Suggestions please

[afishhunter]

Cold Steel Kudu?
Not a "super steel" but it holds an edge very well, and can be had for under $10.oo

 

[wbo3]

Okay, I think I have it narrowed down to the Manix 2 XL or the PM2. Leaning toward the Manix because it's slightly bigger. Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I looked at everyone of them.

 

[91bravo]

I always recommend a Millie in a situation like this.

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

I like both of your narrowed down selections. 2 more for you to consider for actual Hard Use. I have had most of the knives above and love several of them, but if you are wanting something that you can seriously beat take a look at the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter & the Emerson CQC8. I would say do yourself a favor and go with the Tri-ad lock. There is no lower maintenance knife lock nor is there a stronger one. The CQC8 has literally been stomped through materials and I have never even had to send it in to be adjusted. From your requirements, these may not be the best looking or coolest but they will perform the best. Hope this helps.

 

[Lapedog]

Both the Manix2 and the PM2 are great choices. My only warning is do not pry with them, particularly the pm2. Both these knives have quite thin tips that will not stand up to that kind of abuse.

That said the bb lock and compression lock on the manix and pm respectively are both very strong locks which are great for a tough knife. So as long as you plan on not using your knife as a pry bar they are great choices.

Emerson and Cold Steel designs tend to often have more robust tips that can stand up to some light prying. Of these two brands cold steel has the stronger lock if you go with their triad lock. That said Emersons are some of my all time favourite “tough” knives that I feel like I can do anything with.

 

[ChazzyP]

I always recommend a Millie in a situation like this.

I'm with Bravo all the way on a Millie. The two Knifeworks exclusives are hard to beat and both within your budget. I bought the C36CFTIP TI and liked it so much I got one for my son, who almost didn't hand mine back when I showed it to him. I think you said you weren't big on CF, but the peel-ply on this one is plenty grippy, it's a Ti frame lock, and the blade is M390. 200 bucks. Awesome F&F, like getting a mid-tech for the price of a production knife.

I haven't tried the 36GGRP (yet), but it's got nice green G10 and is CTS204P, selling for $180. Can't beat that with a stick, though you probably could to no ill effect.