Recommendations for Tanto Folding Knife

[DMW1116]

I've had 2 CRK&T M16s, different sizes. While they operate well, their AUS8 isn't easy to sharpen.

My intent is to use a DMT Aligner clamp and a two sided bench stone. That should make about any normal steel sharpen easily.

 

[Boattale]

If I wanted one tanto to rule them all, it would be made in Idaho by CRK and it would be an Inkosi.

 

[DMW1116]

An Emerson or one of Kershaw's versions might be a good option. I'll see what they have to offer. I kinda like chisel grinds too. It would make sharpening simpler.

 

[bannockburn]

I got this Cold Steel SR1 Lite one year for Christmas from one of my daughters. This is one solid, hefty, well built knife with a 4" blade and weighing in at nearly 7 oz.

 

[hso]

shop use

What types shop and use?

 

[DMW1116]

Use around the shop for opening boxes, stripping and cutting wire, sharpening pencils, cutting small branches etc.

 

[DMW1116]

I got this Cold Steel SR1 Lite one year for Christmas from one of my daughters. This is one solid, hefty, well built knife with a 4" blade and weighing in at nearly 7 oz.

I did a little digging on this and it has jumped to the top of the list. I’m nearly done rebeveling** the secondary edge of my smaller Schrade Tanto. This would compliment it nicely.

**Thats not actually true. I checked the clamp for the DMT Aligner kit and I can go one notch lower. After that the guide rod hits the adjustment knob. I’m rebeveling to one notch more obtuse now, but will lower the bevel angle one final time in the next sharpening.

 

[hso]

Use around the shop for opening boxes, stripping and cutting wire, sharpening pencils, cutting small branches etc.

Sounds like you would be better off with a Sheeps Foot blade than a "tanto"

 

[DMW1116]

I will admit a great fondness for the 550 model of Griptillian and it’s slightly swept sheepsfoot. However, a Tanto style folder is definitely what I’m after. I have a Wharnecliffe Endura for purely utility needs.

 

[hso]

550

Excellent knife.

a Tanto style folder is definitely what I’m after

I have a variety also. For the money the CRKT or Cold Steel are hard to beat in the style.

 

[DMW1116]

The Cold Steel shown above is definitely in the lead. I’ll keep looking though. I’m having to be content with the Schrade 3.3” Tanto I have at the moment.

 

[Speedo66]

@bannockburn above mentioned that the Cold Steel version weighs close to half a lb, at what point do you start to feel you’re really carrying a lump in your pocket?

I draw the line at 4oz. for a pocket knife.

 

[DMW1116]

Thats a good point. I'll check the weights vs what I normally carry in the same size range and see how they compare. I'm not really worried about weight, but it's easy to say that when I'm not lugging it around all day.

 

[tazbigdog]

Benchmade Claymore

 

[JohnKSa]

The Code 4 from Cold Steel is very slim and light. Might want to check it out to see if the blade length is long enough for you.

Compared to the SR1 Lite, it's got a 3.5" blade vs 4" for the SR1. Weight for the Code 4 is 4.3oz compared to 6.9oz for the SR1 Lite.

It is also a very smooth design which may be good or bad depending on what you want. It's easy on clothes, doesn't tear them up like some of the textured handles will, but if you plan to use it with your hands wet or slick, it's not going to offer the same purchase as a knife with a textured handle.

 

[JTQ]

compared to 6.9 for the SR1 Lite.

It is interesting that it is called the SR1 "Lite"