Good folders that will last a long time?

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baliflipper02

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Aug 27, 2014
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Any suggestions on good folders that last a long time? this is kind of vague, but knives that are kind of like crk or strider? buy quality, you buy once, right? I'm looking for something with a blade around 3 inches btw. thanks in advance!:thumbup:
 
Honestly, a $30 Rat 2 will last you a long, long time with a bit of care and maintenance. Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight would be another option.
 
I would expect that most Spyderco or Benchmade models would last as long as CRK or Strider under normal use. There is discussion about wear of various lock types but no good evidence that the lock on a good knife will wear significantly over its lifetime. Of course CRK isn't immune to wear either and I hear that CRK will void the warranty if you flip the knife open. Spyderco doesn't say anything about that and Benchmade makes assisted knives that open harder than you can flip the average knife. I'm sure fans of different brands will argue for them and against other brands. I don't own a CRK or Strider but I do carry and use Spyderco and Benchmade knives.

The only thing I can think of about the manufacture of the CRK is that they use high precision grinding so you might expect their pivots to last longer without developing blade play. Whether this is a factor in longterm use or not I don't know. Another thing- CR says that the geoemetry he uses in his hollow ground blades allows them to be sharpened many times without the edge becoming excessively thick. Strider doesn't seem to have grinds like this, some Spyderco models do, I don't recall any of the Benchmade knives that I'm interested in being like this.

The biggest problem with developing statistics on long term use is that knife enthusiasts are somewhat fickle and most of us either don't keep a knife all that long or we have so many knives to use that most of them don't get used that much. I used to buy a knife and carry it for a year or two, then buy another knife, etc. These days I have a group of knives that I like and so each one gets carried only 3 or 4 days each month. They will last a long time that way. I can understand you wanting to buy a good knife that will last a long time but will you use it exclusively for a long time or will you be like the rest of us and buy other knives that you can't resist?

But back to your question, one of the best knives I could recommend to you would be the Spyderco Sage 2. It has Ti frame and the integral lock very similar to CRK knives.
 
If your willing to go with a longer blade length, check out the ZT 0200. It's rock solid and will last.
 
I think you already named two of the best. The production folders that I'd add to the list are ZT, Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, Hinderer......
 
bdmicarta said:
The biggest problem with developing statistics on long term use is that knife enthusiasts are somewhat fickle and most of us either don't keep a knife all that long or we have so many knives to use that most of them don't get used that much. I used to buy a knife and carry it for a year or two, then buy another knife, etc. These days I have a group of knives that I like and so each one gets carried only 3 or 4 days each month. They will last a long time that way. I can understand you wanting to buy a good knife that will last a long time but will you use it exclusively for a long time or will you be like the rest of us and buy other knives that you can't resist?
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for right now, i wanna buy a really, really good folder to last me for a year or two till i can afford to start buying knives more often. have you had any benchmades that you've liked?
 
Any folder with a tri ad lock will last long.

I also carried the Rat 1 for the whole summer of 2013 and put it through a lot of usage with no problems.

The cheapest folder I had that proved it was the toughest was the Kershaw Tremor.
 
Since you don't mention a budget, how about a crk or a strider?

Small sebbie 21 is right around 3".
 
Look at the Spyderco line of knives, also there's the Zero Tolerance line, believe it or not, Kershaw USA knives are durable and will be reliable for many years. With proper use and care, most knives will be reliable for a long time. It's the abuse that kills the life of any knife
 
Any folder made by an established maker as named by everyone above will last a long time.
Likely longer than you. About the only knives that may not last a long time are ones priced
at $10 or less, and/or counterfeits.
 
baliflipper02 said:
I've been considering it, how have you liked yours?
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Never owned a strider. Had a small 21 insingo that I really loved the design of. It was well worth the money, construction and F&F were second to none but my tastes changed and I got rid of it.

If the time comes that I want another I wouldn't hesitate if the funds allow.
 
My kershaw Leek is going on six years.... Preference and marterials make up a lot. My Leek wont do a lot of stuff a Sebby will, but its still lasting just fine.
 
Spyderco Delica and the Benchmade mini Griptillian are two very affordable knives that are great for daily carry.
 
I have quite a few production folders that are over 30 years old and show no sign of reaching the end of their service life.
I've worn down the ball detent on only one cheap liner locking knife after 20 years of use.
If you buy a knife from a respected company , with a good warranty, you'll do fine.
 
Good news, there's a ton of great folders at all prices that will fit that need. Look for something with solid construction and that thins out well-before the edge and you should get tons of use before needing a new one if ever.

For this in particular I like the spyderco full flat ground blades. They are a bit of an acquired taste but their wide flat blades allow a lot of resharpening. Byrd lineup has some ridiculous budget deals as well.
 
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