need a tough folder

B

BUSHMASTER100

Joined
Jan 22, 2002
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I am looking to buy a folder, but I want one that will hold up under hard use. I was thinking of a Emerson commander or a BM710? Any help?
 
there's a million out there my list of faves are

emerson commander, emerson CQC7B, microtech griptillian, microtech lcc, spyderco military, spyderco chinook, bm afck, bm 940 Warren Osborne.

there is a cool article on the BM940 in the new blade. it's about a team that included a guy named Erik Weihenmayer who is blind that climbed Mt. Everest. they chose the 940 as their folder and had a lot of good things to say about it.
 
Unless you can get a '98 Commander I think you'd be a tad disappointed, stick with the other Emerson models.
Also anything that says Spyderco on it is pretty serious... ESPECIALLY THE CHINOOK! (woot!)
any AXIS lock BM is pretty good too.
there's plenty of options.
 
You did not say what sort of tasks the folder will be doing. I own a BM 910 in M2HS and it is awesome. I have not beaten on it terribly hard, but it has taken everything I threw at it and come back for more. I can cut boxes with it and then go and still the edge is plenty sharp to cut lemons. I cannot speak highly enough of the M2. It holds an edge very very well.
 
If you're looking for something that's hell bent for stout above all else I'd recommend the Buck Strider or the TOPS CQT magnums.

For something a bit more practically sized for EDC....well...first I gotta recommend my top three personal favorites.

Masters Of Defense-CQD, or CQD Mk2,Trident, Hornet, or Tempest

Benchmade-Pinnacle, or just about any axis lock design

Spyderco- First and foremost the Endura, Delica (Especially the ones with VG-10!) Police, Chinook, or the Bob Lum Tanto blades.

As far as other highly respected manufacturers I would suggest a Microtech LCC, or an Al-Mar SERE 2k.

As far as Emersons, my own experience with an Emerson Commander was quite disappointing, but then on the other hand I didn't have a '98 Commander either.

Now I'm gonna log out and get a headstart before The lynch mobs are fully formed. (lots of people don't share my perception re: Emersons.)

keep us tuned in to whatcha get, eh?
 
The Sebenza will handle anything a folder can be expected take.
Other choices would be the Buck 110/112, Spyderco Native, Spyderco Chinnook, BM 710/705, Emersons, Al Mar SERE 2K, and Camillus EDC.

Paul
 
Welcome to BFC, BUSHMASTER.

You've received a lot of excellent advice in this thread thus far. For my part, I too would recommend any of the Benchmade Axis lock models as a good, solid choice for an everyday carry (EDC) folder.
 
REKAT has a few knives that are very good EDC hard use knives. The Pioneer II, Savant, or Carnivour Cub are reasonably sized and tank tough.

If you need something bigger than a 3-3.5" blade, you could look at the REKAT Sifu or Carnivour.

I don't have anything against any of these other knives, either. They are all solid knives, and solid choices.

Good luck in your decision.
 
The 710 is a great knife. As far as "tuff" goes I'd look at the Buck Strider of the TOPS lines both are built like tanks. If you don't want something that massive I'd look at something with an axis lock preferably with either D2 or M2 tool steels.

As far as the Emerson Commander, I have been told that the 1998 and older ones have a better liner lock. Mine is a 2000 model, and it's a great every day cary knife but the liner is way too thin.
 
As suggested the Sebenza is a great knife if you want to spend that kind of money. Otherwise you could also get the SERE 2000 or Buck Strider. Both of these are significantly less expensive yet excellent quality knives that will stand up to hard use. Of these knives I beliueve that the Buck Strider is the toughest, the blade is a fair bit thicker than the rest, and it will stand up to more abuse.

Erik
 
There was a thread a loooooooooong time ago about someone who chipped out the edge of their Sebenza cutting plastic wire ties. This is a problem with lots of hollow ground knives, especially if the steel is a tad too hard: the edges chip out easily on modestly tough materials. And that's why my EDCs folders now are all flat grinds. BM certainly makes some decent knives, but, even though I just said how great flat grinds are, I think their edges are a bit too thick. Of course, if you really intend hard use then you probably want a thick edge. But, hollow grind is totally inappropriate for a real, hard use knife. (So is high cost! ;))
 
If you had a price range in mind we could help more. The suggestions you've heard range from about $35 to a big chunk of change...

Lots of very stout folders out there that would make you happy though. Good luck!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Oooooops..., and welcome to the Forums! Sorry I forgot to start with that. Let us know what you choose and how you like it...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
I would say that you need a BM 710 in M2 steel or an Axis AFCK in D2 steel. I have an Axis AFCK and I really like the D2 blade, it takes and holds a really nice edge. I also have a small Sebenza and love it, if you want to spend that kind of money a large Sebenza, it would be just what you are looking for and they are pretty hard to beat.

Oh yea, I almost forgot. A Microtech LCC M/A is a pretty tough knife also. I have one of those and really like it too. To me it has a great handle.
 
I would choose BENCHMADE 710 Axis Lock or 750 Pinnacle over Emerson's Commander each moment. There are a lot of drawbacks of Commander design, they were discussed here numerous times. I'll mention only one - the edge is sharpened on the single side of the bale. And this side is improper for right handed user! Just try to do something useful (I'm not speaking about destroying!) with this knife - whittle a piece of wood for ex. - and I'll be very surprised if you will not have enough after few cuts.

Welcome to the Forums! :)
 
Originally posted by BUSHMASTER100
I am looking to buy a folder, but I want one that will hold up under hard use. I was thinking of a Emerson commander or a BM710? Any help?
Click to expand...
One more vote for 710, especially in M2.
For utility use 710 is definitely better than Commander anytime.
For less money in 710 you get:
A better lock; Normal V edge vs. chisel on the Commander, i.e. you can actually use it for utility tasks, and I personally like M2 better than 154CM/ATS-34 for hard use.
 
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