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Posted: 12/30/2011 8:39:27 PM EDT
| I realize a folder is limited in what it can handle, and a fixed blade is always preferred for serious tasks, but I ALWAYS have a folder on me and want something that in a pinch could handle pretty much anything I could throw at it, up to and including (shudder) pry bar use. My limited knife knowledge gives me Striders, some of the ZT's and Surefire's Delta folder as possible answers, but I want to know what else is out there. Would really like something in CPM 3V, but I realize that steel is limited to mostly fixed blades, and only a few at that. What else is out there in the world of overbuilt folders? |
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Not a Strider fan, but they are about as hard use as you can get and are available, or look at the ZT
line. My vote goes to the Hinderer XM-18 (or XM-24.) I have a XM-18 non flipper and it it a beast, and yes I carry and use it unlike 99% of the people who buy these knives. How much do you want to spend? If you are public safety or military the Hinderer are worth it as you can buy the production versions direct. But as great as they are, I am not sure I would pay the aftermarket prices that I have seen them go for. Here is a stock photo as I am too lazy to break out my camera right now. 
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Quoted:
The new ZT-550's are starting to show up at dealers. They use S35VN steel whereas the originals used Elmax, either one is a helluva knife. You can also look at the Spyderco Military or Paramilitary. Well I was going to recommed one of the ZT-300 series knifes as I had set my sights on one this year...is the new 550's better? |
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Quoted: Quoted: The new ZT-550's are starting to show up at dealers. They use S35VN steel whereas the originals used Elmax, either one is a helluva knife. You can also look at the Spyderco Military or Paramilitary. Well I was going to recommed one of the ZT-300 series knifes as I had set my sights on one this year...is the new 550's better? I have a 300 and a 550. The 300 is a larger knife that is, I think, licensed from Strider, the 550 is smaller but has a thicker Hinderer Knives lock-both have a similar lock system. I'll try to remember to post pictures later in the week. |
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Quoted: Just bought a DPx Gear HEST 2.0 I have literally used the fuck out of the thing everyday. Still going strong on the factory edge after more than a month. Only complaint is that the finish isn't as long term as I want it to be, but it makes it look more mean. I bought a 1.0 and it was just plained fucked. I wrote a long review of it when I first got it and then noticed afterwards the lock did nothing and it would close right up like a jack knife. I finally got around to sending it back last week. If the 2.0 locks up properly, which I assume it does and that's what I have heard, I would say it's basically a smaller version of the ZT 550 in a general way-has the same basic lock design. It's a neat knife that is more realistic in size and I like the wave.
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Thank you for all the great replies. I love the look of Striders, great picture Dpmmn. I have never handled one, unfortunately. The SMF looks like the one I would want if I went that route, I like the large size of it. I own a ZT-0100 fixed blade that I absolutely love, and I have handled my out of state friends ZT-0300 which was also impressive. The XM-18 looks like a very solid knife as well. Seems like I have quite a few choices here. I really wish there was a place locally that carried some of these to compare and handle side by side, seems like all of the stuff I like is internet only, as usual.
One question I have is if anyone has any experience with the Surefire Delta Folder EW-04. I have found a new one for $285 shipped, and that has my attention due to the price alone. Blade is a touch shorter than I would like, but it looks sturdy and very utilitarian. Opinions? |
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