For the knife gurus -- I need a new knife!

[tdesanto]

I know the bulk of this conversation has been around multi-tools, but if you ever consider the need for a knife that operates easily with one hand, I can think of no better knife than a Benchmade folding knife with their proprietary Axis lock. The Griptilian is a good knife at a reasonable price and single-hand operation couldn't be any smoother. I use this an several of their folders with one hand and I think these are very good options for you if you're ever in the need of just a good pocket knife.

 

[Photog]

....The question I have for the guys with a lot of product knowledge is this: I'm looking for a folder of good quality, with a combo blade and also some utility tool aspects to it. Screwdriver, corkscrew, small pliers etc...

Part of the original quote above.

If you were looking only for a folding knife, there are many good choices: Benchmade, SOG, CRKT, Spyderco, Gerber, customs, etc... These folders have little or no tool value, past being an outstanding knife. There are a couple that have a little screwdriver built in.

But, for real tools, there are only a few. Jonathan wrote an article in the Overland Journal, a couple issues back, that covered these tools very well.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Originally I was interested in a folding knife with a couple add-ons, and thought the multi-tools would be too much of a PITA to use often, with only one hand. (In my mind relating my past "fun" experiences with my Swiss Army knives.)

But, if the newer multi-tools are that advanced to make them easy enough for me to open, I might get one along with a separate folding knife.

The benchmade's seem a bit pricey, well in excess of $100.00.
Although, if anyone has some good websites with awesome prices, I'd be happy to visit them.

 

[tdesanto]

Originally I was interested in a folding knife with a couple add-ons, and thought the multi-tools would be too much of a PITA to use often, with only one hand. (In my mind relating my past "fun" experiences with my Swiss Army knives.)

But, if the newer multi-tools are that advanced to make them easy enough for me to open, I might get one along with a separate folding knife.

The benchmade's seem a bit pricey, well in excess of $100.00.
Although, if anyone has some good websites with awesome prices, I'd be happy to visit them.

Benchmades are a bit pricey, but they're worth every penny. That's why I recommended the Griptilian model; I think it's a good value. EE has it for only $85. The other knife I like, if you can stomach a bit higher cost is the Presidio. Both are designed by Mel Pardue. I have both of these, and I think you'll find they are of top quality.

 

[absolute]

X2 on Benchmades being worth every penny!

Since you mentioned wanting something that you could open with one hand... I would take a look at the Apparition Model 670

Option of Spring Assist or Manual Opening ( Removable Spring Bar )

• Reversiable Thumb screw for one handed deployment

• Locking-Liner Mechanism

• Removable carry-Clip

The price tag is up there for some, but worth it everytime!

 

[tdesanto]

X2 on Benchmades being worth every penny!

Since you mentioned wanting something that you could open with one hand... I would take a look at the Apparition Model 670

Option of Spring Assist or Manual Opening ( Removable Spring Bar )

• Reversiable Thumb screw for one handed deployment

• Locking-Liner Mechanism

• Removable carry-Clip

The price tag is up there for some, but worth it everytime!

While I would agree that this model would be easier to open, I question whether it would be easier to close. I haven't evaluated this particular model, but my experience with this style lock leads me to believe that it's not as easy to close as the Axis lock. I believe the dual thumb screw on the Griptilian or Presidio (or any of their models that have this) in combination with the Axis lock make these both easy for one-handed opening and closing/folding.

 

[4Rescue]

While I would agree that this model would be easier to open, I question whether it would be easier to close. I haven't evaluated this particular model, but my experience with this style lock leads me to believe that it's not as easy to close as the Axis lock. I believe the dual thumb screw on the Griptilian or Presidio (or any of their models that have this) in combination with the Axis lock make these both easy for one-handed opening and closing/folding.

I really don't like those "torsion opening" mechanisms... Gerber has several models, adn of teh 3 I have, none of them are that great. Again, I can't sterss enough how nice the finger flick device on teh Gerber Torch II is. While they may not be AS nicely made as a Benchmade they're a far better value overall IMO. benchmade makes great knives for sure, but you pay for it and I don't think you get that much more. One of my biggest tests for a knife is how strong it is at the hinge when opened. meaning does the blade feel like it wobbles back and forth from the handle at the joint. Well, I've sttod on mine (a bit extreme I know) between two beer bottles for a second and the knife is still in perfect shape (Torch II)

And since I see you're after some "Tool" capability, yeah I love both my Leatherman Waves. But: if you want a knife knife, the Gerber Obsidian is great too.

Cheers

Dave

 

[absolute]

The Apparition does not close like a Axis but is very easy to close one handed. I have a few Benchmade Axis locks, and completely agree with the opening and closing.

I only mention the Apparition b/c I have been using this great knife for a couple of years and with a removable torsion system, that allows it to be legal in many areas.


4Rescue... So far no deflection; I have given this knife a very severe beating many times! I've even used it for Batoning firewood!


Sorry if I sound like a Benchmade sales person... but I love these knives!

 

[Lynn]

I played around with my Wave a little, and was able to open all tools with just my left hand, using my index finger to start the blades, like mentioned before.

I think it would work for you, since I am not very dextrous with my left hand, and was able to do it. With more dexterity (as I'm sure you have), and a little practice, I think it's a very workable solution.

Too bad Leatherman doesn't make lefty models.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I like the features of the Gerber Obsidian, the extra screwdriver bits and bottle opener etc.
I don't like the belt/pocket clip being on one side of the knife. It looks like it would be much more comfortable to hold in the right hand, than it would be in the left.
Is the clip screwed/bolted onto the knife?
If it is easily unscrewed, I could just remove it. I prefer to leave my knife in my cargo pocket of pants or shorts anyway. I don't like to advertise I'm carrying a knife. I feel the same about a cell phone actually, but I like knives, HATE cell phones. lol

EDIT: Back to the Obsidian, I would have similar issues opening their accessories as I would with a normal Swiss Army knife, there is not much to grab onto other than that little slit meant for your finger nail.
Having said that, I would be using the blade most, so the emphasis on "ease of opening" is on the blade, not so much the accessories. I'm willing to put up with a bit of inconvenience and slow opening of the accessories to have a quality blade that there is no issue in opening.

 

[4Rescue]

4Rescue... So far no deflection; I have given this knife a very severe beating many times! I've even used it for Batoning firewood!


Sorry if I sound like a Benchmade sales person... but I love these knives!

HAHAHA, nah man I think you just sound like a tool and knife nut like me... therefore I understand your solid opinion of a good knife you've found. I totaly understand. I'm glad to hear that you're not getting any deflection (good term) cause like I said that is one of my biggest tests of folding knives. I HATE it when it feels like the things going to break in half. Sounds like you too have found a good tough knife.

Cheers

Dave

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Well, I think i'm going to buy that Gerber Obsidian.
I might look at the Benchmade's by this summer as a birthday present to myself.

Any good websites that ship to Canada and sell the Gerber's at a good price?

 

[Rezarf <><]

I would give another HUGE vote for Benchmade, nothing like them out there.

The axis lock IS what you are looking for in a one hand/ambidextrous, opening/closing device.

knifeworks.com has some good prices.

Once you handle a model 940 or 943 (think great all around) or 615 (think 2006 knife of the year) or 520 (military stuff)... there will be no going back!

Buy it once, buy it right... take the plunge, jump into the deep end!

Drew

 

[opie]

Im a spyderco person myself. I just replaced a Delica with a Dragonfly for daily carry. The delica, with a full serated edge, has been my trusty sidekick for going on 7 years I believe. Ive never sharpened it and it will slice through 60mil hdpe rather easily, still.

Im really liking the Dragonfly. A little smaller, but exactly what I was after.

Ive also got a SOG Sidewinder stashed away somewhere. Very nice, stout, hefty knife. The rubber on the handle gives it a nice grip.

I need to get a larger fixed blade and a machette.

 

[colter]

If you have the coin to spend pickup a strider I like the SMF ($475). I carry a kirby lambert inferno custom. very nice knife, well worth the money. spyderco's (unserrated) are a really hard knife to beat for the money. for a bigger folder look at the zero tolerance line, they have full titanium framelocks, and S30V blades ($200 or so). The leatherman wave is nice for its usefulness, but the knife part kinda sucks. I carry one for the pliers and little tools, but have a second knife for primary cutting tasks.

^ for the larger fixed blade, check out Busse and Swamp Rat knives