Hard Use Folder

110417 said:
im generally a plain edge guy due to sharpening skills, or lack there of.. haha
Click to expand...

you can get the in both serrated and non-serrated, I dont know how hard it is to find them, as when I bought mine, the company was just out of stock. I actually wanted the serrations anyways.
 
110417 said:
well sir. that blade you have is mighty good looking.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I really like it. It's a big, beefy knife and plenty tough enough for me. You can also probably get it at around $100. You can get in touch with Kershaw Guy who gives the best prices for ZT's.
 
that sounds like the whole package to me! a good looking blade with a good steel and blade shape, and as you say its plenty tough! i gotta look into his one. thank you for sharing the picture and comments!
 
110417 said:
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.
Click to expand...

blkdelica01-1.jpg


Smaller than a RAT-1 and with better steel, the Spyderco Delica 4 sabre-grind would be a decent choice, imo. I'd opt for a full SE blade for doing a lot of cutting between sharpenings. I know the Delica isn't a tank, but I suppose it all depends on what you mean by 'hard use'... ;)
 
110417 said:
that sounds like the whole package to me! a good looking blade with a good steel and blade shape, and as you say its plenty tough! i gotta look into his one. thank you for sharing the picture and comments!
Click to expand...

Anytime dude. :D
 
Could also get the Spyderco FRN Native that has an S30V blade, I've used one a good amount on tough stuff and think it is an awesome knife for its size and price. Either way the AUS8 blade for Cold Steel folders should be a little better than what the RAT 1 uses if you do want to give one a shot. People who have done a good amount of testing say it holds its edge better than most blades of the same steel.
 
the problem with the native is the pivot pin.. you cant tighten it if bladeplay becomes an issue. the ZT looks great, just a bit heavy looking though.. can a delica handle frequent wood whittling and rope well? i like the blade steel choice, but seems pretty thin..
 
I'm gonna say for a great hard use folder under 100 bucks go for either a spyderco manix 2 or manix 2 xl, both can be had new for under 100 dollars. My suggestion to you also would be to watch the exchange on here and pic up a blem zero tolerance knife or a used one, I've gotten some great deals on the exchange for knives that i couldn't tell weren't brand new.
 
(I wish I could remember who) Someone taught me in these forums many ZT knives are "wave" open able.

You just need to pull back and side so the thumb stud catches your pocket.:)

Takes practice but works perfect and deploys lightning fast
 
Did you look at the Benchmade bone collector? Comes in a large and small and has D2 blade steel. Can also get it with a walnut handle scales if you want a more conventional look. The large could be found for $93 last time I looked.

BM15030_15020.jpg



There is also the Benchmade Rift which is my personal favorite knife design but is a little more at $120. It has 154CM blade steel which Benchmade does pretty good but doesn't hold an edge as long as D2 yet easier to sharpen.

The Spyderco Para 2 should be able to stand up to your EDC activities and can be had right around $100.

I haven't been a fan of most ZT knives though that is mostly personal opinion. I think the 0200 is a liner lock and I just don't trust them anymore though plenty of them hold up great.
 
Have you looked at the Kershaw Junkyard Dog composite? I just ordered one last night for $69 plus shipping. It has a 13C26 blade with a D2 cutting edge fused to it. It only has a flipper, no studs. I like flippers more personally.

7699bcae.jpg
 
Bigfatts said:
Have you looked at the Kershaw Junkyard Dog composite? I just ordered one last night for $69 plus shipping. It has a 13C26 blade with a D2 cutting edge fused to it. It only has a flipper, no studs. I like flippers more personally.

7699bcae.jpg
Click to expand...

i dont like kershaws a whole lot. but that right there is a knife. i want that.
 
Bigfatts said:
Have you looked at the Kershaw Junkyard Dog composite? I just ordered one last night for $69 plus shipping. It has a 13C26 blade with a D2 cutting edge fused to it. It only has a flipper, no studs. I like flippers more personally.
Click to expand...

i dont like kershaws a whole lot. but that right there is a knife. i want that.
 
110417 said:
the problem with the native is the pivot pin.. you cant tighten it if bladeplay becomes an issue. the ZT looks great, just a bit heavy looking though.. can a delica handle frequent wood whittling and rope well? i like the blade steel choice, but seems pretty thin..
Click to expand...

I tend to equate 'hard use' with the frequency in which a knife is used. A knife doesn't necessarily have to be a pocket-brick to withstand a lot of work, in my opinion. Yes, I believe a Delica would be just fine for either whittling or rope-cutting and it would compliment your RAT-1 nicely (there is only a .5mm difference in the spine-thickness of the RAT-1 and the Delica 4, by the way.) If the design appeals to you at all, you ought to give one a try! Lots of different flavours to choose from as well... :thumbup::cool::thumbup:
 
Has a CATRA test ever been done on 154CM and D2? Seems like an objective comparison might be the best place to start.
 
marthinus said:
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.
Click to expand...

Griptilians in M390 are under the $100 mark, when they are available at all.
 
timberweasel said:
I tend to equate 'hard use' with the frequency in which a knife is used. A knife doesn't necessarily have to be a pocket-brick to withstand a lot of work, in my opinion. Yes, I believe a Delica would be just fine for either whittling or rope-cutting and it would compliment your RAT-1 nicely (there is only a .5mm difference in the spine-thickness of the RAT-1 and the Delica 4, by the way.) If the design appeals to you at all, you ought to give one a try! Lots of different flavours to choose from as well... :thumbup::cool::thumbup:
Click to expand...

thats what i love about the delica and enduras. they look really cool and seem very nice to carry. simplistic design yet very functional
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top