Toughest production folder

A less reliable lock is more likely to fail in twisting than when the knife is being struck on the back of the blade. Twisting can occur in fighting and it can occur in trying to extract a blade that's been stabbed into hard material.

But lock strength is only one aspect of overall toughness. Blade steel/heat treat/geometry enters into it. The ability of the pivot and the stop pin to withstand repeated stress is another. Flexing of a less rigid handle can lead to problems as well.
 
I really don't consider the sebenzas or striders production; more like semi-custom, or semi-production or something semi, anyway. For my budget, they're way to expensive to put to good use without a sense of dread. But I agree; striders are about the toughest on the market, then sabenzas.
 
The Cuda Maxx and Vaquero Grande (6") are verging on fixed blade territory and I think I would rather have an 9" OAL fixed blade than a 12" OAL folder that is over 6" closed. It is infinitely stronger.

How strong a folder do you really need? I find that most of the quality of current folders are enough. I'll go with a stronger one if possible, but at what point do you say "enough, this is geting rediculous."
If you pry with a folder you need a Fixed blade.
If you play throwing knife with a folder you need a Fixed blade.
If you think that you will be hacking through a lot of wood without damage to the lock and pivot, you need a Fixed blade.
Friction movement wears down EVERYTHING, so eventually folders loosen from years of use.

Folders are good everyday tools and emergency tools when you are cought with your pants down so to speak. They make great weapons in an emergency but can never and should never be considered a heavy use tool. They will wear down and break for sure.
 
Judging primarily by looks, materials, workmanship, lock, handle, and feel (because I've yet to use this one), I'd say my new Spyderco ATR is a very tough knife.
 
The plain ole Buck 110, will do 99.999% of what you need a folder for. The other .00000001% will cost you a lot more.:barf:
 
Its been said before and worth a re-nomination:

CRK Sebenza
Strider AR

These two are of the proven popular designs and makers. You cannot go wrong with either one.


Auto: Severtech, I carry one everyday...Tougher than a junk yard dog.


IMHO


Steve

edited fer spelen
 
Farid Mehr makes the stoutest heaviest folder out there, and judging from its construction, the toughest.

dENNIS
 
Originally posted by etp777
What angles are lock cut at? How's heat treat on steals of locking bar and blade? etc.

THere's a lot more to strenght than just having a thick blade and thick locking bar
Click to expand...


ETP is absolutely correct, thickness can only get you so far, im more interested in the geometry of the lock, ie. the relative angles the lock face and tang face are cut at, this is much more important to lock strength than sheer thickness, of course, ideally you'd want a thick, AND perfectly executed lock, but frankly, give me a relatively thin liner lock that is flawlessly executed than the thickest framelock that is not.

Luckily, the Sebenza has both. :)
 
Which balisong? A balisong lives and dies on its pins. A cheapie will be flopping all over the place in no time. A real cheapie will fall apart on you under serious stress.
 
The CRKT Hawk Dog is quite a knife with a 'dead-bolt or grab-step' lock. Thick, tough blade and razor sharp with these stats:

FEATURES:

Blade: Overall length: 3.50” (8.9 cm)
Cutting edge: 3.25” (8.3 cm)
Thickness: 0.15” (0.40 cm)
Steel: AUS 8, 57-58 HRC
Handle: Closed length: 4.62” (11.7 cm)
Weight: 4.9 oz. (139 g)

I've had mine for about 6 months now and am more impressed each time I use it. Picture here from ebay at this url:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2192202548&category=475
 
Got to go with the ER M.P.C. I've had quite a few stout blades (except a Sebenza -- I know; shame on me :D ) and it's the toughest so far.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top