Toughest "tactical" folder

Joe Watson

Joe Watson

Joined
Sep 15, 2004
Messages
484
I apologize if this has been done before, but for the search hasnt been working for me.

I need a good folder with good edge retention, a strong lock and strong blade. It will be used for typical grunt work(hard use) Im going for a high end knife because Ive broke Cold Steel and Gerber folders, and having a fixed blade on me at all times isnt covinient.

Im looking into Strider's AR and GB models, just wanted to know what else is out there in the same price range.


Thanks!
 
Take a look at the Greco Falcon folder. They are a custom but in the $150 range. John Greco stopped making them but they are available again, at least until he runs out of the ones he made. I have one on order -- they are supposed to be extremely tough.

Also, Extrema Ratio knives are incredibly tough.

I would look at the Strider SMF as I think the design is superior to the AR/GB.

Finally, why not consider a Spyderco Manix?
 
BM skirmish or mini skirmish, framelock, tight lockup,titanium handle, s30v steel. can be had on the net for around $125 I have a mini and love it..p
 
Chris Reeve Sebenza
Al Mar SERE 2000
Strider SMF
Spyderco Manix
Benchmade Skirmish

These are all very tough folding knives. If you break them, it's because you are doing things that are just stupid to be doing with a folding knife. Get a fixed blade.
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=377392

I and probably 2 or 3 other guys, all things considered, have come to believe that the Extrema Ratio folder species are of the ridiculous "folding prybar"-designed strength. Sure, there are A LOT more others out there that can cut better and feel better when held, but hands down, the strongest by design seem to be these, but coming with the trade-off of cutting ability I might add.
 
Stridera are excellent!! I would also suggest that you look at it: Chris Reeves Sebenza, DMKnives "Instigator" or any of David's folders for that matter, if you can find a Rick Hinderer, and my final recoomendation would be for a Mission knife and Tool MPR 1 or MPF 3, all titanium knife.
 
Strider, Reeve, Airkat. All top notch folders that will serve your purposes for life.
 
Will this be used by you in the military? It sounds like it might when I hear the word "tactical".

I don't know if 18 months as an US Army ranger captain in charge of a recon platoon in beautiful Baghdad (actually Sadr City) counts for anything but here is a link the Microtech folder that my son carried. I bought one for him and my daughter who was stationed at the Baghdad airport. It has a neat built-in belt cutting slot, a window breaker outer button on the handle. He used this when he wasn't using the army issued M9 knife-bayonet fixed blade. It not so big that it is a heavy EDC.

http://www.1sks.com/store/microtech-mini-socom-elite-automatic-seatbelt-cutter.html

Another good knife that is less expensive is the Spyderco 93mm Rescue model. It is thought by some to be butt-ugly with that blunt tip but it has tons and tons and tons of cutting edge with that flat 93mm serrated edge. It is popular with the firefolks/EMT's where I live.

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=12



Here some M9 info:

http://www.m9bayonet.com/

All of his troops carried almost identical gear so everyone knew how to use everything they had. Some outfits have rules about what the patrols can carry.

Good luck if you have a service tour to the sandbox. Keep a sharp eye out and don't let anyone get too close! Be sure and send us reports about what you and others are doing. Have a great holiday!
 
strider smf.
i personally use the cs recon1, but i never used it to break open doors, or some such...

00h
 
I have 2 Buck Striders that I use when I know I'm going to be beating the @#$% out of my knife. Reasonably priced, hence the 2, and as tough as nails. Not something you should draw in mixed company though. You can hear the snap on opening across a football field.

Brian
 
DGG said:
Will this be used by you in the military? It sounds like it might when I hear the word "tactical".



Good luck if you have a service tour to the sandbox. Keep a sharp eye out and don't let anyone get too close! Be sure and send us reports about what you and others are doing. Have a great holiday!
Click to expand...


You bet! Plus, Im an E-3 so Im trying to get the most for my money.

That microtech has some interesting features.

Im not issued a bayonet, and Im not going to spend $100 on something that just wont cut it. Besides, when I can carry a fixed blade I have a Cold Steel SRK and Buck/ Strider solution available.

I should be headed to the box sometime this year, my units last deployment was to Saudr City but I wasnt there then.

I know its not smart to be prying with knives, but when you are hauling around 90lbs you cant carry anything unimportant and you have to use what is available. Sure I can carry a mini prybar, but not when Im in garrison or in civilian clothes.

Anybody have opinions on Ontarios Xm-1? I saw in it a knife magazine today, it seemed like a pretty beefy folder for a very good price. Ive just never heard of the steel its made of.

The suggestions thus far are appreciated, Ive been looking into them.
 
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