Inexpensive knives with strong locks

[Mr.Wizard]

Agreed, I would think 99% of most locking mechanisms are great for the intended purpose of folding knives. Anything testing/pushing the limits of most locks should probably be done with a fixed blade or even better yet, the proper tool.

Who gets to decide what the intended purpose of folding knives is? I see them as a convenience for any and all needs that could arise. If I have a planned task I will usually be using something else, probably an OLFA, Morakniv, or Imacasa. A folding knife is what I have for unplanned need. That could be chipping ice off a car door, fending off a dog attack, splitting kindling for a fire, freeing someone from a submerged line—hell I don't know, cutting off my own arm like Aron Ralston. When a lock as strong as the Tri-Ad is available on inexpensive knives why would I want anything less even if I hope to never need it?

 

[mitchnola]

Who gets to decide what the intended purpose of folding knives is? I see them as a convenience for any and all needs that could arise. If I have a planned task I will usually be using something else, probably an OLFA, Morakniv, or Imacasa. A folding knife is what I have for unplanned need. That could be chipping ice off a car door, fending off a dog attack, splitting kindling for a fire, freeing someone from a submerged line—hell I don't know, cutting off my own arm like Aron Ralston. When a lock as strong as the Tri-Ad is available on inexpensive knives why would I want anything less even if I hope to never need it?

Generally speaking, knives are made to cut things. As you even mentioned, you use specific knives/tools for planned tasks. And I don’t see why any other lock would have any problems functioning properly in your emergency examples. If you find solace in having the stongest lock and is important in selecting a folding knife than more power to you. Personally their are much more important factors in selecting a folding knife for me, how it carries in the pocket is one of them.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Personally their are much more important factors in selecting a folding knife for me, how it carries in the pocket is one of them.

I've never noticed much difference between pocket clip knives in that regard, apart from overall size and weight. I suppose you find that some knives carry poorly; how do you describe that?

 

[TC]

Only if a person can, and will, actually carry a fixed of equivalent useful overall length .

Why do you suppose , so many people opt for a folder ? Not hardly just for any legal or social acceptance concerns .

No argument there. A folder will likely be more convenient in many, if not most, cases. I carry a nice Laguiole or an SAK at times. Frankly, I make a bit of a point of EDC'ing a fixed blade - not that it happens much because I'm fairly discreet in my carry and use, but if someone notices and asks I can tell them it is because of the stupid laws we have. (So there! Like stomping on the ground utterly futile, but it provides for a smidgen of satisfaction. )

 

[mitchnola]

I've never noticed much difference between pocket clip knives in that regard, apart from overall size and weight. I suppose you find that some knives carry poorly; how do you describe that?

Primarily with being able to get things in n out of my pocket with a knife in it as well. Unfortunately I still smoke and I keep my smokes in the same pocket as my knife. With jeans it can be even worse.

 

[jlauffer]

Perhaps reconsider your boycott of Cold Steel and give the Atlas Lock a try. I bought an Engage 2.5 because it was an inexpensive way to check out the Atlas Lock. I ended up liking the knife much more than I thought I would.

There are some negative thoughts on the Atlas Lock but I like mine. I'm sure Cold Steel will introduce more Atlas Lock models. Consider trying one if they ever make a model that you like. You might be pleasantly surprised. Or not but it won't cost you an arm and a leg to find out.

The negative thoughts on the Atlas Lock are mostly about the possibility of the lock disengaging accidentally by the user when used in certain situations. I agree with those thoughts but nevertheless, the Atlas Lock might not be as “safe” as the Triad Lock but I’m inclined to believe that it is every bit as strong as long as user error doesn’t intervene.

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Hope they come out with something else with the Atlas lock, as I want to try it, but the Engage does nothing for me. Also wanted to try the Verdict, but the AUS10 version only comes with a black blade, and have no interest in 4116.

 

[Stringjam7]

I like the designs on a few of them, and I'm happy with the ones I have. Tuff-Lite sits on the table and does probably more cutting than 95% of my collection. The Air Lite is just a basic folder that, despite weighing nothing, feels solid as a rock and carries like a feather.

I have less than $80 invested in those 2 knives and a whole lot more spent on some knives I have carried once and don't care to use again. I feel like I got my money's worth out of both, and then some.

 

[MolokaiRider]

I like the designs on a few of them, and I'm happy with the ones I have. Tuff-Lite sits on the table and does probably more cutting than 95% of my collection. The Air Lite is just a basic folder that, despite weighing nothing, feels solid as a rock and carries like a feather.

I have less than $80 invested in those 2 knives and a whole lot more spent on some knives I have carried once and don't care to use again. I feel like I got my money's worth out of both, and then some.

The Tuff Lite is such a great design.

It sees more time in my left pocket than any other knife I own.

I love how it's an affordable unit, and available in different colors.

I wish Cold Steel would offer a premier version in different materials as well.

 

[Stringjam7]

The Tuff Lite is such a great design.

It sees more time in my left pocket than any other knife I own.

I love how it's an affordable unit, and available in different colors.

I wish Cold Steel would offer a premier version in different materials as well.

Agreed. This was the knife that finally replaced my utility knives for doing pretty much any cutting task I want without any fuss. Solid lock and great action, love the hollow grind and blade design, and the handle + choil gives you a solid 4-finger grip. I couldn't ask for much more for $30.

If they offered a premium version in different materials, I would definitely be all over it.