Grunt work folder

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fivesense

Joined
Jun 5, 2017
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I EDC a Spyderco PM2 Blurple or a Yojimbo 2 but I use them as intended for slicing and dicing. The blade tips are not built for some of the more grunt style tasks that come up for me during the course of the day, many of which are not necessarily suited even for the many tools on my SAK Swiss Champ (that might be a stretch but I think I just want to buy another knife). I also often carry any variation of Morakniv (Companion, Companion HD, Garberg) but it's less likely I'll carry a fixed blade in business attire.

That said, what should I be considering for a utility folding knife? Perhaps half serrated? Griptilian and Mini Grip come to mind, but what else should I consider? Price from $50-$150, steel from 154cm on up.
 
Sounds like you just want a new knife!

In which case, just buy what you want given the economics of your specific situation and enjoy!

:)
 
Depends on what you do! Define what your grunt work is. However, the right tool for the right job, and if you need something with a strong tip? Are you prying? I don't recommend any folder for a task like that.

But, if you're just aching for a new knife? the mini grip is excellent, but really it just depends on your needs. A minigrip or a grip have plastic handles. Those won't be as strong as the steel and g10 handles on the PM 2, and their tips are similar, so if you do a task which will break a PM 2 tip? Odds are it may break that minigrip or grip tip as well.
 
I have had the same issues with the PM2 and the tip. The knife lends to heavier use than say an endura because of the spine dimensions. I think you have countless options but to help narrow things down I think looking at least a tanto is a more strong gemometry than a ffg. Sheeps foot, drop pints are even better, and for the lower end of your price I'd say maybe look at cold steel, and higher end maybe 20-30 over budget anything made by Osborne at benchmade like the 940, 950 or the contego is a phenomenal geometry for you
 
I de-tipped my blurple PM2, noticed it at the end of the day, couldn't think of anything remotely abusive I did to it that day or the day before. My mini-grip has stood up to worse. What you want though, is the Spyderco Gayle Bradley Folder, often referred to as the 1.
 
Agith said:
Depends on what you do! Define what your grunt work is. However, the right tool for the right job, and if you need something with a strong tip? Are you prying? I don't recommend any folder for a task like that.

But, if you're just aching for a new knife? the mini grip is excellent, but really it just depends on your needs. A minigrip or a grip have plastic handles. Those won't be as strong as the steel and g10 handles on the PM 2, and their tips are similar, so if you do a task which will break a PM 2 tip? Odds are it may break that minigrip or grip tip as well.
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I'd classify my "grunt work" as pretty easy- basic "mini-prying" and twisting (opening a dog or cat food or soup can top). But again, if I go that route, and have decided not to use the awl or flat head on my SAK, it would likely fall to my Mora.
 
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Stolenives said:
Sheeps foot, drop pints are even better, and for the lower end of your price I'd say maybe look at cold steel, and higher end maybe 20-30 over budget anything made by Osborne at benchmade like the 940, 950 or the contego is a phenomenal geometry for you
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Great comments- thank you! I think this is where I need to be looking if I go with a folder.
 
BigKurtHaze said:
I de-tipped my blurple PM2, noticed it at the end of the day, couldn't think of anything remotely abusive I did to it that day or the day before. My mini-grip has stood up to worse. What you want though, is the Spyderco Gayle Bradley Folder, often referred to as the 1.
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I've been looking at the GB 1 and 2. Do you have a preference for the 1 vs. the 2? If so, why?
 
Stolenives said:
I have had the same issues with the PM2 and the tip. The knife lends to heavier use than say an endura because of the spine dimensions. I think you have countless options but to help narrow things down I think looking at least a tanto is a more strong gemometry than a ffg. Sheeps foot, drop pints are even better, and for the lower end of your price I'd say maybe look at cold steel, and higher end maybe 20-30 over budget anything made by Osborne at benchmade like the 940, 950 or the contego is a phenomenal geometry for you
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The Contego fixed sure is an enticing option.
 
Just limiting our options to those in the Spyderco lineup, there are the various combo-edge versions of the Tenacious with black, brown or green handles that all can be had for well under 50 bucks. If you feel it worth it to upgrade to a powder steel like S35VN, then there are always any of the FRN combo-edge Native 5 models to consider, all under a hundred bucks. A Native 5 I wouldn't precisely regard as a "beater" knife, but neither would I hesitate to take one to a wad of hardened chewing gum stuck on a (smooth) concrete sidewalk. That's something I might not think of doing with the Lil' Vallotton I'm presently carrying.

Of course, if you aren't terribly committed to having a Spydie hole in your next knife, then there are many, many other brands and options to think about.
 
I'm purposely "uncommitted" as I love to learn new steel, regardless of the manufacturer. I don't yet have S35V though, and was drooling over the Native 5 earlier this evening.
 
Well, if you want a folder along the lines of an American tanto and overbuilt like a Ruger firearm, then I suggest you look at the Ruger 2-Stage flipper models designed by Robert Carter and produced by CRKT. There are two sizes, both available with combo-edge blades and both employing blade stock quite a bit thicker than any Spyderco combo-edge Native. Warning: I'm not exaggerating when I describe them as overbuilt; the larger version weighs about a half pound and the smaller one edges over 6-1/2 ounces. One good thing though, for all that mass neither model will lighten your wallet much as both run under 50 bucks. At that price it doesn't make me cry, but a possible deal breaker for some is the humble 8Cro13MoV blade steel you have to settle for.
 
Deltadag said:
Well, if you want a folder along the lines of an American tanto and overbuilt like a Ruger firearm, then I suggest you look at the Ruger 2-Stage flipper models designed by Robert Carter and produced by CRKT. There are two sizes, both available with combo-edge blades and both employing blade stock quite a bit thicker than any Spyderco combo-edge Native. Warning: I'm not exaggerating when I describe them as overbuilt; the larger version weighs about a half pound and the smaller one edges over 6-1/2 ounces. One good thing though, for all that mass neither model will lighten your wallet much as both run under 50 bucks. At that price it doesn't make me cry, but a possible deal breaker for some is the humble 8Cro13MoV blade steel you have to settle for.
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Now that is quite interesting. I'd never have even looked it up, but I'm intrigued. I've had blades with 8Cro13MoV and I felt they were quite functional. They take some maintenance, but I don't mind one bit. I'd like to handle the Ruger 2-stage.
 
My first thought would be any number of the Cold Steel offerings. American Lawman, Recon1,Voyager or Code4 for example.

And like BigKurt, I have been known to suggest the Gayle Bradleys on occasion. Probably the GB1 for you. Or a GB2
Or a 940 for that matter. :)
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fivesense said:
Now that is quite interesting. I'd never have even looked it up, but I'm intrigued. I've had blades with 8Cro13MoV and I felt they were quite functional. They take some maintenance, but I don't mind one bit. I'd like to handle the Ruger 2-stage.
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Nothing really wrong with 8Cr13MoV if you accept it for what it is. I like Emersons, so it's no big surprise I like their Kershaw Emerson range and one of my favourite beaters is the CQC-8K, but I almost always carry an SAK too, so that's really my prybar etc. But... Um... I have to say the Emerson chisel grind on the show side actually works quite well for opening tins. If you're right handed.

The Cold Steel triad locks look interesting. What's on my want list there is the Spartan which looks massive (and the frenzy which just looks evil and fragile and thus probably not what you want).
 
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you're asking for either a

CS Folder with TriAd, really tough and durable construction, sturdy handles, nice but strong tip
(AK47, Recon 1, Code 4, Voyager, Rajah III, Swift) and quality steel

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most of them under $100, very dependable hard-working tools and utility folders

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or on the Spydie line, one that's very simiñar to the PM2 size and shape-wise, but with stronger and thicker tip, ultra tough (bendy, non-chippy) steel, ease of maintenance, and budget price. That's the Pacific Salt.

EB4Y75K.jpg


Spydiehole, top quality FRN, no liners and excellent performance SE!!!
 
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