Best hard-use manual under $175?

BM AFCK
Spyderco Military
Spyderco ATR
Camillus Dominator
Camillus Cuda Maxx
Roton Monarch (balisong)
 
The Spyderco ATR is the best folder for under $175 that I own. It is really a good strong knife with top notch workmanship and materials. Plus the compression lock is quite amazing.

My under $175 collection also consists of a Al Mar SERE 2000, Benchmade 710, Tops Magnum, 2 Emerson Commanders, Emerson CQC 7, CUDA Maxx and others. The ATR is top dog.
 
If you can find one, given that they're out of production, a Microtech SOCOM M/A or SOCOM Elite is great for hard use. I'm interested in seeing how good the new Mini SOCOM Elite framelock is.

Bruce Chang
 
I've got to go with Esav on this one. When I think it might get ugly, my original Microtech Socom Elite gets the duty call for a couple reasons. The First reason is that it's taken all the unkind things I've ever done with it in stride. The second reason is that because I've used it hard for a couple years now, it has some "personality" marks so I don't feel guilty using it hard. I'm sure my Amphibian would probably work just as well, and perhaps pry even better because of the greater support behind the tip.

Unfortunately, as was mentioned in another thread recently M/A Microtechs are getting harder to come by, although last I looked, there was a Socom Elite in the exchange forum in your price range...:)

I'd also nominate a couple Al Mar knives. The SERE 2000 gets great reviews from everyone and while I don't own one of those, I do have a Shrike and it seems like it's just as tough as the SERE 2000, just pointier! Of courst the extra pointiness of the blade would make it more prone to tip breakage if you pried with it a lot, but so far it's held up really well for me. These can both be had well under your price ceiling, perhaps even under $100.00 used in the exchange.

Of course there's always the Benchmade 710, although I personally don't care for the handle designs.It does seem to have a loyal following and a reputation for toughness.

I'm another one who doesn't like the Strider folder designs, Buck or otherwise. While I'm sure they're as tough as crowbars, they have about the same appeal to me. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Before the Strider flames begin, remember that these are just my opinions, yours may well differ.

jmx
 
may not be the best around; but the one I use for all purpose is bm 720. so far no problems.
 
Spyderco Military
BM 806
BM 710
Al Mar SERE

Under $100 I can think of alot more, these ones are just at that (expect the SERE). The reason why the Millie and the AFCK are at the top is because I prefer holes over studs.
 
While I love the Buck Mayo and have one in my pocket right now, I wouldn't put it in the "Hard Use" category. It's a wonderful knife and a freat slicer, but to me the blade seems a bit thin for the kind of prying I wouldn't think twice about with a Socom Elite, or even a Buck 110. The Buck Mayo to me is a great design for a mid weight knife like a Benchmade 94x series. Not a tiny Gent's knife, but not a Hard Use folder either.

jmx
 
For $175 you can buy 5 Buck 110s that will last you a lifetime.:)
 
if you can find a REKAT Pioneer, those things are crazy-tough. It could eat my old AFCK for breakfast. And it has good ergos.
 
Thanks everybody. The only MT manual I've had was a little Kestral but it was of good quality. I think I'll try a bigger model like an Amphib or a large SE.

Also, I'm hearing a lot about the SERE. I'm going to have to pick one of those up too.
 
You could just get a Benchmade 550 Griptilian AND a 555 Mini-Griptilian AND still have money for lunch!
 
When it comes to serious, hard/ near abusive work, the two that have consistantly performed without fail for me are the SERE 2000 and the
(Sorry Fulloflead) Buck Strider SP folder. I've carried, used and straigh up tried to kill both of these models during my military career and could not damage either one in multiple, nasty, hostile and just plain smelly environments.
Doc
 
Greco's folders (get them while they last, he's getting out of the knife biz).

REKAT's Pioneer and Savant are good as well. I used my Savant for all sorts of prying, cutting, etc and it still kept a sharp edge.

Chris
 
Out of all the folders I have I'll have to say the BM710HS (M2 steel). Do I sound like a broken record to anyone yet? I've seen some people recommend some liner locks and I can tell you the BM Axis locks, like the 710, are much stronger. I wouldn't trust a liner lock or frame lock for heavy duty use.
 
Benchmade AFCK and 710 in tool steel are to me the tops, period. However, there are a number of really good knives out that theoretically are just as sound, I just haven't held them yet. For example, Camillus Dominator and Spyderco ATR. If you know me, you know I won't put any liner lock in this category, but luckily there are more and more choices with other lock formats.

Joe
 
Kershaw 1416 XXL Starkey Ridge. It's a discontinued item, but still excellent.
Benchmade 750 Also discontinued. Also excellent.
 
I have to agree with the folks who are recommending John Greco folders. His make the knives that are usually described as being "built like tanks" look more like Jeeps. ;) They laugh at prying staples out of fence posts.

Since John is having to shut down his business they won't be available for too much longer, but they are currently available dirt cheap for $75. Get one while you can!

In production folders my choices for hard use, depending on the desired blade length, would be:

Camillus Maxx Bowie (5.5")
Camillus Dominator (3-5/8")
Spyderco Lil Temperance (3")
Spyderco Titanium Salsa (2-3/8")
Blade-Tech Mouse II (1-5/8")

I haven't had an opportunity to handle the Spyderco ATR yet, but I expect it would be on my list if I had.

--Bob Q
 
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