Looking for tough heavy use folder

A

Average_joe101

Joined
Feb 8, 2013
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44
Hey guys!


Ive asked this same question a bit now and i want to exhaust all my options before i jump.

So im in the market for a new knife. It has to be a folder as i have to be able to carry it in my pocket. Its gotta be one handed opening.

I currently have the Cold Steel Voyager (medium) for work, its ok. I purchased it as i was previously using a Kershaw Skyline. I loved that blade but the profile was much too thin, it would be blunt before my 12 hour shift had finished. The Voyagers steel its GREAT! Problem the rest of the knife is so crap.

The knife is great for an EDC carry for everyday things normal people would need a knife for. Unfortunately for me im a break down mechanic in one of the biggest mines in the Southern Hemisphere and just carrying it around i have discovered they made an awesome blade with SUPER cheap scales and internal parts. In 2 weeks dirt has already gotten in between the scales and alloy liners. Every time i grip it you can hear the crinkle. So i pulled it apart and sealed it up. I found how cheap it all was. Also not a fan of the Tri-Ad locking mechanism. I never use it for stabbing so the locking they used (while a great tough idea for stabbing or combat use) really isn't practical for me as i have to close it on my leg (really need one handed closing too like the skyline) or liner lock.

The main things i use the knife for include cutting hose straps (like seatbelt material but not as thick, about 1 inch), cable ties, boxes, hard plastic etc.

It handles it all really well, BUT i want something better, even better steel quality and something i wont need to replace in a few months time.

What im after is something just as light, the same size blade/handle (3-4 inch blade, big enough handle to fit in the hand nicely, the Voyager Medium is a bit small) but mainly something that will put up with the 'abuse' its gonna cop. Also absolute MUST be one handed opening, assisted is ok but i dont know if ill get it into the country (Aus). Most of the time im holding what i have to cut and i either need a fixed blade (cant have a work) or it has to be one handed opening.

Any recommendations? So far on my list ive been looking at include the DPX HEST (some reviews show some flaws), Muller MSP (not one handed opener).
The Zero Tolerance is too big for me to carry all day in my pocket and the Strider SMF is too much of a loss if i try and import it and it gets siezed. So i guess my max would be around $200. Anything more is too risky too loose that amount of money... So more opinions?
 
I would consider the Spyderco Manix 2. Great value, easy one handed opening, nice lock system. Good luck in your search!
 
Sounds like any nested liner folder may be problematic with getting dirt trapped

A cheap beater like a byrd cara cara 2 with g10 might work well. has full liners over 3" blade easy to open with thumbhole lockback but just as easy to close safely with choil
Large Ka bar dozier folder another lockback no liners
Think some of the knives of alaska folders are both linerlock with opposing side being linerless. D2 and 154cm steels
 
I know this is way below your price but how about a ss endura or delica the don't have liners and can just be sprayed out when needed.
 
I think u guys are missing my point abit. The Skyline was perfect, with the way the scales and liners are is fine. The problem with the cold steel is the scales fit 'over' the liners and they are not exactly made. There is a fair air gap all the way around the scales and liners. This lets a crap load of crud in. Normal well made knives are a flush perfect made one piece sorta thing with the scales and liners. Also the 'plastic' for the Cold Steel is soft and cheap. Its not G10 like most good quality stuff.

The skyline would be perfect IF it was made out of say CPM S90V for instance.

I want something a bit better than a delica (not to offend but i want something better). Think DXP, Fallkniven quality.

Question, would it be possible to turn this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/140908764592?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2248wt_1037

Into one handed using these http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=60_94_95
 
Average_joe101 said:
I think u guys are missing my point abit. The Skyline was perfect, with the way the scales and liners are is fine. The problem with the cold steel is the scales fit 'over' the liners and they are not exactly made. There is a fair air gap all the way around the scales and liners. This lets a crap load of crud in. Normal well made knives are a flush perfect made one piece sorta thing with the scales and liners. Also the 'plastic' for the Cold Steel is soft and cheap. Its not G10 like most good quality stuff.

The skyline would be perfect IF it was made out of say CPM S90V for instance.

I want something a bit better than a delica (not to offend but i want something better). Think DXP, Fallkniven quality.

Question, would it be possible to turn this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/140908764592?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2248wt_1037

Into one handed using these http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=60_94_95
Click to expand...

The problem with the studs you linked to is that the blade must be drilled for them to mount, but if you don't mid doing that they will work. If you don't want to drill the blade, you should be looking for something more like one of the KWIK bolt on products like these:

http://usaknifemaker.com/folding-knife-parts-c-30.html

Just make sure you get something with a wide enough blade slot to fit your blade into, otherwise you'll need t widen it yourself with a dremel wheel or small file.

God luck in your search.

-Sean
 
You want a Spyderco Gayle Bradley--it's terrifically made, in your budget, and you won't believe how the CPM-M4 steel holds up.
 
You probably need a lockback with an opening hole. If all you need it for is cutting, even a slipjoint would do the job. That way, no lock means easier closing. But -- a mine? Dust, grit, gets in everywhere. Moving parts deteriorate. Blades dull.

What about a utility knife? Razor blades are easy to replace. Slide the button forward to deploy, pull it back to close. Get one with a metal handle.
 
Taking a look at the video on your ebay link, I see the bolt on ones won't work because of the taper ground at the top of the blade, so drilling is your only bet for that knife. Carbide is meant to run at a higher speed than HSS bits. Carbide is harder and more heat resistant, so spin it faster. Just go easy in small pecks and you should be ok, Carbide is hard stuff and pretty tough as well. Drilling 58HRC shouldn't be too bad. You may also end up having to grind a relief into the scale to give you better purchase on your new thumbstud.

Seems like a lot to do to a new knife, probably better off just to keep exploring other options.


Good luck!

-Sean
 
For around 30$ I would look at the kershaw cryo a sturdy boat anchor, with pillar construction, and a frame lock. The steel is not really the big upgrade you are looking for though. honestly as an ex mechanic I would recommend a softer steel with good corrosion resistance.
 
SeanC said:
Taking a look at the video on your ebay link, I see the bolt on ones won't work because of the taper ground at the top of the blade, so drilling is your only bet for that knife. Carbide is meant to run at a higher speed than HSS bits. Carbide is harder and more heat resistant, so spin it faster. Just go easy in small pecks and you should be ok, Carbide is hard stuff and pretty tough as well. Drilling 58HRC shouldn't be too bad. You may also end up having to grind a relief into the scale to give you better purchase on your new thumbstud.

Seems like a lot to do to a new knife, probably better off just to keep exploring other options.


Good luck!

-Sean
Click to expand...


Thats my thoughts exactly, hence why im still chasing other options :)

Esav Benyamin said:
You probably need a lockback with an opening hole. If all you need it for is cutting, even a slipjoint would do the job. That way, no lock means easier closing. But -- a mine? Dust, grit, gets in everywhere. Moving parts deteriorate. Blades dull.

What about a utility knife? Razor blades are easy to replace. Slide the button forward to deploy, pull it back to close. Get one with a metal handle.
Click to expand...

Ive got one of those, they tend to snap easily (the blades, which is unsafe) plus are very bulky to carry round all day, PLUS i really like knives :)
 
My suggestions are as follows:
DPX H.E.S.T. 2.0 - The second gen(2.0) of this knife has had far less issues and you'll likely get a good one so maybe go with that?

ZT 0350 - I know it's assisted, buy it here off of the forum and have the seller remove the torsion bar(assist) and when you get it you can put it back in or leave it out(makes a very smooth Manual Flipper).

ZT 0550 - Big brick of a knife, manual opening with studs, open construction for simple cleaning.

ZT 0560 - You can find one for around $200 or even less now. Manual flipper with a smooth bearing system, open construction, and Elmax(super) steel.

All of the knives are easy to take apart and put back together for cleaning. All have great steels that will serve you well. Good luck.
 
Sorry but i just can't recommend a 200$ plus knife (I am inserting my own knife experiences as a mechanic in a biased way) No matter how careful i was I destroyed any knife i used.
Battery acid being a big offender, random gunk rusting the insides of my knife(Even taking care to rinse out /dry knife) accidentally completed a circuit with my knife once... 4 batteries in series... not... fun.
Though your experiences may completely vary
 
Not 100% sure I understand the issue, but want to add my $0.02. How about a Buck 110? They are tuff and well built. And they are cheap enough that if you need to replace it a couple times a year, it won't break the bank.

I have a friend that does a lot of salt water fishing. For some reason he just will not clean his "bait knife". He buys them used on eBay and tosses them at the end of the season.
 
I'd like to recommend the Svord peasant knife or the new mini peasant PKM. It's not a perfect fit, but here is what it does well:

1. good, tough steel with good HT
2. One hand open and close
3. Can take abuse
4. Simple construction, easy to clean and maintain
5. No springs, blade centering issues, no gaps for dirt to get into
6. So inexpensive, it won't hurt to try

Potential down sides:
1. Skinner blade does not have a pointy tip
2. Carbon steel may rust if you don't care for it
3. extended tang makes it harder for pocket carry, better in a belt sheath

Anyway, it's a dark horse, but at $15 a pop, how can you lose?
 
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