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Help me find my “for life” $300-500 “overbuilt” folder
- Thread starter SharpieB
- Start date
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- Apr 27, 2015
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My 2 are a Spartan Harsey Folder, and a G&G Hawk MUDD.
Both well designed, utilitarian blade, the SHF (aside from mine being an engraved model), is a more basic no frills stout framelock design, the Mudd is a bit more interesting with its sealed pivot, supposed to keep it from getting grime and gunk in it. I haven't personally put it the test but a lot of YouTube videos have.
Fwiw I like both, a lot.
Both well designed, utilitarian blade, the SHF (aside from mine being an engraved model), is a more basic no frills stout framelock design, the Mudd is a bit more interesting with its sealed pivot, supposed to keep it from getting grime and gunk in it. I haven't personally put it the test but a lot of YouTube videos have.
Fwiw I like both, a lot.
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- Oct 31, 2017
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Might go cheap and go with the CS recon 1 in a good steel after a discussion with the owner of the place I buy most of my knives from. He carries one for hard use and they sell Hinderer, CRK and Medford.Tell you what Sharpie, pair that ESEE 6 with a GB1 and you will want for not.
But I don't blame you for wanting something different. Over built folders are mesmerizing to say the least. Looking forward to seeing which one you choose.
Definately adding this crazy looking ESEE 6 that will ensure I don’t lose it in the dark. keeps me under budget too.
GB940Rookie
Gold Member
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- Apr 19, 2016
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The Recon 1 is a great folder. Just sand the scale under the clip a little so it won't tear up your pants. Well worth the effort.Might go cheap and go with the CS recon 1 in a good steel after a discussion with the owner of the place I buy most of my knives from. He carries one for hard use and they sell Hinderer, CRK and Medford.
Definately adding this crazy looking ESEE 6 that will ensure I don’t lose it in the dark. keeps me under budget too.
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Yes! Most definitely, I decided to put gorilla tape under mine (I'm anxious I'll ruin my knife more than it already is). I don't really know if the 4 max has the same issue, but the recon 1 is already pushing my size preference. Enjoy it! Destroy it! (Good luck on that one) And definitely enjoy it in your hand, it truly feels powerful!
SpySmasher
Lead Guitar
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- Sep 1, 2016
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4-Max
I just want to make sure the answer is clear.
It's starting to seem like there might be a common consensus here....I just want to make sure the answer is clear.
The 4max honestly just makes all other "over-built" knives look and feel like toys. Manufacturers need to understand you can't just make scales and edges fatter while keeping the lock bar cutouts for the spring tension on frame locks as skinny little pieces of Ti or steel. Strength comes as a whole package, all other knives next to this one are like bodybuilders with chicken legs.
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- Jan 12, 2009
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- 3,198
Been said a few times on this thread. You will be hard pressed to find a more sturdy, yet very useful knife than the ZT 0909. I have been carrying work knives (construction) for over 40 years of all shapes, sizes and designs. This one fills the bill. Great steel, G10 BOTH sides making it easier to use for extended periods or when wet and sweaty, and the small pocket clip (disdained by many) works quite well and doesn't scream "look at me!" when I am carrying it. If some of my CASE folding knives purchased in the 60s and 70s can hold on in good shape until now, the 0909 might make it another 50 years (seriously...) before problems arise.
I was stunned when it was discontinued. But then I came to my senses and bought another one at a great price in case something happens to this one. You never know, but it just goes to show how useful this knife is to me.
Robert
I was stunned when it was discontinued. But then I came to my senses and bought another one at a great price in case something happens to this one. You never know, but it just goes to show how useful this knife is to me.
Robert
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
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- 21,367
Odd that so few seem to actually use this "ultimate knife" for anything that requires knife toughness...
Apparently all my knives are wimpy toys compared to this godly offering, yet I seem to get more actual use and abuse out of mine.
Come on folks, let's see what it can do!
I know from looking at the construction of it, and from having other Tri-Ad lock knives that it will indeed be a tough knife, but it really does seem funny to hear people proclaim it's strength while showing pictures of perfectly pristine blades that look fresh from the safe.
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- Sep 17, 2007
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- 21,367
The 4-Max probably does tick the boxes for what the OP is mainly looking for, to tell the truth, but it would be neat to show him show pictures of it being used.
More I think about it, the more I want the OP to buy one, but only if he'll share pics or videos of it being used sometimes.
More I think about it, the more I want the OP to buy one, but only if he'll share pics or videos of it being used sometimes.
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- Sep 5, 2006
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- 20,593
I like the 4Max but at over 9 oz. I know I'd never want to carry it. And if I was going to use a blade that hard, I'd just use a fixed blade.
Monofletch
Gold Member
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- Jan 14, 2010
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- 10,339
Different and overbuilt.
Reate Horizon D
Stedemon Bastion
Southern Grind Bad Monkey
Reate Horizon D
Stedemon Bastion
Southern Grind Bad Monkey
It's very true mate, it is odd seeing the 4max in such pristine condition when it's really meant for what you would think are the most extreme tasks that a knife could be used on. I wont lie, i haven't used it for very hard work mostly because it's such a nice piece you almost want to keep it mint, some kind of trophy of knife engineering - I know, it's ridiculous. Plus, i have so many other Tri-ad lock based knives that have already been used for everything and anything, so i just keep using them. Also, fair play to you, i will tip my hat since you're one of the few guys I've seen who actually uses his Medford for work, although Medfords are not my kind of knife, It's good to see one being used for once.Odd that so few seem to actually use this "ultimate knife" for anything that requires knife toughness...
Apparently all my knives are wimpy toys compared to this godly offering, yet I seem to get more actual use and abuse out of mine.
Come on folks, let's see what it can do!
I know from looking at the construction of it, and from having other Tri-Ad lock knives that it will indeed be a tough knife, but it really does seem funny to hear people proclaim it's strength while showing pictures of perfectly pristine blades that look fresh from the safe.
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- Nov 13, 2013
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- 2,577
Definitively not the most overbuilt knives on the market but the large sebenza and Inkosi match thé « for Life » user criteria
I have been very impressed by the robustness of the manual +washers ZT like the 0559 and 0630
At benchmade the adamas is quite impressive
I have been very impressed by the robustness of the manual +washers ZT like the 0559 and 0630
At benchmade the adamas is quite impressive
Odd that so few seem to actually use this "ultimate knife" for anything that requires knife toughness...
Apparently all my knives are wimpy toys compared to this godly offering, yet I seem to get more actual use and abuse out of mine.
Come on folks, let's see what it can do!
I know from looking at the construction of it, and from having other Tri-Ad lock knives that it will indeed be a tough knife, but it really does seem funny to hear people proclaim it's strength while showing pictures of perfectly pristine blades that look fresh from the safe.
You are making an accurate observation, but the same could be said for nearly all knives and posts in this thread! I suppose that means many knives see only light use and are not pushed to their limits, for any number of reasons. I have more knives than one person needs for getting work done, and that is probably common here. One more 4max observation: that big ol handle is really comfortable and controllable, even with big winter mittens on, and that blade is a much better cutter than most "overbuilt" (read thick) blades. That is why I am a fan and actually do carry it. In a chore coat pocket !
I’m gonna throw another one in just to confuse the OP even more. Cold steel colossus. Yup it looks like a dinosaur penis but if you can get over that , I think it’s a nice knife. I feel it’s some sort of spyderco cold steel hybrid. Actually slices like a beast, better than my mirror edge sebenza. Can handle light chopping and feathers like a dream. Batoning is so so with a big wide full flat grind. Not sure about small more delicate knife work. I don’t have those skills anyway.
It’s light at 6oz ish. No liners, just g10 but I have chopped until I rip the skin off the side of my finger and had no lock issues or blade play.
Designed by a bushcrafter I believe.
It’s light at 6oz ish. No liners, just g10 but I have chopped until I rip the skin off the side of my finger and had no lock issues or blade play.
Designed by a bushcrafter I believe.
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- Feb 20, 2012
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This is why I'm on the fence with the 4 Max. I really like it, but I'm not sure that I would carry it. When I'm in the woods, I use a fixed-blade for firecraft, and I use a folder for food prep. If I've got 12 ounces of knife & sheath on my belt, then I really don't want a 10-ounce folder in my pocket. As for when I'm not in the woods, I'm still not sure I want a 10-ounce folder in my pocket. However, this is the practical side of me talking. I'd be a liar if I said all of my knife purchases are made on a purely practical basis.
OP...I'll give another recommendation for the Cold Steel Recon 1. In my opinion, it strikes an excellent balance between strength, cutting performance, and ease of carry. But don't let my comments dissuade you from the 4 Max. If the knife appeals to you, and you can handle the weight, then go for it. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
Recs based on what I own and use as "hard use" knives where the concern is a blade that has good edge retention and can handle lateral forces and prying, a strong tip, and a super strong lock.
- ZT 0562
- Cold Steel Recon 1
- Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter
- Ontario Rat 1 in D2
- Cold Steel SR-1
- Cold Steel 4-max
- Benchmade Adamas
- New Buck 110 "Pro" just came out in their 2018 catalog
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- Mar 1, 2010
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- 268
I would throw another vote for the 4Max. Also me personally I would move quick and try to get one that is made in USA. Since you said last a lifetime, I think the made in USA just adds a little more sense of value and prestige but I'm sure the Italian version (which I think is made by FOX) would serve just as well. I want to add I do not own the 4max myself at this time. I do have most of the other Cold Steel Mega Folders. My hold off on the 4max was the weight. I see the 4Max as a knife you carry when you really need a fixed blade but just can't swing the length and sheath carry problems a fixed blade brings, say if you were a pilot or something to that effect. For me when I get to around 10 oz. I can carry a fixed blade and that's what I do.
Lastly if you are not sure just yet on a Mega folder you could drop about $70 and pick up a Cold Steel Spartan. The Spartan is a beast that will serve many purposes and let you experiment with a mega folder before dropping big bucks. You might decide the Spartan will do fine in the huge folder category and you can spend the big money on a Randall fixed blade, which is a last a lifetime heirloom quality knife. (just a suggestion on the Randall, there are many others)