Hard Use Folder

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Apr 3, 2012
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Hey everyone! looking to pick up another hard use folder, preferably less than 5 inches closed. i currently have an Ontario Rat-1 for the heavy use role in my folding knife category, but am in the market for something possibly equally tough, but maybe a bit smaller and lighter.
 
sorry for that! i mean hard use as in daily rope cutting and possibly being used on wood and other hard objects.
 
singularity35 said:
Where's the popcorn?

Cue the fixed blade guys in 5,4,3,2......
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i understand a hard use knife is best if it is a fixed blade, and full tang and all that. but im not asking to be able to baton with this folder. just simply something i can use to carve off some wood and cut rope with and have it stay nice and reliable.
 
is it worth the money? preferably i would like to spent under a hundred, but if this knife truly is worth the cost, it will be seriously considered.
 
Well if you will go a higher than 100

A ZT is an awesome folder

I have a ZT0350 and it feels bomb proof, I honestly think that I couldn't break it with tools (a hydraulic press) or maybe standing on it with it between a couple cinder blocks.


They have a lot of different ones, do some research on the ZT models and you will find a few different sizes.
 
i love the look of the gayle bradley, but would the ZT out perform it in terms of durability of the blade and handle structure?
 
CPM M4 is a first class steel but does require maintenance against rust but edge retention is higher then other steels available under the $100 mark that I am aware off. I have 3 knives in the steel and I use my knives for hard cutting chores.

The other knives worth mentioning is the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Benchmade Bone Collector, Griptilian with D2...those are the first that come to mind.

A Spyderco Endura, Manix 2 or Benchamde Griptilian can also function well for your uses, but one will have to sharpen them a bit more compared to the other steels such as CPM-S30V, D2 and CPM-M4 when used for hard cutting chores.
 
If you're not too concerned with tip strength the Spyderco Manix 2 XL might be worth thinking about. You can't go wrong with the aforementioned ZT 0350 or Spyderco Gayle Bradley.
 
the size of a 110 would be acceptable. but how does the steel of an endura hold up against the 1095 in terms of edge resistance? if im correct the Endura has vg-10 steel?
 
My ZT has a tad weaker steel than the 350

(posted this already) but I've used it to cut a plant away from my Great gramps grave, cut through 2 peaces of Cat 3 power cable, Stiff plastic (lansky stone covers) and it never dulled.
(checked edge under a light)
 
Random Dan said:
If you're not too concerned with tip strength the Spyderco Manix 2 XL might be worth thinking about. You can't go wrong with the aforementioned ZT 0350 or Spyderco Gayle Bradley.
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strength of the tip does not bother me at all, i have other tools for prying, therefore dont feel as though i would have to be tip concious lol.. that soudns funny. tip conscious.. anyways, i also love the look of spydercos, although i have never had one.
 
marthinus said:
Well if you are looking for a good folder that can take some punishment and corrosion resistance is not a big issue have a look at the Spyderco Gayle Bradley.
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I know that a lot of folks here love the G.B. with the M4 blade. I'm certain it's great. I know that one of our members here, jackknifeh (?) is a super proponent of that knife. However, I have the Sprint Manix2 in M4, which is also a big bear of a knife. I've never carried it, as usually I have my PM2 or CQC-7. The question is...(drum-roll) How do these two knives compare for this fellow's needs? I may end up "exchanging" knives if you guys convince that the GB is "ahead" of my Manix2 for EDC. This is a good place to ask for opinions, and it fits in with the OP's question. (and I apologize for the hijack if it doesn't).

shown is Manix2 Sprint Run, with CPM M4 blade along with Caly3 for comparison.

Caly3-Manix2.jpg

Sonny
 
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how much smaller is the GB, not in terms of inches or cm, im talking as in how does it feel to edc in the pocket
 
I put a thread earlier to see if anybody has got a new Mini Recon 1 but it seems like only the tanto version is in stock anywhere and nobody has grabbed one. I think the spear point version will be a popular hard use, small folder.

I wouldn't pay pretty knife price for a user I want to beat up on unless you really need the longer edge retention.
 
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