Question on Folders

M

Matt B

Joined
Oct 16, 2000
Messages
118
Hi,

I am looking for a stout folder that can hold it's edge for a VERY long time. While I have a good handle on fixed blades, I don't know much aboout folders

I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction, my price range is $300 or less

thanks!
 
You didn't state and blade length restrictions so I'll just throw a few out there and see what you might like.

Benchmade
710 in M2 blade steel
630 Skirmish
806 AFCK
805 TSEK
520 Presidio
732 Ares

Spyderco
Military
Paramilitary
Manix
Chinook II
ATR
Impala


Those are just a few that came to mind. I'm sure that there will be other people to make some even better suggestions.
 
Edge holding.

Well, something in any one of the top five stainless steels would sure hold an edge well.

S30V, BG42, VG10, ATS34/154CM have all served me well for the things I do with a knife.

Or the non stainless steels like D2, or 1095 or 52100, or 01 are all very good for edge holding for a long time also. For plain cutting tasks the D2 would be my choice here. For lateral and ductile strength I'd go with the 1095 or even a 1075 steel.

Then again you may elect to wait another couple of weeks for the newest and much longed for wonder steel from Hitachi, the ZDP189 that Spyderco is debuting in their line up in May and June. Rumor has it that all the other steels will pale in comparison to this one and if true that would sure make it worth the wait. http://www.williamhenryknives.com/awards-press/articles/ZDP.pdf
 
Spending up to $300 gives you a lot of choices. Too many :) What else can you tell us?

Do you think you'd prefer:
natural handle materials -- like bone, stag, or wood;
or high tech -- like Zytel, G-10, or Micarta;
or metal -- like aluminum, steel, or titanium?

Are you looking for a dress knife where you'd be willing to spend the whole $300, or a working knife at the lowest price for a serious user?

Are you planning on doing a lot of cutting, where you mostly want a good slicer, or heavier utility work, where you'd want a tougher blade and stronger handle?
 
In that price range, you could pick up a used Sebenza in the exchange forums. That would be my first choice.
 
My choice for blade material would be Stellite 6K and maker of choice would be Kit Carson or Brian Tighe, both work with 6K. The price would be considerably higher however.
 
Initial thoughts:

A second hand Sebenza.

A Mission MPF with an A2 blade.

An Al Mar SERE 2K (always going to have a soft spot for this knife).

A Fallkniven TK3 or TK4: incredible SGPS laminated blades, and brilliant/simple design.

Any BM or Spyderco that meets your aesthetic and practical criteria.
 
You need to carefully review the Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK-Mk1 survival knife . I always used to prefer fixed baldes until I came across this one. It has now become my favorite knife.

[heck, for 300 bucks you can get both the original and the mini-version and still save money for something else!]

Good luck
 
Here's another vote for a Sebbie. One can be easily had in your price range right here on BFC. Good luck. ;)
 
First choice: a used Sebenza

If for some reason you absolutely can't do that, then for pure edge holding:

Benchmade 710HS with M2 blade
 
What do you intend to use your folder for?

What type of handle material do you want? Will it be used in a marine environment where your hands and the knife will most likely be wet?

What type of locking mechanism are you comfortable with using?

Is weight a consideration?

How and where do you intend to carry it (eg. inside waistband, sheath, clipped in pocket)?

Will most of it's work be for slicing or chopping?
 
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