I have recently acquired a Cold Steel Ultimate hunter folding knife, and really like it. It has a good feel to the handle, a solid lockup in what CS calls their "rocker lock", and a good thick blade. I am also looking at their American Lawman model and their Recon model folders. Yet these two have a very different grip configuration, so I wonder if any of you have experience with the Recon or Lawman and could comment on their handle design for comfort and use? In addition, is their "rocker lock" as strong as it seems, and is their any other heavy duty folder with as good a lockup system? say the Spyderco enduro? or others? Is the Benchmade Axis lock as strong as the Cold Steel Rocker lock?
The locks on the older versions like that are solid lock backs. Never had any complaints.
The new triad lock is stronger than just about anything I can think of. I would put it up against any other locking mechanism out there, including 1000+ dollar frame locks.
The American lawman has a big following.
I have one Triad Lock, and it has an issue with the locking spring creeping forward. It is an earlier version, one of the Black Rhino's.
I need to send it back for a new one.
The Recon 1 is also going to be a super strong design. It is a big blade and plenty of handle.
I have an old Recon 1 with the zytel handles. It has held up amazingly well.
It has a completely different locking mechanism. Which is really strong, but not as strong as the Axis lock.
For the money (if you shop around) you will have a hard time finding a stronger knife for the money.
The steel is a basic stainless. Aus8A is not a super steel, but it is a solid stainless. It is pretty tough (from my personal experience) and holds up well to heavier use (heavier than I would normally subject a folder to).
The VG1 stainless in that hunter will be a great steel for edge retention. I was impressed with the knife I had in the same steel. It seemed to hold an edge very well.
