Ironworker's Folding Knife

K Williams

K Williams

Joined
Nov 17, 1998
Messages
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What's a good choice of folding knife for a structural ironworker? It would be need to cut rope, boxes, etc. Preferably one-handed opening, with or without heavy work gloves on. Resistant to light prying. Blade length of 3.5" to 4". Thanks.
 
How much do you want to spend?

I'd say Strider SnG, but they are pretty pricey.

One of the Buck / Striders could fit the bill if you are looking to keep the price reasonable.
 
I agree on the Spyderco Manix. There are only a handful of folders that I'd consider carrying, if I were wearing gloves. Most folders are pretty much impossible to open with a glovedhand. The larger Spyderco openng hole seems to excel at this task.
 
I would suggest a Spyderco Pacific Salt or Endura in VG10. The S30V Manix is nice, but you'll be crying uncle when you nick that off one of the many metal components you work it.
 
I am an ironworker and I carry the spyderco salt fully serrated H1 blade. It makes quick work of rope and boxes, and will cut through a safety harness lanyard in one slice if you get in a bad situation you need to escape quickly from. The H1 steel has so far proven to be corrosion-proof in a varietey of environments. If you don't work in corrosive environments, I would go with the VG10 rescue. ;)
 
I second anything from spyderco for cutting rope.I used to carry a meerkat,harpy and then a delica :mad: and then i got fed up with loseing good knives at work.So i sold out and bought a pocket box cutter from home depot :o I cant seem to lose the P.O.S
 
Another one for spyderco manix. I've been EDC one for a month now, and love it. I build custom machines, so we are in the same broad field. Easy to open with gloves, great big handle, and a perfectly shaped S30V blade. Great knife!
 
I'm going along with the Spyderco here. Manix is good, so is Military. The new Endura IV is pretty sick too. I'd also recommend a fully serrated Spyderedge for the kind of work you're describing. My cousin swears by a Spyderedge Military for his theater construction.
 
I cannot see why you need to go beynd the excellent advice of one of your own co-workers, quagmire.
 
ginshun said:
How much do you want to spend?

I'd say Strider SnG, but they are pretty pricey.

One of the Buck / Striders could fit the bill if you are looking to keep the price reasonable.
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$100 or less. Thanks.
 
quagmire said:
I am an ironworker and I carry the spyderco salt fully serrated H1 blade. It makes quick work of rope and boxes, and will cut through a safety harness lanyard in one slice if you get in a bad situation you need to escape quickly from. The H1 steel has so far proven to be corrosion-proof in a varietey of environments. If you don't work in corrosive environments, I would go with the VG10 rescue. ;)
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Thanks for the replies so far. Which local are you with? I'm a brand new apprentice with Local 40.

What about the Spyderco Military(I already have one in plainedge)? It has a large opening hole, but the handle is pretty light.
 
You might be able to get a used Manix for under $100.

I know at least one person who is selling a Manix in very good condition for under $100. He looks a lot like me and lives in my house.
 
Another vote here for the new Spyderco Endura 4.

I love the Manix myself, but the leaf-shaped flat-ground blade gets very thin at the tip, whereas the new Endura has a very sturdy tip, so I think it would be better suited for hard use.

I don't normally recommend a "combo edge" (half serrated, half plain), but it sounds like it would be idea for this purpose: serrated for rope, plain for boxes and just about everything else. The Endura's blade is long enough that there's enough of both edges to be actually useful.
 
K Williams said:
Thanks for the replies so far. Which local are you with? I'm a brand new apprentice with Local 40.

What about the Spyderco Military(I already have one in plainedge)? It has a large opening hole, but the handle is pretty light.
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I'm out of local 207 in Youngstown, Ohio. I've been an Ironworker for about 12 years now. Good luck with your apprenticeship. Keep your head on straight and learn all you can and you'll do fine. :cool:
 
quagmire said:
I'm out of local 207 in Youngstown, Ohio. I've been an Ironworker for about 12 years now. Good luck with your apprenticeship. Keep your head on straight and learn all you can and you'll do fine. :cool:
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Thanks! I will definitely try. :thumbup:
 
I'm going with the Military for the jeans pocket, the Buck 110 on my tool belt, and a Leatherman Supertool(the old model) on my pants belt.
 
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