Recommend a harduse edc $150 or less

If you can go slightly over budget a ZT 0550, if not a ZT 0350. I carried my ZT 0300 while at work (industrial construction) and loved it. The 0350 is just a lighter version.

Best thing is, ZT has a great warranty and if you break the blade and it's not covered by warranty it's $30 for a new blade.
 
Go on ebay and type in MOHOC knife in search. One of the biggest bangs for the buck for a handmade knife going. Excellent kydex too. keepem sharp

PS you might be able to get two knives for the 150.
 
I would get a box of utility knives. Mora (the handles really are extremely comfortable) knives, stanley box cutters (replacing a blade beats sharpening), heavy duty scissors/shears, insulation knife, etc.

A spyderco delica makes a nice backup to the dirty knives.
 
Not very exciting, but a Svord Peasant or Izula are what I pocket if I'm anticipating "hard use." I define this as cutting chores that are likely to result in accidental contact with metal, rock, dirt, or light prying, etc...

Like Sidways said, I'll usually have something nicer near at hand for regular use as well.
 
SadSappySucker said:
A pm2 is plenty tough enough for construction.
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Maybe for you but I think most would disagree. The PM2 has a very thin and delicate tip. The original post is looking for a recommendation of a hard use knife. The PM2 is a great knife. I love mine. But a hard use knife it is not.

sideways said:
I would get a box of utility knives. Mora (the handles really are extremely comfortable) knives, stanley box cutters (replacing a blade beats sharpening), heavy duty scissors/shears, insulation knife, etc.
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Let us not forget the OP is looking to "reward" himself for working 2 months of 13 hour days without a day off. While all of those things might be the best tool for the job, they don't sound like a reward to me.

To the OP, the more I think about this the ZT 350 really makes sense. Most variations are available for under you budget.
 
Dunno, I find it rewarding to have the right tool for the job. Dulling your 150 dollar knife in the first day on cardboard, or not having the reach to get through insulation is a pain in my experience. :)

The Delica is a sweet little knife that punches way above it's weight. VG-10 steel will sharpen up without too much work.
 
sideways said:
Dunno, I find it rewarding to have the right tool for the job. Dulling your 150 dollar knife in the first day on cardboard, or not having the reach to get through insulation is a pain in my experience. :)

The Delica is a sweet little knife that punches way above it's weight. VG-10 steel will sharpen up without too much work.
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I'm just going on what the OP said. He wants a reward for his hard work.
 
I am just going to drop this here. If you want a dam tough knife. That you can basically hammer on/ throw... and not get a blade chip you need to look at good steels and not worry about models for a second.

Two really impact resistant steels are:
CPM D2
CPM 3v
(the 3v has much better impact resistance than the D2)
 
That's a bunch of replies! I went to the only local store that has something besides Case and looked at a few benchmade 556, 585 and they had some others but above my price point quite a bit. I didn't notice and regular sized griptilians but I thought out of the ones they carried I liked the 585 the best. Only thing I'm not sure if 154cm would be a good choice? They only had 3 spyderco, all serrated. That's about all they had beside your typical sporting goods store carries. Ill have to try and find some other stores within a reasonable distance to look for more options. But the St seems to be well recommended ill have to try and find some of them to look at.
 
I'm selling an orange 585 with d2 steel on the exchange. It kicks 154cm's butt imo.
 
Look at a HEST 2.0 folder in their good D-2 or Sleipner. They also have fixed blades.

For what you want go with D-2 over 154CM.
 
Go and get a Cold Steel American Lawman for $50 new...it's the most heavy duty knife you will find for that price.
 
I have the hest original, assault 2, T3, and 2.0. All are great tough, thick(5mm), and sharp.
 
I tote an Esee 3 when I want something I can use hard for extended periods of time.

If you can get away with a fixed blade I would go that route.

Otherwise I agree with previous suggestions of the dpx hest folder.
 
DPX Heat or spend an extra $50 or so and get the DPX HEST.

My HEST is one of the first regular production models and has never been anything but great. IMHO it sets the standard for this size of folder.

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I just got an Emerson 7A and it's a bruiser. Good cutter too. :thumbup:
 
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