Tactical Folder with world class lockup

glenda17

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Feb 16, 2008
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I have a little 2002 MicroTech mini UDT that locks so tight you can mistake it for a fixed blade. The machining, fit, and finish is above any knife I have ever experience.

I understand that MicroTech quality has declined. But I need a larger tactical folder (3.5-4" blade) that has the feel of quality that the older microtechs had.

I have tried a Kershaw cyclone, while nice the lockup isn't quite what I need. Same with my Dalton Jackal, close but no cigar.

Any suggestions that I should try? Is the Benchmade Griptilian of high quality?
 

Taboot

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I don't know if it's in line with what you're looking for, but my Sebenza locks up like a federal prison.
 

HoopleHead

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im a big fan of titanium framelocks. theres a thread on them here somewhere. but chris reeve, strider and hinderer have great framelocks. i like the emerson framelocks (only 2 models i think) as well.

benchmade axis locks are pretty solid, though are more mechanical and supposedly dont do well with batoning.
 

Styerman

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The Kershaw Zero Tolerence 301 and 200 are very strong , top notch build quality . Ditto for some Benchmade products like the 520 . Spyderco have some very solid units , good build quality .

Chris
 

carrot

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The lockup on the Benchmade Griptilian is of excellent quality, but the handles leave much to be desired. They are hollow and feel very cheap... but the Mini-Grip's handles are not hollow and feel great. Try a Griptilikins or 710 instead.
 

RA40

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Define "world class lockup"? Or the application where the folder is being used where this is a concern. It may not be the appropriate tool.
 

1M1

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Why not simply buy a LUDT or full-size UMS?

Plenty of pre-owned NIB ones to be had for $150-$170.
 

glenda17

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Why not simply buy a LUDT or full-size UMS?

Plenty of pre-owned NIB ones to be had for $150-$170.


I don't want any more Auto's, can't leave the house with them.


What about the Large Sebenza ?
 

glenda17

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Define "world class lockup"? Or the application where the folder is being used where this is a concern. It may not be the appropriate tool.


Just for collecting, it will be a WTSHTF knife, only used for emergency. The miniUDT is sort of an engineering marvel to me. Just curious as to what else is out there in a bigger knife.
 

1M1

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Well, the Extrema Ratio RAO is probably the most robust folding knife I've ever used.

BIG, though.
 

carrot

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If you're never gonna use the thing how are you going to get dexterous with it? I don't understand the concept of putting things away for emergencies, only to have to figure out how to use it/get used to it when the worst happens.

If you really want to throw it in a BOB just get a fixed blade, like the Spyderco Aqua Salt. Rustproof AND a tough medium sized blade.
 

TKC

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A folder with world class lock? The first things that comes to mind is the Sebenza.
 

Dirty Bob

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If you're in a place that allows balisongs, a quality balisong cannot fold as long as you have a good grip on the handles.

The strength of a balisong makes me sad that they're banned for carry in so many places. A balisong is, IMHO, overrated as a tactical knife, but it makes a wonderful utility knife.

Regards,
Dirty Bob
 

Chronos

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World-class lock? Hinderer XM-18. Their lockup is second to none, especially for the price point (especially at list, and even at market prices). Truly amazing knives.


 

AMRaider

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It sounds like you are looking for a larger blade. It won't have the quite the same fit and finish as a Sebenza or Microtech, but I think the Emerson CQC-12 is worth checking out. It has a 3.9" blade and uses a framelock. It has been my experience that Emerson's framelocks are solid. Best of luck!
 
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HoopleHead

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It sounds like you are looking for a larger blade. It won't have the quite the same fit and finish as a Sebenza or Microtech, but I think the Emerson CQC-12 is worth checking out. It has a 3.9" blade and uses a framelock. It has been my experience that Emerson's framelocks are solid. Best of luck!


Yep that's what I have now :naughty: Used to have an HD-7 but wanted something a bit bigger and not a tanto point, and the CQC-12 is one of the few other Emerson's that have a full Ti framelock. Don't like their regular liner locks but the framelocks are very solid.
 
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