There can be only one...

ohmyheckinslc

ohmyheckinslc

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Nov 4, 2005
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Long time listener, first time caller.... :rolleyes:

Here's the question. I've been debating a hardcore, heavy duty, throw anything at it and it won't flinch, type of folder, namely in the $100-$200 price range. There are four that I consider to be options.

-The new Ontario XM1, in N690Co... I don't know much about this steel except that I think it's what Extrema uses, I don't have anything in N690Co yet.

-Emerson CQC-8 banana knife.. 154cm and Emerson's reputation. I've already got another Emerson, the cqc-7 and don't care for the chisel grind, but the 8 seems to be a more traditional V grind, and it looks Cooohooooooohoooooooolllllll

-the Buck Strider 880SP. It's ats-34, and looks like it could stop a .50 bmg at close range, but the legendary Cliff Stamp's review made it sound like the liner-lock was a tad iffy, and it's a bit more like a brick with a blade, than an actual folding pocket knife, so it's probably at the bottom of my list, but still very much present.

-the Manix... I don't even need to mention the brand name, instantly it gained cult status, Cpm-s30v, thick, heavy, tough... I've got several spydercos including an s30v native, so I know the quality and reliability of their product, though, I may have just gotten lucky repeatedly.

Anyway, I find myself leaning towards the ontario xm1 then the cqc8 and Manix, etc. but my mind is still very much not made up and I'd really appreciate any suggestions my fellow knife knuts might have on the subject, pros cons etc. and any recommendations that might not have made it to my list.
Thanks in advance! :)
 
i have the manix and i LOVE it. It feels perfect in my hand and is very sturdy. i was looking for the same kind of knife and bought this one and i sure wasnt let down. it means business.
 
Manix all the way; I really like mine. I'm willing to be that it would outperform all your other choices.
 
I think the Ontario is too new to have seen much real world use to review.

I find the Buck/Strider fits my hand and is about as bomb-proof as any reasonably-priced production folder can be. Only under the most extraordinary circumstances could that liner lock be a problem.

The Manix is great, but I found the handle is too specialized in shape for me. I prefer a simpler design like the B/S, or a handle like the Chinooks use.
 
Never held a Buck/Strider before, but all reports I've read have been favorable - except for the one by Cliff Stamp IIRC.

I own a Strider AR though; and that is one solid and strong knife. I've whacked away at the spine and never had a failure. Great knife and worth every penny I spent on it.

You can't go wrong with an Emerson either. I EDC a Commander and love it. Great all around multi use knife. The Banana knife looks like a good utility blade as well. I might be inclined to steer in that direction. Striders are great, but thy are BIG! Emersons fit the pocket better and more unobtrusively.
 
i am phoney phreak i have mantrix in pants
if you make me red mad you watch out or u get hurt bad
 
I love my Manix but I have no experience of the other three so I can't make a judgement on them. The Manix won't let you down (as long as you don't shoot it with a .50 BMG)
 
Thanks for the advice. Looks like Manix is the clear winner, which I think is interesting. :) Nobody says anything really harsh about the others though, except the Ontario, because it's new and hasn't been tested a lot yet. Eventually, I'll get a Manix, but I agree with Esav Benyamin, about it's handle being a little too specialized. Anyway, I'll keep my eye out for a good deal and see what turns up. If I end up picking up an Ontario Xm1, and it kicks @$$, it's legend shall be born, and I'll write about it. :) Thanks again guys/gals/bots... :p
 
I don't know. The Manix looks like one hell of a knife, but it's tip seems really thin and delicat. It's a good thing, but I'm sure it would break much sooner than the Buck Strider.
 
ohmyheckinslc said:
There can be only one...
Click to expand...

Forget Spydercos, Bucks, or Emersons. Clearly, this is the blade you need.

m-kurgan2.JPG
 
heh, Planterz, what ever will they do when I go to the office monday, with Kurgin's sword strapped to my hip.
"Woah dude, what's the sword for...?"
"Oh, what this? I got a new shipment of PC boxes to open... " :)
 
ohmyheckinslc said:
-the Buck Strider 880SP. It's ats-34, and looks like it could stop a .50 bmg at close range, but the legendary Cliff Stamp's review made it sound like the liner-lock was a tad iffy, and it's a bit more like a brick with a blade, than an actual folding pocket knife, so it's probably at the bottom of my list, but still very much present.
Click to expand...

I have the Buck Strider 880SP and it is built like a tank. I like how you call it a "brick with a blade" because it basically is. I take mine with me when I'm out in the woods and need something reliable and tough. You can't go wrong with it: ATS-34, G10 scales, titanium liners. If Buck/Strider ever made an 880SP with S30V, G10 scales, and titanium liners, I'd be all over it. That would be one tough knife. For now, though, the ATS-34 version is an excellent knife.

ohmyheckinslc said:
-the Manix... I don't even need to mention the brand name, instantly it gained cult status, Cpm-s30v, thick, heavy, tough... I've got several spydercos including an s30v native, so I know the quality and reliability of their product, though, I may have just gotten lucky repeatedly.
Click to expand...

I also have a Manix CE and it is also tough. It locks up very well and feels great in your hand. You have to hold it to understand. It looks good in pictures and in writing but when you hold it, you can just feel how well-made it is. You can't go wrong with a Manix either: S30V, G10 scales, Spyderco quality! :D I guess I should note that they have recently released the 80mm version of the Manix if you'd like to have a smaller "tank" to carry. Let me warn you, though, it's not that much smaller.

I don't know much about the other two knives you listed but I know either of these would be a good choice. If I'm correct, your price range was $100 - $200. All I can suggest for you to do is get both! :D I believe you could purchase both of them right at $200.

Here is where I bought my Buck/Strider 880SP. Great service and best price I found.

There are many places to purchase the Manix: Best Knives, Knife Works, 1 SKS, Knife Site, NGK, Savson S&K, and many more.

Just remember, Froogle is your Friend! :D
 
Manix all the way. I have a lg. Buck/Strider tanto folder in BG-42 and have watched as the liner has marched across the tang just from flicking. I haven't used it much because I just don't need a tank-killing folder.:D :p :rolleyes:

The Manix is just an all around better folder to me. Plenty tough and still a good cutter. Feels good in the hand too. That's a big plus if your gonna work with it. I mean as in carving wood, pruning woody plants, working in the kitchen and so on.
 
The Manix is a great knife. I have not found a grip that is uncomfortable with this knife - specialized handle or not.

The other might be great too, but I don't own them!
 
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