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

Have you looked at the retribution? I know the large handle turns some people off, but if you actually hold one, it feels comfortable. Here are some pics along side a Mini Manix (not really so mini)
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If I may inquire, is there any particular reason you are focusing specifically on folders? In a "bet my life on it" situation I think I would have to go with a fixed blade.
 
I'm sure you've got your reasons for specifying a folder and not a fixed blade. Hopefully, you already have a fixed blade or an axe, hatchet, etc... If you don't, then you might consider a combination of the two. I always carry a folder in my pack and a fixed blade on my belt. Fixed is the "all-arounder", folder is for light duty and backup if the fixed blade gets lost somehow. As you know, being efficient in a survival situation is important and this combo lend itself towards max. efficiency.

All that being said, I have some personal criteria for my outdoor folders. Lockback or framelock, with an extremely reliable mechanism. Linerlocks can get clogged with crap under the liner. You also don't want to risk accidentally cutting yourself in the middle of nowhere, which is why lockup reliability is important. I like a lockback the best, as it also holds the blade closed better than liner locks or framelocks. However, a good framelock in a pouch is fine. Whether your knife has a pocket clip or not is meaningless. The easiest way to lose it in the wild is to clip it on your pocket. Just not the greatest habit to get into. Another thing I look for is basic structural integrity. Never had a problem with a production knife. Believe it or not, I've had problems with certain customs. Depending on how it's designed, the pivot screw tension can affect the stiffness / looseness of the blade movement. You can't tighten these screws down tight, or your knife won't work right. I've had knives that had pivot screws loosen up at times when I didn't have a wrench to adjust them. Not in the wild, but just "around town". Not a knife that I would take out to the middle of nowhere. These are mostly linerlocks and this is more common with customs than you might think. Lastly, you're not carrying it around town in the pocket of your business suit, so go with a fairly large folder, in a pouch.

My choice, in your shoes, would be a large Sebenza with a BG-42 blade, carried in a pouch. For pure custom, a Mayo TNT, with a 154-CM blade would be a great choice. A little more than $500, but an excellent knife. Other than that, as Anthony said, a Spyderco Manix is an excellent choice. Also, any quality custom fairly large lockback or framelock of your choice would work fine.

Pete
 
bluejaunte - - thank you very much for your comments. - - AV8R - your observations were extremely helpful & I appreciate your taking the time to make them - I have a fixed blade suitable for the task - a Chris Reeve Mountaineer II which is one of his one piece knives, with 5 1/2" blade. This would be my primary knife. I also carry a light folding saw. The folder would be for lighter duty tasks, but I want it to be strong enough to be a good back up if needed.
I appreciate everyone's outstanding advice about this piece of equipment that could be vital to me in an emergency. I came to the Custom Forum to specifically ask about custom knives, but to also get opinions from those that I imagine have "climbed the ladder" from production to high end production, and then to custom knives - and have a realistic overview of the differences between these categories & the actual field performance of the same. At this point, I am leaning toward the large Sebenza. Many here have mentioned it as a solid choice, and with my limited knife knowledge & the fact that it can be purchased in a short time frame - this may be the best choice for me personally. I am intrigued by what I have heard here about some of the custom makers, but I can tell that it will take much more homework before I could make an intelligent decision there. I have come across custom knives (at internet websites) that certainly 'look' like they may be up to the tasks, but I haven't yet developed the knowledge to evaluate them if I held them in my hand. Developing this know how looks like it will be an interesting and enjoyable process in itself, and I look forward to it. I may, (or may not), very well have a different knife - a custom folder, in my pocket a year from now. - - I am also quite tempted to also pick up a Manix in addition to the Sebenza because of all the recommendations. The price is so reasonable. I would put it to the test and see what its lock can do. (BTW - is it a 'lockback' design ? Is that what makes it strong? - As you can tell, while I'm not new to using knives, I am when it comes to their design & construction. ) Thanks again to everyone & all the best, - -
 
This IS the CUSTOM knife section! Therefore, there is NO need to discuss PRODUCTION knives here! Take the production discussion to the general knife forum.
 
TheKnifeCollector said:
This IS the CUSTOM knife section! Therefore, there is NO need to discuss PRODUCTION knives here! Take the production discussion to the general knife forum.
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This IS the Custom Knife Forum, and he asked a question that encompasses both customs AND production knives. Therefore, there IS a reason to discuss both.

Unfortunately, the "masses" in General do not have the knowledge base required to discuss the merits of both equally.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Here are some sites that are GREAT to deal with, for buying custom knives.
1. The Knife Cellar
http://www.theknifecellar.com/
2. Steel Addiction
http://www.steeladdictionknives.com/sitelanding/
3. Only Fine Knives
http://www.onlyfineknives.com/index.php
4. NC Blades
http://www.ncblades.com/storefront/index.php
5. Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/
6. True North Knives
http://truenorthknives.com/tnk_1mainframe.htm
7. EDC Knives
http://www.edcknives.com/index.php
8. Moore Custom Cutlery
http://www.moorecutlery.com/
9. Plaza Cutlery
http://www.plazacutlery.com/
 
Kohai999 said:
This IS the Custom Knife Forum, and he asked a question that encompasses both customs AND production knives. Therefore, there IS a reason to discuss both.

Unfortunately, the "masses" in General do not have the knowledge base required to discuss the merits of both equally.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Thank you Steven - - yes, I was contemplating a high end production (Sebenza) that approaches or even exceeds the makers price for some customs. I wanted to see if I might better be served with a custom knife, so posted here for suggestions in that regard. I appreciate getting input from custom buyers who have perhaps built up their own personal knowledge base by going from production, to high end production, and to then custom knives. (I'm talking about knowledge & experience - - just writing a bigger check is easy.) I was wondering if someone here might say "Heck if youre looking at spending X on a Sebenza, you might as well get a Y custom, its much more knife for the about the same money." Posting this in any other forum does not accomplish that in my opinion. Getting such input on a knife that won't be merely looked at on a shelf, but on which my life may depend upon some day, - warranted asking the most experienced, I believe.
Thank you & Best Regards, - - -
 
TheKnifeCollector said:
Here are some sites that are GREAT to deal with, for buying custom knives.
1. The Knife Cellar
http://www.theknifecellar.com/
2. Steel Addiction
http://www.steeladdictionknives.com/sitelanding/
3. Only Fine Knives
http://www.onlyfineknives.com/index.php
4. NC Blades
http://www.ncblades.com/storefront/index.php
5. Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/
6. True North Knives
http://truenorthknives.com/tnk_1mainframe.htm
7. EDC Knives
http://www.edcknives.com/index.php
8. Moore Custom Cutlery
http://www.moorecutlery.com/
9. Plaza Cutlery
http://www.plazacutlery.com/
Click to expand...


Thank you for the links. I had actually seen them posted somewhere else and checked them all out before posting my question. Unfortunately they don't provide a lot of education for evaluating various custom knives for one just starting out. But, I look forward to getting deeper into the subject and buying my first custom before the year is out. It will likely be a fixed blade suitable for small game & fishing use. - -
 
Anthony Lombardo said:
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.
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Similar sentiments here, although I've never been able to hold any of the Hawk's designs. However, from what I've read and seen, it has the disctinct advantage of being sealed from anything potentially disruptive or corrosive, plus they're said to be a bit overbuilt too.

Oh yeah, I'm really suprised nobody's mentioned the EXTREMA RATIO folders yet (thick folding prybars also with a "military" strong lock back).
 
Please don't misunderstand me, I am a HUGE CRK fan!!! I think the Sebenza IS the best production knives out there!!!!
 
TheKnifeCollector said:
Please don't misunderstand me, I am a HUGE CRK fan!!! I think the Sebenza IS the best production knives out there!!!!
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Just ordered a Lg Classic Sebenza Micarta w/ double thumb studs that should get here tomorrow :D
Have also started looking at some Dozier fixed blades to start out with in the custom area. (Plus a Dozier folder, but it was a little too nice and a bit out of my comfort range $ wise to use as a hard everyday user. Maybe that'll change in the future though. )
Oh this hobby is gonna be fun !
All the best, - - -
 
Congrats on getting a Sebbie!! By the way, there IS a Chris Reeve section here under Manufacturers Forums.

I have had the opportunity to handle some of Grant & Gavin Hawks' knives, and they are incredible!! I a particularly fond of the M.U.D.D. knife.
 
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