Most indestructible folder you can think of to take on infantry deployment?

S

SnowCrash

Joined
Nov 23, 2010
Messages
211
Looking for a tough knife, I'm a benchmade guy and do not want to spend over $300. I've been looking at zero tolerance 0301 and benchmade presidio. Thanks in general.
 
If you can afford it I highly recommend a strider SMF. If not I would say ZT is great as well!
 
Cold Steel recon 1, well under your budget and tough as nails.
 
SnowCrash said:
Looking for a tough knife, I'm a benchmade guy and do not want to spend over $300. I've been looking at zero tolerance 0301 and benchmade presidio. Thanks in general.
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ZT 0300, 0301, 0302 are relatively big & heavy. This might be more than you really want. If I were you, I'd try to handle one at a local knife shop or gun show or something like that. I'd also consider a Cold Steel knife with TriAd lock. Cheap & tough.

Good luck Over There, and thank you for your service.
 
I'd say those are both good choices. Not sure when the 275 is available, but it looks ideal too. Maybe look for th 0300 if you go the ZT route, as it will be more rust resistant if that's an issue for you. There's still a LE M4 520 availible at a good price I think too.
 
There are expensive tough knives and inexpensive tough knives. If you are set on spending $200+ then definitely go with a ZT they are rugged folders that have been put through their paces by many members of this forum. If you are looking for a tough inexpensive folder then I would definitely second the cold steel recommendation. Go with a recon or lawman; tough as nails, great lockup and good easily sharpened steel.
 
I'd probably go with a Cold Steel American Lawman, to be quite honest. I have a lot of knives with fancier mechanisms and better blade steel than the Lawman but I've got to admit that the lawman puts all of them to shame in the toughness department. Plus it's easy to sharpen and pretty cheap compared to some of the other knives listed.

One piece of advice I heard from a guy who worked as a FOO with CSOR and the snipers was that you shouldn't wear extremely expensive watches or knives on tour. The logic being that no matter how rugged or overbuilt you think your watch or knife is, tours can be chaotic as all hell and chances are pretty good you can still wind up losing it or destroying it. In that sense, it seems more logical to buy a moderately priced knife that can effectively do everything a Strider or Hinderer can do but won't break the bank.
 
Thanks for the input everyone, I'll probably go with that cold steel recon tanto seeing as it seems to be the most rugged and beat up knife on youtube. I've got an esee izula that I cord-wrapped myself, that should be substantial as well I assume, no real need for a kabar since past engagements seem to all be over 100 feet
 
The ZT0200 is big, heavy and very solid. Everything about it is overbuilt. In my opinion it carries best in a sheath. The detent is weak, probably because of the blades heft and size. The handle is very ergonomic and the blades DLC coating is very durable adding a layer of defense against rust.

The Benchmade Presidio is plenty strong with its all-metal construction and axis lock. It feels good in the hand and the aluminum-handle is very grippy. Its a much more manageable size that carries well in the pocket, while still being big enough for most tasks. Thats the knife id recommend.
 
I cant say much on ZT knives, I haven't owned one personally but what I can say is about the Benchmade Presidio. I have had the standard non automatic Presidio for nearly 4 years, never any issues. I have used It everyday from cutting up food, boxes, and even rattlesnakes. This knife has never failed me. I was unsure about the style of lock BM put on this knife but I soon came to realize it is the best folder I have used so far. The blade is made of a great steel 154cm which will need to be cleaned at least once every 6 weeks to prevent rust (depending on climate). The only issues I have with the knife is that breaking down the knife to completely clean the dust that can collect between the handles is annoying because you will need two different size heads to dissemble but a Q-tip can pretty much fix that up. Also the metal grips on the handle can get annoying, they love to eat pockets and the size of the knife can take up a good piece of a normal size pocket. Overall I highly recommend this knife and I believe it will serve you well should you decide to choose it. Best wishes on your deployment, stay safe and thank you for your service.
 
SnowCrash said:
Thanks for the input everyone, I'll probably go with that cold steel recon tanto seeing as it seems to be the most rugged and beat up knife on youtube. I've got an esee izula that I cord-wrapped myself, that should be substantial as well I assume, no real need for a kabar since past engagements seem to all be over 100 feet
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I think you'll be very happy with that decision.
 
Anything Zero Tolerance is a great knife for the money. If you can find a ZT0551...that is a tough, durable design with a stainless blade and under $300. You have to find one on the secondary market though.

A Strider SMF would be great but is $500. Maybe you can get a discount as deployed military personnel.

If you want to save money, Cold Steel has some great options as described above.

Benchmades are nice...maybe nicer than they are tough...
 
If you need that knife for lots of everyday tasks that could affect your edge, you might want to consider your blade steel, and so go for a ZT or Spyderco Military. But if you just want a solid locking backup blade and don't care about whether your edge will hold up under constant use, get the Cold Steel -- Recon1 or Lawman or AK-47. The Tri-Ad lock is very secure, the G-10 handles are ridiculously grippy and the blade will come out extremely sharp. Plus the knives are very tough overall. And you can replace them for under $100.
 
The ultra-tough folder that you seem interested in is going to be heavy, which is the last thing you need in today's gear-heavy infantry. Plus, the toughest folders are not going to cut as well or deploy as easily as others.

A small fixed blade will be stronger and lighter than an end-of-days folder -- and it will cut better.

The first thing you need to know before getting a knife is what you're going to use it for. Going into the infantry doesn't say much. I was a field combat troop in Nam and never carried a knife. Can't think of anyone who did.

Spyderco designed the Military for someone like you, but it is not considered as tough as some of the others mentioned here. But it will cut better and carry a lot easier.
 
Hey snowcrash, you joined up huh? Congratulations! Thanks for your service and I hope this will be a better job than your last security gig. Way to go dude.

I also see that you moved to TX from Orange County.
 
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