I need a good folder, specified needs

T

Tuffblade

Joined
Apr 13, 2008
Messages
91
must have a very tough lock
i am not looking for a folding prybar
im looking for edge retention and ease of sharpening
it will be used to cut vines, make feather sticks light bushcraft task as i cant carry a fixed blade for that kind of emergency, more of an edc and woods companion but also an edc, ive got my eye on benchmade but there is probably a better solution
 
Benchmade 710 or Rukus or Mini-Rukus, or the good old standard Buck 110, if you want to spend less. Cold Steel Voyagers are excellent knives, as well; the AUS8 steel holds an edge and is easy to sharpen.
 
I'll second the Rukus models; I would also look at Spyderco's Manix and Chinook...both tough lockbacks. I also have the Emerson CQC-12, which is a robust frame lock.

ROCK6
 
I went to Walmart and bought Kershaw Storm II for $30 and it's pretty tough. Would make a great blade for skinning too.
 
For the last 3 years my EDC has been a BM 551 (Griptilian) about 80% of the time. It's been a great knife and I have no complaints at all. I know a lot of people don't like the Noryl handle but I find it provides better grip than any G10 knife I've ever tried.
 
I'd recommend a Benchmade Vex or Spyderco Tenacious. I love my Vex, and use it for the same things you mentioned, and have been meaning to pick up a Tenacious for backup as they are very much alike. I believe the Tenacious is perhaps a bit cheaper, and possibly more ergonomic. Both are very sturdy, sharp knives that will take and hold a good edge. The steel in both is somewhat similar to AUS8.
 
Spyderco Paramillie. The nested compression lock is strong and resists debris very well. You have your choice or D2 or S30V as well, but some don't consider those easy to sharpen.
 
Tuffblade said:
must have a very tough lock
i am not looking for a folding prybar
im looking for edge retention and ease of sharpening
it will be used to cut vines, make feather sticks light bushcraft task as i cant carry a fixed blade for that kind of emergency, more of an edc and woods companion but also an edc, ive got my eye on benchmade but there is probably a better solution
Click to expand...

Do you really need a tough lock? OR are you actually looking for a reliable lock. If you are not looking for a folding pry-bar, I would guess that what you really want is a reliable lock. My experience has been that most folders from top name manufacturers have reliable locks.

"edge retention and ease of sharpening"
These properties are opposites. To get more of one, you give up some of the other. This is less of a problem if you use diamond hones. Not many non-stainless folders out there. Probably going to have to go for stainless or close thereto.

- Steels with a lot of vanadium hold an edge longest, but are most difficult to sharpen. Pricey, too. D2, S30V, et al.

- I like VG10, 154CM, N690, or 440C for their combination of edge retention and sharpening ease. That is to say a stainless steel with 1 to 1.1% Carbon.

- Other folks like steel that holds an edge not quite as well, but is a bit easier to sharpen such as AUS8.

- For others, the edge retention of 420HC is enough and they just sharpen a bit more often.

You will have to be the judge of where on the sliding scale of edge retention/ease of sharpening you will feel comfortable.

How big a blade are you wanting to have?
I like a 3" blade for EDC because it is legal pretty much no matter where I go and works OK for Camping. But a lot of folks like a bit larger blade for both, but especially for camping.

If you are going to EDC this, does that mean you don't want to look at folding knives that come with a sheath instead of a clip? I tend to use a folding knife with a sheath when I camp. Usually such knives have a larger, thicker handle that is more comfortable for extended cutting chores.

Think you still have some decisions to make about what you want the knife to be/do.

But my recomendations would be
AUS8 - Kabar Large Dozier. 3 1/2" blade that runs about $26 online. Comfortable handle that still slips into the pants pocket nicely. Taiwan-made. Lockback.

154CM - Benchmade Griptilian with 3 1/2" blade. runs about $65. US made. Axis lock.

ACK! I talk too much!
 
Been carrying a Kershaw Mini cyclone for number of years and I like it alot, as well as a Gerber Freeman folder, both have servered me quite well. The Kershaw Storm is a good knife but pretty large for my taste. You might also consider a Victorinox Trekker, Fireman, or any of their lockblades. I have serveral and they have all had a tough life but they havent seemed to suffer any loss of functionality for it.

Fishiker: For the record, the Gossman PSK is a great knife, but not a folder.. :/
 
I would recommend a Spyderco in VG10 for a good combination of edge retention and ease of sharpening. The Centofante 3 and Calypso 3 are probably my two personal favorites in this steel.

However I don't personally find ZDP189 or S30V difficult to sharpen and they hold an edge much better. Look into the Paramilitary, Manix, Military etc. if you will consider these steels.

Check out my website for more in depth information.
 
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ROCK6 said:
I'll second the Rukus models; I would also look at Spyderco's Manix and Chinook...both tough lockbacks. I also have the Emerson CQC-12, which is a robust frame lock.

ROCK6
Click to expand...

Hey Rock, hasn't the Manix been discontinued?

Doc
 
has anyone had any experience with the doug ritter mini/normal sized rsk mk1? it looks like a good choice
 
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