Tactical Folder - Suggestions?

joe/OH · November 9th, 2005, 12:43 AM

I am looking for a folding knife that I could carry with me 24/7. I don't believe OH has a size limit (or KY which is where I work) on the knife. Benchmade seems to have some good knives. Cold steel folders I haven't been impressed with - although their videos look pretty cool.

I have several small folders for utility purposes so this knife would really be strictly reserved for emergency situations. Budget in the area of $100.

Any suggestions or advice? Serrations vs. partial serrations vs. plain edge? Brand?

All feedback appreciated.

Joe

P.S. You guys aren't good for my growing paranoia. ;)

P95Carry · November 9th, 2005, 12:53 AM

Joe, as I usually say - me no knife expert!!

I carry a Buck Mayo TNT but even that as a used purchase cost double your budget - so forget that - tho a nice knife, scary sharp but slow to employ.

What I personally want if affordable (around $100 IIRC) is a Kershaw BOA - buddy at shooting club gas one and it is fast - very fast to employ, like out the pocket deal!! His had serrations tho it matters not to me either way - but it was the speed of use that appealed to me.

There is a Baby BOA too.

Euclidean · November 9th, 2005, 01:15 AM

Boy howdy you thought guns were a lot to swallow... try knives!

Size is a personal thing. I tend to like the bigger ones. I hate serrations. Utterly worthless. I also like functional blade shapes for the most part and not tantos or recurves. Some exceptions exist of course!

Good brands? Spyderco Bechmade Ka-Bar Kershaw Buck Camillus SOG... and a whole lot more. There's a lot of good knives to be had.

My personal favorite at $100ish is the Spyderco Manix. I can tell you what I know and don't know about a given knife... I've gone through lots of them meeting this description. If you like Benchmade, pursue that angle. That's a quality brand. I even like their model 550.

I like to tell people new to this kind of knife to start with the Spyderco Delica or Endura, or the Benchmade 550 or 555. These knives won't break the bank, make good backups for say the car or your survival kit, are easily resold on EBay, and will give you a great idea of what you do and don't like. Guns are very subjective and knives are ten times more so.

I'm a Spyderco fan myself, but some people just don't like 'em. Sypdercos are kind of like the 1911 cult or the Glock cult... you're either a member or you're not!

Lawrence Keeney · November 9th, 2005, 04:33 AM

I will tell you my favorites.

Currently I am having a love affair with a black bladed spyderco Military. It is super quick to open, very sharp, and the blade has a great shape.

I also like the CRKT model 21. This is just an M-16 with a clip point blade instead of a tanto. I like the clip better, as it's easier for simple tasks like cutting an apple or opening a box.

Another good one is the CRKT DOG LOCK. It is about my favorite CRKT of all time because of the stoutness of the lock, the blade, and the pocket clip, which allows covert carry.

Also, take a close look at the sog flash II assisted opener. It's light, fast, and opens faster than about any assisted opener out there. I have three of them.

It's also a good idea to have a spydie delica. They are tough, and can be had with VG-10 steel and a serrated blade for less than 50 bucks.

In fact, of all these knives I've mentioned, the only one that is over 50 bucks is the military, and several online stores can put one in your hand for around 97 bucks.

Try Phil Elmore, for instance. I buy my folders from him. www.themartialist.com

acparmed · November 9th, 2005, 05:14 AM

I have a Spyderco "Police Model" and while a great knife, I found that it made a hole in the back pocket of my jeans. (a little too long).

My current carry knife (24/7) is a Benchmade Emerson CQC-7. I simply love this knife. It carries very comfortably, opens in a snap and holds an edge very well. If you can find one they are in the $100 - $140 range.

rocky · November 9th, 2005, 07:46 AM

all good suggestions. I carry a Kershaw Blur assisted opener. If legal in your area, would be like having a legal switchblade. $70.

dpesec · November 9th, 2005, 09:21 AM

Well I carry two, one is a Swiss Army Knife, general use. The other is normaly a Kershaw ken Onion assisted opener. I also have a SOG Trident, and if I can't carry a pistol I'll have both.

My only complaint about the Kershaw is the locking method. It's secure but not what I'd consider 100%. Then why do I carry it? It fits easy into my pocket.

Rob72 · November 9th, 2005, 11:45 AM

Second the Boa. For general utility and SD, it has a lot to offer, for the $$.

maclean3 · November 9th, 2005, 02:23 PM

Some good choices listed already. Some things to consider, one handed openers are a definite plus: Thumb studs, opener holes (ala Spyderco) Emerson wave mods, "assisted" openers. Blade length, profile, finish, locking mechanism, etc. are all going to come down to personal choice.

Do a search on Ebay for the brands you're interested in, I've come across some remarkable deals there. Ken Onion Kershaws, Emerson Commander or CQC, Benchmade (710, 806 AFCK or 72x series would be my personal choice), Microtech manual versions (or autos if you're allowed). All those are good knives and I wouldn't disadvantaged carrying any of them. Strider knives are some of the best but I doubt they're available in the price range you're wanting.
Jack

TwoRavens · November 9th, 2005, 03:15 PM

If its not legal to carry a fixed blade I'd look at the Emersons with 'waves' and see if you can stretch to one of those.... or 'ghetto' wave a spyderco.

For SD serrations don't make much difference (IMHO)(YMMV)

November 9th, 2005, 12:43 AM	#1
joe/OH Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cinci, OH Posts: 376	Tactical Folder - Suggestions? I am looking for a folding knife that I could carry with me 24/7. I don't believe OH has a size limit (or KY which is where I work) on the knife. Benchmade seems to have some good knives. Cold steel folders I haven't been impressed with - although their videos look pretty cool. I have several small folders for utility purposes so this knife would really be strictly reserved for emergency situations. Budget in the area of $100. Any suggestions or advice? Serrations vs. partial serrations vs. plain edge? Brand? All feedback appreciated. Joe P.S. You guys aren't good for my growing paranoia. ;)

November 9th, 2005, 12:53 AM	#2
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,468	Joe, as I usually say - me no knife expert!! I carry a Buck Mayo TNT but even that as a used purchase cost double your budget - so forget that - tho a nice knife, scary sharp but slow to employ. What I personally want if affordable (around $100 IIRC) is a Kershaw BOA - buddy at shooting club gas one and it is fast - very fast to employ, like out the pocket deal!! His had serrations tho it matters not to me either way - but it was the speed of use that appealed to me. There is a Baby BOA too. __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

November 9th, 2005, 01:15 AM	#3
Euclidean VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 3,213	Boy howdy you thought guns were a lot to swallow... try knives! Size is a personal thing. I tend to like the bigger ones. I hate serrations. Utterly worthless. I also like functional blade shapes for the most part and not tantos or recurves. Some exceptions exist of course! Good brands? Spyderco Bechmade Ka-Bar Kershaw Buck Camillus SOG... and a whole lot more. There's a lot of good knives to be had. My personal favorite at $100ish is the Spyderco Manix. I can tell you what I know and don't know about a given knife... I've gone through lots of them meeting this description. If you like Benchmade, pursue that angle. That's a quality brand. I even like their model 550. I like to tell people new to this kind of knife to start with the Spyderco Delica or Endura, or the Benchmade 550 or 555. These knives won't break the bank, make good backups for say the car or your survival kit, are easily resold on EBay, and will give you a great idea of what you do and don't like. Guns are very subjective and knives are ten times more so. I'm a Spyderco fan myself, but some people just don't like 'em. Sypdercos are kind of like the 1911 cult or the Glock cult... you're either a member or you're not! __________________ I am The Armed Educator.

November 9th, 2005, 05:14 AM	#5
acparmed 1952 - 2006 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,371	I have a Spyderco "Police Model" and while a great knife, I found that it made a hole in the back pocket of my jeans. (a little too long). My current carry knife (24/7) is a Benchmade Emerson CQC-7. I simply love this knife. It carries very comfortably, opens in a snap and holds an edge very well. If you can find one they are in the $100 - $140 range. __________________ Heroes are people who do what has to be done, when it has to be done, regardless of the consequences "I like when the enemy shoots at me; then I know where the ****** are and can kill them." ~George Patton DE OPPRESSO LIBER**

November 9th, 2005, 09:21 AM	#7
dpesec Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 536	Well I carry two, one is a Swiss Army Knife, general use. The other is normaly a Kershaw ken Onion assisted opener. I also have a SOG Trident, and if I can't carry a pistol I'll have both. My only complaint about the Kershaw is the locking method. It's secure but not what I'd consider 100%. Then why do I carry it? It fits easy into my pocket. __________________ Dave “The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms”. General George Patton—US Army Vis et Veneratio "So this is how democracy dies: to thunderous applause." Actress Natalie Portman as Padme in Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

November 9th, 2005, 04:33 AM	#4
Lawrence Keeney Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Virginia Posts: 327	I will tell you my favorites. Currently I am having a love affair with a black bladed spyderco Military. It is super quick to open, very sharp, and the blade has a great shape. I also like the CRKT model 21. This is just an M-16 with a clip point blade instead of a tanto. I like the clip better, as it's easier for simple tasks like cutting an apple or opening a box. Another good one is the CRKT DOG LOCK. It is about my favorite CRKT of all time because of the stoutness of the lock, the blade, and the pocket clip, which allows covert carry. Also, take a close look at the sog flash II assisted opener. It's light, fast, and opens faster than about any assisted opener out there. I have three of them. It's also a good idea to have a spydie delica. They are tough, and can be had with VG-10 steel and a serrated blade for less than 50 bucks. In fact, of all these knives I've mentioned, the only one that is over 50 bucks is the military, and several online stores can put one in your hand for around 97 bucks. Try Phil Elmore, for instance. I buy my folders from him. www.themartialist.com

November 9th, 2005, 07:46 AM	#6
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 13,079	all good suggestions. I carry a Kershaw Blur assisted opener. If legal in your area, would be like having a legal switchblade. $70.

November 9th, 2005, 11:45 AM	#8
Rob72 VIP Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: OK Posts: 3,468	Second the Boa. For general utility and SD, it has a lot to offer, for the $$.

November 9th, 2005, 02:23 PM	#9
maclean3 VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 3,062	Some good choices listed already. Some things to consider, one handed openers are a definite plus: Thumb studs, opener holes (ala Spyderco) Emerson wave mods, "assisted" openers. Blade length, profile, finish, locking mechanism, etc. are all going to come down to personal choice. Do a search on Ebay for the brands you're interested in, I've come across some remarkable deals there. Ken Onion Kershaws, Emerson Commander or CQC, Benchmade (710, 806 AFCK or 72x series would be my personal choice), Microtech manual versions (or autos if you're allowed). All those are good knives and I wouldn't disadvantaged carrying any of them. Strider knives are some of the best but I doubt they're available in the price range you're wanting. Jack

November 9th, 2005, 03:15 PM	#10
TwoRavens Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 115	If its not legal to carry a fixed blade I'd look at the Emersons with 'waves' and see if you can stretch to one of those.... or 'ghetto' wave a spyderco. For SD serrations don't make much difference (IMHO)(YMMV) __________________ /********* Phill **********/ "Pluralitas non est ponenda sine neccesitate" William of Ockham (ca. 1285-1349)

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