Heavy duty folder

The 4-Max Scout is a hilariously big, heavy, thick knife that I have zero real practical need for, but I got a deal on it, so I have one. I have the utmost confidence that it is about as "heavy duty" as you can get with a folding knife.
That said, the Recon 1 weighs about half as much as the 4-Max Scout, and is much less brick-like overall. I'd say it would still be tough enough for anything I'd want to do with a folding knife.
 
These are all great suggestions. Honestly, I don’t know what I would use it for. I just have all smaller knives currently, PM3, Benchmade Mini Presidio, Spyderco Efficient, Kershaw Leek, Gerber Gator and the New West Knifeworks Glory Folder that I just wanted something bigger
 
FWIW, IMO, "heavy duty" doesn't necessarily mean BIGGER.

IMO, if you want to stick w/Code Steel, the Code 4 is a "heavy duty" folder that can handle pretty much any task you throw at it at home, work or in the bushes.

It is currently made w/a S35VN steel blade but it was previously made w/CTS-XHP (which is what mine has) which is "arguably" better than S35VN. So, if you want a CTS-XHP balde, you'll have to find one on the 2ndary mkt.

BTW, I just sold a LionSteel SR1 which is made w/D2 steel. It is also a heavy duty knife and I love the styling of LionSteel knives but I found the handle felt too "blocky" in my hand and, if you actually use the knife, D2 will require a little more maintenance because it is not very rust resistant.
 
In what I'd consider the "heavy duty" folder category, one of my favorites is the Benchmade Contego, though if you're looking for a woods knife I can't really recommend it. The jimping is pretty extra and would chew up almost any ungloved hand in a long session of use. Another personal favorite, the Spyderco Military, is a much better cutter if you're willing to give up a bit of robustness in the blade, particularly the tip, but still more than stout enough to survive anything most people would (or should) contemplate doing with a folder unscathed.

If you're just wanting to check out a larger knife and doing stuff that's questionable to do with folders isn't necessarily on the agenda, I'd recommend checking out the ZT 0452 or 0462 depending on your personal taste. They're both big knives that still carry very small in the pocket since they're so light and narrow. I haven't found mine to be at all weak by any stretch of the imagination, they're just not in the category of super overbuilt tactical folders.
 
My Recon 1 and Ultimate Hunter don t have the steel liners of the my AD10, but the thick slabs of g10 that make up the handles seem exceptionally strong. I m not sure the liners of the AD10 and 4Max Scout add enough practical strength to justify the weight, compared to the Recon1 and UH.
 
FWIW, IMO, "heavy duty" doesn't necessarily mean BIGGER.

IMO, if you want to stick w/Code Steel, the Code 4 is a "heavy duty" folder that can handle pretty much any task you throw at it at home, work or in the bushes.

It is currently made w/a S35VN steel blade but it was previously made w/CTS-XHP (which is what mine has) which is "arguably" better than S35VN. So, if you want a CTS-XHP balde, you'll have to find one on the 2ndary mkt.

BTW, I just sold a LionSteel SR1 which is made w/D2 steel. It is also a heavy duty knife and I love the styling of LionSteel knives but I found the handle felt too "blocky" in my hand and, if you actually use the knife, D2 will require a little more maintenance because it is not very rust resistant.
I agree.

Both the Code 4 and American Lawman are very heavy duty. As strong as many heavier knives. Maybe stronger!
 
Depends on your budget but the 4-Max or 4-Max Scout is very hard to beat for toughness - especially the latter in regards to value; likewise for the CS SR1 and SR1 Lite.
When you factor in weight/bulk, then Recon 1 comes into play ... and is a player.
I'm not trying to be a fanboy but when it comes to toughness and especially toughness for value, Cold Steel is hard to beat in folders.
 
Last edited:
...and despite my earlier post (#30, above) I most often carry an XL Cold Steel Voyager, clip point. Were I looking for a stronger version of that, I'd pick up one of the new drop points or tantos...
 
...and despite my earlier post (#30, above) I most often carry an XL Cold Steel Voyager, clip point. Were I looking for a stronger version of that, I'd pick up one of the new drop points or tantos...
I just looked at the Voyager and now that’s on the list with Recon 1, 4Max Scout, SR1, and now I am even thinking of the Buck 110 too. I wish I could just buy all of them!
 
Im gonna go with the Spyderco Carribbean. Strong lock, sturdy handle, and according to Larrin’s data, LC200N is super tough steel.
 
Back
Top