Help with Heavy Duty Folder

dan1942 said:
This is my first post but I have been a member since 07'. I am in the market for a heavy duty folder in the 250.00 or less price range. it needs to have a very strong lock and a strong steel for the blade. It will be used as an EDC but I am not to concern about size as it will be used mostly outdoors (hunting & fishing which I do all year).
I did consider just to EDC a fixed blade like a fallkniven F1 or one of the BRKT but the problem is I never wear a belt so it would not work out.

I have been looking at the Spyderco Gayle Bradly but am unsure about the M4 and being on the water pretty much all the time.

Thanks in advance for any help!
Dan
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Wow! quite the long courtship. Congrats on your first post.
I cant really recommend a folder in that price range, as its out of mine. But being on the water as you stated you might look at the spyderco salt 1.
 
I never heard of houge knifes just grips. Looks interesting though. How would this compare to the zt0551 in quality and durability??
Thanks!
Maybe I should just get both:D

to the previous question I fish mostly Freshwater Bass tourneys but sometimes do a little saltwater fishing
 
That's a tough call. I own both. I have a 3.5" and 4" Hogue EX01 in G-Mascus and I have three 0551's. One I have now, one is in transit and another is due end of the month. Of the Hogues, I much prefer the 4".

My 0551 is top of the heap in F&F and both Hogue's are approaching custom level F&F. As far as shear strength of each, I couldn't start to guess but I am confident either would serve you well under almost any situation.

Design differences not withstanding, there is an obvious blade steel difference with each. Elmax on the 0551 and 154 CM on the Hogues. Both are made in the good old U.S. of A.

The ZT is definitely better balanced, right in the front choil, but is slightly heavier. The Hogues are slightly blade heavy. The 4" much less than the 3.5".

Both is the best option. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd have a very hard time.

ZT and Hogue both hit a home run with these knives.

dan1942 said:
I never heard of houge knifes just grips. Looks interesting though. How would this compare to the zt0551 in quality and durability??
Thanks!
Maybe I should just get both:D

to the previous question I fish mostly Freshwater Bass tourneys but sometimes do a little saltwater fishing
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Better watch the weight on whichever folder you get because without a belt you liable to standup and have your britches at your ankles!:eek:;):)
 
Check out the Buck CSAR-T. Thick blade, bos heat treat, very tough knife. Has a good sheath with several carrying options.
 
The BM 755 MPR is pretty stout - my usual EDC. The ZT 0301 is a tough knife, as others have said. Here they are, along with a BM 790 Subrosa and a Boker Haddock:

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Stainz
 
As many have said, you cant go wrong with the ZT line. I have an 0200, and absolutely love it! Beefy, tough folder, solid lockup, easy opening, closing, etc. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a heavy duty folder!
 
Choosing from the knives I've had direct experience with, I'd reccomend the Bechmade 520 Presidio w/ Axis lock.

It is one of my primary EDC knives. It is a stout knife that inspires confidence in the hand.
 
smcclown05 said:
If you still would like a fixed a blade check out ESEE knives. They recently released a new clip that works great for in-waistband carry. I know it fits the Izula and Izula II sheaths but I haven't tried it on an ESEE-3 or 4 yet. I suspect it will work. You'd get your fixed blade plus you'd still have another hundred bucks or more for a backup folder :) There are lots of good folders in that price range.
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Izula 2 with kit(includes clip plate)...
I dont think the Izula clip will fit the 3 or 4 but Im pretty sure they do make a clip plate for the 3 that also works with the 4 but not the izzy(though I could be wrong).
I only wish they offered an izzy 2 wharncliffe...
But remember, the ESEE knives so far are all 1095 and will rust if neglected.
 
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spend an extra $100 and get a Lion steel SR-1 absolutely a Tank of a knife, 1 piece Titanium construction and a blade you can chop a tree down with.. Absloutely love mine....
 
In a FOLDER : For the ratio of strength to weight and reasonable cost - - the American Lawman is hard to beat IMO.
 
I don't think any folder on the market is heavier built than the Spam Removed

If someone knows of a folder stronger, bigger and heavier than Entrek's please feel free to correct me!

Thanks,

GerroldP :D
 
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I think most members here agree with me that when they hear "heavy duty folder" they immediately think of the zt series. I have a zt0200 and it is a tough folder, especially for outdoor use. Definately check the zt's out, great knives and even better with the latest addition, the 0551. Hope this helps!
 
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