Need a new Folder, Your personal reviews wanted!

darkestthicket

darkestthicket

Joined
Nov 30, 2002
Messages
1,106
Ok guys, im looking for a new EDC, Im considering a spyderco harpy, a spyderco manix (thanks to Cliff's review) and a few striders. Feel free to suggest any heavy duty folders you might like.

ps i like an oxidized or epoxy finish ;)
 
What do you use your EDC knife for? How much durability do you need? How much cutting ability are you willing to sacrifice to get it?
 
Ive used my current EDC (a strider) for just about everything, opening cardboard boxes, opening packing tape, whittling, limbing trees in the front yard, etc.

So it has to be a somewhat heavy duty blade, real high durability, doesnt have to be a filet knife if you know what i mean. (also, Chris Reeve folders are out of the question, those are just to pretty to use IMO)
 
What area of performance are you looking to increase over the Strider? What areas, if any, have you found the Strider lacking?

I have never used one, but it would hard to imagine a tougher folder with good cutting ability than a Strider AR. (Based on a huge number of hard use reports on Badlands, USN, etc).

If you want tougher, you will have to give up cutting performance.
 
I havent found the strider lacking in anything performance wise, i just used it to cut open a lime, then jumped in the ocean while at the beach with it clipped to my pocket, now it has a slightly rusty looking spot pattern on it that i cant get off with Break Free CLP or Rem oil. It somewhat ugly anyway but i cant stand rust that i cant get off the knife (without taking off the oxide coating at least). Also im not to up on spending 400-500$ for a replacement strider ;)
 
My current EDC is a Harpy. I got it several months ago.

I bought it for its claw shape blade ( found it very beautilful), but i'm currently on the way to change it for a really utility knife.

This kind of knife are good for rare uses but not really for daily works ( found it very pratical while you hands are dry becoz of the stainless steel handle..).

I was also searching for a knife who can be useful in "injury" situation... The claw shape is, to my opinion, the best way for "hit and run", and so, a good issue for people who don't have experience in self-defense.

Out of the box, this knife is really sharp (razor sharp), and the VG 10 steel is a pledge of quality! But this kind of blade must be hard to sharpen ( on't have test yet).

Conclusion : this is a knife with a really sympathetic style, very sharp, and useful in many situations, but not a really utility knife... But a manix ( or a Native for example !!!), will be a better choice for your criteria...
 
Excellent feedback, I like the harpy for the aesthetic value with the exception of the handle, i like scales. heheh, I may consider getting one after I get another EDC, since im thinking your right for utility purposes this probably isnt the right knife for me.

thanks!
 
keep in mind sal says the mini-manix is on the horizon. the same bullet proof design in a smaller package = instant winner!
 
Yeah as much as I loved my g10 harpy it isn't in the same league as the knives you mentined for overall utility and the tip is very thin. The mini manix is sounding sweet and not far off, the BM mini Presidio is out and that looks like a super durable knife in a small package. Personally I carry a Spydie para-mil as my primary edc and for me its a super combination of strength, functional blade shape and ease of carry. The compression lock is great, the g10 is grippy, just an awesome small worker. More along the lines of the manix in size would be the full size mili which is also a fantastic knife with great blade steel and super ergos.Keep that rusty old strider around for stripping cars and carving concrete and try out one of the small durable knives available. Women won't think you are such a freak either;-)>
btw. which strider do you own?
 
Heavy duty, solid, not too nice, reliable, light enough for EDC... That sounds like a Spyderco Military. Everybody will tell you, its the best bang for your bucks... And backed by a company who will go the extra mile to make you happy...

For the tasks you are aiming for, I would suggest a Combo edge. You have about 1.5 inches of serrations and 2.5 of hair popping plain edge that will cut through pvc, branches, thin metal and still cut paper...

Tell us what you choose...

Simon
 
darkestthicket said:
Ok guys, im looking for a new EDC, Im considering a spyderco harpy, a spyderco manix (thanks to Cliff's review) and a few striders. Feel free to suggest any heavy duty folders you might like.

ps i like an oxidized or epoxy finish ;)
Click to expand...

What "heavy duty" stuff will you do with it? Remember you have to lug it around.

The harpy is more a defensive knife IMHO. The manix is a bruiser, a real horse!

Will you need a multi-tool like a Leatherman? Something corrosion resistent like a Spyderco salt?

How much is your budget?
 
The Manix would fit your criterion well. The BM710HS is another tough folder worth considering and if you are prepared to sacrifice a little on the heavy duty, the Rat Trap packs a lot of blade.

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Hey Stockman, how have you found that 710? Used it much? It looks like it probably has the same coating as my new 806 and I'm wondering how resistent it is to scratching and such.
 
How about a Buck/Mayo TNT, it is an awesome little knife. I DO LOVE MY Striders though. How about a Kershaw/ Ken Onion Bump? Excellent, excellent knife.
 
"One" of my folders is a Buck/Strider 887SBT Police Advocate. It's a well built knife, but depending on your EDC requirements, it could be very heavy. For the things that I do, the blade is too thick, and not pointy enough. It's a good backup, general purpose type knife for me, so it is in my daypack. If you are looking at the Spydie Military - may want to take a look at the Paramilitary as well. It's just slightly heavier but a bit more sheeple friendly. I carry several on me at any one given time - one larger folder, usually a BM 550 Griptillian, Camillus Heat, or Spydie Paramilitary (if I have cargo pants, that day, two of those :) ) for the big stuff. Smaller blade(s) like the Delica, BM Mini-Grip, my SAK, and my Wave II.

Hope this helps - gord
 
i carry a gerber tool edc already, as well as my strider, basicly i need a sharpened prybar for just about any use somone can think up. from stripping tinder for a fire to prying open my desk drawer when it gets stuck (metal drawer).

Right now its looking like a Strider Tarani for my next one, still partially undecided! the spyderco para millitary is a close second.
 
I still remain loyal to my CRK Sebenza... the best (overall) knife I've ever owned. Spendy, but lots of "value" for the $
 
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