Affordable Outdoor Folder

G

GGD

Joined
Sep 20, 2014
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Hello, I would like to get a folding outdoor knife around 2 3/4 inches and no more than $45. Any suggestions?
 
Rat 2. 3 inch blade, AUS 8. GRN handels. Liner lock around $30

Dozier hunter. 3 inch blade AUS 8. Zytel handels. Lock back around $20

Both are well made and reviewed highly. Lockbacks are stronger but are hard to close one handed. Liner locks are good (some people hate on it) and easier to close. You could also get an Esse/BRK Zancuda. Looks just like the Rat 2 but different blade shape. All personal preference.
 
JaDoWo said:
Dozier hunter. 3 inch blade AUS 8. Zytel handels. Lock back around $20

Both are well made and reviewed highly. Lockbacks are stronger but are hard to close one handed. Liner locks are good (some people hate on it) and easier to close. You could also get an Esse/BRK Zancuda. Looks just like the Rat 2 but different blade shape. All personal preference.
Click to expand...

+1 to the Dozier Hunter for a budget knife.


And actually it's not hard to 1-hand a lockback. Depends on how easy you can depress the lock.
[video=youtube_share;5lXvavaKcUQ]http://youtu.be/5lXvavaKcUQ[/video]
 
RAT 2, excellent knife, open frame design makes it easy to clean out, blade spine is squared off enough to use to scrape firesteel, you can get it with high visibility blaze orange scales.

Just about the perfect outdoors folder.
 
The Kabar Dozier are a good value as is the RAT.
Another you might look at is the Cold Steel Tuff Lite which is one of my favorite knives.

There is always a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife which is immensely practical for outdoor use and consistantly good. Since you want something under 3", I would look at the 93mm ones and probably something like a Tinker or Farmer. I carry one of the 111mm SAKs every day.

You mentioned the Spydie Persistance in the multi-tool thread. That would work. Personally, I really like the Native but it runs a bit more than you budget and has a 3" blade.
 
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I like the RAT-2 a bit more than the Zancudo. No performance difference - just personal preference. Both are the same size, use the same materials, and it's been mentioned a couple of times that they are even made by the exact same factory.
 
Rat 2 hands down but the Dozier is lighter and there are no steel liners to rust. Having said that, the rat is stronger. For $30 you can't go wrong with the Rat 2. BUY ONE!
 
The king would be the Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 at the current special price of $31. It has a 3" blade, so a little longer than you wanted, but one very strong knife. If you want corrosion resistance try the Benchmade Lone Wolf Mini Landslide at around $37 (I have two). Also, Spyderco makes a couple of knives in that range and size. The Persistence comes to mind.
 
Which is better for the mini recon, the spear point or the clip point? I also could not find the Mini Landslide for under $50. Where would you find one?
 
Better is a very loose term for knives. (Grind, thickness, shape, steel, weight, scales....all subjective) If you're doing a lot of fine work a clip point would probably work more easily, the spear point makes great divots and is very sturdy.

You'll have to decide which is better for you.
 
GGD said:
Which is better for the mini recon, the spear point or the clip point? I also could not find the Mini Landslide for under $50. Where would you find one?
Click to expand...

http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmadelonewolfminilandslidesatinbladeplainedge.aspx#.VCC8TpSSwb4
It comes in Orange (mine), OD Green, and Pink.

As for the Cold Steel, if you want the special price get the clip point as that is the only way it comes. You can still find this.
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/CS...ni-recon-1-clip-point-plain-blade-g10-handles
 
GGD said:
Which is better for the mini recon, the spear point or the clip point? I also could not find the Mini Landslide for under $50. Where would you find one?
Click to expand...

http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmadelonewolfminilandslidesatinbladeplainedge.aspx#.VCC8TpSSwb4
It comes in Orange (mine), OD Green, and Pink.

As for the Cold Steel, if you want the special price get the clip point as that is the only way it comes. You can still find this.
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/CS...ni-recon-1-clip-point-plain-blade-g10-handles

I have the Mini Recon clip point in my outdoor/bug out bag. It is one tough knife. And, because of its long and deep hollow grind it is an excellent slicer.

If you doubt the toughness and strength of this knife, see this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiHLRkCKoSw
 
Svord Peasant knife:
svord_butter.jpg
 
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