Recommend me a tank folder!

Anything Medford, but I really like the Marauder clip point. 0.26 in thick blade, D2, 3V, S35VN. Viper is slick as can be flipper with a deep hollow grind but if you prefer beef, Marauder or Praetorian is better.
 
wazu013 said:
Just picked this one off of Amazon where they are priced below $225.
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when about did you order it? im looking to get one from amazon but want one of the new models with the lockbar insert. the customer reviews on amazon say they got the new model but yours looks like its not?
 
When I think of beef, the first one that comes to mind is the ZT301. That sucker is a chunk. In fact, its so beefy that I almost never carry it. But there are plenty of others. Some more good beef can be found in the Cold Steel Voyager, Recon 1 and Espada series.

20131021_143401_zps84b47e9a.jpg

Cold Steel Recon 1 XL: a big boy serving of AUS 8A.

20130801_114525_zps91dce824.jpg
 
EWolk said:
Have you ever had the spring fail on a Benchmade axis lock. It's quite unpleasant (especially if your fingers are in the way at the time). I have yet to have a framelock fail. I'd say a true "tank" has to be a framelock.
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There is is a popular misconception that the frame lock represents the ultimate in strength. It doesn't. Multiple tests, knifemaker input, and anecdotal evidence shows that the frame lock is actually on the lower end of the strength spectrum. It's basically a leaf spring that is held against the blade by friction. Certain types of vibrations and slight variations in machining can cause them to pop open. (This is extremely rare, and in general, worries about lock strength are completely overblown.)

In terms of folding lock strength in terms of "absolute" levels, it goes: liner lock < frame lock < back lock < compression lock < Axis/BB Lock.

In terms of practical levels, pretty much any quality lock is good to go.

As far as the Ti Millie goes, great, practical knife. Get a nice little Ti Prybar on your keys to go with it, and you're set:
widgy-prybar.jpg
 
EWolk said:
Strider SMF. Period. Go get one.

(Don't listen to all the personal BS from the people that don't like Mick Strider.)

The SMF is truly superior. THE tank knife.
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Agreed... There's the SMF and everything else when it comes to overbuilt folders. Close second would be a gray man satu
 
Allmenatwar said:
Spyderco Military will do every thing that a knife should, unless of course you use it as a pry bar, in which case; buy a pry bar. Carried one throughout years of military all over the world, never let me down. Not to say that there arn't alternatives but they seem too exclusive, expensive to lose/replace and, in my opinion, complicated with bearings etc.
(Ok, they may open great but if your so limp wristed that you cant open a normal folder then, frankly you should not be carrying one any way!)
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Ever have problems with the thin tip? I have a Millie Ti and am afraid to snap it in half..
 
scsu74 said:
Agreed... There's the SMF and everything else when it comes to overbuilt folders. Close second would be a gray man satu
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Good call! I actually just grabbed a Satu and I completely agree. Grayman builds a great knife! Still love the SMF though.
 
I am still fairly new to the knife scene, but I own a Spyderco Military, PM2, Utilitac and a few others that *might* fit into the "tank" category, and I've got to say, my latest addition to the collection makes them all feel like children's toys.

Not saying they're not great knives. I still think I like my PM2 better, but this knife is just a beast in the hand:

IMG_20140411_170653875_zpsgoryuv0r.jpg


It's the "tankiest" folder in my small collection.
 
Richard1234 said:
Zt=higher quality, better owners, stronger knife
Strider=headaches and trips back for poor QC
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How is a ZT "stronger"? Never had an issue with the owners from either company. I've never had to send a strider in, but I've sent a few zt's in. I always saw ZT as the poor mans version of great knives 560 - XM-24, 300 - SMF. The speedsafe kills the 300 for me and after handling the actual XM the 560 didn't really do it for me anymore. The SMF is lighter, has better ergos, better blade shape, has an opening hole and the flamed Ti is pure awesome sauce.
 
Have two, both standard, no problems with tips but then I don't use the tip to pry. Abusing gear when your far from source/resupply is just plain "not clever." Sure the tips on the Military are "fine," that is my preference for a knife. Each to his own I guess and not to say that I would not love the crap out of a CR, Strider or Hinderer etc (Just not available/affordable in the shit holes that I frequent)
 
scsu74 said:
How is a ZT "stronger"? Never had an issue with the owners from either company. I've never had to send a strider in, but I've sent a few zt's in. I always saw ZT as the poor mans version of great knives 560 - XM-24, 300 - SMF. The speedsafe kills the 300 for me and after handling the actual XM the 560 didn't really do it for me anymore. The SMF is lighter, has better ergos, better blade shape, has an opening hole and the flamed Ti is pure awesome sauce.
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All of my striders developed lock rock and had to be sent in. Unacceptable for a $450 dollar knife
 
Allmenatwar said:
Have two, both standard, no problems with tips but then I don't use the tip to pry. Abusing gear when your far from source/resupply is just plain "not clever." Sure the tips on the Military are "fine," that is my preference for a knife. Each to his own I guess and not to say that I would not love the crap out of a CR, Strider or Hinderer etc (Just not available/affordable in the shit holes that I frequent)
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I love mine as well, was just curious if you ever ran into problems. I typically carry a fixed blade with my military for heavier tasks. Try out the Ti version, awesome knife!
 
Gear to me is about humping that shit around but usually have a medium length, pointed machete on the side of a pack. Military ALWAYS clipped in right pocket (or waistband) and spork in tuther, pretty much covers the sharps for me!
My Oppo had a Spyderco Police that he seemed to get on well with, both work, will serve you well, stay sharp, replaceable, do what they say they will do on the box and wont make your wallet sweat tears if ever they should take a walk. Break 'em, hell yes, its possible.
 
buckknifebibletotin said:
when about did you order it? im looking to get one from amazon but want one of the new models with the lockbar insert. the customer reviews on amazon say they got the new model but yours looks like its not?
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My wife bought this for me so I'm not sure when she actually ordered it but it had to be in the last 6 weeks. The serial number is way up there so it can't be that old
 
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buckknifebibletotin said:
when about did you order it? im looking to get one from amazon but want one of the new models with the lockbar insert. the customer reviews on amazon say they got the new model but yours looks like its not?
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Can anybody tell me more about a lock bar insert for the 301?
I haven't seen a 301 with a lock bar insert. I did see one on a 801. Either way it would take some crazy maneuver to make the 301 lock bar fail. I think I'd be switching to a fixed blade or a monkey paw before I got that far.

As far as the SMF vs the 301 I believe the SMF wins the battle but is the difference worth the extra $200 or more?
 
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