Tough as an Abrams Tank

Extrema Ratio RAO.
Well, you always have to have compromises when you demand something like that from a folder.
Google it.
 
For a tough edc knife that doesn't weigh much I don't think there is much better than the Bradley Mayhem. A well made Balisong locked open really is as strong as many fixed blades; there is no way the lock is ever going to fail, and the Mayhem is extremely well made. For the car trunk escape thing I agree though, the SAK rescue tool is the way to go! (what about a cell phone?!)
 
These knives in their own right are stronger than a knife really needs to be.

Keep in mind, most production knives (and most modern knives, especially folders) are made out of S30V, or similar stainless steels. They have great abrasion resistance, and good hardness. They are though, fairly brittle, don't be terribly surprised if you find yourself snapping that blade a lot easier than you might imagine.

The ZT300 series is a beast of a knife, I can't foresee an average person being able to break it, even the ZT200 (IMO not AS strong as the ZT300, but not far off) would be nearly impossible for most people to snap without a cheater bar. My XM-18 3.5" would be exceptionally hard to break (Not sure how CTS-XHP rates in the c-notch vs. say S30V). Striders are tough, heck if the Sebenza, which is quite a bit thinner than the others would be hard to break. Now the Sebenza, I'm sure you'd crack the upper 1/3rd of the blade clean off pretty easily, but beyond that it's pretty tough.

I have seen guys break these blades, they tend to have arms the size of footballs and lots of mass behind em. I'm a big guy, but I don't think I could take on these knives and break most of them.

One thing about the XM-18 I love is the spanto grind, the tip is incredibly beefy, it's designed to pry should it need to. It's a bit above your budget and darn hard to find, but it's a great contender.
 
Seconds on the RAO. Failing that being available in a catastrophe, perhaps you would be lucky to find yourself holding a Lionsteel SR-1. Just remember to lock the hinderer stop before you punch through a car door.
I do have an SR-1 direct from Italy, but I'll have to take the opinion of the Noss's of the world on the RAO. He is, after all, the master of knife destruction.
 
Artfully Martial said:
the Manix 2 is a great knife and a great value, but in a toughness competition, it'd get its ass handed to it by an 0200.

The original Manix might be more competitive.
Click to expand...

:thumbup::thumbup: That made me laugh out loud :D

For whoever's viewing pleasure, here's a pic of a Manix 2, ZT0200 , and a Kershaw Rake side by side..

Rake0200Manix2.JPG
 
Although not as "pretty" as some of the others listed it's ridiculously stout. I've dug bullets outta old stumps and pried apart many pallets with this knife. Love the edge holding too, very happy with it. Although it is also ridiculously heavy haha.

CSAR-T
vgn.jpg

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ono724 said:
:thumbup::thumbup: That made me laugh out loud :D

For whoever's viewing pleasure, here's a pic of a Manix 2, ZT0200 , and a Kershaw Rake side by side..

Rake0200Manix2.JPG
Click to expand...

Lol, I'm glad no one got offended by that. I really am a fan of the Manix 2, but as your photo shows...it really is no comparison for which is more hardcore.
 
Chinook 3
0300
Pro Rockstar
DPX hest folder
American Lawman
Manix 2

I certainly stay away from liner locks for hard use. Just personal preference
 
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if toughness is your criterion may i suggest crusader forge. as for as i know they are the worlds toughest but also very smooth. one drawback is that quality of this parameter is expensive.--dennis
 
This thread really disappointed me in hindsight. If you read the title, you would know that I was asking for a strong knife. Instead, people turned it into a fixed vs folder debate and telling me that cutting through a car is impossible. I know it may be, but that was not my point. I was just looking for a rediculously strong knife. Thank you everyone that read the criteria I was asking for and offered their opinion or suggested something that fit that I may like. As for everyone else, you have really shown me where this community is headed. Your irrelevant posts have made me second guess coming to you for any other questions.

By the way. Whoever suggested the Black Rhino. Thank you. I really appreciate the suggestion. Pretty much right up my lane.
 
I'll have to get some pics, but I love "Tank" knifes I have a Gerber Parabellum, that has gone thru hell and back with me, A ZT 200, and now a Extrema Ratio RAO, for folders. Fixed Blades, I have a Gerber Patriot, and a MOD. Always looking for the next one!

I have had the Parabellum and Patriot since 86, been to Somalia, Bosnia, and the Gulf War with me, never a problem, always handy. The ZT and RAO are recent additions, all are great blades and great construction
 
My BM 420 came to mind as soon as read "Abrams Tank". This thing even looks like a tank!
420.jpg
 
When I think of a tank I may think of one of the ZT's, however, when I think of a Bank Safe Door I think of my Fallkniven PXL'S.
These are not only very tough but they are very classey and look great! My edc happens to be the Fallkniven PXL with the white micarta slabs.
Put one in your hand and see what I mean.
 
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