Recommendation? Harduse folder choices?

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Glenn056

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Hi everybody! Long time since I last posted (RIP BF in Tapatalk)
I would like you guys to help me pick out a harduse folder of these 3 choices please (maybe some extra options by you guys?)
Emerson Vindicator
Dpx Hest 2.0
ZT301

The cheapest of the bunch being the Hest then the Emerson then the ZT being the most expensive. Not much of a difference though.
I'm just looking for a folder than is reliable for EDC, tough enough for light prying aswell (gasp). I've heard mixed opinions on the Emerson and Hest, and not too sure if the ZT would be still available from my retailer when i get the funds in the near future.

Ps, never had an experience with Dpx gear and Emersons. And not looking for Cold Steels nor Benchmades and ball bearing folders for now
 
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I have had a great experience with ZT, so I would recommend them first. HEST second, because they seem like absolutely tanks. Emerson last because they're overpriced for what they are. Plus, ZT makes multiple Emerson folders in much better steel/materials/locks/fit and finish than Emerson themselves. So there's that.
 
RemyKaze said:
I have had a great experience with ZT, so I would recommend them first. HEST second, because they seem like absolutely tanks. Emerson last because they're overpriced for what they are. Plus, ZT makes multiple Emerson folders in much better steel/materials/locks/fit and finish than Emerson themselves. So there's that.
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The thing im worried about the Hest 2.0s are their lockup. I heard theyre pretty soft and wear quick? Im not worried about sticky locks but im worried about possible lock rock.
 
Emerson Vindicator, I have one, and would never sell it. Ergos are amazing, and fit and finish is great.
 
My choices woudl be in this order; Emerson, Zt, Hest
1. I have always had good experiences with Emersons. I have owed about 6 of them. I still own my top three; Horseman, mini commander, mini cqqc-7
2. Zt and Kershaw have amazing CS and they will be there for you if you have a problem.
3. No experience with the Hest
 
I'm a huge ZT fan, the 300 was my first one. However, I find it a bit heavy and bulky for EDC unless you always wear jeans or cargo pants. Other ZT models are more pocket friendly and just as strong.

The Vindicator is a great knife. I've been carrying mine for the past few days. Emerson nails ergonomics on folding knives, but I feel that ZT makes a better Emerson than Emerson. They take his excellent designs and add better materials, better fit and finish, at a similar price point.

I can't speak about the HEST since I don't own one.

To be honest, if you need a super tough folder, look at Cold Steel's Tri Ad lock knives. They're probably stronger than ZT's framelocks and Emerson's linerlocks.

If the choice is only between the three you listed, I'd lean towards the Vindicator in spite of my love for ZT just because it is easier to carry than de 301 and the wave opening rocks.
 
I dunno about abusing folders, to be honest.

I don't myself see the point in buying an expensive knife and beating it up where there could be a more appropriate tool or a cheaper option.

For the record, I usually carry an SAK and some sort of Emerson. If I have to do something brutal, I usually look to the other issued tools I have first (why break or wear my personal kit, when work budgets for this?)
 
One thing I appreciate about Emersons is their tips are often thick enough for light prying. However they sometimes come woth lockstick (not a problem in my eyes it will break in and stop) or lockslip (huge problem requiring the knife to be sent in).


However both the HEST and ZT you chose have stout tips that can probably handle some light prying themselves.

I have only handled HESTs at my local shop. However they are made by Lionsteel which I have a Sr1a and a Lionspy from. The Lionspy came with a terrible edge I still haven't been able to get truly sharp. The SR1a came great.
 
A thick AUS8 knife like OKC and Cold Steel make, will handle prying well and are valued priced enough you won't mind pushing them hard. If you are only interested in the 3 you listed, definitely the ZT301.
 
As echoed above in some posts - Prying with anything that has a frame lock and bearings is just a silly idea all together, yeah the blade might be thick but you'll stress the hell out of the other components. If you want hard use folders that can pry with locks that won't slip out from unexpected torquing on the blade/pivot, look at Cold Steels offerings or possibly a Benchmade Adamas. Thick blade stock man jewelry knives are not for hard work and prying, they're more for looks and appreciation. My recommendation would be an Adamas or a Cold Steel SR1. Here's a small spine thickness comparison of some common folders and some hard users, from left to right - Buck 110, Cold Steel 4max, Cold Steel SR1, Sebenza 21, Benchmade Adamas.

**EDIT** Just noticed you said you're not interested in Cold Steel or Becnhmades, well to be honest, you're cutting out 2 of your best purpose built option folders on the market. You'll have to gamble and take your chances with weaker frame locks that are prone to slipping out during torquing motions since you said you'll be prying. and PS. the DPX hest is notorious for having one of the crappiest frame lock fitments ever, expect lock rock and vertical play shortly after use. Possibly avoid that one at all costs.
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Bel
Mick_1KRR said:
As echoed above in some posts - Prying with anything that has a frame lock and bearings is just a silly idea all together, yeah the blade might be thick but you'll stress the hell out of the other components. If you want hard use folders that can pry with locks that won't slip out from unexpected torquing on the blade/pivot, look at Cold Steels offerings or possibly a Benchmade Adamas. Thick blade stock man jewelry knives are not for hard work and prying, they're more for looks and appreciation. My recommendation would be an Adamas or a Cold Steel SR1. Here's a small spine thickness comparison of some common folders and some hard users, from left to right - Buck 110, Cold Steel 4max, Cold Steel SR1, Sebenza 21, Benchmade Adamas.

**EDIT** Just noticed you said you're not interested in Cold Steel or Becnhmades, well to be honest, you're cutting out 2 of your best purpose built option folders on the market. You'll have to gamble and take your chances with weaker frame locks that are prone to slipping out during torquing motions since you said you'll be prying. and PS. the DPX hest is notorious for having one of the crappiest frame lock fitments ever, expect lock rock and vertical play shortly after use. Possibly avoid that one at all costs.
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Believe me i did think about the Adamas. Problem is, i can't get any benchmades over from my usual retailer (I live in southeast asia) and i like framelocks and linerlocks more than the triad lock from CS and ball bearing locks from Spyderco even though they are way stronger. Something about them i just like. I love cold steel, but recently have been yearning to try out other stuff, namely titanium framelocks or other linerlocks. Just me. Ive abused some framelocks just for fun and for my personal testing, and found them to be really strong for me, which is icing on the cake.
 
ZT 0301 all the way.
It has a solid pivot, stout blade and it has a strong frame lock. The weight and spring assisted opening can be an issue.

DPX is ok but they have teflon washers and they're known to have lock rock and lock stick.

Emerson would be last because of the liner lock, wave feature and subpar construction.
 
Glenn056 said:
Bel

Believe me i did think about the Adamas. Problem is, i can't get any benchmades over from my usual retailer (I live in southeast asia) and i like framelocks and linerlocks more than the triad lock from CS and ball bearing locks from Spyderco even though they are way stronger. Something about them i just like. I love cold steel, but recently have been yearning to try out other stuff, namely titanium framelocks or other linerlocks. Just me. Ive abused some framelocks just for fun and for my personal testing, and found them to be really strong for me, which is icing on the cake.
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No worries mate, that's totally fair enough, if you're in the mood for a certain type of knife then i hope you find the sweet spot for what you're looking for. Just wanted to point out as much info as i could to try help. Best of luck.
 
Honestly, prying with anything that has moving parts is a bad idea unless it was made for it.. I'd get a cutter and then something pry separately. The Multitool option is a VERY good one.

Carried a Leatherman Charge for years. You can beat on those things for decades and they'll still fix or replace anything that you break. Pure tools.
 
Thanks everyone for your help, and just to say the prying isn't anything serious, just like prying open a can or something minor. Thanks!
 
Mick_1KRR said:
No worries mate, that's totally fair enough, if you're in the mood for a certain type of knife then i hope you find the sweet spot for what you're looking for. Just wanted to point out as much info as i could to try help. Best of luck.
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But wow seeing that SR1 again makes me have some second thoughts! Haha
 
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