Integral Folder choices/opinions wanted by you all the pros

awareunlikeu

awareunlikeu

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Dec 23, 2014
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Hey all fellow blade lovers! I want to get your all's opinion. In my search for the most robust easily maintained folder I am looking to buy an integral folding knife. My two choices (so far) are a Marfione Anax and a full size Peter Rassenti Snafu. I want one since they are pretty much bomb proof (within reason) and will last a few lifetimes with little maintenance. Now the Anax seems to have the replaceable parts on the lock bar mechanism and could be prone to failure easier I would imagine, yet if it did break would be easily replaced?? The Snafu on the other hand appears to be just pure sex in a folding knife and no matter what you did with it (short of being a jackass and using it to pry) would stand up to any task and would never fail!?

I'm currently leaning towards the Snafu out of the two but absolutely love the design of the Anax has well. I know there are a few more fine integral makers out there so want you guys to give me a few more if you can.

So to sum it all up.... You guys in the know about Integral Folders, give me some advice and recommend an "apocalypse" proof integral folding knife! Please do not factor in price. I want the best if I can obtain it.

Ryan
 
Well the best would be the originator, Scott Cook and the Lochsa.

I don't consider the ANAX to be an integral. The point of an integral is simplicity and less parts. The anax has more screws and hardware than a standard liner lock!

I've owned a Rassenti before (the nirvana) and it was pretty great. Can't really go wrong with him.


But my suggestion over all of them would be a Michael Raymond Estrella or Starlit. He is a master machinist and learned from Scott Cook and Scott Cook learned from Chris Reeve. Can't argue with the lineage.
 
"more prone to failure"

Give me a freaking break.

Look, you don't need to drop $500-$1500 to get a knife that will last you a lifetime. The whole K.I.S.S. thing has a point of diminishing returns. The most likely points of failure are not eliminated by an integral frame: Lock, pivot, blade. All of those things are still separate parts and are the most likely to fail. Ask how many people here have had a -handle- fail on them, and you shouldn't be surprised at how few there are.

Seriously, if you're so worried about knife failure, get a fixed blade. If you just like the idea of integral knives, that's fine - don't fool yourself into thinking it's some new echelon of sturdiness, because it isn't.
 
Comeuppance said:
"more prone to failure"

Give me a freaking break.

Look, you don't need to drop $500-$1500 to get a knife that will last you a lifetime. The whole K.I.S.S. thing has a point of diminishing returns. The most likely points of failure are not eliminated by an integral frame: Lock, pivot, blade. All of those things are still separate parts and are the most likely to fail. Ask how many people here have had a -handle- fail on them, and you shouldn't be surprised at how few there are.

Seriously, if you're so worried about knife failure, get a fixed blade. If you just like the idea of integral knives, that's fine - don't fool yourself into thinking it's some new echelon of sturdiness, because it isn't.
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Yes I know and carry fixed blades out in the field all the time. I just want a bad ass integral folder that I can rely on that goes everywhere my fixed blades can't. I'm not the dick that tries using a folder of any kind, where a fixed blade is needed. Just want the best I can get my hands on.
 
awareunlikeu said:
Yes I know and carry fixed blades out in the field all the time. I just want a bad ass integral folder that I can rely on that goes everywhere my fixed blades can't. I'm not the dick that tries using a folder of any kind, where a fixed blade is needed. Just want the best I can get my hands on.
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I wouldn't say an integral folder is an inherent upgrade in sturdiness unless you had it made out of solid steel. Most knives that have titanium frames have a more rigid and less malleable opposing frame, or have standoffs that would help resist torque. If you are applying quite a bit of force onto a solid titanium frame, it may warp. Warping is not an issue you're likely to encounter with a steel/G10 opposing side, as it braces the titanium.

Again, just liking integral folders is fine, but it's a novelty and a novelty alone.

You might want to look into LionSteel. Their SR1-Tis are integral frames and ooze quality.

Edit addendum: If you really want a knife that will last a lifetime, get a knife from a company that offers a warranty and will be around for a while. Peter Rassenti may or may not outlive you. Spyderco and Kai will. If an integral frame becomes bent or warps, you need precision machinery and quite a bit of force to fix the issue - and you're much more likely to need to scrap the knife entirely. If a normal folder develops and issue, you just get replacement parts.
 
Comeuppance said:
I wouldn't say an integral folder is an inherent upgrade in sturdiness unless you had it made out of solid steel. Most knives that have titanium frames have a more rigid and less malleable opposing frame, or have standoffs that would help resist torque. If you are applying quite a bit of force onto a solid titanium frame, it may warp. Warping is not an issue you're likely to encounter with a steel/G10 opposing side, as it braces the titanium.

Again, just liking integral folders is fine, but it's a novelty and a novelty alone.

You might want to look into LionSteel. Their SR1-Tis are integral frames and ooze quality.

Edit addendum: If you really want a knife that will last a lifetime, get a knife from a company that offers a warranty and will be around for a while. Peter Rassenti may or may not outlive you. Spyderco and Kai will. If an integral frame becomes bent or warps, you need precision machinery and quite a bit of force to fix the issue - and you're much more likely to need to scrap the knife entirely. If a normal folder develops and issue, you just get replacement parts.
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Yeah you're right about that. I've thought about this very thing when searching for an apocalypse proof folder to accompany my fixed blades/tomahawks. If one of these 700-2000 dollar integral folders by a custom maker breaks, alive or dead, I bet I have a hell of a time getting it fixed! Good insight! I have been looking at the SR1 actually! It looks great but would really like a blade with a choil which is why I chose the Anax and Snafu. But one of those or the Spyderco/Rassenti Nirvana colab might also be a great not completely break the bank integral to start with. Thanks!
 
Scurvy092 said:
Well the best would be the originator, Scott Cook and the Lochsa.

I don't consider the ANAX to be an integral. The point of an integral is simplicity and less parts. The anax has more screws and hardware than a standard liner lock!

I've owned a Rassenti before (the nirvana) and it was pretty great. Can't really go wrong with him.


But my suggestion over all of them would be a Michael Raymond Estrella or Starlit. He is a master machinist and learned from Scott Cook and Scott Cook learned from Chris Reeve. Can't argue with the lineage.
Click to expand...

Thanks Scurvy!
 
"searching for an apocalypse proof folder"
There are none available, but MANY that are close. I might choose a Spyderco TUFF in 3v, a Sage 2 or a Gayle Bradley in M4. Each of these can be had for about $200 or less. I don't have a personal interest in an integral frame. As Comeuppance said, it's sort of a nice novelty, subject to opinion...
 
So basically the consensus so far is integral folders are just as reliable as any other frame/liner lock with the only real benefit being less parts to deal with? Thanks for the info guys.
 
I really like my ANAX personally, the carbon fiber handle makes it very light and sturdy. Personally I myself like the removable lock bar because if the knife were to develop lock up issues it could be fixed very easily. That and Marfione and Microtech will be able to warranty the knives until the end of time basically. Also don't forget integrals have that inherent cool factor too.

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Oh hell yeah they do! This one sure as shit does! I was actually thinking about picking this very model up once the money comes in! Love the tritium insert. Def coo!
 
I have two Rassenti SNAFU s. I promptly started to sell the Hinderers, ZTs and Spydercos to afford another. His (Rassenti) new druid flipper model coming out. I owned an ANAX and sold it mainly because I prefer flippers. I have to say the Rassenti felt much more solid.. And yes they are way stronger then folders with back spacers (Hinderer etc). You can feel the difference immediately.
 
Awesome thanks Scarlett! Waiting on the funds to become available to buy a Snafu now! Can't wait to get one in hand
 
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