$650 folder suggestions for hard use work in the woods?

If we've opened the door to small/medium fixed blades and various carry options, then the Dozier-Crotts horizontal kydex sheath immediately jumps into suggestion land. There are plenty of blade styles and handle combinations available. The kydex sheath retains securely and the knife can be returned to the sheath guided by one's index finger. Winkler II kydex and Jim 'Treeman' Behring's kydex sheaths for the 'Pathfinder' and 'Recon Hunter' models also come to mind. Ah, choices, choices.....
 
Hey olybears57, I apologize if I missed it, what do you do? Also, for your purpose, a custom would fit the bill. I think something along the lines of a BM Osbourne (just cause I have a friend who has one and has used it almost daily since they came out with no noticeable deterioration of the lock up). The only concern I have is if you happen to loose it.
 
I can't tell how useful it would be for your job, but I really like my TSF Beast and use it all the time when I'm hiking. The blade might be smaller than you want, but it's a very tough knife and easy on the pocket.

Cheers,
Daniel
 
Lol! I like this thread. I live in the Seattle area and frequent an incredible custom knife store in Kirkland. Not sure if he's a member here, so not sure if I can post business name. Point is, with your budget and questions, it would be the perfect place to go. I highly recommend them.

Also, I didn't see a neck knife mentioned? And IF you went fixed blade, check out Wildertools by Rick Marchand. Functional works of art! I have his EDC 1 - timeless!! Good Luck, hope this helps.
 
I have been reading the posts and I tend not to carry or buy really large folders. So, my experience is limited. Some thoughts.... If ZT's and Sebenzas don't do it, consider a this traditional made by Great Eastern Cutlery (#23) with two large blades (trapper pattern). It's a big knife (4.5" closed). The #42 is the next size down at 4.25" closed in the same pattern which is the one I have settled on when I want to carry a larger traditional. The #23 works best in a belt pouch or pocket sleeve but is still a pretty good lump in your pocket.

It depends on how frequently you typically use the knife from my point of view. If you are using it hourly, then I would probably go with a beefy modern. I am not really pushing the traditional choice, but they are very good knives and would serve you well.

I know you have a BK-9 which is probably the fixed blade chopper you carry. Perhaps a Condor Village Parang or Pack Golok might serve you better for chopping and you certainly can use it for many of the tasks you mentioned. I personally would mount one on the side of my pack rather than belt carry as they do flop around. If you find yourself using the blade a lot, consider two sheaths, one on your belt (or available to put on your belt) and one strapped to the pack and then rotate the knife between the two depending on how much you are using them that particular part of the day.
 
My vote's for a Spyderco Tuff. Good ergos, 3v steel and easy opening with and without gloves.

I wouldn't recommend CRKs for your job. Sure, you'll look like a gentleman, but the steel is quite soft.

I wouldn't recommend an SR-1 either as the steel (at least the D2) rusts more easily than other steels
 
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Look @ dozier custom folders about $575 - $ 1000 excellent custom knife I picked one up at the tulsa knife show in 2013 bob spent about 1 hr with me explaining how it's made fit finish 10 out of 10 in my opinion he is out of Springdale ar
 
$650 hard working folder knife====Medford Pratorian G. I have one and I know I can trust that knife with anything I can throw at it. Not a lot of people like Gregs prices and I agree his fixed blades are not worth what he asking for them but his Praetorian G are worth every penny.
 
I see nothing wrong with your request and to be honest you should really just stop justifying your needs. No matter how well you explain yourself you'll always get the "get a fixed blade" response. There are backpackers, woodsman, and hunters that only carry folding knives. I frankly don't see what all the guff is about when you clearly state that any heavy use would be done with your other tools. Maybe reading comprehension really is in the gutter these days.

IMO you want to fucus more on a good lock and a slicer type knife over a tank folder. A slicer will be much better at wood working and random tasks. You can point a stake pretty fast with a spyderco military. There's a backpacker here(forget the screen name) that swears by his ti M4 millie. IME there's nothing worse than a fat stock and obtuse edged knife for the light wood working you want to do. They just blow.
 
Shotgun said:
IMO you want to fucus more on a good lock and a slicer type knife over a tank folder. A slicer will be much better at wood working and random tasks. You can point a stake pretty fast with a spyderco military. There's a backpacker here(forget the screen name) that swears by his ti M4 millie. IME there's nothing worse than a fat stock and obtuse edged knife for the light wood working you want to do. They just blow.
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I agree about the obtuse edge part entirely.
Thick stock is not necessarily a problem as long as the edge---and the area right behind it---is fine.
My SmF works great in the woods after the reprofiling with silicon carbide paper.
The edge it came with would have been fine for digging rocks, but wouldn't do much more to wood than scrape bark. :thumbdn:
After reprofiling the SmF was good to go; made a spoon and a walking stick with it, not the mention the ever useful sausage skewers and fun-time throwing spears. :)

So I'm cool with thicker stock, up to a certain limit (much like with girls...), but the edge must be correct.
 
I like the 5.5" and the 7" Camillus CUDA MAXX's. I have had custom blades made for the factory handles as well as complete customs. They are so much fun. Although no longer in production, they pop up from time to time. I am getting a 9" on Wednesday. Sitting on the curb here boss.View attachment 432034
 
With that price range I'd go with the ZT 0600. All titanium, carbon fiber, and 4.25 inches of B75P steel so it's really stainless all the way around and has very good edge retention. The thing is beautiful and cuts like a champ and is rock solid. A thick piece of steel ground nicely so emergency prying isn't that big of a deal and it still cuts beautifully. The recurve is just enough to make quick work of small branches and notches, etc but not severe enough to be a pain in the ass to sharpen. The blade tip isn't thin but it pierces very easily. Thick lock bar with stainless steel insert. With the caged bearing pivot and flipper it is easy to open with or without gloves, great robust pocket clip. Fires hard for such a big blade. At 7 oz it's not too light for hard work and not too heavy to carry into town. It's definitely a head turner. Pretty much everything the guy asked for.

To the OP:
Really, check this knife out. I don't think you'd be disappointed. It's a beautiful, hard work son of a bitch. Very well designed knife for specifically what you mentioned you wanted.
 
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Get ya a Swamp rat ratmandu, have Dave Brown, or one of the other competent members here make ya a kydex sheath. Buy yerself a couple molle locks, and carry it on the waistbelt of your pack. Extrememly comfortable, & easily accessed! About $225 out of pocket. Spend the rest on a nice around town folder.
 
Brad Southard is launching a new midtech soon. B75P and a titanium framelock. Supposed to be decently priced, but I guess that depends on secondary market demand.
 
darkangel55555 said:
Brad Southard is launching a new midtech soon. B75P and a titanium framelock. Supposed to be decently priced, but I guess that depends on secondary market demand.
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How soon?
and why is this the first I've heard of it?
How decently priced? We talking under $500?
Those books will fill up in about 3 seconds after opening.
 
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