Recommendation? Overbuilt knives

if a low cost overbuilt folder is what you want, take a look at the one that literally started it all - buck's 110
(I know a few seniors that have been hard-using their 110's for 25+ years)

The standard 420hc is some of the toughest stainless you'll find, but so many other options are available - super tough carbon steel 5160 is available if toughness is your ultimate goal, or high wear resistance s30v if you want to keep your edge longer.

The standard models are around $50, and 5160 is only a few dollars more. (stay away from the new, all plastic handle LT models)
There is even a 'pro plus' model in s35vn for under $100 - which is really an outstanding value with BOS heat treat
 
Would be difficult to find a CS 4-Max for $200, so I will echo others and say go with the CS AD10.
 
Thank you all for your inputs and recommendations. Seems like the CS AD10 is a big favorite and a sure bet. I will definately look more into that. The DPX heat caught my eye. Do any of you have experience with that knife?
 
You can't really beat the Cold Steel AD10, it has no weak links unlike other overbuilt knives where the weakest part will be the frame lock, even tho they are fine for any normal use. AD10 is a true workhorse that will never get sloppy or wear down. I can't believe how good of a job they did with it, comparing it to my custom AD10 from Demko, yeah the Demko is still the king but i'll be damned, the Cold Steel version is 90% of the custom, credit where credit is due, and i'm a picky guy.
 
Just got an American lawman and it seems very nice, similar size as the code 4 except you can use it because it ain't slick.
 
I've seen ZT 0566 for $119 hard to beat that. I'd say the DPX, ZT or GB1 are solid choices in your price range.
 
IMO overbuilt folders should have a strong lock, meaning it will not fail with extreme use. For that reason, I would first look at Cold Steel, as many already suggested. Frankly I would be very careful if I were to pick up a framelock folder.

Also, don't equal heavy to overbuilt.
 
I just bought the Artisan cutlery Fulcrum/Proponent and absolutely love it. It's huge. Give me a few and I'll put up some crappie pics
IMG_20190804_024338.jpg IMG_20190804_024120.jpg
 
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I just browsed the first few pages of the for sale section and saw a few possible folders...various ZTs, Emersons..Spydie Shaman...and a few others that are well within your budget. Could eyeball knives for a couple days there and see what floats your boat.

Nothing wrong with a Ontario RAT 1 folder either...very inexpensive and a solid work knife.
 
I have a CH Nighthawk that's built like a tank. It's $30, D2, with a beefy wharncliffe blade and nice full frame with contoured G10. The action is fantastic as well.

Also I second pretty much anything by Artisan Cutlery.

 
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