Looking for STURDY sub $100 EDC knife

J

JBorneu

Joined
Dec 17, 2007
Messages
3
Hi there

I'm basically looking for the sturdiest, best cutting locking folder around $80. Until now the blades of my SAK/leatherman were all I needed, with a few cheap bigger folders which I made razor sharp to use when other people use a stanley knife. However, I'm looking for something bigger than my SAK and more reliable than my el-cheapo knives.

I will use this knife for working on ships, so it needs to be good at cutting all sorts of ropes etc, and I'm also going to EDC it when I expect I'm going to need a bigger blade. I'm still not quite sure wether a serrated blade or a plain edge sharpened with a coarse stone would be better. I'm open to both, but no combo edges.

I'm looking for a folder with no asisted opening of any kind because that's illegal here. I want to be able to open it one handed while wearing thick gloves and it needs to lock automatically (not like my Opinel) when I open it. I don't need to be able to close it again with one hand.

I want a blade of about 4 inches, larger is illegal here, much smaller is too small because I may need to cut thick mooring ropes etc. I want a strong blade, which can take some abuse (prying etc.), which won't rust easy and will hold an edge for a while. I'm pretty good at sharpening knives so ease of sharpening is less of an issue as long as it's strong and holds an edge.

I need hard polymer handles which will give me a good grip with gloves on, when wet, cold etc. I am planning on clipping the knife to my pocket / in my waistband, whatever's more convenient at the time. I need to be able to postion the pocket clip so that it I were to clip the knife opened on my waistband (not that I'm actually planning on doing that), only the clip would be outside my pants and the point would be pointin down.

I was looking at the Cold Steel Voyager series. They match most of my requirements, but when I researched them over here a lot of people seem to think that there are more sturdy knives available for the same price. So I remembered I once made an account here, I dug it up and I posted this.

Thanks for your time, any advice is appreciated.
 
Sounds like you need to find yourself a used ZT 0500. It's great for everything that you ask, just a little high on the price.
 
Welcome to BFC!
I've already made you a recommendation on the other side, but I'm just going to say I still think a fully-serrated blade would be best for your application.
 
surprised no one mentioned a Spyderco (pacific or atlantic) Salt yet.
Both are just a shade under 4". Both have FRN handles, 1 handed opening, and H1 steel that won't rust (something to consider if you're working on ships). 1 is fully serrated (atlantic), the other has a PE (pacific).
 
Spyderco D'allara if you can find one on the net. They're discontinued. Nice knife, lock is able to be used with thick gloves on. Rounded handle with a wire clip. Unlike most with flatter handles. http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=202 . Comes in plain or combination, but like most recommended youll want at least combination if not full serration.
 
The Spyderco Endura is not quite 4", but it's close at 3 3/4", and anyone here will tell you that Spydercos are probably the best for opening one-handed (because of the hole).

I'm too lazy to do all the research, but anything with an axis lock will also be good to open/close with gloves on. The only problem you'll encounter is finding a ~4 inch blade for around $80. Benchmades have a reputation for being pretty expensive.
 
The Pacific Salt works very well. I have abused the hell out of mine and it keeps going strong. It will not rust and the H1 steel will get stronger as you use it as it is a work hardened steel. The steel scratches easily but also buffs out easy.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=3873
I would also suggest getting one of these to keep it sharp with minimal effort.
http://eknifeworks.com/webapp/eComm...=&Cat=1&SearchText=lansky+spyderco&SKU=SI7420
Or maybe this will work.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=45393
 
Sounds to me like you're trying to save money, which is completely understandable... however, if you're looking for a sturdy working knife, consider a fixed blade. You didn't say where "here" was, so I don't know about legality for carrying it when off-ship, but I doubt many of the laws matter when you're actually doing your job on a ship.

The advantages of a two-knife setup are that you aren't limited by the legalities of EDC carry when you're working, and you don't have to try to make your EDC knife capable of doing your work tasks.

For an EDC knife, you can pick anything that strikes your fancy, but for a working fixed blade on a ship, try the fixed blade serrated salt from Spyderco:

scfb23syl.jpg


New Graham has them for $83.

If you can only get one knife, though, I'll go with the above recommendations for one of the folding Salts.

Oh, and Welcome to BladeForums. :)
 
I would suggest either a BM Griptilian or maybe an older Cold Steel Voyager (with the AUS-8A blade).

Can't go wrong with either and I've owned and used several of both...

Regards,
Mike
 
knivesandguns said:
Sounds like you need to find yourself a used ZT 0500. It's great for everything that you ask, just a little high on the price.
Click to expand...

This was the first knife I thought of, too, but it is a little pricey.

My second thought was some sort of Spyderco. I only have experience with the Delica Wave, but have found it to be a very solid, lightweight, knife.

Phillip
 
outdoors fanatic has it right on the fixed blade....RAT RC-3
on the other hand, the folder should be a BM Griptilian :D get the cabelas exclusive in D2 for $92
 
I have several recommendations for you---

First off, the Benchmade Griptilian. It features the excellent Axis lock, very ergonomic handles, and a well-cutting blade---especially the Doug Ritter-designed RSK models, though these particular variants are a bit out of your posted price range.

Also available is the Spyderco Pacific Salt. It features a literally rustproof blade of H1 steel, comfortable FRN handles that do not stain, a climate-resistant titanium pocket clip, and excellent cutting performance. It is available for as low as fifty dollars, and is one of the best knives at this price point.

I would recommend your suggested Voyager without qualm---sometimes I carry an X2 Voyager when I have the need for a lot of cutting power, but can't take a fixed blade because I'm not wearing a belt, etc. The lock is very solid, the handles are decent, and the blade is fearsome.

Whatever you get, good luck and be careful.

:thumbup:
 
For a folder, I'd also recommend the BM Griptilian.
And as someone noted, for just a bit over $100. you can get a BM 710.

If I were looking for a super sturdy folder in the price range, I'd buy a BM 710.

(In fact, I have done exactly that, and more than once...:))

Thick saber grind blade, dual full length steel liners, Axis lock, G10 scales - it's built like a tank.
 
Spyderco Endura or Salt series (if you're working in or around water). If you're cutting lots of rope, get a partially serrated or fully serrated blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top