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Advice on folder

Offline Edward M

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Advice on folder
on: February 06, 2018, 12:09:56 AM
I'm on the market for a folder but I'm having trouble finding exactly what I want.  The requirements are:

Roughly 3.5" drop point blade.
Folding knife, with lock.
Belt clip.
Hard wearing.
Easy to both open and close with one hand.*
Budget maximum $50.

*The most difficult attribute seems to be a folder that is easy (and safe) to close with one hand.  Not just a knife that technically can be closed with one hand, but one that is easy and safe to close with one hand.  I don't want to be putting my fingers under the blade (to unlock it etc) to close it.

Suggestions?  Thanks.


Offline raider502

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #1 on: February 06, 2018, 12:11:59 AM
Any country restrictions to know about?  Is the belt clip the same as a pocket clip or do you need a belt sheath?


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Offline Edward M

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #2 on: February 06, 2018, 12:16:29 AM
I probably should have said pocket clip.  No sheath needed.  And I'm in Australia (where we basically can't carry knives) but it's for work (not EDC) so no restrictions.  I just need to be able to use it completely one-handed.

Currently I'm using an old utility knife that cost me about $10 and I've tried a bunch of other options, but a safe closing mechanism isn't so common.


Offline raider502

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #3 on: February 06, 2018, 12:17:33 AM
I’ve had good luck finding used Benchmade Griptilians on eBay and I wouldn’t have any reservations on recommending those knives.  If the Spyderco Endura is considered a drop point then I have also picked up three used Enduras for less than $50 ea on eBay. 


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us Offline David Bowen

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #4 on: February 06, 2018, 12:21:39 AM
I’ve had good luck finding used Benchmade Griptilians on eBay and I wouldn’t have any reservations on recommending those knives.  If the Spyderco Endura is considered a drop point then I have also picked up three used Enduras for less than $50 ea on eBay. 


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I second the Griptilian and the Endura. I own both and they were not only hard use work knives but can easily be opened and closed one handed.

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us Online SteveC

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #5 on: February 06, 2018, 12:25:02 AM
Check out a Sanrenmu LAND 9104 , don't let the price fool you it's a great knife and holds a great edge.


I love mine and they are hard wearing   :tu:



« Last Edit: February 06, 2018, 12:27:10 AM by SteveC »


nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #6 on: February 06, 2018, 12:44:00 AM
I have had good results using an axis lock.
Ganzo and Sanrenmu etc are excellent for the price.
Google the brands for comparisons like http://budgetlightforum.com/node/44097
Pick one or more that appeals to you that includes the axis lock.
Buy them local to avoid any hassles from customs.


Offline Edward M

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #7 on: February 06, 2018, 01:03:04 AM
Thanks for the comments.  The Griptilians and Enduras seem to be good knives, but new prices are way above what I'll spend on a work knife.  I wanna buy new.  The Sanrenmu Land looks good, but still requires fingers 'under' the blade to release the lock mechanism which I'd really prefer to avoid.


Offline Edward M

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #8 on: February 06, 2018, 01:13:26 AM
The axis lock seems good, lots of Ganzo options with it.  I hadn't checked Ganzo, mainly cos of my perception that the quality isn't great.  Maybe I'm mistaken there?


Offline raider502

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #9 on: February 06, 2018, 01:41:09 AM
Some Ganzo’s seem to have a cult following.  The 710 for example.


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us Offline Dean51

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #10 on: February 06, 2018, 01:49:20 AM
I'm on the market for a folder but I'm having trouble finding exactly what I want.  The requirements are:

Roughly 3.5" drop point blade.
Folding knife, with lock.
Belt clip.
Hard wearing.
Easy to both open and close with one hand.*
Budget maximum $50.

*The most difficult attribute seems to be a folder that is easy (and safe) to close with one hand.  Not just a knife that technically can be closed with one hand, but one that is easy and safe to close with one hand.  I don't want to be putting my fingers under the blade (to unlock it etc) to close it.

Suggestions?  Thanks.

Ontario Rat 1 fits your description and $. Your choice of AUS-8 or D2.


Offline Edward M

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #11 on: February 06, 2018, 02:00:26 AM
The Rat 1 seems like a good knife, but the liner lock mechanism still means either two hand closing, or having a thumb under the blade when releasing the lock.  When I'm working that's not ideal.


nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #12 on: February 06, 2018, 02:27:32 AM
The axis lock seems good, lots of Ganzo options with it.  I hadn't checked Ganzo, mainly cos of my perception that the quality isn't great.  Maybe I'm mistaken there?

The quality is fine, the blade isn't super steel but then you're not looking the pay that much so...


Offline Edward M

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #13 on: February 06, 2018, 05:45:24 AM
Come to think of it, I'm replacing a $10 utility knife that has lasted for years, so Ganzo quality is no doubt much better than that anyway!  Axis lock seems to be the way to go, pleased to have learned that.  And there are about 50 million Ganzo models to choose from.  Appreciate the education.


us Offline Blackbeard

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #14 on: February 06, 2018, 05:55:55 AM
the axis lock ganzos you can close one handed with a flipping motion, but the g10 ones can be rough on your fingers when you pull the axis lock with the thumb, so I like the carbon fiber one better for that but it may be a little slippery for work, so maybe look for a different handle material.


mc Offline Gerhard Gerber

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #15 on: February 06, 2018, 07:40:22 AM
The Rat 1 seems like a good knife, but the liner lock mechanism still means either two hand closing, or having a thumb under the blade when releasing the lock.  When I'm working that's not ideal.

If the knife is designed correctly that's not an issue, same with backlock Delica/Endura.


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #16 on: February 06, 2018, 08:42:17 AM
Many of the Kershaws would fit the bill.
I don’t love or dislike axis lock.
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline Dean51

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #17 on: February 06, 2018, 02:25:53 PM
The Rat 1 seems like a good knife, but the liner lock mechanism still means either two hand closing, or having a thumb under the blade when releasing the lock.  When I'm working that's not ideal.

If you are not comfortable with a liner lock then the axis would be a good choice.

For me it's just technique.
What I do is just hold the knife so the blade has a slight downward angle.
Release the liner lock and close the blade just past the detent with my index finger.
Move my thumb out of the way and finish closing with my index finger.

Even with an axis lock I hold the knife so the blade has a slight downward angle.
I never give up control over the blade.

« Last Edit: February 06, 2018, 02:29:10 PM by Dean51 »


Offline raider502

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Re: Advice on folder
Reply #18 on: February 06, 2018, 04:31:45 PM
I guess in my experience I’ve never really thought much about the lock.  I kinda bounce back and forth between knives with locks on the back, liner locks, no locks, frame locks, etc.  The only one that gives me pause is my SAK one-handed trekker and it seems like a left handed liner lock.


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