerson 57 to 59 RC, ZT 60 to 61) I've pulled mine through cables chopped through branches and cut branches with the serrated part (got the ST) and it still held solid
Thanks guys! I basically have to decide at this point whether I want to go with a smaller and lighter folder that will be easier to carry. Clarification, I mean smaller as in less deep blade and thinner handle. On the smaller side, I have something like the Benchmade 710 or the Spyderco Military. On the bigger side, the ZT 0200 and the Benchmade Onslaught (hasn't been mentioned but I really like the way it feels in my hand). So, so heavier cutting tasks, do you really lose anything but having a less deep blade and smaller handle? Thanks guys.
The Benchmade Onslaught is awesome! It is larger than 4 inches (4.28 I think). My Onslaught comes out scary fast, it is the fastest large folder I have ever had, much faster than my BM Bedlam (also a large folder to consider, but it is VERY aggressive looking). In terms of cutting ability, I can't say too much to that. I have a first production Onslaught #128/1000 so I have only carried, never really used it. It is strictly a collection knife now, but I can tell you that it comes razor sharp and will be a rockstar when cutting things. If you are looking for a thin blade that doesn't freak people out, the Onslaught might not be the best choice. I love mine, but if I pull it out it seems everyone within a 30 foot radius turn their heads and notices. I have the satin finish blade, but if you got a black blade it might be less noticeable or even look into the Mini Onslaught. You cannot go wrong with the Onslaught and since you have already held one, you know how ergonomic they are. Beautiful, larger, quality folder, the only downside is the lack of traction (those sculpted G-10 scales are slick). Good luck!
Oooh... Gayle Bradley... that's a good option right there. 3.5" though (which wouldn't stop me from getting one in the slightest). Another 3.5" option (in addition to the Para2 I mentioned in my post above from a few days ago) would be the Spydie Stretch. If you don't mind FRN (admittedly I am NOT FRN's biggest fan... it works great, lasts long... I just don't like how it feels in the hand) a Stretch with VG-10 blade steel can be had for around $75 +/-. And if you don't mind paying a "bit" more (okay, more than a "bit") you can get it in ZDP-189 blade steel for around $115 +/-. And finally... if you just like spending money you can get it with ZDP-189 AND Carbon Fiber scales for around $250 +/-. As soon as Spyderco offers the Stretch in G10 (with just the standard VG-10) I will own one myself.