Folding tactical knife

[PKineKilla]

Thinking about picking up a new folding tactical knife, but I'm on the fence. I want something that’s not just all looks—needs to actually hold up in real-world use. Prefer a strong lock (liner or frame), decent steel like D2 or better, and one-handed deployment that’s smooth, not gritty. I’ve seen a few budget options that look the part, but I’m skeptical they’ll last. Anyone here carry a folding tactical knife daily?
Would love to hear honest thoughts before I drop cash on another drawer queen.

 

[travis B]

Spyderco makes a solid knife. Like the paramilitary 2. It has a smaller blade at maybe just over 3” but has a full size handle for a good grip. Very strong compression lock which is like a liner lock but stronger. There are aftermarket claws you can get if you want to make it a waver folder (where it opens when you draw it from your pocket). But Spyderco makes a great knife. So many models to choose from. Their G10 is. Ice and grippy. Kershaw makes a good knife too. Their more tactical line (zero tolerance) is fantastic. Very high end for what you get. Like great blade steel, titanium frame, and bearing pivot. They have pretty good g10 too. Benchmade puts out a decent knife every 5 years or so. They’ve gotten overpriced over the years unfortunately and their g10 is cheap and slippery feeling. If you’re looking for an auto then I’d say Protech or Microtech is the way. Protech also makes a couple manual opening models. They are very nice. Great company and top notch cs.