Hard use folder

adinb114

adinb114

Joined
Feb 25, 2011
Messages
651
what would be your number one recomendation for a Mid-priced ($50-$150) hard use folder, with emphasis on lock strength, and good blade quality (Edge retention) ability to use for edc, and comfort in hand for prolonged use.
 
I would say the gayle bradley, if you aren't worried about stainless steel it is a perfect hard use edc blade imo.
 
Yep, Gayle Bradley is good. Some others.

1. ZT 0200
2. ZT 030x series
3. Cold Steel Recon 1, American Lawman, Spartan, Ak-47.
 
Cold Steel Recon 1, American Lawman or AK-47. I would also toss in A Spyderco Manix2 and anything ZT.
 
adinb114 said:
what would be your number one recomendation for a Mid-priced ($50-$150) hard use folder, with emphasis on lock strength, and good blade quality (Edge retention) ability to use for edc, and comfort in hand for prolonged use.
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Give us a few examples of hard use.

Cutting wood?

Cutting cardboard?

Driving nails?


I always see people use the term "hard use" but they never define it.
 
Any of the above CS and ZT, maybe throw in a Chokwe(Be careful with that tip though).

Too bad those SM3 Voyagers were canceled, They seem to fit your needs exactly.
 
For edge retention and durability, the Gayle Bradley can't be beat. It falls behind in ergonomics, though. The ZT 0200 has fantastic ergonomics and is strong, but the edge retention isn't anywhere near as good as the Gayle Bradley's. It has decent edge retention compared to any other knife in its price range, though.
 
Batty said:
Give us a few examples of hard use.

Cutting wood?

Cutting cardboard?

Driving nails?


I always see people use the term "hard use" but they never define it.
Click to expand...

A folding fixed blade (If there is such a knife), light batoning, cutting thick plastic, cutting branches, Etc.
Anyways, i use my forehead for pounding nails.
 
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adinb114 said:
I know, but a man can dream, can't he.
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For silly toughness in a cheap folder, the Tri-ad lock knives from Cold Steel get good reviews.
Edge holding won't be up to the level of the Gayle Bradley though.
If you want a knife to beat the hell out of though, the Cold Steel Tri-ad lock models may be what you're looking for, especially in the specified price range.
Although I'd take a Spyderco Chinook 3 instead, but it's near the top of the price range you've listed. Might not be QUITE as tough, but it's pretty damn tough, with good edge retention.:thumbup:
 
Anyone here ever heard of Jim Ankerson he does hard use test and the spyderco manix just did not hold up. Cold Steel American Lawman
 
ZT 0200. it will do anything. I have one on me right now, and i will verify that it is excellent. it feels nice, it nolds an edge very well, and the liners, together, are close to or as thick as the blade. it will not fail. for real hard use, ZT 0300. chunky version of the 0200.
 
MikeC said:
Anyone here ever heard of Jim Ankerson he does hard use test and the spyderco manix just did not hold up. Cold Steel American Lawman
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Nope, never heard of him. :confused:

To the OP: if you're really intent on batoning with a folder, I have to agree with what others have said about the CS Tri-Ad Lock folders. They're probably your best bet in terms of a lock design that is self-adjusting to some degree and is built to transfer forces to parts of the knife that are better able to bear them. And they're cheap enough that you'll have enough money left over to get a good fixed blade and use that for batoning instead. :p
 
In my view, the American Lawman is hard to beat when it comes to overall toughness. And darn near impossible to beat when price is factored in. The Lawman would be my recommendation for you.
 
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