help me pick a heavy duty folder

Matt Shade

Matt Shade

Joined
Nov 24, 1999
Messages
4,981
Ok guys heres the deal. I need a new folder that will stand up to heavy cutting and very frequent use.
Price range is around $100 ( or less
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Size is around 4"- 4 1/2" closed, needs to have close to 3" blade at least, preferably clip or drop point.Handle can be pretty much anything except zytel. It needs to be tough, and somewhat lightweight.
For steel I want something comparable to ATS34 or better. I like sharpening knives, but I'd prefer not to do it to the same one every couple hours
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So any ideas? I've been thinking about the Benchamde 720s pretty seriously. But I'm not a real fan of the profile. Maybe if I could handle one, but that seems out of the question since theres no knife dealers in my area, that I know about anyway.
So what else should I look at?
Oh yeah, it needs to have a pocket clip and sometype of one handed opening. I'd like to be able to carry it in my back pocket also, that seems to be the best way to carry a knife while I'm riding my horses.
Thanks.

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
Spyderco C16 Wayne Goddard (not the Lightweight C16BK)

Benchmade 750 Pinnacle

Outdoor Edge Magna
 
Get a Spyderco Military. G10 handle fits ur hand, lightweight, good steel (CPM440), strong lock, slim profile. It's a very well rounded knife.
If you relly want a solid knife, how about a SOG Tomcat? This knife is very hefy and rock solid, the blade is strong and good looking. Don't have much experience w/ it's cutting power, anyone has more info on its edge holding?? Too bad it dont have a clip though, but w/ its size and weight i could understand why.
I still like my BM Stryker for daily utility. It's size just perfect for backpocket. Handle feels really good in ur hands, blade holds a nice edge, strong lock...
Also Boker Brend Tactical is worth checking. This knife looks alot like Starmate, IMO. Anyone have both and would like to share some comparisons??? Thanks

 
The Benchmade Axis locks, the Benchmade Pinnacle, and the REKAT Pioneer and Carnivore are the strongest production folders going that I know of.

I hear the the new Al Mar Sere 2000 is very heavy duty also.

I think the toughest knife in your price range is probably the M-2 710 from Benchmade.
 
There are a lot of choices out there.
Spyderco:Endura or Endura 2 with the stainless steel handle if you want something a little heavier,for a little more money the Wegner
Benchmade:AFCK,Pinnacle,710 axix lock,Stryker,etc.
Outdoor Edge:Magna,Impluse
Buck:the old 110 can now be made with BG42 steel
GT Knives:they don't just make autos

 
Steve beat me to it. I was going to recommend the Al Mar sere 2000. My friend Chris Christman of www.toptexknives.com recommended it to me. I immediately bought one. This is one of the best production folders I have seen in quite some time. VG-10 steel, G-10 scales, and thick stainless liners. It is amazing to me how comfortable this knife is. And talk about bullet proof. I am amazed that it isn't getting more press. I am sure it soon will. Here is a pic:

amk-s2k.jpg


And here are some links to some threads discussing this awesome tool:
http://pub2.ezboard.com/frtaknivesgear.showMessage?topicID=113.topic
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000682.html
http://pub2.ezboard.com/flivesayknivesclosequarterscombat.showMessage?topicID=250.topic
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001933.html

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. It is now my daily duty folder.

It comes with a pocket clip that carries the knife low in the pocket. For more carry options Mike Sastre of river city sheaths is also making some kydex sheaths for the sere 2000 to add to the versatility of carry options for this knife. Mike sent me this text when I inquired about obtaing a sheath for it. "For the SERE 2000 I've made some
Security Sheaths (backpackstraps, clinbing harnesses, etc.) and an IWB
(Drawpoint) sheath with the blade deployed. The Drawpoint sheath could also
be adapted for regular belt wear if desired. Base price for the Drawpoint in
Black or Olive Drab Concealex is $35 and comes with a reversible belt loop
with pull-the-dot snaps, that is adjustable for carry angle and edge
orientation. A "sport clip", belt plate, or TekLok is an additional $5 as is
Carbon Fiber Concealex. The Drawpoint is a "speed rig" meant to be used with
James Keating's Drawpoint Method of response to an attack. There is a minimum
of material covering the handle to facilitate grip aquisition, yet still
enough tension holding the knife in case you are in a little "rough and
tumble"."- Mike Sastre. His email address is videosas@aol.com

I really believe in this knife.



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Dennis Bible
 
I strongly endorse the following three knives: Spyderco Military, Benchmade Pinnacle and 710 Axislock in that order.
Obvoiusly there are many knives that will fill your requirements. I use these three and have faith in all of them.
 
Thanks guys
I'll have to spend some time checking all of these out. Some of the knives mentioned are a little bigger than I was planning on, but I'll give them some thought too. I really don't care how big the knife is provided it fits in my pocket comfortably and the blade is of a usable size. But I like to avoid all the stares and sheeple stampedes if possible.Part of that probelm is I use the same knife all the time regardless of if I'm baling hay, working at my barn ,or out in public. I've been carrying a delica for a while now and you'd be surprised at the looks some people give me over it.Its been a good knife but not as solid as I'd have liked it to be. I'll check out all your ideas. If you think of anything different I'd like to hear about it too.
Thanks

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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
Unfortunatly Matt, I think all too many people know exactly what kind of stares it gets
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James

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The beast we are, lest the beast we become.
 
For the money ($40), a CRKT M16-13 is the best deal. It has the Carson Flipper I am just crazy about. YOu can flip the knife open very quickly.
 
My recomendation would be a Spyderco military,plainedge (model 36gpe) in cpm 440v. This knife conceals well, opens very fast, locks up solid, is as sharp as any knife made (including my Sebenza) and edge retention and corrosion resistance is outstanding. In short this is durable knife that can take hard use and keeps on cutting.
 
I have to agree with shootist16, the Al-Mar SERE 2000 is the absolute best buy for what it includes. It ain't going to get much more heavy duty. Do a search on knive reviews for more information.

Art Sigmon
 
Go with your first instinct, a BM 720. It fits your requirements perfectly. Out of all my folders it has become my daily carry. For now...
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Hi Matt,
some great knives suggested but I think they are other peoples' favourites rather than what you might be looking for. If you like the Delica but want something more durable buy a Spyderco Standard before they are discontinued, I have one and it goes with me everywhere, sturdy and durable and way underated. I also have a Tim Wegner Jnr. which is a highly thought of knife but it only goes out when there is a prospect of skinning supper.

Happy Trails

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"I'm arm'd with more than complete steel - The justice of my quarrel." Christopher Marlowe
 
Benchmade 940 is a choice if you dont like the 720's profile. 3.4 inch blade with a thin handle & axis lock. Jeff
 
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