Strongest harduse folder under $140?

S

SBaker34

Joined
Jun 16, 2010
Messages
793
I just received my 710 in M390 steel and It feels like a tank with the full stainless liners, G10 handles, M390 supersteel blade and axis lock It feels miles stronger than my griptilian not that I don't love it. That being said I can't imagine me using it for hard use tasks both because its limited edition and because due to Ankersons test of the griptilan and my own experience the pivot at least of the grip tends to develop blade play during hard use.

After looking doing some research it seems the Recon 1 and some of the Zero Tolerance line are the strongest folders for the money. but the Recon 1 has lesser steel and the ZT200 at least only has a linerlock If you had to pick one for hard use which would you choose? mainly I am concerned with bladeplay although Ive had linerlocks fail on me from simple stabbing into wood or cardboard before. and yes I am aware of fixed blades but fixed blades scare people a lot more in my experience and I am more interested in a folder besides.
 
I would say based one what I've seen that any of the new Triad lock knives whether it be the American Lawman, the AK47, or Recon 1 would all qualify for strongest under your price point.

STR
 
I'll 2nd the Cold Steel triad lock knives. Check out Ankersons videos "testing" the american lawman.
 
New ZT 0551 or 0550 coming out for hard use. Or, a ZT 0301. I love mine it's a tank and can be had at a great price from Kershawguy either new or a blem.

He has the big JYD 2 Ti with SG2 blade, flipper, framelock blems - wicked sharp and a big folder. :thumbup:
 
SBaker34 said:
I just received my 710 in M390 steel and It feels like a tank with the full stainless liners, G10 handles, M390 supersteel blade and axis lock It feels miles stronger than my griptilian not that I don't love it. That being said I can't imagine me using it for hard use tasks both because its limited edition and because due to Ankersons test of the griptilan and my own experience the pivot at least of the grip tends to develop blade play during hard use.

After looking doing some research it seems the Recon 1 and some of the Zero Tolerance line are the strongest folders for the money. but the Recon 1 has lesser steel and the ZT200 at least only has a linerlock If you had to pick one for hard use which would you choose? mainly I am concerned with bladeplay although Ive had linerlocks fail on me from simple stabbing into wood or cardboard before. and yes I am aware of fixed blades but fixed blades scare people a lot more in my experience and I am more interested in a folder besides.
Click to expand...

I would say both of your concerns about the ZT0200 and the Recon 1 are unfounded. Cold Steel does an excellent job with their AUS8A and ZT's linerlocks are one of the only ones I trust unconditionally (along with emerson and al mar)

I would say that given the prices and the weights, the Recon 1 is the best for your money/ounce
 
AUS-8A ain't bad but the edge holding is noticeably worse than many steels available today. I mean noticeable when doing your average, everyday type of chore like cutting cardboard. What's nice about AUS-8A is that it takes a polished edge easily.
I like my American Lawman. It's a brute.
 
IIRC you can sometimes find the Spyderco Gayle Bradley in that price range. I've lightly batoned wood with my Sage1 so I'd consider the GB a hard use folder. All the ZT knives look stout as can be but most just aren't my flavor.
 
I believe it's a bit above your price point but have you heard about ESEE (Formerly RAT Cutlery) and DPx's soon to be released H.E.S.T. folder? Check over on the ESEE sub forum. It's supposed to be released within the next few months.

Here's the announcement threads: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=760751
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=758237

And initial specs (subject to change):
MSRP pricing is up on our web site. Some of the dealers are already pre-selling these now.

Please note:

INITIAL CONCEPT / FINAL PRODUCT FINISH AND MINOR DETAILS MAY CHANGE
At this time, all photos are rendered concept photos. Production prototypes are due to ESEE/DPx in September. Once we receive these prototypes new photos will be emailed to all the dealers.


BASIC INFORMATION

Introducing the ESEE DPx H•E•S•T /F (Hostile Environment Survival Tool / Folding)

For the first time the brutal, rugged feel and performance of the DPx H•E•S•T fixed blade has been engineered into a hard use frame lock folder. The D2 Tool Steel folder comes with a Titanium alloy frame, patented RotoBlock adjustment, removable glass breaker (with replacement smooth-head screw), hex-bit driver in handle/frame, and collectible stainless steel “Mr. DP” adjustment/multi tool. After a global search the firm of Lion Steel was selected to manufacture this knife based on their long heritage of quality, award winning folders. The DPx H•E•S•T folder is the collaboration of Robert Young Pelton (World’s Most Dangerous Places fame) and ESEE Knives. The DPx H•E•S•T Folder is based on Pelton's hard time in dangerous places, ESEE's commitment to customer satisfaction and Lion Steel's mastery of manufacturing quality and tolerances. The DPx H•E•S•T Folder is designed and made for hard use in hostile conditions with the ESEE lifetime warranty. To learn more, visit www.dpxgear.com and www.eseeknives.com

MSRP: $ 252.31
"STREET” Price is going to be around: $ 175.00


EXPECTED DELIVERY OF FIRST PRODUCTION RUN TO DEALERS: December 2010 (as we all know, this date can vary depending on the manufacturer)

RYP said:
ESEE & DPx are proud to announce that the new DPx Hostile Environment Survival Tool will be made as a folder. We are shooting for pre-Christmas delivery and we have chosen Lion Steel as the shop that will make this long awaited jewel.

As anticipated it will be as sturdy, well thought out and well made as the DPx H•E•S•T, have new features, hand crafted and priced according to our philosophy of rugged, usable, no nonsense knives.

Lion Steel was the maker of the 2010 Blade Most Innovative Folder and as you can see from the Bladeforums threads, Gianni delivers on the quality and innovation. Jeff, Mike and I will keep you in the loop via www.DPxGear.com and post photos, comments and updates as the tool comes to life.

here are some initial specs:

D2 tool steel blade
Solid Titanium frame
G10 Scale
Patented Lion Steel Rotoblock
Massive blade thickness
New built-in tools

The first run 250 will be serialized, come with certificates AND sold directly with some amazing accessories so stay tuned for the announcement of when numbers will be reserved for long time ESEE and RYP fans.

Some of you missed the first run of the DPx H•E•S•T so don't miss out.

I am excited that we are bringing to the market the coolest, most practical, pragmatic, best made and most durable folder I have seen on the market.

Kudos to the team and the customers for making this THE folder to get for Christmas :)

RYP/Jeff/Mike

EDIT:

I'm editing Robert's post so new information remains in the first post of this thread - Jeff

Here is a list of dealers who have pre-ordered the folder (this will be the production run, not the 250 serialized versions. The serialized limited edition models will only be available directly from ESEE/DPx, not the dealer network). We will do our best to get hard pricing to the dealers soon along with rendered photos. Actual shipping for these folders is due in December 2010 but we all know that manufacturing doesn't always go as planned, so we will keep you posted on scheduling updates.

The Knife Connection
Knives Ship Free
Knife Works
Survival Knives LTD (UK)
Knife Supply
Cumberland Knife Works
WestWear (Canada)
Supply Sergeant (Canada)
Sea Air Thai Co., Ltd. (Thailand)
BJH Enterprises
Knife Center
Action Concepts
JB Outman
BlueRidge Knives
Passione per i coltelli (Italy)

INITIAL CONCEPT / FINAL PRODUCT MAY CHANGE

hest02.jpg


DPxCatalogFOLDERPOST.jpg
Click to expand...
 
NaturalMystic said:
I believe it's a bit above your price point but have you heard about ESEE (Formerly RAT Cutlery) and DPx's soon to be released H.E.S.T. folder? Check over on the ESEE sub forum. It's supposed to be released within the next few months.

Here's the announcement threads: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=760751
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=758237

And initial specs (subject to change):
MSRP pricing is up on our web site. Some of the dealers are already pre-selling these now.

Please note:

INITIAL CONCEPT / FINAL PRODUCT FINISH AND MINOR DETAILS MAY CHANGE
At this time, all photos are rendered concept photos. Production prototypes are due to ESEE/DPx in September. Once we receive these prototypes new photos will be emailed to all the dealers.


BASIC INFORMATION

Introducing the ESEE DPx H•E•S•T /F (Hostile Environment Survival Tool / Folding)

For the first time the brutal, rugged feel and performance of the DPx H•E•S•T fixed blade has been engineered into a hard use frame lock folder. The D2 Tool Steel folder comes with a Titanium alloy frame, patented RotoBlock adjustment, removable glass breaker (with replacement smooth-head screw), hex-bit driver in handle/frame, and collectible stainless steel “Mr. DP” adjustment/multi tool. After a global search the firm of Lion Steel was selected to manufacture this knife based on their long heritage of quality, award winning folders. The DPx H•E•S•T folder is the collaboration of Robert Young Pelton (World’s Most Dangerous Places fame) and ESEE Knives. The DPx H•E•S•T Folder is based on Pelton's hard time in dangerous places, ESEE's commitment to customer satisfaction and Lion Steel's mastery of manufacturing quality and tolerances. The DPx H•E•S•T Folder is designed and made for hard use in hostile conditions with the ESEE lifetime warranty. To learn more, visit www.dpxgear.com and www.eseeknives.com

MSRP: $ 252.31
"STREET” Price is going to be around: $ 175.00


EXPECTED DELIVERY OF FIRST PRODUCTION RUN TO DEALERS: December 2010 (as we all know, this date can vary depending on the manufacturer)
Click to expand...

aside from the d2 (i'm a steel junky and like super steels) the knife looks awesome. that will have one of the best warranty out there. however that glassbreaker seems like it would def hurt if i had to stick my hands in my pocket for something.

the knife looks really awesome.. forcing myself not to order
 
Last edited:
ar0maticdecay said:
aside from the d2 (i'm a steel junky and like super steels) the knife looks awesome. that will have the best warranty out there. however that glassbreak seems like it would def hurt if i had to stick my hands in my pocket for something. i still don't think u should be prying with a folder
Click to expand...

From what I recall reading the glassbreaker will be removable with the tool that comes with the knife, and replaceable with a more blunt screw to keep the clip attached.
I'm not as steel savvy as you so at this point the D2 tool steel is fine with me. I'm keeping an eye on this one because I want a hard use folder for emergency/hard use scenarios and don't intend to EDC it in pocket but in my EDC bag. At the same time I don't have the budget or interest in spending upwards of $200 - $300 or more for something like a Strider, Sebenza, Hinderer, etc, so this will have to fit the bill as my "Hard Use folder" for now. Besides, I'd be too paranoid to walk with, far less use a more expensive knife.
As for prying, I agree, I'm not partial to prying with any knife. That's why I EDC a few of the CountyComm mini prybars in my backpack, as well as one of their Breacher bars in my car kit.
 
Last edited:
singularity35 said:
It means that I like the ZT 300 and became even more convinced by Jim's vids. I just don't have the $$ for it yet. ;)
Click to expand...

Jim's user videos are great, I watch all of them. You're gonna love the ZT 300. I got mine a couple of months ago, a 0301, was going to get the 0300 but Kershawguy was temp. out.

As soon as I opened the box my wife said "that's cool - I like that one better than any one you've bought so far!" She dug the tiger stripes most & build quality. Me too!

So far I've just made a nice lanyard for it, re-sharpened it and cut some small branches outside and whittled on them a bit. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top