Tactical folder recommendations?

**Binary** · Posted On: 5/15/2006 9:49pm

This is very similar to filtersweep's thread. Im going to be buying a tactical folder here soon and I was wondering if anyone has any specific recommendations or what to avoid.

I've been looking at cold steel and Kabar folders, and frankly I don't know enough technical nitty and gritty to be able to tell each different model apart as far as effectiveness, stableness and quality.
If someone can recommend another knife company as well that would be great. Really the big thing Im looking for is that it won't lock up and can stand a bit of tension. I am paranoid about lock ups on folders, and I would go with a fixed blade but I just prefer the ergonomic size of folders.

Anyway, thanks in advance.

Oh, as an adendum, if anyone wants to argue why I should go fixed blade instead feel free, I would like to see both sides. As is though I'm pretty sure I want a folder.

***Plasma*** · Posted On: 5/15/2006 9:55pm

OMGBBQLOL

See my sig. Kabar Hawkbill.

https://www.kabar.com/product_detail...itary/Tactical

Yes I am a Kabar nutrider.

**Phrost** · Posted On: 5/15/2006 10:07pm

I don't know about the concept of tactical knives to begin with, unless you're actively training for sentry removal or something along those lines in the military. IMO a knife should be more about general utility than getting all stabby with it, at least nowadays.

I'd love to hear some actual facts on this, but there has to be some data regarding criminal convictions of people using knives for self defense vs licensed firearms vs non-lethal implements. I imagine pulling a knife in any situation is not going to be looked on positively by a judge or jury.

**Nid** · Posted On: 5/15/2006 10:13pm

The hide of a living and resisting boar was no match for my regular old kabar.

Dead is superlative.

Sharp Metal doesn't have much of a problem entering flesh...and it need not be surgically sharp.

I'd concern myself with the higher qualities...looks, comfort, durability of cutting other stuff. That's subjective en ****, mmmhmmm.

**Shuma-Gorath** · Posted On: 5/15/2006 10:35pm

Originally Posted by KageKaze

OMGBBQLOL

See my sig. Kabar Hawkbill.

https://www.kabar.com/product_detail...itary/Tactical

Yes I am a Kabar nutrider.

Join us in the land of the sane and realize your maximum utility from that thing will be using it as a letter opener.

***Plasma*** · Posted On: 5/15/2006 11:19pm

Originally Posted by Shuma-Gorath

Join us in the land of the sane and realize your maximum utility from that thing will be using it as a letter opener.

Actually, I use it mainly as a box opener and on occasion to cut string or thread.

**BackFistMonkey** · Posted On: 5/16/2006 12:33am

I really enjoy Benchmades if you have to go with a folder ...

http://www.benchmade.com/products/pr...aspx?model=610

**filtersweep** · Posted On: 5/16/2006 1:39am

Count this as another vote for Benchmade. I have a 707, had a Monochrome (which I lost truck shopping :( ), and am expecting a 12205 in the mail any day. They're made of great materials, they look good, they're well-built, and come with some of the best customer service the market has to offer (free sharpening for life!)

The only bad thing I'd say about them is that they tend to be expensive. If you're looking for deals, you can probably find an equivilent knife for less money somewhere else. Other than that, you really can't go wrong with anything in their catalog. Check them out:

http://www.benchmade.com

Also! They also sponser a lot of local fighters, especially out of Team Quest. Check out this limited edition folder they put together for Randy Couture to commemorate his retirement:

http://www.benchmade.com/couture.aspx

Ugly! But a nice gesture.

**Carpe Noctem** · Posted On: 5/16/2006 9:55am

Try also www.spyderco.com
They pretty much started the clip-carried, one-handed opening revolution.

www.emersonknives.com
Ernie Emerson's production company. Pricier than Spyderco or Benchmade, but also a proven commodity. Comfortable, ergonomic and sharp.

This is from a knife geek perspective, though. I mean, I pack around a Strider folder, and that is probably out of the realm of what you want...my recommendation would be a Spyderco Delica or Endura model, depending on how big a blade you want.

**tellner** · Posted On: 5/16/2006 2:03pm

Benchmade, Cold Steel, CRKT, Emerson and the always-reliable Spyderco turn out excellent products for a reasonable price. They can be used for self defense and also as, well, knives. Find the one that fits your hand and lifestyle. Forget "Tactical". it's just a word that's used to describe anything painted black and sold at a high price to people with physical inadequacies real or imagined