Needed a folder ... ok .. well ...

[SharpDog]

OK, confession up front, I already had many folders (I won't repeat that under oath) ...

Normally I EDC a Grohmann's D.H. Russell Canadian Army stainless 4" fixed blade.

However, I don't want to panic the suits at work, so no OWB Fixed blade (besides, it's a flimsy excuse to get a new folder).

I discovered Kizer knives. I got one of these:



this is a great knife for $60. I hope to see ones like this made in USA soon

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B076GXMCCT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[ugaarguy]

I hope to see ones like this made in USA soon

Buck Vantage Pro in S30V close enough? - https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Knives-Vantage-Pro-Large-Liner--26115
Spyderco Para 2 work for you? - https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Paramilitary-2--7920

 

[JShirley]

I'm a big fan of the Manix 2 series from Spyderco. Incredible deals for what you get. Some people like the translucent blue color, I prefer black, on the LightWeight version. (Still incredibly strong, but easier on nice slacks, and a feathery 3 oz for a large folder.) I prefer the LW for EDC, and go with the Manix 2 XL when in uniform or planning to be out doing something that might require extra heavy duty (for a folder) cutting.

John

 

[hso]

I hope to see ones like this made in USA soon

If you used Knifecenter's search function filtered for made in the U.S. you will find something in the ballpark. https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/...OUNTRYORIGINdatarq=usa&sortType=priceAs&s=481

 

[SharpDog]

If you used Knifecenter's search function filtered for made in the U.S. you will find something in the ballpark. https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=American Made Folding Knives&a=folder&eqCOUNTRYORIGINdatarq=usa&sortType=priceAs&s=481

I was looking for a folder with a drop point blade of good stainless steel that was as close to or over 4", well-made with very good lockup, good reviews and a deep clip for discrete carry and under $100. Also not overly heavy. My current CRKT folders are very heavy.

Basically, this almost fit the bill with a 3 1/2" VG-10 blade. I really wanted a little longer. But it was close enough at a good price. I had never heard of Kizer before but they apparently are a high-end brand and this is one of their lower-end models. The knife is very well-built with good lockup. The only real downsides other than the length are that it has no flipper or assisted opening (these were not required but would have been nice features) and it's not made in the USA. These will replace my 4" fixed blades when I'm at work and cannot OWB a fixed blade.

I have the Buck Vanguard series bookmarked for future consideration.

 

[jmr40]

I like Spyderco. They make some in USA, some in Japan, Taiwan, and China. The Japanese made knives are very good quality as are the USA made. All of them have very flat handles that hide well in the pocket.

The Manix suggested above is USA made and a good choice. But I like the Endura or Paramilitary 2 slightly better. Endura is Japanese made, Paramilitary is USA made.

The Endura is very light and carries well for me considering the blade length. It or the slightly smaller Delica are the 2 I reach for most often. Delica is right at 3", the Endura is 3 7/8" I have the Manix and like the locking system better, but it just doesn't sit as well in my pocket. But it might work well for you. The PM-2 is a little heavier, but not bad.

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-End...pID=310M9KJHQhL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Del...pID=41s92VXupUL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Par...pID=314BSBIvJaL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Man...D=41a7qub%2B3AL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

A lesser known Spyderco if you want to be different. The blade is more for big game dressing, but still a usable all around shape.

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-C90...pID=41-dxTE8VhL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

If you really want a honking big folder this is also a good one. Blade is 4".

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-C36...D=41%2BA9fV33tL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

[ugaarguy]

I like Spyderco. They make some in USA, some in Japan, Taiwan, and China. The Japanese made knives are very good quality as are the USA made. All of them have very flat handles that hide well in the pocket.

The Taichung, Taiwan Spydercos are widely regarded to be better fit and finished than the Seki City, Japan Spydercos, and the Seki City Spydercos are very well made.

The only real downsides other than the length are that it has no flipper or assisted opening (these were not required but would have been nice features) and it's not made in the USA.

If you're trying not to scare the suits then you probably don't want assisted opening. Even if a non-assisted knife has a flipper, you'll probably want to open it slowly with the thumb hole or studs to avoid drawing attention to yourself in a work environment.

If you want to open your current Kizer quickly look up some videos on the middle finger "Spyder Flick". It may work for you on your new Kizer.

 

[SharpDog]

The Taichung, Taiwan Spydercos are widely regarded to be better fit and finished than the Seki City, Japan Spydercos, and the Seki City Spydercos are very well made.


If you're trying not to scare the suits then you probably don't want assisted opening. Even if a non-assisted knife has a flipper, you'll probably want to open it slowly with the thumb hole or studs to avoid drawing attention to yourself in a work environment.

If you want to open your current Kizer quickly look up some videos on the middle finger "Spyder Flick". It may work for you on your new Kizer.

I saw those vids. After experimenting I think a slow thumb opening would be the norm with an added wrist flick if needed. The middle finger works less well for me than the thumb.

 

[SharpDog]

I like Spyderco. They make some in USA, some in Japan, Taiwan, and China. ... If you really want a honking big folder this is also a good one. Blade is 4".

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-C36GPDBL-Military-Model-Folding/dp/B0199VGEGE/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1524941362&sr=1-1&keywords=spyderco+military&dpID=41%2BA9fV33tL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

curse you @jmr40 ... after your post I found this:



Which is a great knife! It doesn't quite fit my purpose but it's close (actually almost perfect ... doesn't conceal deep enough ... but too much $$ to carry every day). I wanted one less expensive for EDC but I could not resist this one. I really like the camo G-10 scales and the S30v steel. I have several spyderco's. Mostly the fixed blade SALT model (no-carbon steel) which I use for fishing and kayaking.

Now I have to go and redo my budget

 

[ugaarguy]

Sharpdog, look at the Spyderco Shaman and ZT 0562 if you want another premium hard use knife to add to your collection. Those both have beefier locks than the Military's liner lock. A few places still have the 0562 with Elmax blade, which is one of the most chip resistant stainless steels available, and it still has excellent edge holding.

 

[SharpDog]

Sharpdog, look at the Spyderco Shaman and ZT 0562 if you want another premium hard use knife to add to your collection. Those both have beefier locks than the Military's liner lock. A few places still have the 0562 with Elmax blade, which is one of the most chip resistant stainless steels available, and it still has excellent edge holding.

Holy crap. I just searched knifecenter for ' 0562 with Elmax' and I started with the ZT 0562 and then I just started liking them more and more as the prices rose through $375 up to $1900 !!!

I'm cool with the Spyderco I ordered. I have one of the original Spyderco's in my collection from like 25 years ago and this one will join it. For hard use, I plan to use a fixed blade and the cheap Kizer can stand in when I'm at work. I actually bought two of the Kizers. They really are pretty good for what I need. These others are for what I want!

Personally, I would rather a fixed blade.

 

[jmr40]

curse you @jmr40 ... after your post I found this:

You're welcome, glad I could be an enabler. I've made SEVERAL knife purchases because of guys like ugaarguy, HSO, and JShirley. I respect their opinions. There are lots of good knives out there. I've not tried them all, but keep coming back to Benchmade, Kershaw/ZT and Spyderco. But the plastic handled Spyderco's seem to be the ones I reach for most often.

I worked 30 years as a teacher and retired 8 years ago, but still substitute 6-10 days a month. I respect the heavier duty ZT, Kershaw and some of the Benchmade's and when wearing jeans they work for me. But in lighter khaki pants, or shorts that I wear during summers, the thinner, lighter Spyderco's fit my needs better. When hunting, hiking or other outdoor activities a heavier duty fixed blade is always with me for those times more strength is needed.