seeking GREAT folding tactical pocket blade

m657

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must open easily, sharpen nicely, and carry in pocket comfortably....

why can't I find the BEST?
 
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I love my Buck Rush, bought new in Wal-Mart several years ago. It's light, very quick-opening, and carries very easily in the pocket. I carry if for one purpose only, have never had to use if for that one purpose, and therefore have never sharpened it. But it's very well made (in the USA) and I think it would probably sharpen up just fine.

Here's the link from Buck's catalog...and the photos don't do it justice.

BUCK
 
it's like looking for the best pistol or the best caliber... many differing views on the matter ;)
 
I appreciate learning the experiences of others with hands-on use of various products. There are so many choices it's hard to narrow down the range without considering what other users have found.

Please post links or photos as I intend to supplement my pocket gear soon. I need to upgrade my old and clunky and too bulky models.

The sub-4" folders are as plentiful as choices in snubbies.
 
It's not a folder, but my Chris Reeve Professional Soldier is ALWAYS in my pocket and holds an edge like nothing else. I've cut through everything from a tow strap to cardboard to flesh and bone, haven't sharpened it yet and it's still sharp enough to shave with. Best part is that Chris Reeve will sharpen it free of charge should it ever need to be sharpened.
 
My Benchmade 580 Barrage has become my favorite. It's kinda pricey ($100) but I love it. 580 Details | Benchmade

Kershaw was mentioned and I have numerous Kershaw knives, cheaper than the Benchmade but very good knives. Most of my Kershaws were in the $50 range.
 
Another vote for either the Kershaw or a Benchmade. Compact, solid as a bank vault, steel as hard as it gets to hold an edge. Both make an assortment of assisted opening knives, both at the top of the heap as far as quality is concerned.
For the Kershaws, start with a look at the Ken Onion series of knives, the Leek in particular. I carry a serrated blade Leek most of the time.
For the Benchmade, it is impossible to tell you where to start, they make so many great pocket knives (including full auto opening). I have a couple and if my Leek isn't with me, one of my Benchmade knives is. I know a handful of LEOs, and these are the names they choose for their duty knives.
Both are USA made too.
 
must open easily, sharpen nicely, and carry in pocket comfortably....

why can't I find the BEST?

Carrying in the pocket cannot be used in conjunction with the word tactical. Tactical and practical are mutually exclusive terms and should never be used together in the same sentence or format. :p;):D

In all seriousness, how big'a knife you want?

Now this is a knife:
crocodile-dundee-screenshot-you-call-that-a-knife11.jpg



In all seriousness, I suggest taking a look at the Benchmade Kulgera- I just picked one up last month and really like it.

benchmade-kulgera.jpg


I do wish it was a size or two smaller though. It is much bigger than the Case stockman I've carried for many years.
 
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Benchmade AFO II, Protech Brend 2 (smallest of the brend line), Boker, Kershaw. The kershaw leek is a fine daily use knife, small, razor sharp, light and opens as fast as any auto. If you break it, it's only $40 to replace.

Gunlovingirl swears by her Due Buoi and I have to admit, it is a very nice knife but perhaps not the most practical (for me anyway) for every day use. I bought one and it is one of my favorites.
 
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The "best" depends on what you are going to do with the knife and how much you are willing to spend. If you mean "best" in a mass produced factory knife, that is one thing. If you include custom made knifes costing $300+++ that is something else. Also what features do you need the knife to include?
 
I have the Ken Onion Shallot (by Kershaw) and have been pretty happy with it. It holds / takes an edge pretty well and I prefer a "flipper" for opening over the thumb stud. The flat profile helped sell it as well. The wife is asking for the Leek for Christmas.
 
If you're looking for a serious "tactical" folder, I would recommend one of the following brands:

Emerson
Zero Tolerance
Spyderco
Kershaw

Pretty much in that order too. None of them are cheap, but if you want a top quality knife, you're going to have to pay for it.

There are other brands that are suitable, but the prices get into the stratosphere pretty quick. A few months ago I had no idea, but you can pay as much for a top name custom knife as you will for a decent handgun.
 
It's not a folder, but my Chris Reeve Professional Soldier is ALWAYS in my pocket and holds an edge like nothing else.
The Chris Reeve Sebenza is essentially the same blade in a folder. Not cheap at $400 - $500ish, but light years ahead of anything else in production or bench made knives today.

Chris Reeve Knives - Optimum Quality, Optimum Performance

Go to the Sebenza main page for complete specs.

Bob
 
I carry a Spyderco "Jess Horn" model. It is lightweight, holds an edge extremely well (aus 8 steel), and didn't cost me an arm and leg. I am an avid Spyderco fan.
 
The "BEST" ?
Al Mar Sere Mini is nice as is the Spyderco Military or Paramilitary.
I've had a variety of Benchmades and Kershaws and they are almost as good
but not the best.
-Brian
 
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Thanks for the tips. In review of these links, I have found several that are quite promising.

I find I'm after 1) folding; 2) assisted opening; 3) partial serrated edge; 4) plain handle without mammoths/scrimshaw/precious gems as part of the design; 5) "good quality" short of the $$$ range. This is to be a working tool. I favor the clip point style.

As example of a favored carry-tool for years & years, has been a Buck 444U model....no longer made. Just a tad small but plenty light and very rugged considering what it's been through.

I believe a dedicated blade in the pocket is like that other little pocket-piece one might carry ALL THE TIME rather than leave it on the shelf.

With all the thousands of choices, I value and appreciate input of those who have responded to this inquiry.

I tried to follow-up on the Zero Tolerance Hawk but it was not listed on the home web site and so far they have not returned my email.

Will continue the search after I recharge the old Pacemaker....Some of those such as Emerson etc truly ARE spendy. The "Jess Horn" might do...
 
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