Beefy, overbuilt folder under $100?

I've used and abused two Kershaw Blurs with great success. Broke the tip on a tanto one but the standard grind seems stronger as it was used longer and harder without failure. Really great knife design with that one, and cuts well too!
 
There are a lot of videos where the Cold Steel Recon 1 series is shot at, stabbed through metal, used as a throwing knife repeatedly, batoned with, and the knives just keep asking for more. So, I think you should look at a Cold Steel Recon 1 (any size) and the Lawman.

Also, Spyderco makes the standard Manix, which is a very good knife, too.

All of these are well under $100 and are better than most over that price.
 
I'll second the recommendation for the Utilitac II. Great work knife. No need to worry about getting it dirty. It is plenty over built. Buy 2.

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Check out the Kizlyar Supreme Bloke Z or Bloke X

Nice choice of steels, and built very heavy duty.
 
If you can go up to $135 I highly recommend the ANSO designed Boker Minos II

It is a hunting folder that weighs 8.1 ounces and has looks to kill. Awesome ergonomics with a beautiful and functional blade geometry (N690BO steel. Nice stuff.)

Made in Solingen Germany. Fit and finsh are perfect, great lockup with no bladeplay, phosphor bronze bushings, ceramic detent, awesome "talk" due to the grenadill wood scales (same wood as used in high end clarinets), etc...

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I did a youtube vid on it a while ago with an old iPhone camera if you want to see more - just search for Minos II
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1227731-Benchmade-Barrage-581?highlight=581+barrage

Go for a few more $ Benchmade 581 Barrage...390 steel. Link is to one that just sold $120. great buy.


Blade Length: 3.60"


Blade Thickness: 0.121"


Handle Thickness: 0.650"


Blade Material: M390 Super Steel


Blade Hardness: 60-62HRC


Blade Style: Drop-Point; Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs


Weight: 5.20oz.


Pocket Clip: Reversible, Black, Tip-Up, Split Arrow


Lock Mechanism: AXIS-Assist


Overall Length: 8.35"


Closed Length: 4.75"
 
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I don't consider a Ultilitac II to be "overbuilt". The skinny liner hooks up at over 70% is no way overbuilt. A good sub $30 none the less.

I have seen a lot of abused full sized Griptilians being carried buy several Contractor friends. They prefer the Tanto for their job.

It wasn't until I saw a lot of feedback on BFs but evidently it is not all hype over at Cold Steel regardless of those videos and their marketing.
 
billym said:
I don't consider a Ultilitac II to be "overbuilt". The skinny liner hooks up at over 70% is no way overbuilt. A good sub $30 none the less.

I have seen a lot of abused full sized Griptilians being carried buy several Contractor friends. They prefer the Tanto for their job.

It wasn't until I saw a lot of feedback on BFs but evidently it is not all hype over at Cold Steel regardless of those videos and their marketing.
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Wait, the Utilitac II is not over built but a Grip is? How does that work?

I think many would agree the Utilitac II is plenty tough. And if you compare it to the Grip you recommended, it is way over built. The Grip has half steel liners where as the Utilitac II is fully lined.
 
craytab said:
Wait, the Utilitac II is not over built but a Grip is? How does that work?

I think many would agree the Utilitac II is plenty tough. And if you compare it to the Grip you recommended, it is way over built. The Grip has half steel liners where as the Utilitac II is fully lined.
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The Utilitac II has the thinnest locking liner I have ever seen. Watch the BM Griptillian test video. Be great to see how the Utilitac II does. I took one look at the lock and threw the knife into my tool box for scraping gum off the floor etc.

The Griptilian does not need any more metal to make it tough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4HHoLgLXg8
 
Tyronethepro said:
I don't know much about CS knives, just never seemed to really like 'em, I don't know that its the knives in particular, maybe just the way they're marketed :confused:
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I know exactly how you feel, because I thought the same thing. I saw the crazy marketing vids and was turned off for many years. All that completely changed when custom knife maker Andrew Demko worked with CS to build several folders with his Triad lock system. This is among the strongest, (if not The strongest folder lock out there.) Best thing about it, you don't have to pay high custom prices to get it on one of Demko's custom folders. (Though I'd sure love to have one of his knives !) You can get it from CS for around $ 70.
My favorite of these CS knives is the large AK-47. It waves open, so is very fast and easy to deploy. AUS8A steel takes a nice edge and is easy to maintain. Do a websearch on reviews of these knives and look at posted videos and you'll see what 'beefy' is all about :)
 
Another Cold Steel vote. I had an American Lawman for a bit and it was a beast. Wish they had a different grind on the Recon and Lawman though..hollow ground isn't for me generally.

Add: Maybe check if kershawguy has any ZT 2nds in that price range too...
 
If you can save a few more bucks, buy a ZT or ZT Blem. Overbuilt all day long (except the 0770). kershawguy.com has the 0350KW for $110!
 
rpn said:
Another Cold Steel vote. I had an American Lawman for a bit and it was a beast. Wish they had a different grind on the Recon and Lawman though..hollow ground isn't for me generally.

Add: Maybe check if kershawguy has any ZT 2nds in that price range too...
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I put convex edges on my CS AK-47s. Makes for a razor sharp, but very durable cutting edge.
 
billym said:
The Utilitac II has the thinnest locking liner I have ever seen. Watch the BM Griptillian test video. Be great to see how the Utilitac II does. I took one look at the lock and threw the knife into my tool box for scraping gum off the floor etc.

The Griptilian does not need any more metal to make it tough.
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Now this is just hyperbole. Or perhaps you have just not seen very many liner locks? Right now I don't own many liner locks, most frame locks. Of the liner locks I am looking at right now the Utilitac II has the thickest. They are thicker than my Military and PM2. And sorry, full steel liners is more tough than half. No doubt the Grip is plenty tough but more than a knife with full steel liners? No way.

Are we seriously talking about the same knife? Made by Ontario. The Utilitac II. The one I posted pictures of.
 
billym said:
The Utilitac II has the thinnest locking liner I have ever seen. Watch the BM Griptillian test video. Be great to see how the Utilitac II does. I took one look at the lock and threw the knife into my tool box for scraping gum off the floor etc.

The Griptilian does not need any more metal to make it tough.
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I don't know, man. I've seen the Utilitac do some pretty crazy stuff. There's a member here who really put his through the ringer and I'd say it can handle more than just gum duty. To each his own, though.

ETA: Also, let's leave the Amazon listings off this thread. That privilege goes to paying dealers. Might want to edit that link out.
 
Tyronethepro said:
I already own a Buck 110, I just couldn't bring myself to use it around the construction site, she goes with me shooting and hunting and she's saved my a** in a snowstorm once :thumbup: I usually wind up having to cut drywall with my knives to open up holes for sprinkler systems and after seeing the wear and tear it put on my M1, its hard for me to use the Buck because I love her too much :) As for Camillus, I've only handled the Cuda once, I didn't mind the way it felt, the button was just a little weird for me, my recent experience with my Camillus EDC3 kind of puts me off from that company, but heck, every company deserves a second chance I think. WuGod, what knives from Timberline would you recommend if you don't mind me asking? I have no experience with their offerings at all. Thanks for all of the suggestions guys! :thumbup:
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I immediately thought of the Buck 110 and 112 when I read your Original Post. Now that I see you already have a 110, why not buy another? Nothing seems to be as beefy and durable as the 110 & 112. I haven't used mine heavily, but I bought them in the 80s & they still look new. I've carried them a lot on hikes but that's been it. However, someone gave me a 110 that had been hard used. The blade had been worn down from sharpening a bit but the previous owner never abused the knife so it cleans up well. It has a Buck/USA mark which would mean it was made in the 1967-72 time frame and this knife strikes me as a great testimonial.

The downside of the Buck 110 & 112 is the weight. You mentioned 5 ounces and the Bucks are beefier than that. One of my 110s by itself weighs 7 1/2 ounces; with sheath the weight goes up to 9 1/2 ounces. The Buck 112 with a 3 inch blade is not much lighter at 6 1/2 ounces and 8 ounces counting the sheath.

It sounds as though you're more interested in a "beater." I have never really grown attracted to the modern folders among which a beater might be found. I have only a few modern folders. The best quality is a RAT-1 which has a good reputation and weighs 5 ounces. I've used mine quite a bit around the house and of course it has performed flawlessly at light tasks. The protective coating has worn off the blade & clip in a couple of spots but that is the total damage so far. For $100 you could buy four RAT-1s and they'd probably do everything any other of the other recommended folders will do and last you a lifetime besides. :)

Lawrence
 
grownstar said:
I don't know, man. I've seen the Utilitac do some pretty crazy stuff. There's a member here who really put his through the ringer and I'd say it can handle more than just gum duty. To each his own, though.

ETA: Also, let's leave the Amazon listings off this thread. That privilege goes to paying dealers. Might want to edit that link out.
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That's what I am saying! And to say it has the thinnest liner you've ever seen? :confused: He must just be having a laugh or something.

And yes, get rid of that link. Kershay guy will always be cheaper anyway. I believe he price matches.
 
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