Bushcraft Folder?

D

Dr. Pepper

Joined
Sep 26, 2006
Messages
167
I am looking for a very strong large folder that will work as a hiker/camping/bushcraft/ and occasional game knife. Lowest priority placed on being a game knife. Basically I want a folder that will let me be able to go outside and “play” and not feel naked without at least a 5 inch (blade length) fixed blade or hatchet.

The Buck 110 is the standard that I know. I want something that is lighter or for the same weight a good deal stronger/ tougher. I want to lean towards toughness/strength as opposed to thin slicing because I will always have a good sharp slipjoint with me.

I also have a problem with a lot of tacticals because of the guards molded into the handle. The smooth profile of the 110 is one of its better features for me.

This is one of those situations where I want a fixed blade but I can’t stand it poking me in the side, and I want this knife on my person and not in some bag.

I am aware that the Voyagers by Cold Steel might fit the bill. What else? What about Kabar Mules? Striders?

Please advise.

Oh yeah..blade play drives me nuts:mad:
 
The Queen Mountain Man is bound to come up any minute. I was advised of how great it was here on the forum, and bought one. I must agree. If you're OK carrying a BIG pocketknife, and aren't into the newfangled styles (I am not) it is one great knife.

It was stolen out of my truck last week though. I'm crying on the inside.:grumpy:
 
my Hinderer does just fine in the woods!:D:D


one a serious note the benchmade ritter grips designed by outdoor survivalist Doug Ritter would be a good choice. they are quite capable folders with a tough (bm axis) lock no blade play. they can be had for around the $100 dollar mark.:thumbup:
 
Two great responses so far... thanks. I do not feel like I really need anything like D2 or BG-42 steel wise as I would like to be able to resharpen without it being a big ordeal.
 
I hear good things about the Kabar Dozier Large Folding Hunter. It seems to be a solid, well-built, inexpensive, classic drop point folder.
 
If you want such a large folder that it needs to be worn on your belt, why not just get a fixed blade?

I never understood the large folder concept. Give me a fixed blade any day, folders are for pockets, fixed are for belts.
 
I do not feel like I really need anything like D2 or BG-42 steel
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you could certainly obtian for an even lower cost a standard benchmade Griptillian in the standard 154 cm. 154cm is a bit easier to sharpen than s30v or d2.

I must say that if you have a dimond hone don't be afraid of the so-called super steels I find they touch up rather easily on diamond sharpeners and hones. just my .02:thumbup:
 
BM Rukus if you want a tank, a X-large Voyager if you want something that cuts well and is easier to carry.
 
Striders
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are your referring to the Buck Striders or the semi production ones? there is quite the price difference.

either are very capable. I have used my SNG and AR in the woods and they certainly did not dissapoint. a good freind of mine has a couple of Buck Striders that he edcs and they hold up just fine.
 
Dr. Pepper said:
Two great responses so far... thanks. I do not feel like I really need anything like D2 or BG-42 steel wise as I would like to be able to resharpen without it being a big ordeal.
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My mountain man was 1095.
 
I do not have diamond stones, that is why I am afraid of supersteel.

I guess I was referring to the Buck Striders

I agree with stingray4540 that folders are for really meant for pockets but beltwise a 5-6 inch folder knife is still more comfortable for me than a 10 inch fixed sticking in my hip and slapping my leg. I prefer fixed blades but normally use my folders to "fight" (stupid, I know) my way back to them whether they are at camp, home, truck, backpack or skinning shed.

As for the 1095 Mountain Man, I had read that the quality control was horrible on that run and that most people had to send their knives back because of blade play.

Thanks to all!
 
Al Mar SERE? Blade play may be an issue depending on how badly you abuse it.
How thick do you want the blade? SAK Treker might be an option.
I rarely carry a folder bigger than a SAK Rucksak, but when I do it is the Kershaw spec bump.

Just my .02

Mike
 
I'd recommend that you look at the large Rittergrip -- a heck of a knife. Also, the Spyderco Mini-manix is great too. Both of these are s30v, but it can be sharpened...yes, it really can.

:)
 
wow this is a good thread....
spyderco endura 4
military both para and full size
manix both
goddard
horn
delica 4


benchmade
griptillian mini full and ritter
afck any
pika II both
rukus both

sak's
you choose

opinel's
you choose

queen steel
almost any model

RAT
model 1

Kabar
Dozier models
mule

you know it really boils down to personal choice and knowledge.

if you know what you are comfortable with and the limitations of it it you can be successful in just about any situation.

i have a few folders that i wouldnt be very comfortable with as a bushcraft/woods knife, just because thats what it was never intended to be.
a karambit will suck in the woods for making fuzz sticks next to a rukus.
 
I would go with the BM Ritter Grip full size. I haven't handled one but i have handled other full size grips and they are very light, yet feel stong and secure in the hand, and the lock up is solid with no play. The blade shape on the RSK is an excellenct choice for bushcraft/hiking/camping. plus the axis lock has something like 1,000lbs of back pressure strength.

The kabar mule is a bad choice. My friend had one that would unlock all the time and even cut him a few times. he sent it back and got a new one that locks slightly better but can still slip easily.
 
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