GoFastBroncos.com

We've got a gun thread, so it's only fitting that we follow it up with the "I can't afford bullets" version. Haha!

I recently misplaced my folding knife, which wasn't anything worth speaking of and wanted to replace it with something made with USA steel. It didn't take long to realize that there are an abundance of quality options out there, ranging anywhere from $50 up to $5000 and beyond. Blade materials range from versions of CroMo to Damascus exotics. Blade styles are endless, as well. In a nutshell, I had to start thinking about intended use.

So I wanted a blade that's tough, not brittle, easy to sharpen and would hold an edge. Seems pretty basic until you start researching materials. I also wanted a handle that would take a beating. The knife is intended to be an every day carry, so something pretty would not be wise. I wanted a profile I could use for everything from cutting a steak, to opening boxes, to digging holes in wood/whittling and personal defense. Never really cared for Tanto style blades, other than they look really cool. Don't really need a serrated edge...at least I haven't up to now. Also, the blade profile needed to be easy to re-sharpen, so I chose to stay away from re-curves. Blade length needed to be short enough to carry, but long enough for bigger jobs...like the next meal in the woods.

Budget was the other side of it. A really expensive knife made no sense as an EDC. Well, let's just say I blew the budget. Originally, I intended to keep it at $100, but research kept pushing the price up and what I ended up with is a little north of that, but barring losing it makes the most sense, given my requirements. The knife is the Zero Tolerance 0560 Blackwash. It is rugged. The blade length is 3.75, which is at the edge of what I would consider an EDC knife, but close to my previous knife. The material is Elmax, which is a powdered SS that is very dense and tough, even at hardness levels above 60Rc, as opposed to D2 tool steel which can be brittle...and I'm very familiar with this as I use it at work regularly.

The knife is a "flipper" and has very smooth, quick action. The construction is precise, with no play. The locking mechanism is very positive. The tang of the flipper prevents the knife from cutting fingers, should the lock release. All said, this seems to fit the need perfectly. There's so much more I could say about it, but I'll leave it at that. Now it's time to chase a perfect edge. Haha!

That's a good knife, Brian. Way to step up.

I'm a big fan of good cutlery. I only have a few knives but they were all chosen after much research and I carry them for a long time. My first good knife was an Emerson Commander that Kelci bought for me for my birthday. I carried it for about 10 years before replacing it. I am a HUGE fan of the "wave feature" that opens the knife as you draw it out of the pocket. It is now a must-have feature for me know. I didn't use the lanyard. It came with my next knife and I added it to the Commander to make it harder to lose since I no longer carry it.

To replace the Commander, I bought a First Run DPX HEST/Folder Sterile (no markings other then "020 of 250" on the spine). This is the only thing I've ever pre-ordered before being able to get user reviews and such... waited something like six to eight months to get it. The wait got old and took some of thefun out of it but in the end it was worth it. A great replacement for my carry knife of 10 years. The "wave feature" on this knife is actually a bottle opener that was on the fixed version this knife is based on. It just so happens it also works as an opening feature when redesigned as a folding knife... bonus! This is a knife that packs very small but has a great blade shape that makes it good for many uses.
The third I bought somewhere in between the last two. An ESEE Izula... very simple, very small but rugged and versatile. When it's not in the car in my murse, I carry it in the front of my waistband.
My next knife will be another fixed blade. Either and ESEE-3 or a Fixed HEST.

SteveG wrote:I am a HUGE fan of the "wave feature" that opens the knife as you draw it out of the pocket.

I like that too. That is one thing this knife wasn't cut out for; however, I picked up a neck sheath that is designed to open the blade on the ZT using the pivot stop studs. Simple and effective.

I like the deep carry clip on your DPX Hest. That was another consideration for my decision. Didn't want the EDC to be exposed to everyone's eyeballs.

yikes wrote:I like the deep carry clip on your DPX Hest. That was another consideration for my decision. Didn't want the EDC to be exposed to everyone's eyeballs.

I would actually prefer this knife carry a little higher in the pocket and have considered making a new clip for it that threads into the side like most knives. The higher ride-height makes for a faster grip but it works fine as-is.

I got this little guy for Xmas this year. Thought it was gimicky but it is actually come in very handy a few times. I have ADD and usually end up throwing my knifes and doing other dumb stuff that destroys folding knifes so when I carry scream knife it's in a sheath. Cheap little Winchester but it gets the job done.

Love those little credit card blades. Got one for everyone in my house.

Very good topic. I've been carrying Kershaws for as long as I can remember. I currently carry a blur glass breaker. And I have a cryo2 as a back up. And speaking of EDC. I've been following everyday-carry.com for a little over a year. Cool sight for EDC.

Oye...now I get to dig out my collection... lol. Due to my Dad's affinity for blades I have more than I need...but am not getting rid of any

From Victorinox, to Spyderco, Buck, Kershaw, Smith and Wesson. .. I'll start taking pics. Also doesn't help that my wife works for a fine blanking company that makes parts for Buck, Leatherman, And others...

Picked up a Ka-Bar BK2 for packing/camping. Burly little knife. Added some Micarta scales and stripped the finish to give it a vintage look. Looking into doing a home black stonewashed finish.

Looks nice Brian, if there was a little bigger tang for the forefinger to guard the blade that would be a winner in my book! Congrats on the new steel.

I have a dumb question about knife steel. I thought I read along time ago that the formula and process to make real Damascus Steel was lost in history? So my question is, what is being used in many of these new knifes with what they are calling Damascus Steel? Same thing with some new gun frames and parts. Are they just duplicating the look?

I believe 1095 high carbon is widely used to create Damascus. The name refers more to the process, which is well understood; however, the precise content of the original steel is not known. Only that there was a high carbon content. Beautiful metal when made right.

My brother's got a few Damascus steel knives he got through a friend of a friend who makes them. They are more works of art than day to day knives, but he does have 1 or 2 he rotates in to the day to day carry stuff. Sweet knives for sure.

I can't even remember when I bought this anymore. Could probably use a sharpening to clean up the blade, but it's still pretty sharp. I've even mailed it home a couple times when I've forgotten to take it out of my pocket before going to the airport.

My first foray into the world of quality knives. It may not be as high of quality as some, but I really like it.

Let's try the photo again.

So who makes an affordable but quality knife. What metal is the best for keeping a sharp edge over time.

I have had several Buck sharks tooth folding knives and on all of them the tips broke off.

Well quite using them as pry bars, man!

My current knife is blade is made from D2 tool steel... not a fan. It's holds an edge great but it's a pain in the ass to sharpen. I prefer 1095. It's WAY easier to sharpen and takes abuse well.

Ya, I am hard on knives.

I just got my first nice knife last Christmas.

Before this one I would just buy cheapies but I always look for a straight blade I hate serrated.