Best all metal folder

[STR]

Just go down to Wal-Mart and get you Storm II by Kershaw. They will run $30 plus or minus depending on sales tax. The Vapor is very nice also but not as big.

If you want to get a more expensive all steel folder with more traditional look and no opening hole but a thumb stud type look at the CRKT S2. Super value there as well.

STR

 

[hardheart]

AUS-6M is like butter. IMO, stay away from it. It's even worse than 440A. It has it's place in the knife world but I don't buy it. I also don't buy any AUS-8 knives anymore. I think it's even too soft.

Well, since "toughness is top priority", AUS8 might actually be a good choice. The Byrd knives also.

 

[nozh2002]

Kershaw has Storm II, Cyclone and soon if you may wait a little they will start shipping pretty attractive JYD.

However cheapest toughest knife is Buck 880 but it is around $100 I guess. Everything else is more expensive.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[huugh]

Kershaw has Storm II, Cyclone and soon if you may wait a little they will start shipping pretty attractive JYD.

However cheapest toughest knife is Buck 880 but it is around $100 I guess. Everything else is more expensive.

Thanks, Vassili.

Well for $100 I would rather get BM Gravitator

 

[JordanR]

on the monochrome, is the monolock good?

 

[JordanR]

what about the summit 14k?
i found one mt ranier serrated with aus6 left at the store, or plenty of i think 420j2 longs peak that are plain edge, my preference

 

[JordanR]

how about the gerber paraframe 2?

 

[hardheart]

The monolock on the BM 750 I had was good, but that was titanium. Comments on the Monochrome seem to be very good. I sharpened up one of those AUS6 CRKT 14Ks for a friend, I kind of liked it. But 420J2 has pretty lousy edge retention. Gerber Paraframe, from a friend's experience, and from a few comments here, is not a good choice at all.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

The Monochrome is a sturdy knife with a good lock and excellent steel.

AUS-6 is borderline acceptable steel. 420J2 is borderline unacceptable, unless your primary purose is digging and scraping, not cutting.

I'm not familiar with Gerber anymore. Too many models with suspect quality. I don't know about the Paraframe.

 

[JordanR]

how good is N690 steel?

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Very good. It's made in Austria and it's popular in Europe. Coincidentally the Monochrome was designed by an Austrian. A lot of Italian knives are being made from it, like Extrema Ratio, and the Fox knives designed by Jerry Hossom.

 

[speed647]

how about the gerber paraframe 2?

Don't bother. Lousy blade steel.

 

[wwells20]

Very good. It's made in Austria and it's popular in Europe. Coincidentally the Monochrome was designed by an Austrian. A lot of Italian knives are being made from it, like Extrema Ratio, and the Fox knives designed by Jerry Hossom.

You can't go wrong with this knife. (monocrome) N690 is good steel.

 

[john w]

I have N690 and have found no problems with it. I would really be interested in what has turned some people off on this steel. I agree on the 420J2 as "OK" if blade finish durability is the main concern for the user.
WOOK

 

[melt]

Benchmade Ambush (the larger one, not the mini-ambush).

 

[knarfeng]

I have N690 and have found no problems with it. I would really be interested in what has turned some people off on this steel.
WOOK

I don't think anyone is turned off by it. I've never read anyone complaining about it. I just think it is less known, so people ask what it is.

 

[BJE]

I second the Monochrome, here is a review I wrote about it http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432940.
The Storm is a good one also.

 

[wannabemarine]

if your looking for a lighter knife check out the crkt m-16 series, a great knife for the price (50 or less online) plenty of blade and finish styles, i think my only complains is that it requires frequent sharpening. even though it has a preaty substantial oal its very light in the pocket, and easy to open with one hand.

if your going for a big folder check out the CS ak-47, its very sturdy all metal construction (aus 8 blade, axis type lock, aluminum handle, stainless steel liner lock). it performs very well and could easily do the work of a small fixed blade. its easily opened with a flick of the wrist, using the thumb ramp, or catching it on the corner of your pocket. overall its an extreamly sturdy knife and a great deal for 60$

 

[travistheone]

Ill second the CRKT M21 or M16, they are on hefty sale. under 40 bucks for a 140 retail knife.

 

[JordanR]

i like the m16s, but ive spent time messing with them, and the SFA is too big, the smaller ones have a bump in the handle so it is even with the linear lock wick makes it uncomfortable for four finger grip, but the ones with long skinny grips are ok.