All About Pocket Knives

I'm new here, so hello. I've recently become interested in folding knives, for collection and use in the field.

Please recommend to me a very well made production tactical folder, straight blade, either tanto or not, with a frame lock or similar strong lock, a 3.5-3.75" blade, G10 or other grippy handle, flipper opening if possible for a protected index finder choil, for about $250. Lighter than 8 oz. Ti frame if possible.

I have a ZT 0300, which is solid and fantastic, meets all the above, but is heavy.

The ZT Hinderer 0560 for example, but other makers.
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Welcome to AAPK!!

I highly, highly recommend the Kershaw Leek!

TripleF wrote:Welcome to AAPK!!

I highly, highly recommend the Kershaw Leek!

Thanks. You know, I have that knife, a really cool one, I think it was my first purchase.

I'm looking for something a bit more substantial though.

Welcome!
Have you looked at Benchmade Mini Griptilian, Sequel, Presido, Activator, Impell, Shoki, Oppertunist (mostly Gold class) or any number of Spyderco knives?

Typhodog

The problem is there are a lot of good knives out there and it's all about personal preference but you can always get more if the first one doesn't do the trick



If your looking for an every day carry, smaller than the ZT you have. I agree with TripleF. You already use a kershaw in the ZT (made by Kershaw) and want that style lock and assisted open. It's hard to beat another Kershaw. I use and carry a Leek with the black DLC coating daily, much better grip IMO.

If you want something a bit bigger/beefier but still lighter than the ZT, check out the shallot by Kershaw. Really any of the American made assisted opening/flipper style Kershaws would fit your requirements (go to there website and do a search for made in the USA and you will get a line listing). There USA made models are far superior to the non USA made models IMO. If you want to go with something more expensive/different check out Benchmade.


As you can tell I am a Kershaw fan.

edit*** you already have a leek

Welcome to AAPK.

The Buck SIRUS is a very beefy, solid knife. 4-1/2" closed. Assisted opening and pocket clip.

You choppin' cotton? Is that why you need something more serious than a Leek?

gino wrote:Welcome!
Have you looked at Benchmade Mini Griptilian, Sequel, Presido, Activator, Impell, Shoki, Oppertunist (mostly Gold class) or any number of Spyderco knives?

Thanks. I like the look of the Presidio and the Reptilian. I assume you feel the Axis lock is a solid one.?

The Axis lock is (arguably) the most positive lock on the market today.
I would recommend the Griptilian (with a G) or the mini Griptilian.

Benchmade uses the Axis lock a lot. I am not sure if they have exclusive rights to it, but I believe they are one of the few makers to use it.

I love the Axis locking syatem and agree with Dale and think its one of the best around. I also think that for the money the Benchmade mini Grip is a great deal. you can customize them through Benchmade with ease and I think it makes a great EDC.
I think they still do hold the exclusive rights to the Axis locking system.

Thank you all for the feedback. I'm really impressed by the looks and the recommendations for Benchmade that I've read. I appreciate the suggestions above and will let you know the results.

welcome ! just picked up the new tomcat 3.0 i would recommend but a little heavy

paulsvintage wrote: welcome ! just picked up the new tomcat 3.0 i would recommend but a little heavy

That's a beautiful one.

I decided on the Benchmade Adamas 275 in desert sand. I was really looking for a survival-camping knife and after your suggestions regarding various Benchmades, saw the above.

Am also thinking of a Presidio as a next purchase. I'm getting convinced by the idea of the Axis lock.

Interesting about the 275. It's got a black underlying G10 handle sprayed with a desert tan coating, similar to the coating that's on the blade. I was told that though G10 comes in tan, it was a color rejected by the military as not being their kind of tan. Because Benchmade sells so many of these to servicemen and women, they wanted to be in sync with the armed forces, and used a spray of an accepted shade of brown.

tvphotog, I am looking at a david boye lockback this week, you might find some interest there, try francineetchings.com to see his product

I can recommend the Fallkniven TK4! It's a little expensive (about $130 depending on where you get it from) but you'll see why when you take a look. It's a wee bit heavy but the grip feels really good, it's quite slim so you can really wrap your hand round it. It claims to be an anti-corrosive steel but I guess we'll just have to see about that. I don't have this blade myself, I'm just aware of it because it's been on my friend's wish list since last Christmas and we went to have a look at it in a local shop. Hopefully he'll get to open it this Christmas! I personally have the plain and simple British Army Knife. Would recommend it, but seeing as you're out to buy a new knife I don't see why you shouldn't go for something a little upmarket! I've been here for Bushcraft Knives but I would advise you go in-store to check out the handling. Nothing like hands on testing.

jerryd6818 wrote:

Benchmade 275 Adamas.jpg

This is my next purchase. Awaiting the manufacturer's change of the scales from brown-sprayed black to actual sand colored G10.

I see you have settled on the Adamas - I hear very good things about it.

Just an observation - I know you stated "other maker than ZT", but what are describing sounds a lot like a ZT 0550/0551:

ZT 0551 Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.00"
Blade Length: 3.50"
Blade Thickness: 0.156"
Blade Material: Elmax (Stainless)
Lock: Frame Lock
Closed Length: 4.50"
Handle Material: G10 and 6AL4V Titanium
Clip: Stainless Steel
Weight: 5.80 oz.
Country of Origin: USA

I own one and it is an excellent heavy duty knife …

~ Edge

On Edge wrote:I see you have settled on the Adamas - I hear very good things about it.

Just an observation - I know you stated "other maker than ZT", but what are describing sounds a lot like a ZT 0550/0551:

ZT 0551 Specifications:
Overall Length: 8.00"
Blade Length: 3.50"
Blade Thickness: 0.156"
Blade Material: Elmax (Stainless)
Lock: Frame Lock
Closed Length: 4.50"
Handle Material: G10 and 6AL4V Titanium
Clip: Stainless Steel
Weight: 5.80 oz.
Country of Origin: USA

I own one and it is an excellent heavy duty knife …

~ Edge

You know, I tried the Adamas in hand. It is actually quite a large knife and for my medium-sized hand, it was bulky and not comfortable. It looks good in the photos, but I decided on a Benchmade Presidio instead.

I have this one____I love the grip on this knife and it fits the hand like a glove