Help me pick a new large folder

ManOfMisery

ManOfMisery

Joined
Jan 20, 2010
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I sold off most of my knife collection a few months ago and I am down to one folder. I have a ZT 0300 BW that I have been carrying and using for several months now, but I think it is time for a change. I like large bladed folders, 3+ inches, and do not mind thick blades that much. I have had an Adamas, Military, ZT 0560 at various times, but they were never perfect. The three blades that I am considering right now are another Adamas, I got rid of the last because I wasn't a big fan of D2, a Spyderco Manix 2 XL, or a Spyderco Vallotton. I am really leaning towards the Vallotton, but it seems to have a rather rounded and narrow handle so I am not sure how well it will carry. I am looking to spend under $200 as I have higher end folders, and think that there are plenty of quality blades under that price. I live next to and work on the family farm as well as raise some animals of my own. Whatever blade I get will be used to open feed bags, cut open hay bales, open and cut down boxes, and may even be used on dressing some animals. I own fixed blades that will work for all of this, but I don't always have one on me and I always have a folder clipped to my pants. What do you guys think of the 3 mentioned or do you have any suggestions of your own?
 
Spyderco gayle Bradley. Of your choices, I'd choose the adamas first and the manix xl second.
 
Cypress said:
Benchmade 810. Comes in M4 or M390, which both put D2 to shame.
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I've checked out the 810 several times, but never pulled the trigger. I know some people complain about the edges of the handle. I may have to check it out further.
 
The Gayle Bradley has already been recommended earlier. The CPM-M4 is amazing, and folks love the knife. It has plenty of heavy-duty capability. I really enjoy the Adamas but the steel doesn't compete with the M4. I've had multiples of both knives.
 
I don't like the 810's handles. They seem to be great for people who wear gloves but not for bare hands because they really dig in. I love my Manix 2 XL. It is quite thin, so that might not suit your taste, but it therefore cuts really well. It has great ergonomics, and feels great.
 
eb1118 said:
I don't like the 810's handles. They seem to be great for people who wear gloves but not for bare hands because they really dig in. I love my Manix 2 XL. It is quite thin, so that might not suit your taste, but it therefore cuts really well. It has great ergonomics, and feels great.
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The Manix speaks to me a good deal more than the 810. The 810 blade and handle shape just don't do it for me, and neither does the GB. I love the materials of the GB, and I want to love it, but I don't.
 
I would go for the Benchmade 810 in either M4 or M390. If you don't like the handle you can customize it with a Dremel tool to your liking or have one of the many great scale producers make a scale to your liking. The other one I would throw out for your consideration is the ZT 0600 if you can find one on the exchange for a decent price. I have it & enjoy it a lot. It's beefy, thats how to best describe it. I almost didn't get it, but I'm glad I did.
 
I modified the handle on my 810, and now it's top of the heap when it comes to my burly folders. Damn thing was completely uncomfy when I first got it.

Had a GB and also "wanted to like it", but just couldn't.
 
What about a Spyderco Endura FFG? It is a bit cheaper than other options mentioned above, is very lightweight and gives you a big (3.8") flat ground VG10 blade that takes quite an edge. Add to that the numerous color options available.
 
Out of the ones you mentioned, I'd go with the Adamas. One hell of a great knife.

If you don't mind "slumming" with a "lesser" steel, try out a Cold Steel Recon 1 XL. The thing is a beast, and is definitely a large folder. Cold Steel's AUS8 is some great stuff too. For AUS8 it is awesome. It will zip open feed bags with ease! I have owned damned near every larger folder there is, and that is the one that excites me lately. I have had one for 5 months and it still makes me smile every time I open it and use it.
 
I'd say the 810. Sand the edges a little or look at the knife works custom in M390.

Or

The Manix 2 lightweight in S110v. A lot of knife in a lightweight package.


Or

Benchmade 710 in M4 or M390
 
I'm not a huge D2 fan either...but both M390 and M4 absolutely wow me (for different reasons). And I agree that for someone looking for a harder-use folder with a lot of value and the ability to withstand whatever you may throw at it, the 810 in CPM-M4 is really had to beat. I personally love the handle and think it's one of the hardest knives to drop. M4 is a really good steel for cutting into bags of feed given how dried bits like corn tends to damage edges and M4 can really hold its own. Compared to the already good S30V on the 0300, it will take things up a few notches. The blade style of that reverse tanto is also pretty neat. The tip is very usable, but quite strong at the same time.
 
Sunyata said:
I'd say the 810. Sand the edges a little or look at the knife works custom in M390.

Or

The Manix 2 lightweight in S110v. A lot of knife in a lightweight package.


Or

Benchmade 710 in M4 or M390
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I've only been able to find the 710 in D2 in stock anywhere.
 
ManOfMisery said:
I've only been able to find the 710 in D2 in stock anywhere.
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The M390 and M4 versions were (sadly) limited runs. Second-hand sales is the only place to find them now. I've seen them come up pretty often on Benchmade's own forum for pretty reasonable prices ($200-ish ballpark). I really wish the M4 would become a production run because IMHO the longer blade of the 710 and harder usage that model sees would really benefit from the properties of CPM-M4.
 
ManOfMisery said:
I've only been able to find the 710 in D2 in stock anywhere.
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Both you'll have to fund used but the sales area here and ebay (use caution of course) has them. I just picked up one in M4 and am dying for it to get here even though im having fun testing out my new manix
 
AntDog said:
Out of the ones you mentioned, I'd go with the Adamas. One hell of a great knife.

If you don't mind "slumming" with a "lesser" steel, try out a Cold Steel Recon 1 XL. The thing is a beast, and is definitely a large folder. Cold Steel's AUS8 is some great stuff too. For AUS8 it is awesome. It will zip open feed bags with ease! I have owned damned near every larger folder there is, and that is the one that excites me lately. I have had one for 5 months and it still makes me smile every time I open it and use it.
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I like your style :thumbup: under 4.5in. is simply medium-large :)
 
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