Basic folder for carry

[T. Bracker]

Hello,

Wanted to get some opinions on a good, basic folder for carry, something that can easily be carried (i.e. not a 7 inch Bowie). Looking for good quality but not necessarily a top of the line fighting knife. Thanks.

 

[ruger357]

Look at the Benchmade line, they have a ton to choose from.

 

[JShirley]

Spyderco Delica or Endura .

NewGraham.com is one good place to buy.

John

 

[Vic303]

Benchmade
CRKT
Kershaw (good for budget-minded folks)
SOG

 

[Soap]

I would buy a Benchmade or Spyderco. Their quality tends to be better than most other manufacturers in their price range. I've also dealt with New Graham before and they are good people.

 

[asteffes]

I like my Kershaw Ken Onion Boa. Much nicer knife than my 'ol Gerber. I've come to prefer the wider (though not much longer) blades. as they feel easier to control. You might go to your local shop and heft a few in your hands to help you decide.

 

[ruger357]

Ditto on New Graham. They have one stand up company.

 

[R.H. Lee]

I'd think long and hard before I got another liner lock. I cut the end of my thumb off with one awhile back-in a hurry closing it. The serrated part of the blade is especially sharp.

Then again, maybe I'm just a Darwin candidate who can't be trusted with sharp objects.

 

[matthewdanger]

The Spyderco Delica or Endura sound just about perfect for your requirements. They slim, light, stout, and have great steel. You might also check out the Camillus EDC. I think it is a great knife for the money (25$ at NewGraham.com).

I'll second JShirley's recomendation of NewGraham.com. Tom (operator of NewGraham.com) is a moderator over at one of my other favorite boards, FamilyFriendsFirearms.com. He is polite and helpful. NewGraham is great place to do business.

 

[Don Gwinn]

You're basically looking for something cheap, yet REALLY well made, right?

SPYDERCO.

 

[R.H. Lee]

And while you're at it, pick up the Spyderco sharpmaker. It really works.....

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Spyderco or Kershaw. You can buy some Kershaw models at Wal-Mart for decent prices(if they carry them in your area). Gerber is ok, but not on par with the Spydreco, Kershaw or Benchmade(which are pricy).
Also www.1sks.com is another online retailer. Checkout www.bladeforums.com as well.

 

[T. Bracker]

Thanks for the responses. I was thinking of something in the $75-100 range. Probably a 3 inch or slightly less blade length. I have a friend who has a Gerber with Rex Applegate on the blade, dagger type blade with about a 3 inch length. Is the quality on the Gerbers not good?

 

[Rich K]

My edc knife is a Kershaw Whirlwind,along with a SAK,

 

[Bobo]

RileyMc said,

I'd think long and hard before I got another liner lock. I cut the end of my thumb off with one awhile back-in a hurry closing it. The serrated part of the blade is especially sharp.

Ditto!
I had a liner lock knife close up on me when I had a lot of pressure on the blade -- it did a real number on my fingers! I'll never buy another liner lock again!

 

[scubie02]

yep, liner locks=bad

get a lockback or an axis lock from benchmade

 

[zahc]

Another non-linerlock fan.

Spyderco delica.

 

[fistful]

Avoid anything serrated or tanto-pointed.

 

[Soap]

I have a friend who has a Gerber with Rex Applegate on the blade, dagger type blade with about a 3 inch length. Is the quality on the Gerbers not good?

Gerbers aren't bad but I've noticed that the liner on that particular model seems very weak.

 

[JShirley]

A good, basic folder is not double-edged, hawk-billed, or tanto-shaped. You want a utilitarian, very useful daily user shape.

John

 

[hso]

Could you describe what you would be using the knife for and let us know the state and if you're uban or rural? This information allows you to rule out knives that may not have reinforced tips, do or don't have serrations, or may be illegal to carry in your area.

I don't have a problem with well made liner locks, but I handle lots of knives from lots of companies all the time so I know the difference between a good and bad liner lock. (bad liner lock sticks up so that it's easy to unlock without having to dig a bit for it, is not snug against the tang , and/or is close to the opposite scale when blade is open). CRKT uses the LAWKS system that prevents a liner lock from unlocking. It's sort of a belt and suspenders approach.

 

[T. Bracker]

In Nebraska, live in a medium sized city. Mostly just to use for day to day activities but something that could be used in a self defense role if needed. I love my Leatherman Wave, but not really a personal defense weapon.

 

[Soap]

I'd get an Axis lock or lockback straight edge blade of very simple blade geometry. If you cut a lot of rope, only then would I buy a serrated. Benchmade and Spyderco have a ton of knives that fit this description.

 

[Don Gwinn]

John, you're just no fun.

I suggest a double-edged hawkbill with big spikes. And Pakkawood. Pakkawood in all the colors of the rainbow.

 

[Soap]

Don,

Don't forget the laser engraving of a shark or croc on it too