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Look for some general help. Looking for a knife I can abuse and trust my life to.
- Thread starter DayWalkerSC400
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- Nov 20, 2005
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I can't say much about ZT's since I don't own one. I know they are great knives. But I think you should be looking for a fixed blade for the heavy field use. You can do the delicate stuff with your folder. I would look at the Kabar Becker BK-4 and the Condor Rodan. These are well under $100.
Any knife can be damaged by really hard use. So don't think these are indestructable. But both are very durable. Folks are talking about the Rodan a lot lately, and I am considering buying one. I have a BK-2. The ESEE-4 or -5 would probably be suitable also. Have fun.
Any knife can be damaged by really hard use. So don't think these are indestructable. But both are very durable. Folks are talking about the Rodan a lot lately, and I am considering buying one. I have a BK-2. The ESEE-4 or -5 would probably be suitable also. Have fun.
Heres what I would suggest for that use:
Fixed Blades: Bark River, ESEE , Becker , Scrapyard, Ontario, Fallkniven
It all comes down to your size preference. If you want small, I'd go for the Izula, if you want medium, I would suggest the BRKT Bravo-1, the Becker BK-17, ESEE 5, Sykco 511 fallkniven s-1, etc.
Folders: Zero Tolerance, Spyderco
A ZT 0200 can handle a lot of stuff I throw at it, real nice knife. The same goes for my para-military 2.
Hard decision.
Fixed Blades: Bark River, ESEE , Becker , Scrapyard, Ontario, Fallkniven
It all comes down to your size preference. If you want small, I'd go for the Izula, if you want medium, I would suggest the BRKT Bravo-1, the Becker BK-17, ESEE 5, Sykco 511 fallkniven s-1, etc.
Folders: Zero Tolerance, Spyderco
A ZT 0200 can handle a lot of stuff I throw at it, real nice knife. The same goes for my para-military 2.
Hard decision.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2012
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- 12
Wow. Great replies everyone, thanks so much! I've posted on many forums before and I have to say that you guys are the nicest bunch of people I've met!
I think you guys are right, a fixed blade would definitely be best for the super hard work. But I was wondering what everyone thought of the Benchmade griptillian 551. I think it could handle alot of what I'd ask of it as far as the "abuse" goes. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKol-A0fX7E&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I know a folder isn't designed for this and that a fixed blade would be far better but I was really impressed by this and it might suit my needs and work as an EDC as well. Many of you would probably not approve of using a once like this, and I get that. I probably would never use the knife this hard either, but it's REALLY nice to know it can do this. Does anyone know how well a ZT could hold up doing this kind of stuff? Are there any videos (I couldn't find any).
One of the reasons the benchmade is selling me is because of the price point. It's only 75 bucks on amazon which is cheaper than the base ZT knives and a lot cheaper than the mid to high end ZTs. Are the ZT knives really better than this? Also do you think the Kershaw blur in S30V could do this? Its about the same proce as the BM. And although i love my blur, seeig a video of the knife performing is truly convincing/reassuring. Thanks again for all the great replies!
I think you guys are right, a fixed blade would definitely be best for the super hard work. But I was wondering what everyone thought of the Benchmade griptillian 551. I think it could handle alot of what I'd ask of it as far as the "abuse" goes. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKol-A0fX7E&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I know a folder isn't designed for this and that a fixed blade would be far better but I was really impressed by this and it might suit my needs and work as an EDC as well. Many of you would probably not approve of using a once like this, and I get that. I probably would never use the knife this hard either, but it's REALLY nice to know it can do this. Does anyone know how well a ZT could hold up doing this kind of stuff? Are there any videos (I couldn't find any).
One of the reasons the benchmade is selling me is because of the price point. It's only 75 bucks on amazon which is cheaper than the base ZT knives and a lot cheaper than the mid to high end ZTs. Are the ZT knives really better than this? Also do you think the Kershaw blur in S30V could do this? Its about the same proce as the BM. And although i love my blur, seeig a video of the knife performing is truly convincing/reassuring. Thanks again for all the great replies!
I really couldn't suggest you use a folder for the tasks you have described. So yes fixed blade all the way..
I like the becker option. You can absolutely beast them
You just have to decide:
necker - bk 11, 14, 13
smaller bushcraft - BK 2, BK 17, BK 15, BK 16 (I really like the BK 16 shape)
Larger - bk 9 or bk 4
Plenty of vids showing what they can do..
ESEE are very similar but I prefer the becker stuff
I like the becker option. You can absolutely beast them
You just have to decide:
necker - bk 11, 14, 13
smaller bushcraft - BK 2, BK 17, BK 15, BK 16 (I really like the BK 16 shape)
Larger - bk 9 or bk 4
Plenty of vids showing what they can do..
ESEE are very similar but I prefer the becker stuff
- Joined
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First off I understand your situation completely. I am in my third and final year of law school and I find myself looking at this site during class constantly knowing that I will run across something more captivating than wills and trusts. In fact I am putting off writing a paper as I am writing this.
That said I think for what you are looking for a fixed blade will fit the bill. I have used and abused a sog vulcan for several months now and it has held up. If you really want to abuse a knife that won't break the bank but will hold up to abuse CRKT is a good choice. The steel isn't as good as say s30v or vg10 so you will have to sharpen it more but for me that is half the fun.
For a good fixed blade I would look to an Esee 4 or 5. Beckers are a good choice as well. I have never owned one but I haven't ever heard anything bad about them. You could also look at a short Ka Bar. None of these will break the bank but all should hold up well for you.
That said I think for what you are looking for a fixed blade will fit the bill. I have used and abused a sog vulcan for several months now and it has held up. If you really want to abuse a knife that won't break the bank but will hold up to abuse CRKT is a good choice. The steel isn't as good as say s30v or vg10 so you will have to sharpen it more but for me that is half the fun.
For a good fixed blade I would look to an Esee 4 or 5. Beckers are a good choice as well. I have never owned one but I haven't ever heard anything bad about them. You could also look at a short Ka Bar. None of these will break the bank but all should hold up well for you.
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2011
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You want to get the Griptilian for the work you plan to do... yet the lock up failed a 1/4 of the way through the video. Not a good idea.
My favorite Griptilian though is the 550HG.
If you want a really nice Griptilian - Get a Ritter Grip.
The guy mentioned the Spyderco Manix 2 in the video - I love this knife. I used one for EVERYTHING for a long time. It never once failed me. And it still had zero play, centered, it was great. I would get that.
My favorite Griptilian though is the 550HG.
If you want a really nice Griptilian - Get a Ritter Grip.
The guy mentioned the Spyderco Manix 2 in the video - I love this knife. I used one for EVERYTHING for a long time. It never once failed me. And it still had zero play, centered, it was great. I would get that.
A Victorinox of your choosing (Huntsman is a good one). A BK-14. A BK-16. A BK-9. With that combo, you can do everything you need to do. From picking slivers to batoning logs & firewood. I don't mean carry all 4 all the time. Pick & choose based on what your doing, where your going. Not much you cant do with that 4-some.
+1 on that!
But yeah, I was going to suggest a knife I had in mind but after reading your post in full I will agree with some of the other chaps... I say get a quality fixed blade (Fallkniven or ESEE) and a good Victorinox (not those crazy mini things).
-G
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- Oct 4, 2010
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- 1,315
I'd bet my life on the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. M4 steel that is tougher than nails and classy-yet-grippy carbon fiber scales.
Awesome knife.
TedP
Awesome knife.
TedP
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2004
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- 4,704
Some quick thoughts.
I'm not a fan of the blur so I think you will be happy with just about any thing you pick if you like it.
I wouldn't trust any knife I abuse to save my life. Now a knife that can handle some abuse in a life and death situation is a different story.
The Griptilian is a work horse and has the AXIS lock which is one of the few locks I would trust to hold up to some abuse. If you are set on the abuse part I would go with the 275 Adamas. The lock has been beefed up and it should take some rough handling. It is thick and might be on the clunky side for an EDC.
I'm not a big fan of ZT knives but lots of people like them. I do like the 0561 but it has a frame lock which I'm personally not a big fan of.
Maybe check out a Coldsteel with the Triad lock. It is a sturdy lock and you can get it on a knife that isn't very expensive. I'm not a big fan of Coldsteel but for the price and a knife you are going to beat on it may not be a bad option though they aren't very fancy and don't have the best steel. It won't hold an edge very long but it is easy to sharpen. That might be a plus if you are just getting into knives and don't know how to sharpen yet.
Good luck in your decision.
I'm not a fan of the blur so I think you will be happy with just about any thing you pick if you like it.
I wouldn't trust any knife I abuse to save my life. Now a knife that can handle some abuse in a life and death situation is a different story.
The Griptilian is a work horse and has the AXIS lock which is one of the few locks I would trust to hold up to some abuse. If you are set on the abuse part I would go with the 275 Adamas. The lock has been beefed up and it should take some rough handling. It is thick and might be on the clunky side for an EDC.
I'm not a big fan of ZT knives but lots of people like them. I do like the 0561 but it has a frame lock which I'm personally not a big fan of.
Maybe check out a Coldsteel with the Triad lock. It is a sturdy lock and you can get it on a knife that isn't very expensive. I'm not a big fan of Coldsteel but for the price and a knife you are going to beat on it may not be a bad option though they aren't very fancy and don't have the best steel. It won't hold an edge very long but it is easy to sharpen. That might be a plus if you are just getting into knives and don't know how to sharpen yet.
Good luck in your decision.
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First off welcome to the forum!! I think you'll like it here with all these edged tool lovin' maniacs who are, from my experience a great bunch or guys(and occasional gal
).
Now for some more great options for an all around good knife that can handle some hard core use. First is the Boker Rold which is made of D2 steel and will run you about $90-120, its got a 6" blade so it's perfect for batoning, camp craft and most other outdoors use.
As for a folder I don't think I've yet to find one as tuff or beasty as the ZT 0301. The action on it is so smooth and strong and its got enough blade for some bigger chores.
Some other fixed blades that I don't think anyone mentioned are Habilis bushtools' Pathfinder knife($110), which is made of 1095 w/ g10 scales and has a 5" blade, the Kellam Tracker which has about a 5-1/2" blade, and can run about $85-105, the Ka-Bar Potbelly with a 7" blade and a price of about $80, and also Schrade's extreme survival fixed blades which many may not agree with but they are good for the money, escpecially the SCHF9 which has a 6" blade of 1095 steel and only runs about $40.
Finally I'd be remissed if I didn't also put in my support of Beckers like the BK2,9,15,16,17, the Esee RC4,5,6, Condor Rodan, kephart or bushlore, Ontario Tak1, RAT-5,7", and of course the Mora bushcraft triflex. There are so many out there to pick from and if I were you I'd set a budget and try to get as many as I can with that amount of money so you can find one that fits your hand and needs the best. Like if you could set a budget of $150 for some fixed blades you can get a BK15/16/17, a Condor Rodan/bushlore and More clipper and maybe even a Becker BK11/14(neck knives)
Here's the Boker Rold
This is the Habilis pathfinder
Kellam Tracker
Ka-bar Potbelly
Schrade schf9
).Now for some more great options for an all around good knife that can handle some hard core use. First is the Boker Rold which is made of D2 steel and will run you about $90-120, its got a 6" blade so it's perfect for batoning, camp craft and most other outdoors use.
As for a folder I don't think I've yet to find one as tuff or beasty as the ZT 0301. The action on it is so smooth and strong and its got enough blade for some bigger chores.
Some other fixed blades that I don't think anyone mentioned are Habilis bushtools' Pathfinder knife($110), which is made of 1095 w/ g10 scales and has a 5" blade, the Kellam Tracker which has about a 5-1/2" blade, and can run about $85-105, the Ka-Bar Potbelly with a 7" blade and a price of about $80, and also Schrade's extreme survival fixed blades which many may not agree with but they are good for the money, escpecially the SCHF9 which has a 6" blade of 1095 steel and only runs about $40.
Finally I'd be remissed if I didn't also put in my support of Beckers like the BK2,9,15,16,17, the Esee RC4,5,6, Condor Rodan, kephart or bushlore, Ontario Tak1, RAT-5,7", and of course the Mora bushcraft triflex. There are so many out there to pick from and if I were you I'd set a budget and try to get as many as I can with that amount of money so you can find one that fits your hand and needs the best. Like if you could set a budget of $150 for some fixed blades you can get a BK15/16/17, a Condor Rodan/bushlore and More clipper and maybe even a Becker BK11/14(neck knives)
Here's the Boker Rold
This is the Habilis pathfinder
Kellam Tracker
Ka-bar Potbelly
Schrade schf9
A Kershaw Blur and a tree wouldn't mix well I don't think... hah and I would definitely want something more substantial in my hand if a zombie was on top of me trying to eat my face!
-G
Tasmaniac
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It seems to me that a ZT 0350 would more than meet your needs. S30V, not much more than $110 or so, and pretty damn tough. I've had one for quite awhile now and, even though I own a couple of its big brothers, the 0350 always seems to find its way into my pocket.
[video=youtube;ce1nHFBs0-E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce1nHFBs0-E[/video]
[video=youtube;ce1nHFBs0-E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce1nHFBs0-E[/video]
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2012
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Thanks for all the help guys! I think it's come down to a heavy use folder for me. So now I am deciding between: bm griptillian 551, bm adamas, or one of the zero tolerance knives. I prefer kershaw's warranty (free return shipping for sharpening) and I'd really prefer a non-coated blade. Choosing a steel (154cm, d2, or s30v) is another problem. But it will most likely come down to price as these seem to all be good knives. So I'll shop around and maybe I'll catch a good deal on the knife exchange here!