The Gun Counter

Folding, under $200, blade less than 4", w. a large handle. I've had my old Benchmade Leopard since I was 15, but I seem to have finally lost it, so I need a suggestion for a replacement.

I still carry folding utility knives, at times, and I have a folding sailing knife (and will probably buy a fixed blade one at some point) specifically for being able to cut modern rigging, but I'm looking for a new general tool.

I will use the handle to bang on things at times, etc, and I'd prefer something which didn't look too "weapon" like. (Given that I have no training w. a knife, and my size, and the remnants of my strength, if I'm relying on a knife, rather than just throwing someone across a room, or shooting them, I'm already in serious trouble.)

I have a Benchmade Griptilian (I think), it's been a good knife. Too big to carry at work now (somebody got their panties in a wad about knives), so I've been carrying a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek for a year or two. All stainless, been a good knife so far. Not expensive, either.

I have 2 Leeks and I like them quite a bit, but large-handled they are not. They're fairly petit.

The only large folder I have is a ZT0200, but it probably wouldn't qualify as looking sufficiently non-weapon-like. I like it a lot though, and it's very sturdy. Maybe a ZT0350, it's not too different but is a little smaller and less 'tactical' looking.

If I may be allowed to suggest another forum, bladeforums.com is a good resource the s/n ratio is not too bad.

What about a BenchmadeRift

I like my Leatherman Skeletool for gerneral purporse stuff the CRKET m-16 for everything else.

CByrneIV wrote:Kershaw Ken Onion Blur, Boa, or Blackout.

+1. Jennifer carries a Blackout that Kershaw sent me to pacify me on a botched warranty handling of my TI/ZDP Leek. That was mostly a lack of communication on their part and they made it right even before sending freebies. The Blackout is way more solid than it feels at first.

+2 I have the first whirlwind ever sold. In 14(?) years it has never hiccuped. Almost got me arrested once, but never didn't work. I only recently stopped carrying it as I find the Skeletool more handy.

I have a Kershaw Storm I bought a few years ago, never a problem. Here's the link to the knife from where I bought it:

http://newgraham.com/store/product/496/ ... PE-KS1470/

Odd things happen to things I carry in my pockets or wear extensively, I corroded half the stem off my last watch (and it wasn't a real cheap watch either). The Storm is getting a little beat up, I may end up replacing someday soon.

I carried a Kershaw/Ken Onion Vapor for nearly a decade, and finally replaced it with a Gerber Descent. I still have the Kershaw, but the blade profile and size of the Gerber are far better for me.

I bought a cheaper Gerber a few years ago, don't remember the model (and can't find it now!). I could not get the blade to take an edge, no matter how much I tried to sharpen it.