Reddit reviews Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife; 3.25” S30V Stainless Steel Blade with Black Tungsten DLC Finish; Textured G-10 Handle Scales, SpeedSafe Assisted Opening, Liner Lock, Quad-Mount Clip; 6.2 OZ.

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1. Ares Gear Ranger belt http://www.aresgear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6
   
   
2. Von Zipper Suplex sunglasses http://us.shop.vonzipper.com/collection/sunglasses/5
   
   
3. Powertac cadet flash light http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B006H5618C
   
   
4. Chapstick. Duh.
   
   
5. ZT 0350 knife http://www.amazon.com/Zero-Tolerance-Handle-Speed-Safe/dp/B002QFJLEI
   
   
6. Fisher space pen http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Pen-Bullet-400/dp/B000095K9D
   
   
7. Lighter
   
   
8. Springfield XDm 9mm in INCOG holster http://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/INC/INCOG.html
   
   
9. Suunto Core all black watch http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-Wrist-Top-Altimeter-Barometer-Measurement/dp/B001DCEKXM
   
   
10. Trifold Columbia Wallet
    
    Second picture
    
    
11. Everything sitting on a GORUCK GR1 pack https://www.goruck.com/Gear/Details/GR1
    
    
12. Powertac E5 http://www.batteryjunction.com/powertac-e5.html?gclid=CITDzr2UkbgCFcNj7AodnEoAUg
    
    
13. Mechanix coyote gloves http://www.mechanix.com/the-original-coyote-glove
    
    
14. Platypus foldable water bottle http://www.amazon.com/Platypus-Platypus®-plusBottleTM/dp/B001AQM330
    
    
15. 550 cord with Black Diamond carabiner
    
    
16. Knock off shemagh
    
    
17. Frontier pro purifying straw http://www.filtersfast.com/P-Aquamira-Frontier-Pro-Filter-System-67106.asp?gclid=CPLDr8OVkbgCFVJp7AodKDoAnQ
    
    
18. Kindle

Without any preferences on weight or size, my immediate answer is the Zero Tolerance 0350.

For a folder, either a Spyderco ParaMilitary 2, Benchmade Freek, or a ZT 0350 will all be top-quality knives that can take a helluva beating.

For a fixed blade, either an ESEE 6 or a Fallkniven A1 should handle everything you could ever do to it.

I've got one too! I think it is a little too big for pocket carry but it is easily concealable. Mine goes better with the ZT.

I’m currently carrying a Zero Tolerance 0350 (but am thinking about a smaller ZT or their budget brand, Kershaw) and it’s truly a jack of all trades. The blade is long, chunky, and more than ample for SD scenarios, EDC tasks, and backwoods hard use like batoning wood. It’s S30V, which is a nice, durable tool steel that can get extremely sharp and then blunts to a solid working edge between sharpenings. The curved edge incorporates the theory of a parang basically, with most of the hard work coming from the first large curve, keeping the tip and the rear curve sharp for detailed tasks. Furthermore, it’s the smoothest and fastest spring assist I’ve encountered. I like it better than autos. With how robust a good modern flipper is, I don’t see a need for a fixed blade in most situations, so I’d save the weight and bulk of a sheath.
THAT BEING SAID I have informal knife training from a special forces vet, I still don’t think it’s nearly enough for me to consider it a viable option. I absolutely never would use my knife in a SD scenario unless I was out of options, including picking up available environmental objects with more range like a 2”x4” if time allows. I do admit though, I like the ability to pull out and conceal a small weapon covered by my sleeve or the like at a tight space like an ATM, so I have something at the ready that isn’t a gun and doesn’t need the space pepper spray does. This is mostly to create space and get the assailant to back off so the situation can be assessed (if a gun, for example, is still needed because the treat isn’t neutralized) not necessarily disabling the assailant. Another pro to pocket folder carry. Remember, a knife is a deadly weapon and if you brandish it to another person you better have legal grounds for self defense.

E: elaboration on assessing situation

Alright, sounds good. A very basic recommendation would be a Spyderco Endura, which is a great knife in VG-10 stainless steel. In this steel you should occasionally oil your blade, but that's really it. If that looks too big, the Spyderco Delica is the same knife, essentially, but smaller. Another good Spyderco would be the Spyderco Stretch, also in VG-10. All three of these have strong back locks.

For a slightly more expensive knife, the Spyderco Manix 2 comes in 154CM stainless steel and a hard-use ball bearing lock.

The Benchmade Griptilian comes in 154CM stainless steel and has the second strongest lock on the market on it- the axis lock. There's also a version with a thumb hole instead of a thumb stud.

The Buck TM Vantage Pro comes in S30V stainless steel- one of the better steels available up until the $150 mark- but only costs about $60, and is by far the cheapest knife of its size available in S30V.

The Kershaw Blur in S30V is an amazing assisted knife in good steel. The Kershaw Junk Yard Dog is a great folder in a composite of a couple of good steels.


The Zero Tolerance 0700 is kind of funny looking but a solid knife in S30V.

So far, all of these are within your price range. Now, I'll move up just a bit and double it- you're now looking at a $200 range.


The Manix 2 XL in S30V is one of the strongest folders out there. It's definitely a hard-use knife and will survive a hell of a lot.

The Benchmade 275 Adamas is probably the strongest folder in existence. It's in D2 tool steel and has an incredibly robust axis lock that was beefed up to take more damage.

The Spyderco Caly 3.5 in ZDP-189 steel is an incredible knife in fantastic blade steel. I wish they made more things in it, I really do.

The Spyderco Techno is a bit smaller but will certainty last nonetheless.

The Spyderco Sage in S30V will do it for ya, that's for sure.

I'd love me some Benchmade Emissary in S30V.

The ZT 0350 is a folding tank.

All of these knives will last for whatever you want to do with them. Some are too heavy to reasonably EDC, like the BM Adamas and the ZT 0350, but others, like the BM Griptilian, are perfect EDC knives.

If you have questions on any of the knives I've linked or about their care and maintenance, feel free to ask.

Thanks for sharing your opinion. I really like that Spyderco, but I have been leaning towards a ZT350 (or a Bechmade Adamas) and was wondering about the tiger stripe blade, so thanks for letting me know. I was worried I would get it thinking it would be unique and maybe look cool and end up hating it and thinking it was over the top and gaudy. This should help me narrow it down some. If you got a 350, would you get a black finished blade, or silver?

If you're rough enough on your tools that you break the serrations off a Kershaw knife in a year and a half I would recommend avoiding a multi-tool. What will you do after you bend the knife on your multi-tool? You have to replace everything just to replace the knife. Plus, multi-tools are most likely going to be made of lower quality steel than the Kershaw you just destroyed, so it likely won't last very long. This will also be heavily dependent on your use case, which I'm obviously ignorant of. In my Jeep I keep a Leatherman with a bit set, and carry a quality knife as my EDC. I have no idea which model it is, but it's got needle nose pliers and a bit driver. A bunch of them are pretty much the same with regard to my use case.

That said, if I were in your position I'd try to take one of the two following approaches:

1. Spend so little on a knife that you don't mind chucking it and replacing it with a new one regularly. You can get a crappy $10 knife that will hold an ok edge and then not feel bad when you throw it away after a few months abuse.
   
2. Get a higher quality (and much more expensive) knife made of a tougher steel that will take the beating you're going to give it and beg for more.
   
   All that being said, I enjoy carrying my ZT. I've beat the crap out of it over the last 3.5 years and it has never let me down. That knife is very expensive though and you should be able to find good quality knives made of the same S30V or tougher steel for a lower price if that scares you off. Here's a nice chart of various knife materials and their properties regarding hardness, edge retention, ease of sharpening, etc.

OP have you looked into Zero Tolerance knives at all? One of their smaller blades may fit your needs. I have the 0200. It's 154CM, but may be too big for you (it's super chunky). the 350 has thinner G10 scales and a shorter blade, but its S30V. Not sure if thats a dealbreaker or not. Excellent knife tho.

Spyderco Manix 2 would fit your size/G10 requirements, but, again...S30V (sorry).

What else....Ontario Rat 2 is a fun little blade for 27 bucks.

Benchmade Mini-Onslaught

Spyderco Caly 3

Fallkniven U2 is something a little different from that company.

Or you could just nut up and get a Sebenza :P

Whoa! Looked up AZ on my Legal Blade app and you pretty much have the green light to carry any kind of knife....except carrying it on school grounds of course.

My personal faves:

Spec-Ops Brand T.H.E. Wallet (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029XC49Q/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_8gkTub0Q1B84R

⬆ has a smaller version

NITECORE P12 2015 version 1000 Lumen high intensity CREE XM-L2 LED long throw tactical flashlight with Genuine Nitecore NL189 18650 3400mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery, Nitecore i2 2015 model intelligent Charger, Car Charging Cable and 2 X EdisonBright CR123A lithium Batteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZ9BK5O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_MikTub1BCKX8R


Zero Tolerance G10 Handle with Speed Safe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QFJLEI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_mkkTub0769JJ6

⬆ Can be had as low as $112 during some sales.

Also this for a keychain light:

Nitecore Tube T Series 45 Lumens Black USB Rechargeable Key Chain Flashlight with Lumen Tactical Keychain Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OY9TGS0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0lkTub1621ZRR

5 knives

Above is a link to 5 folding knives that may or may not fit what you're looking for and 4 are well within your price range of under $120. One is slightly above at 139.00 on Amazon, but the Chrome extension called Honey is currently allowing a $10 discount. All are made by Kershaw/ZT.

1. The ZT 0350 is the top knife with the curvy ergonomics to it. It's probably the most basic ZT folder and is currently the only ZT knife I own. It is good for larger hands, it's very sturdy (and heavy) and technically more than $120 but only barely.
   
   
2. The Kershaw Fatback is next to it and has a more triangular appearance. Relatively newer offering from Kershaw, I think, but is certainly proving to be popular. It's as long when closed as the ZT 0350 but is thicker from one scale to the other on the handle AND is lighter. The actual specs for this and all the knives mentioned can be found by Googling them. This knife is currently under $25.
   
   
3. The Kershaw Skyline is probably the most well known knife, I wouldn't be surprised is this has its own lore here on r/knives. It's popular for a reason being lightweight, and well tested as an older, mainstay model from Kershaw. As you can see, mine is showing wear and scratches compared to the other knives! Amazon is currently listing the basic version of this knife for $46.
   
   
4. The next one is the Kershaw OD-1 which is DISCONTINUED. I didn't know this when I took a photo of it for you and started this list. This means the price is higher than you'd pay normally and isn't really available on Amazon or in stores. You can find it on the link provided (I think) which is to one Stop Knife Shop, you can also try Ebay or Bladeforums to find a used one. The link provided appears to be offering this knife for $53, but I don't know what condition that's in. The one I bought on Amazon back in like 2013 or whatever was ~$30-$35. I actually have two of them, but I'm not sure where the other came from. They are cool knives, fun to play with, but not tacticool.
   
   
5. The last one pictured is the Kershaw Cryo and is currently available on Amazon for ~$19. It is the smallest of the knives shown, smaller than the Fatback with the triangular handle by what looks like 2 inches when open. This would be a great beater knife, something that would be a fine flipper and used briefly but would not be comfortable for extended use, especially in large hands. If memory serves, there's two different Cryo models with 2 different sizes, but I have only the one you see. Could be the smaller of the two models.
   
   NOT PICTURED but I do also have the Kershaw Blur which Amazon is listing at ~$35 currently which is HIGHLY recommended even though it doesn't have a flipper. It's spring assisted opening and a very comfortable grip for larger hands. That price is so good, they're normally $55-$60 that I'm grabbing one of them again as an extra.
   
   I could list like 4-5 more Kershaw knives but my comment is too long already. If you would prefer more variety in recommendation, Spyderco has some solid options but if you want to go BALLS DEEP into tacticool, one of my most valued knives because it was bought for me as a gift was the Cold Steel AK-47. This knife is quite a bit larger than the ZT shown but is nearly the same price at ~$125-130 on Amazon. You might be able to find it cheaper on Ebay. Be careful though, there is the regular and mini version!

https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Tolerance-0350-Stainless-Quad-Mount/dp/B002QFJLEI

How much are you willing to spend on your knife? I'll list some personal suggestions:
-Zero Tolerance 0350- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QFJLEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KtvazbAND0VBR
$140
-Kershaw Knives 1556BLK Cryo II Framelock Black- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VGLC5ZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vwvazbC8VD0H0
$30
-Spyderco Tenacious Folding Knife, G-10 Black Handle, Plain Edge, Black Blade - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CK1MNU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_txvazb93JM0N7
$40
-Benchmade Contego 810,- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VIDCBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ozvazbC0ACM6D
$195

Hope this helps

The ZT 0350 is a bit smaller than its bigger brother but still big enough and pretty heavy duty for $115

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002QFJLEI?pc_redir=1398158096&robot_redir=1