Request for durable folder...

P

pedalinbob

Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
153
I should have included this question in another thread, but thought the topics should be separated.

I'm using my folders more assertively, so I would like to get something that is:
1. 3" - 3.5" blade.
2. Clip (tip up preferred).
3. Not a steel snob, but AUS-8 or better would be nice.
4. Pocket-friendly folder (reasonable weight and thickness).
5. Comfortable to hold and use over time.
6. Good utilitarian blade geometry.
7. Reasonable cost, perhaps $50 or less.
8. One-hand opening via hole or stud. No flippers or AO, please.

I don't use the blade for prying, I do usually carry a SAK, so that part is covered.
The genesis for my need is that I was working at a friend's house and was doing a lot of cutting over the course of a week. I found that my folders were functional but uncomfortable.
The blades and handles were sub-optimal for everyday tasks such as cutting cardboard, slicing an apple or splitting rope.

The knives were the Byrd Meadowlark, Boker Trance, Boker Subclaw, Vic Soldier Alox, Vic Nylon Solo, Opinel #8 non-stainless.

For example, the Trance (my favorite "tactical" folder) is awkward for kitchen chores. The Meadowlark's handle is uncomfortable during hard-use. The Vics are great in use, but slow-to-deploy.

Interestingly, the Vics and Opinel blade and handle shapes were the best overall, and I will continue to rotate them (and the others, which I quite like) in my carry. However, I would like something with a clip and locking blade for quicker deployment.

I am considering the Spyderco Tenacious or Persistence or Rat-1.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Bob
 
I would say buy a Spyderco delica. I have, and have had quite a few very high end knives and the delica always is one of my favs. I think you can get one new for around $65 new and one used close to $40. Check out the BF exchange, its a great tool.
 
AG Russell One Hand Feather-lite in VG-10. Get the necker version for added utility. The VG-10 steel makes this a great cutter.
 
I have a Persistence, and it is a great knife. It seems bigger than the stats would suggest, but it is nice and flat, has thick steel liners, and is an overall excellent knife. I have not seen nor handled the Tenacious, but imagine it would be just as good. A LOT of knife for very little money.
 
My first instinct was to join the delica chorus, but I myself am a big fan of the full flat grind. For that reason I'm somewhat more inclined to recommend a tenacious, but the steel will require more frequent sharpening.
If you want a blade geometry well suited to slicing, get the tenacious. If you want a blade that keeps an edge longer, get a delica.
 
Cold Steel American Lawman. After all the praises I read about it I wanted one. I picked one up days ago and am pleasantly surprised. It is my new EDC. I own a Spyderco Spyderhawk and it's just an Endura with a hawkbill H1 blade. The American Lawman is more knife for your $ than a Delica or Endura.

1. 3.5" blade.
2. Clip is tip up.
3. AUS-8 blade.
4. Reasonable weight and thickness because of G10 handles.
5. Comfortable to hold and use over time.
6. Good utilitarian blade geometry.
7. Reasonable cost if you hunt around can be had <$65 shipped.
8. One-hand opening via stud.

Highly recommended.
 
The Tenacious is a good idea. Also, how about one of the Buck Bantam knives? They're pretty cheap in 3 different sizes and very comfortable. CRKT Drifter is another good option, but I think in only tip down.
 
I love my tenacious and think it will stand up to anything i throw at it.
However, the RAT 1 is discontinued, so if i were you i would pick one of them up, and get a tenacious later. also if you are willing to go to a small FB, the CKC Hiker might be the ticket, they are cheap, unique and have a really nice carbon steel blade. good luck out there!
 
another vote for the RAT 1 -- I used mine while building my house. great shape, edge geometry, & edge retention, easy to carry and comfortable grip. (I have big hands, so this is important to me)
 
Splat said:
Cold Steel American Lawman. After all the praises I read about it I wanted one. I picked one up days ago and am pleasantly surprised. It is my new EDC. I own a Spyderco Spyderhawk and it's just an Endura with a hawkbill H1 blade. The American Lawman is more knife for your $ than a Delica or Endura.

1. 3.5" blade.
2. Clip is tip up.
3. AUS-8 blade.
4. Reasonable weight and thickness because of G10 handles.
5. Comfortable to hold and use over time.
6. Good utilitarian blade geometry.
7. Reasonable cost if you hunt around can be had <$65 shipped.
8. One-hand opening via stud.

Highly recommended.
Click to expand...



Splat, did you get an old model, or the new model? Old model has steel liners while the new model has no liners, but thicker G-10 handles.
 
cutter17 said:
Splat, did you get an old model, or the new model? Old model has steel liners while the new model has no liners, but thicker G-10 handles.
Click to expand...

I got the newer model. There are some vids on Youtube of guys bashing the new liner-less model and it holds up to everything. I initially wanted the older model with liners but after seeing and reading everything about the new one I have no worries. I don't know if I'll buy another CS knife but the American Lawman is one helluva knife. I would get another and plan to for Christmas presents. :)
 
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