Next heavy duty folder purchase

00ChevyScott

00ChevyScott

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Dec 3, 2010
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I'm considering buying another large heavy duty folder, and trying to keep it under $150.

Looking at these options

1) Zero Tolerance 0200

2) Spyderco Military

3) Spyderco Gayle Bradley


Honorable mentions: Kershaw Offset, Kershaw Spec Bump, Kershaw JYDII CB


Your thoughts? Will go into the EDC lineup (ZT0551, Kershaw RAM, Kershaw BOA, Spyderco Manix 2, Kershaw Rake). I carry these knives everywhere, doesn't need to be concealed so size isn't really an issue. Weight also isn't a huge deal as I will most likely not be carrying the same knife everyday.

Strength is key here, however styling is also a close second.
 
The military really isn't a heavy duty folder. It's large, but it has a pretty thin blade, only one nested liner etc.

Have you checked out the Cold Steel TriAd locking knives? You won't find a stronger production knife. And with a budget of $150 you can just about buy 3 of them.

If you looking for something that just "looks" tough, like the military, the TriAd locking knives work for that too.
 
I own and EDC both a Military and a ZT 0200. Both are great IMO. As far as heavy duty use, I would put more stock into the 0200. The Military is a great EDC and will out slice the ZT.....on the other hand, the 0200 is built like a tank and would be better suited for extended heavy duty use.
 
ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
The military really isn't a heavy duty folder. It's large, but it has a pretty thin blade, only one nested liner etc.

Have you checked out the Cold Steel TriAd locking knives? You won't find a stronger production knife. And with a budget of $150 you can just about buy 3 of them.

If you looking for something that just "looks" tough, like the military, the TriAd locking knives work for that too.
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Not a fan of Cold Steel. It's probably a great knife/lock, but I'd rather spend my money with a different company. I don't want this to turn into a cold steel vs the world thread, so no need to talk this out further.
 
type00rev said:
I own and EDC both a Military and a ZT 0200. Both are great IMO. As far as heavy duty use, I would put more stock into the 0200. The Military is a great EDC and will out slice the ZT.....on the other hand, the 0200 is built like a tank and would be better suited for extended heavy duty use.
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I originally wanted the 030X series of ZT, but it's just too much money right now. Plus, I have read here that many people actually prefer the 0200 series knife anyways.

Also, as far as necessities for a "heavy duty" folder, I really won't need it for anything too serious. I just love the feel of an overbuilt knife, and I know it can handle anything I might possibly have to put it through. My 0551 ruined all my smaller folders for me haha.
 
I would say the Gayle Bradley or the ZT. The Tri Ad lock is excellent but I'd take the liner/frame lock on the Bradley. The blade stock on the Bradley is thick and the handles are heavy duty. The liners are monsters that probably hold more firm than many frame locks currently on the market. I would even consider it a frame lock to some degree. The M4 steel is RH 64-65 which is nuts and holds a great working edge.
 
singularity35 said:
I'd say you might find one cheaper but not often. I've looked too. I'm thinking that that's the one that will expire on May 1.
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Yep, that would be the one. I'm just wondering how much more EDC-able the Spyderco Gayle Bradley or JYDII CB would be without sacrificing much strength.
 
I have the military and the zt 200

If your mostly processing wood and heavy cutting tasks go for the zt 200

If your going to use it for camp kitchen chores, cleaning fish etc get the military, my favourite pocket slicer

I will add the cs lawman is a great solid knife for the money been using one for work lately, makes a good spare beater to throw in the truck
 
00ChevyScott said:
Yep, that would be the one. I'm just wondering how much more EDC-able the Spyderco Gayle Bradley or JYDII CB would be without sacrificing much strength.
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I don't have a JYD but the gayle bradley is positively a gentleman's knife next to the ZT 200. For all practical purposes that you'd need for a folder, the bradley would be quite strong strong enough especially with that crazy M4 steel too. But like you, I like freakin' overbuilt knives so I carry a ZT 301. I just pair it up with a slicer(blue stretch) in my other pocket.
 
cutter17 said:
With both feet!! If it is overbuilt you seek, then the ZT0200 is the knife for you. What more can I say?!:thumbup::)
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How would you compare it with a 0350 (cb or regular)? It's smaller and has A/O, but I don't really find the plain G10 scales very unique. Hmmmm thinking hard about that 0200. Wish it was machined alluminum instead of G10 though.
 
The Military while it does have a thin blade tip, the lock is rated heavy duty I believe. Never had one close on my accidentally, then again I don't tend to pry or twist with folders much. It has one of the best made liner locks I've seen out of tons of knives.
 
The Gayle Bradley would be my pick. It's much easier to EDC than the 0200 because of the smaller size and less aggressive texturing, and the build quality is tops. It slices very well due to the thin blade, but it's strong at the same time because of the steel they chose. The liners are also very thick and the knife is extremely sturdy. The 0200 is more of a "balls out" folder, which can be good, but it's also much more difficult to carry (Not sure how much that matters to you). The Military is sturdy (I don't really buy the argument that it's not strong enough because it only has one liner; some of the knives recommended as an alternative have no liners), but is outclassed by the two newer options IMO.
 
The military has 2 nested liners, the single lined ones have been out of production for some time. That said from strongest to weakest I'd say ZT0200, Gayle Bradley, Military. Your gonna end up with all 3 eventually since you thought of buying them anyway :P
 
check our the large hogue tanto folder - great pricing - i got mine in the bronze colored aluminum. its a beast and super well made. they also make a drop point i think.
 
Another vote for the Hogue. I just got the tanto G-Mascus and itr it pretty sweet.
 
I would not want aluminum grips on this knife, at least for myself. The G-10 grips feel great in the hand. I had a ZT0350 but ended up selling it. I believe if it had the same thick blade as the 0200 (.157"), I would still have one. Just my take and preference.

I don't think you will regret buying the ZT0200!:thumbup::)
 
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