Strongest Folding Knives Available?

I don't own either and I'm surprised no one has mentioned these yet but...

Emersons and Blackwoods.

-SB
 
If you end up in a position to exceed that 4" limit, go for the Camillus CUDA Maxx. Once that monster locks up it might as well be a fixed blade. And the Maxx is a terrific all-around blade for both utility and defense.

--Bob Q
 
I think Emerson's have gotten better in recent years, but I still would not rate them as the strongest available by a long shot.

My first two choices would be the AFCK (only the Axis lock model - 806D2) and a Sebenza. With the Benchmade 710 following closely.

While the Strider AR/GB may well be two of the beefiest folders in the >$400 price range they will probably leave you wanting much more from and EDC since they won't excel at general cutting tasks.

If you are looking for a great looking knife that will serve you well in almost any chore you could also look at the Microtech LCC, probably the nicest looking production knife on the market with a great blend of tectical and utility functions. It's a liner lock but MT has nailed it on this one and they have proven to be very reliable.

You really should also look at Mike Obenauf, A Large Model 2 would suite your needs nicely.

So my choices in order of preference would be:

BM AFCK & 710 (~$250 for both!)
Chris Reeve Sebenza (~$300)
Mike Obenauf Lg M2 (~$350)
Microtech LCC (~$190)

Good luck from a fellow Kimber fanatic :)
 
With so many great choices available, I have three on the short list. Listed in order of current preference...

1) CRK Sebenza (I really like the locking mechanism on this one)

2) Wilson/Ralph Ti Folder (This could probably be first, too)

3) Strider AR (at 9oz maybe it is a little heavy for EDC?)

Would anyone else like to chime in with their experiences with these knives? Since I can't actually handle them I have to make judgements based on your experiences. This is actually very fun. I have enjoyed looking at all of the different knives mentioned. Keep them coming. Thanks

Jon
 
i really like the MOD folders for sheer durability
the cryo 154cm steel is freakishly hard to sharpen, but it holds an edge as well as s60v imo
the pivot pin is strong enough to withstand repeated prying, and the blades are coated with ticn :)

if i have the money i will definitely get a PE-SF CQD MKI
but alas, that'll take quite a while T_T
 
I'll throw in my vote for the Spyderco Lil' Temperance. Very thick blade and handle slabs. The compression lock is very tough, and all together the knife is pretty light. Only problem is that it may be too small for your needs.
Matt
 
cpirtle

"While the Strider AR/GB may well be two of the beefiest folders in the >$400 price range they will probably leave you wanting much more from and EDC since they won't excel at general cutting tasks."

I'm not flaming you, but could you explain this? I am a Strider AR owner (in the newer style with the S30V blade), and my knife is sharpened and polished on an Edgepro. The edge is equally as sharp as my Microtech USSOCOM Tantos. This AR will cleanly slice newsprint without leaving a ragged edge to the paper.

Since my AR has been delivered, I have quit carrying the rest of my EDC knives in that rotation. One of those knives is a Microtech LCC, 154-CM blade, stonewash finish with aluminum bolsters. Don't get me wrong, the LCC is a great knife, but it's "too pretty." This LCC is also sharpened on the Edgepro. You could take both knives side by side and cut rope and do push cuts and I think your wrist would quit before the knives do.

I'm not the kind of guy who blindly follows a name brand. Sure, I like Harleys, but I've owned two Gold-Wings. Same with knives. I think the AR (and my soon to be delivered SnG) make great EDC's.

Could I honestly and sincerely ask why you feel this way about the AR?
 
My opinion mainly comes from the geometry of the blade, primarily it's thickness and width. Not to mention the overall weight and general thickness of the knife at the handle.

If all you do is cut boxes, rope and heavier straight cutting the AR is fine. But when you get into any more detailed cutting or light work the thinner blades cut much better.

Will the AR work to cut most anything? Yes, but other knives will surpass it in a lot of area's, especially ones requiring more detail. it's just a fact of geometry.

Of the knives I listed the LCC was deliberately last mainly because of the width of the blade, but it's still not as wide as the AR IIRC and it's also a lot thinner.

Do a little test, get two apples and quarter one with your AR and one with your LCC, the cut out the seed/core. I bet the LCC will do a better job at that specific task, and the other knives I mentioned will do better than either of them.

I like big knives as much or more than anyone but they have a place in my life and it's not as an EDC.
 
My list of the strongest folders based on what I currently own.

Greco Falcon and Grifon (still waiting to receive my Raptor)
SOG Tomcat
Al Mar SERE 2000
Buck Strider
Benchmade Pinnacle (discontinued)

There are several others that I would consider as well such as Benchmade's Axis lock folders and SOG's Arc-lock folders, but the ones I mentioned above can take a real beating and still come back for more.
 
-My vote: also the AL MAR SERE 2000:

if you make sure you keep the locking mechanism and pivot area well-lubed with a synthetic dry-lube; some users complain about some blade play (blade moves slightly in locked-position), however, I haven't got any complaints. I keep it clean and lubricated. I can swing it open from closed position with a slight flick of the wrist, have not adjusted anything, locks up tight, very fast deployment. Perhaps not the best knife around there, what the hell should I know, I've only used a dozen or so but it pleases me a lot. Rather bulky: strong; the handle is overbuilt, slight compromise towards carriability. A hell of a lot of knife for a reasonable price :-)
 
cpirtle,

Thank you for the detailed response, I believe I know why you feel as you do. I appreciate the thoughtful response.

I have noticed that when I cut into cardboard to make a slice deeper than the width of the blade, the AR 'drags' a bit. It's like the cardboard is 'closing' down on the blade and making it harder to slice. I push harder, or use a different blade. I don't think that this is endemic to knives; after all, many axes have little rollers in them to keep the blade from getting jammed into the log.

The AR is still a great knife for an EDC. If the AR was in the shop, I would certyainly carry the LCC. I'd just be more careful with it, and trust me, I'm the kind of guy that doesn't like to bang up his stuff.

For VERY precise slicing, I carry a 3" Opinel.
 
I also have a Strider GB and SnG, and love them both. The SnG is much lighter and smaller to carry on a regular basis.

Does anyone have any opinions about the Dozier line of folders? I like the looks of the Workhorse.
 
Everyone's input has helped me to decide on the Sebenza. I am going to order the full size standard. No fancy stuff. Just a raw, solid working knife for me. Thanks again. I'll update after I get it, with a few photo's too.

Jon
 
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