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Kavanaughty said:
Wow! Thanks for the overwhelming support everybody. I should have mentioned that the $400 budget is in USD (though I am in Canada). A lot of amazing recommendations, where should I start?

The Cold Steel Recon 1 has been praised a few times in this thread. After checking out the specifications and marveling over the Tri-Ad lock, I became an instant fan, especially at that price point! Another Cold Steel model which seems fairly similar in specifications is the AK-47. How does it compare to the Recon 1?

The G&G Hawk MUDD is a neat knife, albeit expensive. Also a little hard to find as well. If money wasn't a factor then it would definitely be a top contender. That being said, I'm not completely counting it out.

I've come across the Spyderco Pacific Salt knives in the past but never realized how affordable they were. For corrosion resistance, it's definitely a no-brainer. As a couple of you pointed out, I could buy a few of them with my budget (the same applies to the Cold Steel Recon 1 as well).

Chris Reeve's knives have always been a dream. The small and large Sebenza 21 as well as the small Inkosi and the Umnumzaan hover around my limit and are extremely tempting, though I'm not completely convinced they'd be the right choice this time around.

After a little browsing, I came up with this list, ranked most to least favorable for this (or perhaps THESE) particular purchase(s):

• Cold Steel Recon 1
• Spyderco Pacific Salt
• Cold Steel Code 4
• Cold Steel AK-47
• Benchmade 490 Amicus (I always thought assisted knives were considered prohibited in Canada, however AXIS Assist and SpeedSafe knives are being sold on Canadian sites; if anybody would like to comment on this or clarify, feel free)
• Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0562CF (I enjoy lockbar stabilization, even if it isn't necessary; it gives me a little peace of mind)
• Boker Model 13 CG
• Spyderco C181GTIP Lil' LionSpy
• Zero Tolerance 0770GRYBW
• Viper Knives Start
• Benchmade 940-1 Osborne
• Kershaw 1870 Knockout
• Zero Tolerance Rexford 0801BLK
• Cold Steel 62RM 4-Max (though as G. Scott H. mentioned the current models are apparently having issues)
• Chris Reeve Small/Large Sebenza 21
• Zero Tolerance 0095S90BLK
• G&G Hawk MUDD
• Viper Knives Odino
• Zero Tolerance Emerson 0620
• Boker Steven Kelly Gulo
• Spyderco C186TIP Marcin Slysz Bowie

As you can probably tell, I have a few assisted opening and flipper knives in my list. I've never actually owned any, so your input regarding them (in relation to my requirements) would be appreciated.

Let me know your thoughts and feel free to add suggestions! Thanks again.
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Out of this list I would go with the ZT0562 or 562CF!
 
I would go for the Spyderco Slysz Bowie...in CTS-XHP. A great knife.
For REALLY heavy duty, try this one if you can find one...
Spyderco C185TIP Farid Mehr K2 Folding Knife 4.54" CPM-S10V
 
I say first get the very affordable and very robust Ontario Carter Prime for $99 first, then come back to this when the itch comes back.

It's a very simple, smart design bringing costs down being less complex but with excellent construction. Typical Taiwan quality, nerdy sht, ie fit perfect.

Uses D2 and so much titanium, like a slab of titanium. One of those things that feels like a jewel in hand. It's more a chopper but oh so durable. I love it. Two thumbs up.

ON8875_LS1R.jpg
 
Aldebaran said:
It is the springs that move the locking bar that fail. It is commonly known problem. Some people never have a failure, some have many. If the springs fail the blade will not stay shut and just swing around freely, and will not stay locked without jamming something in behind the bar to make it stay.
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I did a little more research on the issue and see exactly what you're referring to now, the omega spring breaks in the AXIS and the torsion bars break in the SpeedSafe. It's a shame you and so many others have encountered this issue. Did you bother sending them in for warranty repair? I've read that Benchmade tend to require the owner to send the entire knife in for service as opposed to Kershaw, who will send torsion bars and extra parts straight to your door. Any idea if they've improved their design to minimize this issue over the past few years? As you mentioned, some owners will never have any problems while others are plagued by them. Either way they probably aren't the best for hard use but I wouldn't mind having one for casual use, crossing my fingers it wouldn't fail, since if I had to ship it across the border for warranty repair I'd be worried customs would declare it a prohibited weapon and seize it.

The Grayman Dua looks amazing. I'm having a hard time finding a site that ships to Canada, however it seems I've come across a "hidden" page on their site by Googling "Grayman Knives Canada" and the following page shows up with the ability to purchase the knives through PayPal:

http://www.graymanknives.com/canada

No idea if this is supposed to be up, I suppose I'll have to contact them.

The Three Sisters Forge Beast is another beautiful knife but I'm have trouble locating any for sale (new that is).

I've decided to update my list (most favorable to least favorable) after a little more studying:

• Cold Steel Code 4 (can be purchased alongside a more expensive knife)
• Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0562CF
• Cold Steel Recon 1 (can be purchased alongside a more expensive knife)
• Zero Tolerance Rexford 0801BLK
• Spyderco C211TIP Marcin Slysz SpydieChef
• Viper Knives Start V5840-FC
• Grayman Knives Dua Folder Ti-Ti
• Three Sisters Forge Beast
• Spyderco C181GTIP Lil' LionSpy
• Spyderco Pacific Salt (can be purchased alongside a more expensive knife)
• Cold Steel AK-47 (can be purchased alongside a more expensive knife)
• Spyderco C186TIP Marcin Slysz Bowie
• Boker Steven Kelly Gulo
• Chris Reeve Small/Large Sebenza 21
• G&G Hawk MUDD
• Benchmade 490 Amicus (I always thought assisted knives were considered prohibited in Canada, however AXIS Assist and SpeedSafe knives are being sold on Canadian sites; if anybody would like to comment on this or clarify, feel free)
• Zero Tolerance 0770GRYBW
• Cold Steel 62RM 4-Max (though as G. Scott H. mentioned the current models are apparently having issues)
• Kershaw 1870 Knockout (can be purchased alongside a more expensive knife)
• Zero Tolerance 0095S90BLK
• Benchmade 940-1 Osborne
• Viper Knives Odino
• Zero Tolerance Emerson 0620

Thanks for the help once again ladies and gentlemen.
 
I'd say again: go with a Cold Steel. Marketing apart, they are true beasts. No springs to break, no assist torsion bars, bearings, or similar gimmicks that could wear out or just fail. The Recon and Voyager are extremely durable and worjk under the worst conditions (dust, sand, mud, etc.) that could render useless more complex folders or locking mechabnisms (AXIS)

CAM02606_zpsrydwgllm.jpg


The AK47 is similarly built, shorter, bulkier and noticeably heavier.

CAM02603_zpslwkwuckd.jpg


The construction is reinforced and G10 + Aluminum will stand being run over by a SUV no probs, the lock is rock solid and easily cleaned if gunk or dirt gets in it. The other main difference would be the Thumb plate that allows you to wave it open out of the pocket, and the pommel that works perfectly to break ice, bend and dent wood, steel or plastics or just crash glass, boards...

20160311_121304_zpswdwsgsnj.jpg
 
If you like the ZT 0620, the 0630 is worth a look too. Can dress it up in carbon fiber and...m390 (?) I believe.
 
I should also mention the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. It is meant to be a folding hunting knife but it as been reviewed by many of the popular youtubers and it would make an excellent EDC for hard use and has XHP too.
 
Kavanaughty said:
Hi folks, it's been a while since I purchased my last knife and the line-ups seem to have changed noticeably.

I'll get straight to the point: I'm looking for a robust folding knife. The most important qualities to me are considerable corrosion resistance (in the bade, frame and mechanism), decent pliability and edge retention (relative to its corrosion resistance) and a resilient, secure locking mechanism (for example, I've been told many times that frame locks can lose their efficacy over time). In short, I'm looking for a "buy-it-for-life" folder that doesn't require too much maintenance and isn't afraid to get a little wet.

I already have a Mission MFK-Ti which fits most of these criteria (especially corrosion resistance) but I'm looking for something a little different to add to the collection. I'm aiming for around $400 or less.

Any and all recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!
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Manix 2 S110v

Corrosion resistance- Check
Edge retention- Check
Secure locking mechanism- Check

And when i say "check" I mean... in spades.
 
For 2017, Spyderco is planning on releasing a few knives in LC200N, which is a step up over plain edge H1.
 
Strider SnG. It comes in at $20 over your ideal budget, but it's a knife worth taking note of, no less.
 
I highly recommend the Cold Steel ultimate hunter, it's an incredibly underrated and ridiculously good knife. CTS-XHP, g10, triad lock, the most comfortable handle on a folder that I've used.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
 
42pixels said:
I highly recommend the Cold Steel ultimate hunter, it's an incredibly underrated and ridiculously good knife. CTS-XHP, g10, triad lock, the most comfortable handle on a folder that I've used.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

This one wasn't on my current list of CS must haves, but I just got my Special Projects catalog in the mail today, and the orange one on the cover looked so cool that I went ahead and ordered one. CS needs to stop putting out so much stuff I like. :grumpy::D
 
Many good choices. People have suggested a TSF Beast. All titanium liner and scales and S35VN blade. The TSF Gorgon is a larger version with a 4" blade. About $400 if you can fine one.

I recently got a Gorgon. It's a big, very nicely made folder. The wife "borrowed" it for work. Not sure I'm getting it back.
 
Thanks for the continued support folks! A lot of beautiful knives to choose from, unfortunately that makes my decision that much more difficult.

I've decided I'll definitely be picking up a Cold Steel knife, either the Code 4 (love the aluminum handles), AK-47 (love the wave feature, handle shape and aluminum pommel) or Recon 1 (love the more subtle design). They're all rock solid choices.

I've also decided I'll be making a second purchase as well, with a budget of up to $350 USD and looking at the following requirements:

• Good to excellent corrosion resistant steel
• Non-assisted
• Titanium, carbon fiber or aluminum handles/frame
• Preferably frame lock with a lock bar stabilizer, a lock bar insert (assuming they prevent over extension of the lock bar) or both (such as the Zero Tolerance Emerson 0630CF which has both, which I admit is a little overkill lol)
• Either a ball bearing pivot or good washers; if it has a ball bearing pivot, I'd prefer it to be an enclosed system to avoid accumulation of debris as opposed to KVT or IKBS (which I'm still open to however, especially the simplicity of KVT, though I'd prefer ceramic over steel ball bearings to avoid rust)

A few knives which I've already found that meet these requirements include: the Zero Tolerance Emerson 0630CF (lacks an enclosed ball bearing system, as with all other KVT-using knives), the Zero Tolerance 0095S90BLK (again, non-enclosed KVT system), the Zero Tolerance Emerson 0630CF (a little tactical/weapon oriented for my needs but still fits the requirements), the LionSteel SR-2A BS (can't tell if it's a ball bearing or washer pivot; the glass breaker is a little unnecessary), the LionSteel SR-11A BS (uncertain what type of ball bearing system is used; again a rather unnecessary glass breaker for my use), the Zero Tolerance Rexford 0801TI (non-enclosed KVT), the Combative Edge G1 Flipper (non-enclosed caged ball bearing, though I could be wrong), the Combative Edge X9 (doesn't appear to have a ball bearing pivot as far as I can tell, which is fine) and the Quartermaster QTR-3z Templeton FACE Peck (surprisingly meets all my requirements but I've heard criticism of Quartermaster being a shoddy company and their potential affiliation with Mantis Knives, which worries me; also it appears darn bulky but not a deal-breaker).

If any of you have recommendations that meet these requirements or would like to comment on the knives I've already listed, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks again everybody.
 
I don't mean to sound like an ad for what I'm selling but you might want to check out the knife I'm selling in my Signature line. It has a Sleipner blade and is probably better than elmax for corrosion.
 
I'd have to thank everybody once again for the help. I went ahead and ordered a Cold Steel Code 4. Can't wait for it to arrive!

Mods, you are free to close this thread. I'm still searching for a second knife that fits the criteria in my last post so to avoid confusion, I'll be starting another thread.

Thanks again.
 
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