Quality folder suggestions?

MicroAlign

MicroAlign

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Feb 1, 2004
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I'm looking for a good quality folder with a blade length between 3-4"(clip point or tanto style point) in length and resonable weight(not too heavy). I have some CS Carbon V blades, but I was hoping to get something with even better edge retention and if possible overall strength. I don't want stainless(too weak). Either production or custom blades will do. I don't want a bunch of engraving, bells and whistles, I want a workhorse. I'd like to keep it under $300.:)
 
Originally posted by DaveH
Does D2 count as a weak stainless? how about a Dozier Tab stop?

http://www.dozierknives.com/
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Relative to other stainless steels, it is certainly at the top. Perhaps I didn't put my statement correctly. What I meant was that I didn't want any compromising in the alloy to facilitate rust resistance. Sorry to of offended you........
 
I still don't know what you're asking, no compromise in terms of strength or edge holding?

I'm sorry, I guess I will have to disagree with your basic assumption that stainless is weak or a compromise.

Have you tried BG42, VG10, S30v?

It's not just the blade steel, it's the heat treat, handle and lock design, etc.

If you currently are using a CS folder, IMO, just about any Benchmade or SPyderco would be better in terms of edge retention.
 
The answer depends on what is meant by "weak" and its opposite.

If you are looking for a folding knife that is less likely to snap under stress, D-2 (not technically "stainless") is not the answer and the "weak" point is probably not the blade itself. After all, a folding knife is aleady "broken" and "patched" together by some means -- the pivot/lock.

You might look at a John Greco folder. It's built of pretty tough carbon steel and a tank-like pivot/lock arrangement. Pretty reasonable price now that John's selling off stock and leaving the business for medical reasons. Search "greco" in BF for comments.
 
Originally posted by DaveH
I still don't know what you're asking, no compromise in terms of strength or edge holding?
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I'm looking for enough strength and flexibility to allow for minimal prying(not too much), but with very good edge holding ability. Obviously, I want a good quality locking system and a durable handle. I'm not too impressed with CS's folding knifes. The AUS-8 isn't great on edge holding and from testing they seem to be relatively brittle. I've got one in the Carbon V, but I was hoping to find a folder with better edge holding. I might go as high as $400.:)

I'm not "quite" a knife knut yet, but I'm working on it.:D DaveH, from my limited experience the addition of Chromium or nickle to an alloy dilutes the properties of the steel, vandium, and other elements in terms of edge holding, and toughness. Just my limited experience.....
 
Before this thread gets too off topic, here are a few ideas.

I have had 2 microtech LCCs, one in 154CM and the other in S30V. Both good strong folders in the 3-4" range. Seen them as low as $149 shipped for the manual. They're great knives.

The Benchmade 710HS/HSSR is highly regarded here. Has M2 steel. Lighter and thinner than the LCC with less bulk to the blade. A very compact 4" folder. Mine wasn't as beefy as I'd hoped, so I returned it, but it may be just what you're looking for. You can also get special editions in D2 with a variety of handle options.

There have been rumors of a large Buck Mayo, though I don't know if/when to expect a release. But that might be a good option.

For pure workhorse capabilities, the Greco folders are very highly regarded. They're probably all gone, but maybe you could pick up a like new sample from a fellow forumite.
 
Benchmade 710HS (m2 steel), Chris Reeve larege Sebenza (titanium handle to reduce weight, solid frame lock, s30v steel).
 
I'll put another vote in for the Benchmade 710HS. M2 is pretty tough, and holds an edge forever. There may be a slightly higher risk for chipping, but I haven't seen any evidence for that. I have a BM 730CFHS with M2, and it's a beautiful and stout EDC.

If you find that you want something a little classier, I agree with WadeF. Try the newest "super steel" S30V in a large Sebenza. That will take up all of your alotted money, but then, you may never have to buy another knife again. The heat treat, and ending Rc hardness will outperform anything from Cold Steel, except maybe their 3-layer San Mai blades. (I have no experience with the San Mai, so this is just a guess.)

One man's opinion,
DD
 
Well, the Benchmade 710HS(in M2) and the Chris Reeve Large Sebenza(in S30V) have caught my eye. It looks like the CR Sebenza has the best handle and locking mechanism, but how about the steel? How does the S30V stainless hold up to the M2 steel in terms of edge retention? The Sebenza is mighty appealing, but I want the best edge retention I can get.:)
 
Although alot of folks here love the Sebenza, I don't think the frame-lock is superior to Benchmade's Axis-lock.

And you can buy two Benchmades for the price of one Sebenza--not a very smart deal IMHO.

Happy hunting,
Allen.
 
Benchmade 710, Al Mar SERE 2000, Spyderco Endura...Any of these would be excellent choices.
 
MicroAlign,

S30V is roughly equal to M2 in terms of edge-holding. For some folks, it holds a better edge, for others, M2 wins out.

Though, compared to a 710HS or a Sebenza, it's no eye-candy, Fallkniven's U2 knife might offer you the best edge retention you can find in a sub-$300 folder. In higher price ranges, you might want to track down Ken Onion and see if he can make you a folder with Cowry-Y steel. It may be higher than $400, but it should suit your needs.

Edge-retention is a dependant feature of steel-type, blade shape (more angle of edge than 'this is a clip point'), hardness, toughness, materials being cut, and user skill. A steel that has high edge retention for one use may chip out or blunt on other uses and that might change when the angle (and overall cutting ability) is changed as well.
 
Originally posted by MicroAlign
"I'm looking for enough strength and flexibility to allow for minimal prying(not too much) . . . ."

Trouble is, you know when "enough" is "too much" when a tool -- here a tool never designed for prying at all -- fails.

If you plan on prying, get a small prybar.

If you want to provide for unplanned prying, the better solution would be a one piece knife. If it's relatively thick for its length, it can pry some: a "sharpened prybar."

Lastly, I would never think of an Endura (and I love mine) as something to pry with.
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Originally posted by thombrogan
In higher price ranges, you might want to track down Ken Onion and see if he can make you a folder with Cowry-Y steel. It may be higher than $400, but it should suit your needs.
Click to expand...

...and while you're at it get him to kick down a frame-lock Spade in S30V for me ;)

If you plan on doing a lot of prying don't spend $300+ on your knife. Do a search for "prybaby" on these forums and you'll find something to save your blade, or pick up a Victorinox Soldier model for less than $20 and use its blade, awl or openers for prying. You'll be thanking me later.
 
Once again, some good sound advice from stjames. Everyone should have a V-nox Soldier.

Paul
 
under 3-hundie? cool.. you have lots of options. i definitely love my s30v blades. it's one type of stainless you definitely shouldn't write off.. i've heard great stuff about s90v, bg42, & vg10 as well -- so i wouldn't buy into the stainless is weaker mantra of old. there's some new(er) kids in town that prove it waaay wrong.

i'd suggest these:

large sebenza, if you don't mind a plain-looking utility blade (someone link me to the cheapest dealer please - the sugg retail of 345 i think, but i bet there are some savvy dudes here know where to get it new for less than 300; i could be wrong)

benchmade 806d2 with a filed-down axis lockbar :D

spyderco chinook 2 (sorry, but it's not a drop point, but it happens to be my personal pick for one of the top 3 undisputed knife values period. comes in s30v)

benchmade blackwood collaboration (kinda flashy, but looks mighty solid, & comes in s30v)

extrema ratio fulcrum 2, mpc, or nemesis (just mean, ugly as sin, & indestructable - ask around)

al mar sere 2000 (not too sure what steel, but it sure is a good-lookin knife that has many dedicated fans)

for another 150 bucks above your budget, go pick up a duncan aftershock in s30v.. i did, & it changed my religion as far as folders go ;)...
 
One more vote for the BM 710HS...it seems to be what you're looking for. But for prying...get a prybar. Knives are not for prying, no matter how 'beefy' they are.
 
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