High end Hard use conundrum...

BusyBailey

BusyBailey

Joined
Jun 19, 2015
Messages
93
I'm finally to a point in my life where I can break the hundred dollar mark on a knife but I want to do it right. I'm a huge geek for alloys and exotic actions and new locks, but I must admit to myself that I will never be able to keep a knife in the safe all the time. I try to treat my babies well but when the SHTF and I need to do something hard use I won't hesitate. My question is simple really, how hard can you use some of the newer and cooler designs. I know that ZT has a reputation and having handled a ZT 0300 I have to agree, but something about the plastic ensconced ball bearings make me wonder. Lionsteel SR2 uses a mini block design but it's only aluminum? Anyone want to put my fears to rest?
 
It greatly depends on what you term "hard use" as some feel that certain "hard use" like prying etc are abuse.

Many schools of thought on the forums about the subject.

1. If SHTF a fixed blade will be better.
2. No folding knife is as good as a fixed blade. Any lock will fail at some point.
3. ZT are hard use/ZT are not "that hard use"
4. Striders are better/People wont buy Strider due to certain reasons.
5. Cold Steel are hard use folders/People wont buy them for certain reasons.

I am sure I am missing some other schools of thought but those are some.

Unfortunately you will have to make up your own mind about the subject. IMO. If it is legal to carry a fixed blade for you then carry one. I prefer "hard use cutting chores" for a folder like cutting irrigation pipe and hard substances and leave "hard use" like prying to the appropriate tool. A crow bar.
 
Basically, it's going to go like this: buy around 100 different folders, use them all, sell most and keep like 7 awesome folders. Then realize custom made fixed blades are way cooler. Repeat.
 
marthinus said:
It greatly depends on what you term "hard use" as some feel that certain "hard use" like prying etc are abuse.

Many schools of thought on the forums about the subject.

1. If SHTF a fixed blade will be better.
2. No folding knife is as good as a fixed blade. Any lock will fail at some point.
3. ZT are hard use/ZT are not "that hard use"
4. Striders are better/People wont buy Strider due to certain reasons.
5. Cold Steel are hard use folders/People wont buy them for certain reasons.

I am sure I am missing some other schools of thought but those are some.

Unfortunately you will have to make up your own mind about the subject. IMO. If it is legal to carry a fixed blade for you then carry one. I prefer "hard use cutting chores" for a folder like cutting irrigation pipe and hard substances and leave "hard use" like prying to the appropriate tool. A crow bar.
Click to expand...

I agree mostly. For years I thought carrying a fixed blade knife was for Rambo types. Now I carry one almost everywhere, more than my pistol, actually, because of what they can do. It's a matter of overcoming preconceived notions and societal fears and stigmas. Once you start caring more about what you want and need in a tool than what society thinks you should want and need in your daily life, it becomes much easier to carry a tool that does what you need. That's discounting places that have laws against such practices.

I'd also suggest to the guy to buy and wear a fixed blade knife if legally allowed to do so.

And generally I'd agree that using the right tool for the job is the way to go but sometimes you don't have the right tool and that's where a good all purpose knife can come in.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!
Both of your choices should do fine under normal circumstances.
From what I understand both are capable to take a little abuse.
In an emergency I would worry more about the human wrist.
The more you define "your SHTF scenario" (not necessarily here) the more you will be able the prepare yourself.
The www gives you many possibilities to compare different knives.
Take a detailed look at i.e. the thickness of the blade, or the material, edge geometrie...
You can look up some reviews and compare what fits your needs the best and then decide.

hope this helps
red mag

PS: aluminum should withstand the given task (think about aircraft wings).
 
Fixed blade for sure, anyone who wears a belt ought to be carrying one.

For folders take your pick, I'm into Benchmades, others are into spydercos, some even like cold steel, all will tell you everything about why thier brand is best...

I say screw it all and get yourself a Busse.
 
I can't really help you out on the hard use of folders that cost hundreds of dollars. My most expensive knives are still $100 or less. However, I still don't want to tear them up and I can tell you what I do to protect them.

The blade on my zdp189 delica chipped when I was prying a staple out of paper. Since then, I am very hesitant to do any type of prying with that knife. It cuts great, but I don't pry with it. Instead I have gone to a two knife solution. I carry a one handed opening knife with good steel to use as my primary cutting tool. (generally either the ZDP189 delica or a Caly 3.5) For anything other than cutting, I carry a swiss army knife. Most of the time it is an alox cadet because it has the tools I need and I really can't even tell it's in my pocket because it is so small and light (the first time I held one I was amazed how thin it is). The screw driver on that knife will stand up to more prying than the sharp edge of the blade on just about any knife. Also, if it is damaged (hasn't happened yet) it can be replaced for <$30. As a bonus, I always have a screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver (it works on most of them), bottle opener, nail file and can opener on me. It's amazing how often they come in handy. My wife even quit making fun of me for carrying two pocket knives after I saved the day at a party. The punch wasn't going to have any pineapple juice until I pulled out my can opener. (talk about SHTF :D )
 
While there are tough folding blades, no folder should be considered for hard use. That's what a fixed blade is for.
 
Welcome. :thumbup:

Buy "cool/exotic" if you want, but keep in mind that, push comes to shove, something like an Ontario Ranger RD will easily smash "cool/exotic" onto bits without missing a beat.

Plenty of other makers' fixed blades will also do that.
 
Thanks for all the replies folks, they were all really helpful. I think I'm going to pick up a Jantz pattern 45 in D2 and see about fitting some handles. That should be able to handle most hard use tasks and save a boat load of money in the meantime. Maybe even enough to save up for the yearly Kershaw/ZT sale... I've been looking at the 0900 and the 0450 for dress knives. Hard to beat solid titanium for an office environment.
 
I suggest a fixed blade as well. I just picked up a DPX HEFT 4 and that is one beautiful knife, if only I could fine a kydex sheath. Fit and finish is amazing. Quality of craftmanship is superb. Good balance. Surprised at how much I love the g10 handles. And the niolox is a fun steel. Probably my favorite purchase to date. I picked this knife over the esee 3 and fallkniven f1.

But for folding knives, I think the spyderco paramilitary 2 is hard to beat. Lightweight. Good lock, great ergos, overall awesome knife
 
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