Highest VALUE, hard-use folding knife (~3-4" blade length)

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ShooterMcgavin

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Jan 20, 2008
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There have been lots of threads asking about the best hard-use folder, but this is a little different. What are some of the lowest priced, truly hard-use folders?

I consider a benchmark to be the Cold Steel Voyager (large Clip point). Under $50, excellent lock, 3.5mm blade thickness, and AUS 8 steel. I am not sure about the toughness of AUS 8, but I don't think there is something stronger for the price. For the extra money, does the AK-47, Recon 1, or American Lawman really add more strength? The handles are nicer, but the blades are also hollow ground, which isn't quite as good as the flat grind on the Voyagers.

A notable higher-end option is the Benchmade Adamas. It is more than 3 times the prices, but improvements are D2 steel blade that is 4mm thick and the well proven AXIS lock. I suspect it is one of the hardest-use folders for the money. Hinderers, Striders, CRKs, etc. are all tough and amazing knives, but I'd argue that the increase in money does not go into more toughness. It goes into finish, attention to detail, tolerances, warranty coverage....

Thoughts on the best value for a hard-use folder?
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
There have been lots of threads asking about the best hard-use folder, but this is a little different. What are some of the lowest priced, truly hard-use folders?

I consider a benchmark to be the Cold Steel Voyager (large Clip point). Under $50, excellent lock, 3.5mm blade thickness, and AUS 8 steel. I am not sure about the toughness of AUS 8, but I don't think there is something stronger for the price. For the extra money, does the AK-47, Recon 1, or American Lawman really add more strength? The handles are nicer, but the blades are also hollow ground, which isn't quite as good as the flat grind on the Voyagers.

A notable higher-end option is the Benchmade Adamas. It is more than 3 times the prices, but improvements are D2 steel blade that is 4mm thick and the well proven AXIS lock. I suspect it is one of the hardest-use folders for the money. Hinderers, Striders, CRKs, etc. are all tough and amazing knives, but I'd argue that the increase in money does not go into more toughness. It goes into finish, attention to detail, tolerances, warranty coverage....

Thoughts on the best value for a hard-use folder?
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if your looking to hold an engine block up with the back of a blade then cold steel will help you hoist the largest motor.

i personally dont like aus 8 much and i dont like there designs. to me ZT makes some great high value folder. but its also a subjective question. expensive does not rule out HIGH VALUE. the axis lock is nice but d2 is not stainless. i prefer cpm154 steel
 
I agree with much of what you pointed out. I don't prefer AUS 8. Also, CPM154 is one of my favorite steels for a folder, even when corrosion resistance is not of high concern. D2 vs. CPM154 is kinda apples and oranges, so I have not really compared them before in terms of toughness... I don't know which is tougher, but I would assume it is D2 as non-stainless tends to have greater toughness compared to stainless.

What do you think about the Adamas compared to ZT's offerings then? For twice the price of the Adamas, does ZT give you a noticeable increase in heavy-duty-ness? Quantifiable rather than subjective? I love ZTs too :)

*I am assuming we are talking amongst fellow knife-nuts, and therefore maintain our blades, so stainlessness isn't of the highest priority.
 
Look at the ontario rat 1 under 30 and widely regarded by members here. Its as much as eating out fast food for two!
 
For highest value I would go with the ZT0200. Huge liners, 154cm, thick blade and a solid pivot.

You can get a blem from Kershawguy for $95.

Cannot beat that value.
 
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On an inexpensive note I believe the KA-BAR Mule would prove to be a more than serviceable option. On the more spendy side of things there is the tried and true ZT 200 which, in my experience is a massive chunk of steel, with a very aggressively textured handle, in an excellent blade steel (154CM). Though the blade profile sports a slight recurve, which leaves me indifferent, I never really have approved or disapproved of recurves.
 
I can't believe no one has mentioned the el01... It's a beast at <$15. I'm getting ready to pick up a zt0560 as a hard use type folder, this will replace my SE endura frn.
 
I can vouch for the Benchmade Adamas, absolute tank of a folder, the blade is super thick, handles provide superglue-like grip, and the axis lock is amazing.
 
I find "hard use" to be a somewhat subjective term. Are we talking about ultimate lock strength, blade thickness, edge retention, etc? For me, one of the top contenders for "best value, hard-use" is the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. The CPM-M4 is a great steel, it's got a thick liner lock and for me it's been a surprisingly good slicer, as the blade gets nice and thin toward the edge. The fit and finish is fantastic and it's got a nice carbon fiber handle. All of this for $100 - $120 on the exchange. I've beat the hell out of my Gayle Bradley and it hasn't let me down.
 
After owning 6 Emersons, 2 Benchmades, many CRKT's, some Kershaws and handling a couple Striders and ZT's: Benchmade Contego or a ZT (especially framelock). If by value, you mean cheaper: CRKT's with the LAWKS feature. That allows the liner to be made sloppy and still provide a secure lock. Yes, cheaper liner locks and even framelocks aren't hand-fitted and will slip(not "always", but at least some of the time)- that's why the LAWKS is nice.
 
Spyderco Resilience is a better slicer IMO, although Enlan EL08 is thougher (frame lock) and has better steel (9Cr compared to 8Cr) at half the price.
 
A three way tie exists between:

(1) Spyderco Gayle Bradley - Best fit and finish on a sub-$300 folder; as good as most Sebenzas. Carbon fiber scales, CPM-M4 blade, great ergonomics, and a fast-deploying walker liner lock for approximately $125 on the Exchange? A true steal!

(2) Benchmade 275 Adamas - An absolute tank and beast of a folder (the axis lock on it has been tested to 800ish pounds), strong and reliable D2 steel, and wicked fast deployment ($115 on the Exchange).

(3) Cold Steel Voyager L/XL - Dirt cheap for a properly heat treated AUS-8 blade, strongest lock on the market. The handle feels like cheap plastic and the action is a little stiff, but it remains a solid choice ($40ish).

Overall, Gayle Bradley is the best value for a hard use folder that you'll use frequently and want to carry in an EDC capacity. Adamas is the best choice if you're looking for a hard-use knife with a great warranty that will last a life time and take a ridiculous beating. Imo, ZT's higher markup is not justified and thus their knives did not make the list.
 
Chris "Anagarika";11578708 said:
Spyderco Resilience is a better slicer IMO, although Enlan EL08 is thougher (frame lock) and has better steel (9Cr compared to 8Cr) at half the price.
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Nice. That Enlan EL08 is a good contender for the topic outlined. I need to look into those more.

One other knife I was going to mention, but it just doesn't meet the needs for hard-use, is the Svord. The reason is that I'd consider hard-use to include stabbing the knife tip into wood with moderate to heavy force. For me, that requires a solid and trustworthy lock, which the Svord lacks.
 
Oakengroves said:
(2) Benchmade 275 Adamas - An absolute tank and beast of a folder (the axis lock on it has been tested to 800ish pounds), strong and reliable D2 steel, and wicked fast deployment ($115 on the Exchange).
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Just want to add that it was tested to 850 lbs PER INCH.
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
Nice. That Enlan EL08 is a good contender for the topic outlined. I need to look into those more.

One other knife I was going to mention, but it just doesn't meet the needs for hard-use, is the Svord. The reason is that I'd consider hard-use to include stabbing the knife tip into wood with moderate to heavy force. For me, that requires a solid and trustworthy lock, which the Svord lacks.
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I thought your grip is the lock on svord? :D
More info for EL08: www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/934829-Enlan-EL08-in-da-house!!!
And more of best value tough folder:
www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/866583-SRM-Bee-Enlan-Navy-and-knives-Fan-post/page23
 
Oakengroves said:
A three way tie exists between:

(1) Spyderco Gayle Bradley - Best fit and finish on a sub-$300 folder; as good as most Sebenzas. Carbon fiber scales, CPM-M4 blade, great ergonomics, and a fast-deploying walker liner lock for approximately $125 on the Exchange? A true steal!

(2) Benchmade 275 Adamas - An absolute tank and beast of a folder (the axis lock on it has been tested to 800ish pounds), strong and reliable D2 steel, and wicked fast deployment ($115 on the Exchange).

(3) Cold Steel Voyager L/XL - Dirt cheap for a properly heat treated AUS-8 blade, strongest lock on the market. The handle feels like cheap plastic and the action is a little stiff, but it remains a solid choice ($40ish).

Overall, Gayle Bradley is the best value for a hard use folder that you'll use frequently and want to carry in an EDC capacity. Adamas is the best choice if you're looking for a hard-use knife with a great warranty that will last a life time and take a ridiculous beating. Imo, ZT's higher markup is not justified and thus their knives did not make the list.
Click to expand...
:thumbup: on Spyderco Gayle Bradley
 
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