toughest folder, recommendations?

The best I've found for most of those purposes for myself is the Ka-Bar Mule.
I'm not sure there's anything that would break it that wouldn't also break the same size fixed blade.

The blade is 3 11/16" long. Some balk at this, but the more restrictive locales in the US tend to limit folders to "under 3 3/4", so the Mule comes in just under this, so basically, anywhere you CAN carry a knife, you can carry the Mule.

The knife came scary sharp, the AUS8 steel keeps an edge well, but is fairly easy to sharpen. Comes with a belt clip and a sheath that can be worn horizontally or vertically on the belt. Very versatile, very tough knife.

Also, the scales have rubber inserts and overall are meant to fillt he hand and feel good, unlike a lot of the "flat" folders whose primary concern seems to be concealment over utility.
 
I was going to recommend, based solely on specs instead of experience, the SOG Tomcat 3.0. However, looking at their web site, it appears that the Tomcat doesn't have a pocket clip http://sogknives.com/store/S95.html Of course, if it really grabbed your attention, Bumppo, one of the resident bladesmiths could probably put a pocket clip on it for you quite easily. The SOG Visionary II also looks promising, but it's not due out until Jan. '08 http://sogknives.com/store/VS-02.html

Another recommendation that I've got, again based on specs and personal interest but no experience, is the TOPS CQT Thunder Hawke with drop/hunter's point. It's got all the right specs: 3.75" blade, pocket clip, titanium frame lock (light, yet strong) http://www.topsknives.com/product_i...d=175&osCsid=59e728c6e1356d3fb154843dcd79f665
It's my current knife of interest.

Good luck, Bumppo, and keep us up to speed on what you choose and how it works out :thumbup:
 
Have you looked into the Mission MPF-3? It would fit the bill for legal size (3.125" blade) and sheeple-friendliness. There seems to be lots of testing data out there on the various advantages of beta-titanium. Though the price tag is up there with Striders.
 
Based on what you are going to use it for, a $400 knife might not be the right way to go, which would rule out the likes of Strider and CRK.

Why use a knife for digging... is that really necessary? Just about anything else would be better, quite frankly. Sand is very tough on blades and will dull your edge double quick, to the point where it will be very difficult to get it sharp again. A knife is also a pretty poor digging tool. A Cold Steel Special Forces shovel or something similar would be far better for that kind of action.

I'm not sure you need a knife at all... seems to me you'd be better off with a multi-tool, but I see you already have a Leatherman.

Are you aware that you can get a Leatherman with a clip? If you have a Leatherman Wave II, you can get a clip for it.

There is also another model that comes with a clip. Would this not solve your problem?


Bumppo said:
The knife will be used to practice fire making skills, food gathering, and digging roots and catholes. Sometimes the handle will be used to tighten turnbuckles on cables. It will strip wire as well. I do have a myerchine rigging knife that is nearly perfect for what I want, and agree that the locking spike makes sense, but as mentioned, it does not have a pocket clip.

The pocket clip is neccessary because I also carry a flashlight and a leatherman on my belt, and I climb a mast at work, ( I am a blimp crewman) and climbing through the mast cables snag on the sheaths.

Thanks again, the answers being given are very helpfull.
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You might consider one of the time-tested lockback designs like the Buck 110 or the Schrade LB-7, or the Camillus version of those. You can buy the NIB knife and get an in-the-pocket or in-the-pant clip sheath made for a lot less than the price of any of those high-end knives mentioned. The 3-3/4" blades come in under the 4" limit, and the traditional looks of the nickle silver or brass bolsters and stabilized wood handle scales is a lot more sheeple friendly than the black tacticals. And they are not difficult to replace if damaged confiscated, stolen or lost. That is just an old Codger's opinion.

Codger
 
+1 Codger. I've never broken a Buck or Schrade. I don't know where you guys get $400+ for a knife. I'm statistically near the top income and top family income and I sure as hell don't. Have you people heard of 401k? Retirement?
 
Since it hasn't been mentioned yet. Benchmade 520. It's one of the most overbuilt folders I've ever handled. 3.4" blade length and aluminum handles. Great heavy use knife and perfect for EDC.
 
spyderco manix or mini manix
i've done batoning with mine in lock pos. and it's still going strong
 
hmmmm

endura 4
delica 4
manix
mini manix
ruckus
mini ruckus
ATR
military
para military
ritter grip
griptillian
just to name a few i lilterally trust my life to......and yes i carry more than one at a time..:D:thumbup:
 
Check out the Spyderco Wegner model ! :thumbup: also check out Kershaw ZT models. I'm currently packing a Buck/Stryder 889 military, This thing is built like a tank. Fit & Finish are very good for the $$$ ($56.00 @ SMKW)
 
Zero Tolerance ZT-302, what a Juggernaught!! Built like a brick outhouse. Won't go wrong with this one. Thanks, Jason
 
I'd say BM Resistor. I can't see breaking that thing very easily, and not too expensive if you have ANY sort of a job. Good bang for the buck.:)
 
Spyderco manix, Benchmade Mini-rukus, Spyderco Paramilitary, or the Benchmade Ritter Griptilian. The Blade-Tech RIJBAK also looks promising.
 
Now that you mention what you are going to do with it, I recommend considering the Spyderco Para-Military. The blade is short enough to be measured against the palm (it is slightly shorter than my palm, which is about average) and the Para has definitely one of the toughest locks around, and it is no light-use folder. I also second (third, forth?) the Manix suggestion. The Mini-Rukus also looks like an excellent choice.
 
Codger_64 said:
You might consider one of the time-tested lockback designs like the Buck 110 ...
Codger
Click to expand...

Much as I like the 110 blade shape, that tip is too thin and pointy(a good thing, IMO) for me to consider it a real beater. The folding Alphas from Buck have a sturdier blade shape for digging, but they're liner locks. A 560 with the BG-42 upgrade is one of my favorite EDCs.

Gordon
 
Well, this is just based on toughness/strength and not on price availability right? Having had almost all the "tough" folders, (manix, striders etc.) I vote the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum IId. But it's right on the nuts 4".
 
samhain73 said:
Well, this is just based on toughness/strength and not on price availability right?
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"It will be used as a bushcraft knife, EDC, and under much abuse. Scale material is not relevent. the only criteria I have is the blade length has to be under 4", and it has to have a pocket clip."

A lot of answers are ignoring some of these factors.
 
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