Best folding BEATER!

T

tremonti_usa

Joined
Jul 21, 2007
Messages
47
I'm looking for something that can take a beating and keep an edge.

I was looking at the SOG trident, Ka Bar Mule/warthog, Cold Steel Recon 1/Voyager. I'm trying to stay under 100 and preferably under 70. The cheaper the better as long as I don't end up with a piece of junk. I like the fact that I can get a voyager in a 4/5/6 inch blade. That's pretty cool. I'd probably spring for the 5. I already have a 3 inch folder that I like.

I'll be camping and hunting with the knife. So, it'll probably face itself against some wood and other things that normally can dull an edge rather quickly.

Any opinions on the knives listed or any other suggestions?

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An updated rendition:
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I'm going to list these by blade size, because the prices vary from site to site..

Folders:

Smallest To Largest: .............................Approx. Prices:...........................Lock:

3" Ka Bar Dozier Folding Hunter..........................25 (already bought).........lockback
3.5" BM Griptilian ............................................70................................axis lock
3.75" Kershaw Junk Yard Dog II..........................50................................liner lock
4" Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara...............................25...............................lockback
4" Ka Bar Mule................................................40.................................lockback
4" Cold Steel Voyager/Ultimate Hunter.................52................................lockback


Fixed:

smallest to largest:

4.6" Ontario Spec Plus Navy Mark I......................35
6.5" Ka Bar Bull Dozier........................................75



I made this new list with everyone's help... I feel like they're all durable and should get the job done well. All the folders are lockbacks except for the JYD2 and the Griptilian.

I just thought I'd put the fixed blades on there as well to see if I could get some responses on them. For the most part I don't think you can go wrong with an Ontario or Ka Bar in a fixed blade. I just leaned toward the new dozier version, because I bought the small folding hunter already and I really like it. I figured the fixed blade would be the same quality and the pictures I've seen...it looks awesome.


The most expensive knife on the list is the 75 dollar Bull Dozier. I think that's reasonable. I was trying to keep below 70 dollars. Feel free to comment on the list.


The only thing left, really, is a decent sharpener. I'm leaning toward the spyderco sharpmaker medium/fine kit (about 45 dollars) and perhaps a sterling superior carbide sharpener (about 12 dollars). I could keep the sterling sharpener with me at all times, because of it's size. I don't know much about sharpeners, but I've heard pretty good stuff about both of these sharpeners.
 
I've never looked at the Junk Yard Dog, but that looks pretty hefty doesn't it? I like knives with a nice thick blade, so this will definitely get on my list. I've checked out the vapor at wal-mart and I wouldn't mind it for edc or whatnot, but I'd like a little more of a knife for camping.

Great suggestions...Kershaw makes a good knife.
 
Also look at the Kershaw Lahar. It is REAL NICE! The JYD2 Has a REAL NICE LOCK UP! GOOD LUCK! Kevin:thumbup:
 
Sounds like I need to do a bit more research on the Kershaw line. I'm not too familiar with them. But so far between the Dog and the lahar..i think the dog wins. It just looks like a work horse. Although I think the steel is better in the lahar.

Keep em coming..
 
If size isn't an issue, then check out the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. I don't know about their VG-1 steel, but AUS-8 (if you can get one in AUS-8) takes a great edge, holds it fairly well, and can take a beating.

The blade is 4mm thick through most of the blade, which makes it quite stout. Despite the thick blade, the high and deep hollow grind make for a thin and very sharp edge. The lock is also one of the strongest lockbacks I have ever used. The kraton grip is comfortable and grippy. The only problem is that the knife is quite thick and uncomfortable for carry.

It's also quite cheap. I got mine for <$50 shipped.
 
For the $$ I would grab a FRN, or G-10 Byrd Cara Cara. I have been edc'ing one for quite a while, and it is a rock solid folder. It takes a wicked edge, and holds it well. It easily outperformed my wife's AUS-8 Warthog folder, and my Camillus Blaze in AUS-8 as well. It is light, and the blade is 3mm which is, IMO, pretty sturdy for a non-heavy use type folder. And whether you love him or hate him, Cliff Stamp has reviewed a few Byrd knives, you can check those out at his place. I love my Camillus Blaze, and Heat, and alternate my Heat as my edc, BUT the Cara Cara is simply a better knife than the AUS-8 blades I own, in the context of taking a very fine polished edge, and keeping it. Mileage may vary for other Byrd owners and other AUS-8 blades, from other manufacturers. This is just one guys observations. Good Luck:D :D
 
ehhh said:
If size isn't an issue, then check out the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. I don't know about their VG-1 steel, but AUS-8 (if you can get one in AUS-8) takes a great edge, holds it fairly well, and can take a beating.

The blade is 4mm thick through most of the blade, which makes it quite stout. Despite the thick blade, the high and deep hollow grind make for a thin and very sharp edge. The lock is also one of the strongest lockbacks I have ever used. The kraton grip is comfortable and grippy. The only problem is that the knife is quite thick and uncomfortable for carry.

It's also quite cheap. I got mine for <$50 shipped.
Click to expand...

I have been EDC one for a few months and it is one of the best beater knives I have ever owned. Holds a decent edge and is easy to touch up on almost every sharpening tool from stones to ceramics. A big thumbs up! :thumbup:
 
ehhh said:
If size isn't an issue, then check out the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter.
Click to expand...


It's not really an issue. I'd prefer a larger blade than 3 inches..5 inches probably being ideal for me if it's made of quality steel that isn't going to break.
 
I second the recommendation for the Byrd Cara Cara G10. For $25 or so, you're getting a very solid, good quality folder for a price that will let you not care if you do beat the sh*t out of it.
 
ehhh said:
If size isn't an issue, then check out the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter.


It's also quite cheap. I got mine for <$50 shipped.
Click to expand...

Is the ultimate hunter better than the voyager? I heard a rumor that Bear Grylls used the Voyager for a little while on his TV show on the discovery channel. I'm not sure whether that's actually true or not. Even if it is, it doesn't necessarily mean anything. I just thought I'd throw that out there. It may or not be relevant. He seems to beat the crap out of his knives though and I'm sure he'd have an unlimited supply of 50 dollar knives. So who knows how many he's broken.

I like the fact that you can get the voyager in a 5 inch blade, but just like anything else it could be more succeptible to breaking than a shorter blade, especially from prying..not that i'm specifically planning on doing that. However, durability, is durability.
 
beckerhead said:
For the $$ I would grab a FRN, or G-10 Byrd Cara Cara. I have been edc'ing one for quite a while, and it is a rock solid folder. It takes a wicked edge, and holds it well.
Click to expand...

I just checked out the Cara Cara and it looks like a good knife. It's blade is almost 4 inches which is a plus and it looks pretty rugged. How does it compare to your camillus knives? Is there any comparison? Camillus makes a quality knife as well...


Thanks.
 
Many folks consider certain steels to be in the 'beater' category but I look more at the whole knife myself but mostly the price tag and if it meets the below criteria.

A beater should be affordable.

It should have good to great corrosion resistance.

It should be tough and keep a relatively good edge.

It should sharpen up moderately easy to easy.

And it should be one you don't mind having to leave at the airport if you forget to remove it before going there, or one if confiscated for any reason easily replaced.

I'd also add that it should be under the price class you selected but for that you can still find some good deals.

A number of folders come to mind.

From local retailers the Spyderco Native is a good choice for many and found at most Wal-Marts in S30V plain edge for around $45 tax and all.

From Kershaw the Vapor frame lock, or Storm II frame lock also found at any WalMart.

From the internet dealers any Byrd folder, or one of the Benchmade red class knives. From Kershaw the Needs Work assisted opener, or Chive or Scallion maybe or perhaps a Blur, or any of the Emerson HardWear knives will fit the beater category quite nicely. All of these are readily available and inexpensive beater uppers in my opinion.

STR
 
Great suggestions..i never would have imagined that emerson would have made a cheaper line, but i guess most companies do nowadays.
 
tremonti_usa said:
I'm looking for something that can take a beating and keep an edge.

I was looking at the SOG trident, Ka Bar Mule/warthog, Cold Steel Recon 1/Voyager. I'm trying to stay under 100 and preferably under 70. The cheaper the better as long as I don't end up with a piece of junk. I like the fact that I can get a voyager in a 4/5/6 inch blade. That's pretty cool. I'd probably spring for the 5. I already have a 3 inch folder that I like.

I'll be camping and hunting with the knife. So, it'll probably face itself against some wood and other things that normally can dull an edge rather quickly.

Any opinions on the knives listed or any other suggestions?
Click to expand...



I have had a spyderco delica serrated for almost 8 years now. Same one
 
I used a medium voyager working offshore for 3 years, it worked really well. The ultimate hunter has steel liners, so does the Cara Cara (got one of those, too)
 
hardheart said:
I used a medium voyager working offshore for 3 years, it worked really well. The ultimate hunter has steel liners, so does the Cara Cara (got one of those, too)
Click to expand...

Is a lockback more secure than a liner? I've owned a few lockbacks and they all seem to be secure and I haven't had any real trouble with them.
 
STR said:
Many folks consider certain steels to be in the 'beater' category but I look more at the whole knife myself but mostly the price tag and if it meets the below criteria.

A beater should be affordable.

It should have good to great corrosion resistance.

It should be tough and keep a relatively good edge.

It should sharpen up moderately easy to easy.

And it should be one you don't mind having to leave at the airport if you forget to remove it before going there, or one if confiscated for any reason easily replaced.

I'd also add that it should be under the price class you selected but for that you can still find some good deals.

A number of folders come to mind.

From local retailers the Spyderco Native is a good choice for many and found at most Wal-Marts in S30V plain edge for around $45 tax and all.

From Kershaw the Vapor frame lock, or Storm II frame lock also found at any WalMart.

From the internet dealers any Byrd folder, or one of the Benchmade red class knives. From Kershaw the Needs Work assisted opener, or Chive or Scallion maybe or perhaps a Blur, or any of the Emerson HardWear knives will fit the beater category quite nicely. All of these are readily available and inexpensive beater uppers in my opinion.

STR
Click to expand...

Just one the many brilliant reasons why whenever STR posts, I read and heed it!
 
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