Recommendation : folder for outdoor use

Popsickle

Popsickle

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Hey y'all! I currently use my knives primarily for cardboard and opening mail/ whatever comes around that needs cutting, it we may soon be moving to an area with way more to offer out doors

What FOLDERS would you recommend for outdoors hunting/camping/hiking? I realize a fixed blade is the go to for some chores listing above but I also want a folder with me as well as a capable or equal backup.

My current favorite brands are spyderco, ZT/kershaw, and some of cold steels XHP offerings. Open to trying new brands.

Let's set a price limit of $300 but prefer to come in much lower
 
For some reason when people ask about an outdoor folder I immediately think Spydie Stretch. My go to OD folder at the moment is the Manix 2 lightweight. Cold Steel Recon 1, Voyager and American Lawmen would make great outdoor blades as well.
 
Maybe check out the cold steel Finn wolf? It's pretty cheap and may work for ya.


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For outdoor activities I usually pack one of my PM2, ZT0350 or BM Griptilian
I really like those ones when it comes to outdoor folders
 
Heck if I know
that said . . . have you ever noticed the guys who don't go "outside" without an umbrella, galoshes and an over coat (and that is just to walk through the parking garage) (up to this point that's me) tend to INSIST on having stainless steel and the guys who think nothing of walking off into the woods with nothing more than their dog and their knife for a few happy days of relaxation tend to INSIST on a plain carbon steel blade that can rust before they knocked the morning dew off their boots ?

I'm just saying . . .
 
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Popsickle said:
Hey y'all! I currently use my knives primarily for cardboard and opening mail/ whatever comes around that needs cutting, it we may soon be moving to an area with way more to offer out doors

What FOLDERS would you recommend for outdoors hunting/camping/hiking? I realize a fixed blade is the go to for some chores listing above but I also want a folder with me as well as a capable or equal backup.,

My current favorite brands are spyderco, ZT/kershaw, and some of cold steels XHP offerings. Open to trying new brands.

Let's set a price limit of $300 but prefer to come in much lower
Click to expand...

You can use pretty much anything you want, really. Probably the most important thing is that the knife makes you happy.

I carry a Buck 110 for camping and a modified Opinel #10 for camping and hiking. I like hollow grinds for hunting. Full flat (or flat convex, actually) for general use. I like a blade in the 3.5"-4" range. You'll have to find your best fit.
 
Whatever knife I have in my pocket when I'm outdoors is my outdoor knife.
That ranges from CRK, ZT, Strider, Shirogorov, Kershaw, Hinderer and Spyderco.
 
pinnah said:
You can use pretty much anything you want, really. Probably the most important thing is that the knife makes you happy.
Click to expand...

I almost never agree with pinnah...but I agree with this. :thumbup:

Unless it's the worst made piece of garbage out there, practically any knife you pick will do fine. :)

Pay attention to handle comfort if you are specifically seeking out a new knife though.
I really like my Spyderco Military for use. The blade is good, but it is the ergonomics of the handle that make it a joy to use for long periods of time.
 
Anything from any reputable brand, made from tough steel, that you feel comfortable taking outdoors.
 
Raz94 said:
Maybe check out the cold steel Finn wolf? It's pretty cheap and may work for ya.


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Click to expand...

I have one. Works well. Strong lock, thin very sharp edge, easy to sharpen in the field once you remove the thumb stud.

Great for cleaning fish and carving wood.
 
I like the looks of the Benchmade Crooked River. I find the Spyderco Stretch to be as functional as it is ugly, which is a great deal. And if you're looking for something different, try the Battle Horse Tree Frog.
 
Spyderco endura 4 is a great do all folder and not crazy price either. Very fair prices on them
 
I would look at the Spydero Endura, Delica, and Native 5 as possibles. Of those, I like the Native 5 the best. I would also carry a smallish SAK like the Pioneer or Tinker model in addition.

For hunting, you can get by with these, but I would consider something else. Perhaps use the fixed blade if it turns out to be a reasonably sized one. i usually have a folder and a fixed blade with me in the woods. Often its a SAK and lately have been carrying either the discontinued BK-15 or Condor Two Rivers.
 
I would say Mini grip, PM2, Manix 2. I have the mini grip in M4, great setup! PM2 in Cru-wear, that would be a great choice for outdoors, or manix 2 in Cru-wear. I have a Maxamet manix 2 that I like so far, but have not put it up to much hard use.

I did find a Ferrum Forge Fortis on the exchange here for 325, that is one of my top two outdoor folders. But that was a good find.
 
You cant ever go wrong with the Ontario Rat 1. Liner lock, AUS 8 steel, decent edge retention and easy to sharpen in the field. Also its only about $20 so that is a huge plus haha. It is one of the most tried and tested budget outdoor folders, I have one and use it for absolutely everything. And if that is to large of a knife you can always go for the Ontario Rat 2, the same knife just slightly smaller.
 
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