Folder for Hard Genl Outdoors Use - $ 500 price range ?

Pointshoot777

Pointshoot777

Joined
Feb 16, 2001
Messages
748
Hi everyone - - - I'm looking for a good solid folder. It will be used outdoors - mainly western U.S. & Alaska- when I'm hiking, camping, fishing, & hunting. I'm looking for something strong & reliable that a guy could "bet his life on" if need be. "Pretty" don't count for this knife. I'm thinking of spending up to about $500, give or take. - - - I've been looking at the Sebenza, but thought I'd check over here on the custom forum to see if you would have any suggestions. (Perhaps I could do better for the same price range ?) Please also make any comments regarding how quickly I could expect to get the particular knife you suggest. I'd like to have it in hand within 2-3 months at least.- - Thank you in advance for any suggestions you can provide. Best regard, - -
 
Look at the Grant Hawk Mudd Knives or the DOG lock pieces. They are absolutely reliable and strong.


In production offerings consider an Axis style lock from Benchmade, Cold Steel or the fine (and indestructible) lockbacks from Spyderco like the Manix. The Large Manix would be ideal for your role.
 
I think the Rick Hinderer XM-18 IS one of the toughest knives out there!! You can find them on the dealers site that carry Rick's knives.
 
Another vote for the Hinderer XM-18, but if you can't find one, you can't go wrong with a large Sebenza. Benchmade's 710 is also very good -and a lot cheaper.
 
I will put in a third vote for the Hinderer XM-18, I have one and I dont think you can find a much tougher folder. That being said you wont go wrong with a Sebenza either. The G&G Hawk Mudd knife is another good knife but the blade seems to me a little thin if you were going to do any prying with it. So if I had to bet my life on one of the three, and I own all three, I would bet it on the XM-18.
 
I've been looking at the XM-18...sounds like a real winner.

In your case, pointshoot777, I think I'd recommend the Manix or even the Paramilitary by Spyderco. One reason is the time-frame you mentioned. I have a Mini-manix in my trekking pack and my wife has the Para in her's. They are solid knives, IMO.

You may be able to get the XM-18 within a few months.

The Sebenza...well, its a possibility too. It can be had in a relatively short period of time.

Good luck.
:)
 
Thanks guys for your suggestions - - and keep 'em coming please ! :) The XM-18 seems pretty tough to find, especially with the Blade mag cover. I've looked at several websites and theyre out. - - - Also, I'm shying away from 'tactical' blades or chisel grind - this will be a general field knife. - - Thanks again, - -
 
from left field comes-drum roll please

yuna knives "hard"

yuna did a destruction test with one when he introduced it-
i have a hinderer 3" xm18 and yunas 3" version will be done any week now

yunaknives_com_401403_l_3600.jpg


this is the 4" version and it looks like its available

http://www.yunaknives.com/index.php?tpid=pro:401403
 
There are already a lot of good suggestions here -- and at some very low prices.

If you can find one, you might consider a Dozier folder. Extremely solid, completely reliable, and very well made. He's not making any new ones, so you'd have to look on the secondary market.
 
Ontario Hossum Retribution, Tops magnum 747 folder, Benchmade Ruckus, Spyderco full size Manix, Ontario XM-1 military folder, Benchmade Skirmish, and (please no flames) value pricing, Cold Steel AK-47 (lots of hype, looks kinda over the top corney, but it is still a decent knife and built pretty tough as far as I have observed. Of these that I have mentioned, I would have to give the nod for toughest folder to the Retribution, .200" thick blade N690Cobalt steel, 1/8" thick titanium liners and lock bar, and excellent micarta handles....it is built like a tank. I don't have any experience with the Hinderer XM-18, grant hawk mudd or dog lock, or the Yuna so I can't speak to them as compared to what I mentioned, but looking at them, I would guess that you couldn't go wrong with any of them.
 
Another vote for the XM-18. Also, have you considered any Strider folders- they are pretty much indestructable as well.
 
cool hand luke - - I mainly wanted to keep away from the tactical blades because many of them seem to focus their design first on their application for fighting (perfectly logical). I'd like a blade design that would work well for genl outdoor use - - perhaps not the absolute optimum tool for each tasks, - but able to hold its own with various fishing, hunting, camp tasks, & in an emergency outdoor survival situation. - - I'm not thrilled with some of the Strider knives I've seen (and I'm definitely no knife expert), only because I've dropped gear in the woods & under low light conditions - - and have lost gear especially easily when it was camo. (Maybe not all the Striders are painted that way.)


Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I was looking at the Sebenza because I'm willing to spend the necessary money for a knife for the outdoors. It could very well be your most important tool - (maybe next to matches/fire starter) in an outdoor emergency. I understand the Sebenza has a frame lock and that is supposed to be much stronger than a liner lock under tough use ? Are the production knives guys are suggesting frame locks ?

Thank you again. You've all been very helpful. All the best, - -
 
If I was going to Alaska or just wanted a heavy duty user I would consider using this one...but not until I get another one for reserve:D


rcfh1ds.jpg
 
Durwood, a perfect choice for a heavy duty, non-tactical folder. I did a quick search and there's not much out there in this catagory.

A lot of production knives being discuss here in the Custom Forum.
 
Durwood - super looking knife. If you mind me asking - does that come in the price range I've outlined ?

sunfishman - - yeah I've done a little checking around (long time user of common brand knives outdoors, but very recently getting deeper into the subject- so am a newbie in that regard) - - From what I've been able to see, the Reeves Sebenza production knife at $400-500 is a very capable frame-lock folder. The custom knives I've seen so far are more costly than this, or if same/lower priced from the maker - - are either hard to get within the 2-3 month time frame I've outlined, or are bid up in the after market. (Hinderer XM-18 is a good example.) The situation seems to be a lot better when it comes to fixed blades vs. folders. Lots of good lower priced 'user' customs there in the under $500 range. - - As I said, I'm a newbie and I was hoping someone could point me to a good non-tactical field knife - a custom that might offer a little more than the Sebenza. Thank you for your input. Regards, - -
 
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