I've recently started looking for a folding pocket knife to replace the piece of crap I've been carrying. I really prefer the tanto style for sharpening and aesthetic reasons, and I'd like some advice on which to choose. Ideally, I'd like one with a blade length of 4-5 inches (not more than that), and I need it to hold an edge. It doesn't have to stand up to prying or torquing use that much, so it can be harder rather than tougher. I'm thinking S30V or BG-42 steel for the blade, but I'm open to suggestions. Any ideas?

Benchmade maybe.

Lee

Try this....

http://www.coldsteel.com/folding-knives-gunsite-series.html

I will say from experience, these knives will cut to the bone, but I have found tanto blades to be worthless for any other practical purpose. They are good for defense.

I recently picked up a CRKT M16-12ZER and am quite happy with it. For some reason I'm not a fan of the edge most CRKTs come with from the factory, but once I ground that off and put on my own, I can get it face shaving sharp. In an urban environment, I like the tanto for slicing paper and opening packages. Also I like the extra blade thicknesses of the tantos, for some reason I'm really paranoid about snapping the tip off my knife. I've never done it, but form some reason, I'm still bothered by the idea.



Rio

I have the CRKT mentioned above and also a Cold Steel Voyager Tanto. I must say I like the Cold Steel better as it held an edge much better. I was very happy with it.

I can only advise on what I carry every day.

COLDSTEEL.

I carry a Coldsteel brand 4" serrated Tanto pointed Voyager. It is extremely sharp and has a very strong locking mechanism. The clip is steel and holds the knife tight on whatever its clipped too. It has ambi thumb studs for ease of getting the blade out.

IF I am not carrying the above, I carry the 4" clip point, plain blade Voyager.

A very important point to keeping a knife sharp is a sharpening system. A few years ago I purchased the Spyderco brand traingular ceramic sharpening system for 40 bucks. It will sharpen both regular and serrated blades.

It sells now for 75 and to me is worth its weight in gold. I strongly suggest that when you do use this sharpener, that you use the guards and maybe wear a leather glove (I do) on the support hand holding the sharpener. It will make your blade extremely sharp is just a few minutes use.

Coldsteel will send you a free video of their products called "Proof".

You might get a good deal on the above products at www.botac.com


http://www.coldsteel.com/folding-knives-voyager-series.html

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=77

Benchmade Stryker or one of the Emerson tanto bladed models. Benchmade also recently came out with Griptilian Tantos and Mini-Grip Tantos. You really can't go wrong with any of them. IMO much better than Cold Steel or CRKT.

Drop point/shallow clip point is usually better for a utility knife but if you have your own reasons to prefer a tanto configuration it's all good. Don't worry about the steel too much - it's really just a fad these days. 440C, 12C27 or any other "wonder steel" out there will do the job as long as the heat treatment is right. Don't fall for the hype and don't shell out too much extra $ for a fad steel when you could get basically the same performance blade in a much cheaper knife. IMHO any folder over 100$ is a waste of money but then again, the final decision is up to you.

Spyderco makes pretty good folders at competitive prices. Most designs are a bit space age and some are too specialized. But a workhorse like the Endura would serve you well.

Also, you're looking for a folder with a 4-5" blade. That's pretty big for a pocket knife. Some of the larger folders on the market are pretty beefy and might be too bulky for comfortable EDC.

I have not owned one, but reviews of "Strider" brand knives have without outstanding. I have done a great deal of research on the Strider brand knives and I haven't read of one person being uhhappy with the product. I however could not get past teh $300+ price tag for a piece of small steel, plastic or paracord. If you have the scratch I would consider one a Strider, blue line gear has the best prices and most pictures available. Strider does make the style of knife you're looking for.

On the subject of good folding knives why not try the good ole' South African Okapi knife.

http://www.worldknives.com/manufacturers/okapi-5.html?PHPSESSID=6245954f92e27e70aea82b3d491654c5

THey look nice, plus they are quite effective. i.e.cutting wood.

Used them regularly before I lost it. looking for it now actually.