thinking about a new folder

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when I pay $100+ for a pocket knife I am more hesitant to actually use it!
I hear that.
Does that Gerber require a screw driver to change the blade? I don't mind sharpening knives I would just like to do it less frequently.
There is a big difference between a utility knife and a knife, I use both.
 
I hear that.
Does that Gerber require a screw driver to change the blade? I don't mind sharpening knives I would just like to do it less frequently.
There is a big difference between a utility knife and a knife, I use both.

I understand. I carry a Leek and maybe use it a couple of times a week. When I need to do serious work I go to the Gerber.

Yes, the Gerber has a rather large easy to get to easy to unscrew screw on the side of the blade holder that you have to unscrew to replace the blade. A bit inconvenient maybe but a super simple operation and the screw holds the blade very securely allowing no movement. It isn't as quick or convenient as the tool-less blade changing utility knifes I have used but effective and much more secure than most (pretty much any) utility knife I have ever used.

P.S. The Gerber is a liner lock knife.
 
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That's what am after a medium sized folder that is a good slicer and keeps a edge. I have a razor utility knife in my tool belt but it is often dull from trimming drywall, I need something sharp that stays sharp for cardboard and heavy paper I cut hundreds of feet of this stuff.
You may have already purchased something. If not, this article that Larrin published today may be rather useful for your decision making process - https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/12...ed-steels-maxamet-rex-121-and-more-explained/
 
You may have already purchased something.
Not yet and thank you for that info. I noticed there were a few Spdyerco knives floating around with Maxamet blade steel, I am not sure about the toughness of Maxamet?
I have considered a few steels that may fit my needs if the heat treat is right, CPM REX 45, CPM 4V maybe 9V and CPM 20 CV / Bohler M390. Now to find the knife, I missed out on the Spderco Para 3 with CPM REX 45 that would have been just fine without breaking the bank. These were in the $140 range now they are double that.
 
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Not yet and thank you for that info. I noticed there were a few Spdyerco knives floating around with Maxamet blade steel, I am not sure about the toughness of Maxamet?
I have considered a few steels that may fit my needs if the heat is right, CPM REX 45, CPM 4V maybe 9V and CPM 20 CV / Bohler M390. Now to find the knife, I missed out on the Spderco Para 3 with CPM REX 45 that would have been just fine without breaking the bank. These were in the $140 range now they are double that.
You're welcome. Larrin's research and testing (in the last article I linked), supports the anecdotal evidence that Maxamet isn't very tough. Maxamet does get you into near REX 121 level edge retention, but in a sub $200 production knife, rather than a much more expensive custom. If you want extreme toughness, the Knife Center exclusive Cru-Wear blade Native 5 is still available - https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP...-folding-knife-cru-wear-knifecenter-exclusive, although the smoothed G10 handles might not be ideal for your work environment.
 
the Knife Center exclusive Cru-Wear blade Native 5 is still available
That is tempting. I like the Native 5, and would like it more without the figure groove in the blade.
 
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Well ordered a Spyderco Native 5 lightweight today with cmp s35vn, this one http://www.soonerstateknives.com/SC-41PBK5-Spyderco-Native-5-Plain-Blade.jpg. I noticed these on Amazon same knife but folks were getting cpm s30v instead, so I contacted Sooner state knives and they found one with s35vn the rest were s30v. So if you are ordering a native 5 and the picture and the description implies s35vn you better check with the seller.
Hope it works out.
Thanks folks for all your replies.
Here's a review from 2016
 
So if you are ordering a native 5 and the picture and the description implies s35vn you better check with the seller.
Spyderco switched from S35VN to S30V a few years ago on the Natives. Without precise testing equipment you won't be able to tell the difference, but I'm glad that you got the steel you wanted. The Native is a great knife, and I think it'll fit your stated needs well.
 
Spyderco switched from S35VN to S30V a few years ago on the Natives. Without precise testing equipment you won't be able to tell the difference, but I'm glad that you got the steel you wanted. The Native is a great knife, and I think it'll fit your stated needs well.
I think cmp s35vn will perform better than anything I have now, I was hoping to find something in cpm rex 45, elmax or cmp 20cv. I would have went with the mini griptilian cpm 20cv but concerns about QC swayed me away from buying one sight unseen.
Thanks again. I will let you folks know what I think of it, should arrive next week.
PS
I would have also preferred cpm 4v and cpm m4 over cpm s35vn.
I realize all of these steels are at the mercy of the heat treat, but the above mentioned steels were higher up on my list over s35vn.
 
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For a knife carried with defensive purposes in mind, I recommend a quality folder from spyderco or emerson with a "wave" feature.
 
I went into a favorite Pawn shop after a Doctor appointment earlier this week. Found a big ole Buck 110 that looks like it's never been sharpened. Mfg in 2018, the outside is scratched up some but overall it's in good shape. Must be one of the models that WM sells. It's HUGE, to say the least. I'm not about to carry it, will stick with my Spyderco.

Have a blessed day,

Leon
 
For a knife carried with defensive purposes in mind
This knife will be more of a utility type knife, I had know thoughts of this knife for a defensive purpose. But I guess it could still be considered a non firearm weapon.
 
If you expect to use it across the board from the office to the jobsite to the forrest you'll need something different than a lightweight "business casual" knife.

There are knives for each mentioned in this thread that are pretty good and some great ones.
 
Ramboard or heavy brown thick paper will dull


https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/11/19/steel-edge-retention/
https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/11/26/steel-edge-retention2/


I need something sharp that stays sharp for cardboard and heavy paper I cut hundreds of feet of this stuff.

Cutting hundreds of feet and staying sharp may be too much to ask of any steel. A high quality utility knife that requires no tools to change blades may be the best choice for flooring barrier.
 
I received the Native 5, and here are my thoughts.
The first thing I noticed is the opening of the knife was stiff and rough.
Secondly the edge grind at the back of the blade was rough and has a slight recurve which I hate.
Things I like, the lock up is solid with zero play. The blade is very well ground, but the edge grind at the back of the blade could have been better.
I think I can make it work with some tinkering : ) The cpm s35vn seems well done, it does not seem anymore difficult to sharpen than cpm 3V.
So can I make it perfect? absolutely almost, but I would have expected this from the factory.
I will give this knife 3.5 out of 5 stars. Just my two cents.
 
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I polished up the action of this knife, this made a huge improvement : )
I used a board with a square edge and clamped that to the fence of my band saw which captured wet/dry sand paper. This allowed me to hone the parts of this knife that needed attention, this fixture created a 90 degree hone for the blade and lock bar. I used 500- 5000 grit wet dry sand paper, and finished it off with a polishing compound.
I can see a further improvement but I would need to acquire another lock spring form Spyderco to attempt this.
 
I can see a further improvement but I would need to acquire another lock spring form Spyderco to attempt this.
Unfortunately they don't ship internal parts, but you could always ask. Did you get any pics of your improvised polishing rig?
 
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Pretty easy, as long as the edge of the board that is clamped to the fence 90 degrees this set up is good to go. I did check the milling on the parts I honed for square and they were.
 
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Thank you for your comment.
All of my pocket folders require frequent sharpening so it would nice to have better edge retention.
I am not very concerned about ease of sharpening, I do not want a blade with any recurve.
Having a steel that is not prone to chipping would be important, I prefer to use the correct tool for the task so I'm pretty kind to my knives.
I live in a dry climate so for a knife that I would have on my person I'm not very concerned with corrosion resistance, the knife in my lunch cooler is a Opinel #10 Inox because the freezy packs sweat.
one advantage to Opinel is that if they are opened with one hand, most people won't freak
 
one advantage to Opinel is that if they are opened with one hand, most people won't freak
It's a funny thing when snow flakes get offended when they see someone carrying a knife that is no more lethal than the drawer full of knives in their kitchen.
 
You can get decent knives anywhere from.$30-80. After that they are a luxury item. The same old 80-20 Rule as anything else.

Ontario Rat 2 D2
$36 Knifeworks (Might do better if you shopped around)

Benchmade Mini Griptilian D2
$80 Cabela's (Might be cheaper elsewhere)

I like both those for a 3" Knife at their price point. D2 might not be the most corrosion resistant but it's a very good compromise in price, durability and sharpenability when property treated.
 
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