View Full Version : I like KAC rifles and HK hand guns....help me pick a pair of folders!
Looking to pick up a pair of folders. They should be the the same brand/maker.
One should be a medium/smaller one for EDC. One should be medium/large for more "tactical missons"
I only mention my gun preferences because it hints to my taste of:
1) High quality/durability
2) No frills
3) Willing to spend up if necessary
4) I like to buy Pairs (HK P30 for HD and P2000 for carry, KAC Carbine and one day a KAC CQB)
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
What are you looking exactly or do you have any idea what you would want it to do? I like my Emersons personally, but there are a lot who swear by Benchmade, though I have converted a few, Zero Tolerance is also highly thought of and up there in price. Having an idea of what you would like to be able to do with it might help, like are you looking for a manual opener or an auto? size?
My advice go check the websites of a few of the big names and see what you like. Personally carry an Emerson, but like I said, not the end all be all, just happens to be what gets my dick hard. Am sure there are others on here who can steer you to a custom maker if you would prefer something like that. Just too little here for me to be able to give much in the way of advice.
I mean, my uses are jsut a good basic all around carry knife.
For the smaller EDC, i use it for the typical opening boxs cutting off tags, back up self defense tool
the larger one would only be used when i was going someplace unsafe, maybe camping, just feeling like a bad ass that day.
DUrabiltiy to last a long time of moderate use is important to me. Lock strength is important as in i don't want to worry about it for basic stabbing functions.
I currently carry cold steel but am looking for something nicer. Its more about fit/finish and what makes me feel the warmest/fuzziest inside.
I know its more a personal thing, but looking for ideas... What is the SR-15 or P30 of folders?
I have owned a few benchmades. Not sure i love the axis lock. It just seems to lack toughness to me.....its is very smooth though.
I have actually been very happy with the triad locks on my cold steels. They are totally bomb proof (come on now, we have all seen the videos :sarcastic: ) and once I used them for a few weeks/oiled them up, they open and close with a very smooth motion.
I like how tight they still lock up after years of use. I am looking for a high level of durability in both lock mechanism and blade steel
I recommend a spyderco p'kal, a BCM and a PPQ. With the extra money you saved you can spend it on ammo or training for "tactical missions" ;)
I recommend a spyderco p'kal, a BCM and a PPQ. With the extra money you saved you can spend it on ammo or training for "tactical missions" ;)
Those do not match my new tactical man purse.
I have about 4k rounds of 5.56 in my safe/closet right now. SO I am good on ammo for a few years based on my typical shooting schedule.
What does your rifle and handgun brand choices have to do with what knives you buy or carry? What size? Any particulars? Budget?
What does your rifle and handgun brand choices have to do with what knives you buy or carry? What size? Any particulars? Budget?
I thought i tried to explain how I felt was relevant:
" I only mention my gun preferences because it hints to my taste of:
1) High quality/durability
2) No frills
3) Willing to spend up if necessary
4) I like to buy Pairs (HK P30 for HD and P2000 for carry, KAC Carbine and one day a KAC CQB)"
1. Size: The smaller one is probably about 3-4" blade, the larger one is 4"-5" I like blades that maximize blade length for handle length. My current EDC is 2.8" But i could go a little bigger for the small one as long as it was not chunky for its size
2. I gave some specifics above about use and priorities in post #3 what else do you feel is relevant? Just looking for some nice carry knives can keep for many years and maybe even pass down to my son one day.
"I mean, my uses are just a good basic all around carry knife.
For the smaller EDC, i use it for the typical opening boxs cutting off tags, back up self defense tool
the larger one would only be used when i was going someplace unsafe, maybe camping, just feeling like a bad ass that day.
DUrabiltiy to last a long time of moderate use is important to me. Lock strength is important as in i don't want to worry about it for basic stabbing functions.
I currently carry cold steel but am looking for something nicer. Its more about fit/finish and what makes me feel the warmest/fuzziest inside"
3. No specific budget. I work a lot of hours and like to buy nice things. I don't like to overspend or buy extravagant things, but i like high quality top of the line stuff.
Smaller, for boxes and rope, edc stuff, I can't recommend the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 enough. The P'kal is geared toward fighting but its a great knife for the money as well. Zero Tolerance makes a bunch of great knives too. Bench made makes a ton of knives in the 3-4" range for $100 and up and have a fantastic lock and customer service.
Tons of good knives that are larger by the above mentioned makers. Also BArk River, Blind Horse, Daniel Fairly, Fiddleback Forge and Esee.
I have been interested in the paramilitary 2. Its a very nice looking nice. Not sure how I feel about the friction lock.
It has a very thin blade also. Might be a little "light in the pants" for my taste
ZT seems to make some nice knives. Do they make any smaller ones that would meet my EDC smaller desire? I thought they were all slightly beefier larger ones.
I have been interested in the paramilitary 2. Its a very nice looking nice. Not sure how I feel about the friction lock.
It has a very thin blade also. Might be a little "light in the pants" for my taste
ZT seems to make some nice knives. Do they make any smaller ones that would meet my EDC smaller desire? I thought they were all slightly beefier larger ones.
You either want beefy or you don't. The Paramilitary 2 is certainly not a pry knife. Its a slicer. Its super light. The lock is very good. ZT 0350 is nice. Not too big like the 300 series. My buddy has a 0350. Spring assist. Liner lock. Dual G10. Recurve. Sturdy knife that slices too. Benchmade 710 is an awesome knife as is their Osbourne series too.
I carry the P'kal as my EDB. One thing I can say about it is also buy the trainer, I have half of my thumb to prove it. That thing is sharp. I also like the training behind the knife. Anything spyderco in my book is GTG. I am a fan of benchmade who isn't but I just seem to bend more to the blade of spyderco for my go to. I do not know where you live, check the laws before you carry but the infidel is a good way to toss 400$. I did not like mine though so I offloaded it. I have heard others that had positive experiences with theirs though, it's skinny and the spring mechanism leaves much to be desired. I do not mind a skinny blade at all but for the money I think you can do much better. It's a novelty blade IMO.
I did some more research today.
While respect benchmades and spyderco's I think I am looking for something a step up as far as uniqueness.
Lookin at Chris reeves, strider maybe ZT.
JBecker 72
11-19-13, 17:55
Strider and ZT would be my recommendation. I carry a ZT0350 every day.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s73/hownowbrowncow_02/Gear/IMAG0140.jpg
I am not going to lie the above is a great knife, I have had my eye on one for quite a while and hopefully Santa is good to me this year.
Didn't realize you'd spend that much. Strider is awesome. Bunch of great custom knives in the $500 range as well.
JackFanToM
11-19-13, 20:59
Some great ones that come to mind:
Lionsteel SR1 and SR1ti (SR2 if you want to go smaller) http://i.imgur.com/AKJ4wfa.jpg?1
Really High end go with a Rick Hinderer http://i.imgur.com/Ibf8ib3.jpg
Middle of the road go with Benchmade, Spyderco, or the higher end Kershaw US made items (I have a S30V Blur that I love...great steel, great price, spring assist) http://i.imgur.com/XpRQwJj.jpg The Griptilian is pretty much the knife reference standard, http://i.imgur.com/4AvZ9Mj.jpg The Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 is one of the most difficult to obtain (personally I'm not a fan of Spyderco knives, but it is personal taste), http://i.imgur.com/RvloHJk.jpg This is probably the least expensive knife listed here, but the steel is quality, design is good, and the assisted opening is sheer joy...due to it's price I don't worry about using it hard and due to its nature neither does it, http://i.imgur.com/0aGkpmC.jpg another great assisted Kershaw...super light and thin for its size (as big as the ZT 350...often referred to as the poor man's 350) Sandvik steel blade,
As many mentioned here ZT items are great, esp. for the money, but they are often built for hard use and thereby are not light...at least that is the case with my ZT350 http://i.imgur.com/qT3vHWA.jpg. The ZT 350 is about all the folding knife I can think of ever needing, if I need more knife than this beast I'm getting a fixed blade.
There are a few other really good companys out there like Emerson, Chris Reeve DPx Hest, Microtech to name a few, but unless you are really going to get into knives as another hobby (Lionsteel SR1 falls into this statement too) you are really best served with Kershaw, Spyderco, Benchmade, and Zero Tolerance...in that order as those are listed from least to highest in price.
Of course as with all things this is subjective, and merely one man's opinion.
JBecker 72
11-19-13, 22:18
I am not going to lie the above is a great knife, I have had my eye on one for quite a while and hopefully Santa is good to me this year.
I'm a big ZT fan. 0303 on top, 0121 fixed blade in the middle, and 0350 on the bottom.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s73/hownowbrowncow_02/Gear/e3d85075-38df-41d1-8cd6-2714d1833064_zpse8c39e70.jpg
Another big ZT fan here. I carry a 0360 daily.
ZT and Kershaw have the same parent company and Kershaw makes a lot of lighter duty knives, some still made in USA.
You could also do something like Strider SMF and Strider SJ75s. The SJ looks ugly at first, but you have to hold it to really appreciate would a great EDC blade it is. The PT isn't bad either.
JBecker 72
11-20-13, 09:48
I want a Strider SMF pretty bad. It's on my list of folders to buy.
mkmckinley
11-20-13, 09:50
Hinderer XM-18 3.5" and 3".
Hinderer XM-18 3.5" and 3".
Those look like probably the most awesome I have looked at. But they are impossible to find and cost like $650 a piece if you are not active MIL/LE/Etc...
That might be where I am tapping out in price range.
I can't recommend the Pohan Leu Bluephin enough. Its a beast. Sharp and stout as can be. Great maker too.
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt134/rslamiroult/null-41.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt134/rslamiroult/null-42.jpg
I carry a bench made Stryker most days but love a Chris Reeve Sebenza when dressing up or going Kool Aid.
RioGrandeGreen
11-20-13, 15:53
Here you go Benchmade H&K.
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmadesnodyfoliagegreeng10295inblackcomboedgespecialprice.aspx
I got the big brother, awesome knife.
madisonsfinest
11-20-13, 20:39
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is an awesome edc knife. Awesome slicer! The DPX Hest is a nice folder.
PM2
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/MaDiSoNsFiNeSt/image_zps7d47156e.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/MaDiSoNsFiNeSt/media/image_zps7d47156e.jpg.html)
Hest
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/MaDiSoNsFiNeSt/dpx-gear-hest-folder-2-0-od-right-hand-folding-blade-tactical-military-survival-every-day-carry-concealed-carry-personal-pro_zps671a4f34.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/MaDiSoNsFiNeSt/media/dpx-gear-hest-folder-2-0-od-right-hand-folding-blade-tactical-military-survival-every-day-carry-concealed-carry-personal-pro_zps671a4f34.jpg.html)
What is that tool next to the hest? Does that store in the knife?
Madisonsfinest, I hear ya!
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt134/rslamiroult/null-9.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/rslamiroult/media/null-9.jpg.html)
madisonsfinest
11-20-13, 23:20
It's a multi-tool... Check it out here:
http://www.the-knife-connection.com/dpx-gear--hest-folding-knives.html
militarymoron
11-21-13, 19:52
ZT 0360.SKD - a slightly lighter version of the 0350. http://www.skdtac.com/Zero-Tolerance-0360-SKD-Knife-p/zto.117.htm
or, the MM version :)
http://www.skdtac.com/Zero-Tolerance-0360-SKD-MM-Knife-p/zto.124.htm
I can't recommend the Pohan Leu Bluephin enough. Its a beast. Sharp and stout as can be. Great maker too.
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt134/rslamiroult/null-41.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt134/rslamiroult/null-42.jpg
Nice looking knife....i will take a look at these.
ZT 0360.SKD - a slightly lighter version of the 0350. http://www.skdtac.com/Zero-Tolerance-0360-SKD-Knife-p/zto.117.htm
or, the MM version :)
http://www.skdtac.com/Zero-Tolerance-0360-SKD-MM-Knife-p/zto.124.htm
I like those....after looking around a little, I think Zero Tolerance is right up my alley... I like the beefiness.
Tell me a little about the lock on that one?
i like this and the ZT hinderer
It's a relatively beefy liner lock. Strong, simple, nothing to worry about. ZT makes top notch gear.
small: Emerson Mini A-100
large: Emerson CQC-10
Since price doesn't matter, do this...buy the best one mentioned here and upon receipt...google it. You will find out how bad it is. Look at the recommendations off of that and then you will find the knife you were looking for. Good luck dude!
Checking out ZT knife selection:
This is freaking badass looking: ZT 0454
http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0454
Standard ZT 0300 or 0301
http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/zt0300
I like the hinderer 0560 and the smaller 0566 to go with it
http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/0560bw
http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/ZT0566
Anyone have any info on Elmax...how does it compare S30V
also hows the frame lock on these. Any thought on the smaller ones that have a liner lock? I am generally not a fan of liner locks...
FYI, the Pohan Leu is about a 3 month build time wait. Email him or FB contact him. Very cool guy
Elmax on paper is better in every way that S30v. ZT has gotten a rash of crap though for the 560 b/c they heat treated it to a lower RC for more toughness, but people weren't impressed with the edge retention so they complained.
The best ZT I've handled is the 801 and I believe the Elmax used there is heat treated higher.
0300 is awesome and fires like a freaking rocket from the heavy blade and strong spring. Love it. Ergos are good too, but it is heavy.
JBecker 72
11-21-13, 21:47
Yeah I want one of these 0560's.
http://zt.kaiusaltd.com/images/uploads/products/7407/zt0560bw_front.png
So far my favorites are:
0454 (not out yet and maybe some overkill)
0560 (as shown above)
0801 looks like a nice smaller carry.
I think i like the flipper non assisted open idea.
that 0360 MM posted could be a great carry piece also.
Def buying a black Friday knife.
So far my favorites are:
0454 (not out yet and maybe some overkill)
0560 (as shown above)
0801 looks like a nice smaller carry.
I think i like the flipper non assisted open idea.
that 0360 MM posted could be a great carry piece also.
Def buying a black Friday knife.
You might try the discontinued 0600. It's a little cheaper and I think less limited, so easier to get:
http://www.mattdtactical.com/ZT-0600-RJ-MARTIN-WITH-CARBON-FIBER-INLAY_p_2275.html
That would could well with the 0801 I think as the 0560 is very close in blade length to the 0801. 0600 is a bit bigger.
As a bit of a knife snob/junkie myself, I will make or second a few recommendations.
For a smaller, EDC type knife that is very useful, and low key enough for everything from jeans to suits, I would seriously consider the CRK small Sebenza Insingo. A 3" blade with a very useful shape, and top quality construction. They can usually be found for around $350.
For a larger, field use folder, the high end to me is a Hinderer XM24. A 4" flipper that to me at least feels even larger. The down side is price/availability. Another is a Strider SMF, though I personally would stay away from the tanto blade, they just are not as useful for me. The best compromise to me is one of the ZT Hinderer collaborations. You get similar design and steels at a much better price point, as well as commercial availability. If I was not able to secure the Hinderer, these would be my first choice.
Another relatively sturdy series of knives are the Spyderco Manix II, both regular and XL. Very solid for the money, with several varieties (such as serrations if you like) and several different runs of steels occasionally available.
There is a special edition Manix 2 XL with Carbon Fiber Scales and S90v for sale now (pre-order, limited edition).
http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercomanix2xlc95g2cpm-s90vpeelplycarbonfiberhandleplainedgeknifeworksexclusive.aspx
I heard the op's preference for higher priced options, but just wanted to chime in with another endorsement for Spyderco knives as one of the best options available at non boutique prices. I have carried a Native lightweight FRN everyday for 5+ years, and it has performed well as an everyday utility blade.
I also highly recommend the Paramilitary 2, and the Native 5.
There are many other great options ( the ZT0560 is on my short list of folder desires), but I find Spyderco's offerings to be tough to beat in the quality for cost dept., and they are quality tools at any price.
What are you looking exactly or do you have any idea what you would want it to do? I like my Emersons personally, but there are a lot who swear by Benchmade, though I have converted a few, Zero Tolerance is also highly thought of and up there in price. Having an idea of what you would like to be able to do with it might help, like are you looking for a manual opener or an auto? size?
My advice go check the websites of a few of the big names and see what you like. Personally carry an Emerson, but like I said, not the end all be all, just happens to be what gets my dick hard. Am sure there are others on here who can steer you to a custom maker if you would prefer something like that. Just too little here for me to be able to give much in the way of advice.
I firmly endorse Emerson for folders. If you want consistency the Commander, CQC-7, CQC-8, and Roadhouse are all made in multiple sizes.
I just found out the NY Custom Knife show with attendees including , emerson, strider, Hinderer etc is about half a mile from my house. I am def going to tomorrow.
Will try and report back my findings.
Sweeetness.....
Thanks,
Amur
Good call. Check out Krein, Horton and Fellhoelter knives too while you're there.
Since no one mentioned it a DPX HEST 2.0. They have also come out with smaller version as well.
So just got back from the NY custom knife show.
1. The show: real great show. Not that big compared to your average gun show, but super nice and easy to mange. It was really cool and I had a great time. Also all this Internet talk can not compare to going and putting things in your hand and trying them out. Tried out, dozer, strider, Chris reeves etc...
2. I picked up a ZT 0560 hinderer. Freakig love it. Got talking to some guys from True north knives. Really nice dealer. Gave my 3 year old son a free tape measure and were super nice to him while I felt up some blades. (BTW, that's how you convince your wife to let you go to the knife show on Sunday, take the little guy off her hands!). Real tight lock up. Super comfy handle for my hand. Best part: only $200 out the door. cheapest i foud it was 240 on line....WIN. I like the blade shape. Not that heavy either. And the flipper is my new favorite knife opening method. Another exame of seeing blades in person. looking online, i liked the new blackwash blade finish. in person it was not that impressive to me so I got the standard satin finish. I looked at the 0801 which was nice and almost got tht also as it was slight smaller but think I will hold out for the 0566 as it is the smaller little brother to the 0560 I got.
3. Best part of the show: talking with Mark Hinderer for like 20m. Just a super nice down to earth guy. Cant say enough anout him. He was not even selling his knives. I guess he had a drawing for thise who wanted to a buy on Friday and Sat. I did buy a really cool "investigator pen" from hin which I like a lot and is a little momento from the day of meeting him and buyin the ZT version of his knife.
4. Worst part: the dealer who had a hinderer for sale for $1795.00.
5. Some other notes:
Strider. Big and beefy. I was by not a fan of how you lost a lot of blade length for the cut out for your finger.
Chris reeves- awesome knife just fell in love with the flipper on the ZT but that was my second pick. The new 25 lock up is so freaking awesome. It snaps like a vault. Was quite as impressed woh the usmazimuma whatever it's called but also a nice knife.
I'm a huge fan of Zero Tolerance (eta) congrats on just picking one up. Its Kershaws higher end tactical line. They use nothing but fantastic materials that are well thought out & designed. Its definitely a rock star of the production knife world.
I like a BIG blade & carry a ZT300st every day. I've also got a ZT200st & ZT0560Blackout on order after I gave my ZT0350 away to my brother.
I love their frame lock system and the use of G10 & Aluminum.
Spend a few minutes on their website & you'll want more of them.
Bonus is that their lower end (relative because they aren't cheap) models are high end affordable - I'd recommend the 350 & 200 to anyone.
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