Recommendation? Solid and Durable Folding Knives

I think of the given suggestions and for a budget folder the Cold Steel Code 4 is best option I would have to do a little thinking but right now my brain is on food so maybe I will return with my $0.02
 
Some nice recommendations made already. Have you considered OKC RAT1 or Spyderco Tenacious? Most of my camping chores get done with a SAK. The only task that requires extra length and toughness is batoning. A Mora could handle lots of that if done carefully. You could pair one of the folders with a Mora for well under $100. Good luck with your search and post pics when you can.
 
Minnesota Man said:
I can't recommend the CS Recon 1 enough I own 4 different models. I didn't think it through the Recon1 has a hollow grind might not be the best for the woods. The Tri-ad lock is an amazing lock!
Fair warning: For me and my price range..... Once you buy a good CS blade you're going to get hooked! It's like shooting dope! You can't get enough! I own over 50 of their products. They have a budget line (under 50). Try one and get a feel for them. Mostly grivory and G-10 handles tough.
The buck 110 in 420HC isn't the most copied knife in the world for no reason!
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Hmmm I agree about the hollow grind but I'll try and get one in hand and see how I like it! Thanks.
 
Velitrius said:
HK 14715. Might be a few places left where you can score one.

Get the 14716 for the same thing only smaller.
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Seems like an awesome knife. I've always been interested in that locking mech but never tried it out. I cant seem to find it in stock any where though :( Maybe I can get lucky at a local outdoors store. Thanks for the recommendation!
 
Hickory n steel said:
I just wanna throw this out there.
Someone once said " a folder is just a broken fixed blade "
Meaning that a folder is not and need not be a substitute for a fixed blade when strength is called for.
If you've already got a buck 110 go ahead and use it for edc because it's the greatest American made locking folder that has ever and will ever be made ( people can disagree all they want but I won't here it :D )
If you're wanting your to be super strong for use while camping, my feeling is that you could probably do with a decent belt knife and there are loads of options for a decent belt knife under 100$. Some will probably be better than a sub 100$ folder as well, because more goes into making a folder than a fixed blade.
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I agree, fixed blades are awesome. Unfortunately where I live even a multitool with a 1 inch blade is illegal to carry so I wouldnt really be able to use it for anything but camping. And yes, the 110 is great! I just want to try out some other knives :)
 
TheEdge01 said:
Why not go with the Case xx American Workman. A classy durable knife that meets most of your requirements.
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Not sure that I like how skinny the blade get at the end... I would be afraid to break it. Thanks for the recommendation though!
 
unklfranco said:
Some nice recommendations made already. Have you considered OKC RAT1 or Spyderco Tenacious? Most of my camping chores get done with a SAK. The only task that requires extra length and toughness is batoning. A Mora could handle lots of that if done carefully. You could pair one of the folders with a Mora for well under $100. Good luck with your search and post pics when you can.
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I acually have come across the RAT 1 and Tenacious in my search. I want something a bit beefier though. I would also rather just carry one knife rather than a SAK and a fixed blade. Thanks though! :)
 
So after reading all your recommendations and doing some of my own research and thinking I have come up with two knives I really like: The Cold Steel Code 4 and the Buck Marksman. I have a few questions about them though. I would really appreciate it if you guys could help me by answering them if you have these knives.

Code 4-
Is the handle really slick?
Can it be easily opened and closed with one hand?
What is one thing you love about this knife?
What do you hate about this knife?
​
Marksman-
Is this knife sturdy and well built enough for occasional batoning?
The handle is a little strange, how does it feel in hand?
What is one thing you love about this knife?
What do you hate about this knife?
​
I really like how the Code 4 seems like it can be put through hell but I am in love with the looks and uniqueness of the Marksman. Im torn :(
​
 
Aldebaran said:
Cold Steel Code 4. Nothing more needs to be said.
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Agreed! I edc a code4 XHP clippoint plain with gun grip tape. It it solid, light and disappears in the pocket.
I would also look at the broken skull or for $50 more the beast of all-SR1.
 
Maddogg774 said:
Agreed! I edc a code4 XHP clippoint plain with gun grip tape. It it solid, light and disappears in the pocket.
I would also look at the broken skull or for $50 more the beast of all-SR1.
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The Gun Grip Tape is an awesome idea! I dont know why I didnt think of that! The more I learn about the Code 4 the more I like about it :) How does it flip? Can you flick it out or do you have to push it the entire way?
 
God blessed you with a spare nut (I hope) sell the left one and get a Coldsteel 4 max.
 
In general with lockbacks, which the Code 4 Tri-Ad is a variation of, take some working in before they can be flicked open. I find most any metal handle to be slickish the harder you are working the more you may notice it so yeah some type of tape with texture will be handy.
 
Snoow said:
Seems like an awesome knife. I've always been interested in that locking mech but never tried it out. I cant seem to find it in stock any where though :( Maybe I can get lucky at a local outdoors store. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Blade HQ has the HK Axis knife...http://www.bladehq.com/item--HK-AXIS-Knife-Folder-Sand-G-10-3--27094
I can vouch for it being a great knife.

Cold Steel and Buck are getting their share of love, but there are some other options that might be just as durable and more friendly for one-handed use. Many would offer better fit/finish/materials.
WE-Knife-LL-G-10-Tan-Black-SW-WE701C-BHQ-67604-jr-2.jpg

The WE Knife 701 series is a beast of a knife and really nicely done. Comes in right at your budget point. Probably a better made knife than either the CS or Buck you're looking at currently.
WE-Knives-thraex-black-g10-blk-sw-709E-BHQ-72356-dl.jpg

Here's another WE, the Thraex. It's brand new so I've never had a chance to handle one but it looks absolutely awesome!
kershaw-emerson-cqc-9k-6045blk-bhq-34467-cm.jpg

There's a whole series of Kershaw Emersons that are solid knives that land at a really cheap price.
kizer-ki404a2.jpg

Kizer has a lot of options under $100 that are sturdy, well built knives in both frame and liner lock.
spyderco-endura-c10ps.jpg

The stainless Spyderco Endura avoids the FRN scales but brings the incredible ergonomics and awesome thumb hole of a Spydie.
Real-Steel-Flying-Shark-CF-SW-RS7821-BHQ-70461-jr.jpg

I haven't used it but the RealSteel Flying Shark looks like a beast of a knife.

Some iteration of Cold Steel seems like the obvious answer, but the best thing about Cold Steel, the Triad Lock, can often be the worst thing. I've had good Triads and bad Triads. Some are real thumb busters. I wouldn't really consider any of them easy and convenient for one-handed deployment, so there are always trade-offs.

I think a lot of people overplay the lock strength of a folding knife. I suppose it's nice to have the "strongest" lock in the business, but if the second strongest lock fails on you, you're probably not using your folder the right way.:)

Anyway, have fun. Whatever you buy will end up being the knife you use to open the next knife you buy.
 
Hackenslash:

I interpreted the OP's post as saying he wanted no plastic, meaning only metal and no G10 or the like.

Snoow:

FYI, there is one little part of the construction in the Code 4 that is plastic. The pivot has washers that are made of nylon, teflon, or some kind of plastic. If this is a problem they can be replaced for real cheap with phosphor bronze.

---Is the handle really slick?
Yes, but as mentioned before by me and others it is something that can be fixed, if you don't like it, with some tape.

---Can it be easily opened and closed with one hand?
After break-in, definitely yes

---What is one thing you love about this knife?
It is built like a tank

---What do you hate about this knife?
The slippery handles
 
I have a cold steel recon tanto. It is hard to close one hand than most others. I just got a kizer vanguard sovereign. It is really smooth opening. It locks up well at about 40 percent. I have seen some of their titanium models on sale for your price. Kizer vanguard series are the budget model. Made with g10 and vg10 steel.
 
Snoow said:
I agree, fixed blades are awesome. Unfortunately where I live even a multitool with a 1 inch blade is illegal to carry so I wouldnt really be able to use it for anything but camping. And yes, the 110 is great! I just want to try out some other knives :)
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If a multitool with a 1" blade is illegal to carry, then how would you edc one of the recommend folders ?
 
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