Help Me Choose an Outdoor/Survival Folder!!

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woodentsick

Joined
Apr 27, 2009
Messages
28
Hey guys,

I'm looking for an outdoor/survival/bushcraft folding knife, and I'm really exact about the specs. Here are my requirements:

3.5 to 4 Inches (8.9 to 10.3 cm) Blade Length
Sturdy Locking Liner
Something like G-10 on the handle
Sabre Grind or Flat Grind ONLY - NO BENCHMADE GRIP PLEASE!
Steel Liners
A good steel like VG-10 or S30V, not something like 440C/AUS8
Drop/Spear/Clip Point with Straight Edge
Lanyard Hole
At Least 5/32 inches thick blade

I would appreciate it if someone found a knife which has these specs,

Thanks!!
 
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Not to be critical, but your question might be better asked:

Can anyone recommend a folding knife, 3.5 to 4", that I plan on using for X, Y, and Z?

Your focus is so narrow that it doesn't allow you learn from other people's experiences (there are 1000's of hours of outdoor experience here:thumbup:). I personally carry a small fixed blade Busse (Game Warden, Cultie, or Muskrat) and a Leatherman Wave.
 
What BushcraftBrainTrust said. I do not know all the tech details of the Buck Alpha Hunter that I won here on WS&S. I can tell you that it is sturdy, locks up tight and has a pretty hefty blade. It will dig an arrow out of a stump, shaves kindling, works great for roughing out whittling projects and food prep.

A Buck 110 probably does not have many of the features that you want, but it is reasonably priced and makes a great companion to a SAK.
 
Check out a Al Mar SERE 2000. I believe it meets most if not all, of those criteria.

I had one for a while and its an excellent knife, it was just a bit heavier than I preferred for EDC use. If I was looking at a substitute for a fixed blade in the woods though, this would be high on my list.
 
Jeff Randall did a nice write up in the March 09' TK Mag on the Bladetech PH Magnum Hunter and I have to say if you don't get an Al Mar Sere 2000 like Tim said, get this one.

IMG_3953.jpg


 
Doesn't meet all of your requirements but it does meet several is the Buck Vantage Pro. S30V blade, G10 handle, liner lock. I saw one at Bass Pro in Nashville for $45. I was tempted to buy it, but I didn't (at least not yet). You might check it out or see if anyone here has some real world experience with it.
 
Emerson's fit the bill, although you may want to get them reprofiled for a regular V-grind...
A100
CQC-10

I don't have a good picture of the A100 at hand, but my CQC-10 is in the center:

RangeDay-7.jpg


Al Mar's SERE is a good option as well. I like Benchmade's Mini Ruckus, but the handle isn't the most comfortable for most bushcrafting tasks. Another nice option is the Benchmade/HK 14205...good spear pointed blade and a very comfortable handle (if a bit too small).

I'll snap some pictures shortly...

ROCK6
 
Below is the MSRP $75 Buck #347 Vantage Pro with a BM-635. The Buck's blade is a little short at 3.25", but otherwise, it hits most of your criteria... and it's delivered with that bargain-priced S30V blade sharp, too.

IMG_3515.jpg


Stainz
 
That Buck #347 actually looks quite nice!:thumbup:

Here's another picture...not the best quality, but give you an idea of size:

BushcraftFolders.jpg


Most are 1/8" instead of 5/32"...not sure about your issue with the full liner. I like them too, but I've used the Spyderco Military and Para-Military in much hasher conditions than woodsbumming and bushcrafting and they've held up just fine...

ROCK6
 
I've had a ton of folders, never really used them for much, always relied on SAKs and fixed blades. The three that I kept were the Benchmade Ritter Grip, assorted Sebenzas, and a Spyderco Military. The Sebs are expensive, but if you can find a used one cheap, they are worth every penny. The Axis lock in my Ritter Grip is tough, as is the liner lock of my Military. While I really enjoy using the ones above, if I am doing more than a small hike (which is usually the case :( these days), I grab my Victorinox One Hand Trekker. I'm usually not doing much more than making paracord lanyards at breaks, or whittling hiking sticks, though.

One thing to remember, I have to put a drop of Militec in each folder, once in a while, because I get lint etc in the folders. My Striders worked great until I got some lint in them. Toughest frame lock I have carried.

Depending on laws etc, I would carry a small fixed blade in addition to a SAK. I love my folders, really big on Sebs now, and you really don't need more than a SAK for the average time in the woods. But, you know how Murphy is.
 
Doh. I should have thought of the 350, I just finished up a write up on it!

It's slightly short at 3 1/4" though. Otherwise it is pretty much on for the OP's specs.
 
ROCK6 said:
That Buck #347 actually looks quite nice!:thumbup:

Here's another picture...not the best quality, but give you an idea of size:

BushcraftFolders.jpg


Most are 1/8" instead of 5/32"...not sure about your issue with the full liner. I like them too, but I've used the Spyderco Military and Para-Military in much hasher conditions than woodsbumming and bushcrafting and they've held up just fine...

ROCK6
Click to expand...

Good lot of knives there :thumbup:

That Manix is screaming out to me that it wants a new home :D
 
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