Best Lightweight Large Folders

You can (still) find many of the old aus8 cold steels for a great price, and they are surprisingly light for the amount of knife you get as well... I'm carrying a code4 (in cts-xhp, out of your price range), while wearing basketball shorts right now, and no issues.
 
RedLynx said:
Hi Chiral,

For me, the Voyager's handle was a bit more comfortable and better to handle given it is ever so slightly wider, while not being too wide. In addition, It is easier to get in and out of the pocket as handle material is less "grippy". And although I like a number of coated knives, when stacked against each other I prefer the satin finish of the Voyager. In most respects I'd say they perfrom about equally, and they each have same-size counterparts, which is nice. Those were just my preferences.
Click to expand...

Those were precisely the reasons I was thinking of getting a Voyager :thumbup: A classier look, reportedly more comfortable handle, easier pocket-carry. Thank you for that :cool:
 
RedLynx said:
Appreciate it. Even being a two-hander isn't a big deal to me, though. When you're a lefty with a cane mostly in your right you can't let "the little things" stop you from using a knife you like. ;)
Click to expand...

Double thumbstud in the Large.
 
The CS Espada XL in G10 is surprisingly lightweight and is a large folder...☺
 
Some considerations...

I have the Byrd g10 caracara. It is like an inexpensive version of the endura but I prefer the design of the caracara because of the jimped choil, gives it good purchase.

I have the xl voyager clip point and tanto. I feel a bit self concious flicking them open to deal with edc tasks but the fit and finish and capabilities on these are fantastic even though the handles are grivory.... ....especially given the value. Big Wammajamma knives :)

I found the kershaw thermite an exceptionally capable and high value option but I don't like stainless slabs scales on the frame lock side of that knife. To heavy for functionality attributes. And there are some sharp(ish) edges on the cutout. To be fair though, great fit and finish overall.... ...for the mind lowing price range of 40... Great design though and it carried exceptionally well.

The spyderco resilience?! I think this knife should get more love. I have enjoyed mine, just a solid knife that will do everything you ask it it; carries well; I actually like 8cr; I think it is the perfect huge edc/camp folder/home kitchen folder...

I could go on... Good topic! The $40 range is a sweet spot for super high value capable blades...
 
Last edited:
I too was going to strongly suggest the Spyderco Military until i saw you were looking for something less expensive. The Endura can sometimes be found for under $60. Barring that, have a look at the Resilience. Don't discount the value of the Spyderhole. I have quit even looking at knives that are thumb stud only.
 
My old favorite was the Cold Steel Gunsite folder - HUGE but not heavy; I carried it in the flashlight pocket of my duty trousers years ago. My current light weight favorite is the Kershaw Tremor. Assisted opening, 4.5" blade and solid lock up.
 
Surfingringo said:
I too was going to strongly suggest the Spyderco Military until i saw you were looking for something less expensive. The Endura can sometimes be found for under $60. Barring that, have a look at the Resilience. Don't discount the value of the Spyderhole. I have quit even looking at knives that are thumb stud only.
Click to expand...

I love both the Endura and Resilience. If anything perhaps this thread has taught me I have more than enough large lightweight folders. ;)
 
I also recommend the Voyager if you are looking for a great knife that isn't too expensive. I prefer it over the Recon for the handle and flat grind. But I love my Hold Out 2 even more, like a budget Spyderco military with that sweet FFG blade.
 
crom said:
I also recommend the Voyager if you are looking for a great knife that isn't too expensive. I prefer it over the Recon for the handle and flat grind. But I love my Hold Out 2 even more, like a budget Spyderco military with that sweet FFG blade.
Click to expand...

Hi Crom,

I've liked the look of the Hold Out series for years, but it looks like

a. It's difficult to deploy as the thumbstud seems really recessed/close to the handle and

b. The G10 of the handle is probably super grippy making clipping/unclipping a bit of a chore

Are either of these true in your experience?
 
Redlynx, glad to see you've gotten some good answers so far all of which are great knives. I'm going to throw in another personal favorite, it's not as thin as an endura (which is a damn well spectacular knife) but take a look at an Ontario Rat 1, another contender of great knives here in the forums, 3.6 inch blade, 8.6 overall opened, AUS-8 and can be had from $30-40 something dollars. It's a great knife that can can take a hell of a beating and the AUS-8 holds up better than most of us remember ;)
 
I agree about AUS-8. It's not a premium supersteel, but it's a high quality steel that has a proven track record, and is ideal for affordable everyday use knives. It's better than the Chinese tin that's being used on a lot of budget knives these days. AUS-8 will hold a good edge and is easy to sharpen when required.
 
RedLynx said:
Hi Crom,

I've liked the look of the Hold Out series for years, but it looks like

a. It's difficult to deploy as the thumbstud seems really recessed/close to the handle and

b. The G10 of the handle is probably super grippy making clipping/unclipping a bit of a chore

Are either of these true in your experience?
Click to expand...

Hi. Funny thing; I bought my hold out on here and the previous owner took a drmel to the thumb stud area of the handle to give better access to the stud, did a great job too! The G10 is a little relaxed from carry. They all start out like sand paper, I'd say these days it comes out of the pocket with medium effort.
 
KERSHAW SHALLOT . A bit heavy but packs a nice blade and it a it's very slim . You can get one for about $45 .
 
If you want to treat yourself i would go for a benchmade 940 osborne. It's a tad bit more than $40 but its got a 3.4 inch blade and weighs 2.9 oz. with CPM-S30V steel. Like I said its a little more than your budget at $200 but it's worth every penny. And if you want a bit more bang for your buck you could go with the 940-1 with carbon fiber handle and CPM-S90V at about 2.4 oz. and $260. Both feature benchmades axis lock.
 
miltmaldo said:
KERSHAW SHALLOT . A bit heavy but packs a nice blade and it a it's very slim . You can get one for about $45 .
Click to expand...

I had and enjoyed the Shallot a lot, but found after awhile it wasn't getting any pocket time. I sold it, but later bought a brand new one for my dad and he loves it. His first Kershaw.

Funny story: He lost it while mowing the lawn, and it spent a whole winter outside. My sister happened to find it when she was over at my parents' place for something or other, and with a bit of steel wool it looked--and performed--like new. Wish I had pics, but he didn't tell me about it til after he'd found it again. Best part of the story: He no longer has to use the M-Tech knives he bought to sort of replace it. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top