Ultimate hard use folder..You choose!

I think I would substitute the Spyderco Wegner for the Starmate. It isn't rated for super heavy duty, but has an unusually thick blade, and has a great feeling of solidity for having but one liner. The full length spacer bar adds much to that. Plus, it has a distinct advantage over most other liner locks, in that if the lock should fail, the flat ricasso is what will come in contact with your finger(s), not the blade.

From what I've read, I'k pick the Al Mar from your list. The SR2K is very highly regarded, except by the early buyers who were disappointed in the lock holding. But, that seems to be a thing of the past, and the sharp studs are gone too.

For an all around knife, I don't think you can go wrong with the BM 710 either. I know I have to buy one someday -- unless I can persuade myself I can make do with the Griptilian.
 
Dude, you're going to love the folder. Oso Grande had a good price on it to. My AR rides nice and comfortable in my right front pocket. I would definately rather have too much knife than not enough. Let me know what you thing when you get it.
 
Originally posted by Jailhack
Rockspyder,
I HAVE taken the Chinook and rammed it into a 2x4 and torqued it out just to see what would happen. I have also rammed it through a car door at the boneyard. It held up just fine. As long as the tip is imbedded past the thin point, there should be no problem.

Jailhack, how far back does the thin portion go? Just out of curiosity. To be honest, I REALLY like the design of the Chinook, and have thought of buying one. But the though "folding prybar" never occurred to me in conjunction with the Chinook. :)
 
Strange in a thread like this only one person so far mentions the SEBENZA! Must be we seb fanatics are getting too complacent. Seriously though, I didn't see price an issue in the original question. I've seen all of the original suggestions and can't imagine any of them out lasting a large sebenza.
 
Rock,

OK, First off, let me just say that I would not recommend that anyone do the things that I did to my Chinook to theirs.

That said, don't let the shape of this knife fool you. The very tip is somewhat thin yes, but it is still thicker than most other knife tips. The top swedge starts its thicker taper right from the tip. The swedge is what actually makes the knife appear thin. Now obviously, if you stuck the first 1/4" or so of the blade into something and tried to snap the tip, you would succeed. But why would anyone do that to any knife?

Maybe the term "folding prybar" should have said "Tank" instead. I don't typically use my folders as prybars, because they make other tools for that. But given the Chinooks blade style, overall thickness of the knife and build quality, it lends itself very well to anything that you can throw at it. Its shape is great for utility, defense, and it would probably fair well as a skinner in a pinch.

The topic started with the question of the best HARD USE folder. The Chinook shines in that catagory.
 
Here would be my choices..

Large Sebenza
REKAT Carnivore
Chinook (Just got it but it looks very promising:D)

Top choice would be the benz though, rides nice in the pocket and is extremely durable.

I only had one for a day but if you want something that makes women and children scream than go for a MOD CQD, man that m-effer is huge :eek:

I have to say, first impression of the Chinook is that it rocks!
 
SEBENZA- what I carry when in the bush without a sheath knife.
Tom's TNT beats it, but I don't have one yet:( . The Strider fits the bill too, but I like my Sebenza's lock better. Sere 2000 doesn't seem as "overbuilt" to me. I am looking at a Dozier- nice lock, nice steel, nice design. The 710? I don't know, it has a spring in it! :confused:
 
for hard use, you gotta go with strider! either the buck/strider in big tanto/spearpoint or small tanto (soon spearpoint) if you are on a budget, or a strider AR if you got some options! this bad boy can take whatever you got. sure, some of the BMs and AlMars are mayber more lisght and prettier to look at, but striders are tools and made to be used, not put under glass and admired.
the buck strider is not the prettiest thing in the world, but damn it gets the job done!
cheers,
Derek
 
Hmmmmm……… What properties must a good, hard use folder have……..

I guess the lock has to be rock solid. My large Sebenza has a tough as nails lock.

I guess the blade needs to be thick, with a nice stout tip, but still thin enough for efficient cutting in a wide variety of situations. My large Sebenza has that kind of blade shape.

I guess the handle needs to be strong, light weight, without flexing, and without weak points. My large Sebenza has that kind of handle.

I guess that a folder in a hard use situation must be easy to field strip and clean. My large Sebenza can be field stripped in seconds, and only needs a single wrench to do it.

I guess a hard use folder needs to hold an edge for a long time. My large Sebenza , with its BG-42 blade, holds an edge for a long time.

I guess a hard use folder needs to be convenient to access, and have multiple carrying options. My large Sebenza has a good pocket clip, and can also be worn in a sheath.

I guess a hard use folder needs to be backed up by a company with an excellent warrantee. Accidents do happen. My large Sebenza is backed by CR, noted for their excellent customer service.
 
Hmmm, prying something with the tip of a knife? Doesnt sound like something that should be done with a tool designed to slice and cut. If you want to pry something, get a screwdriver or prybar. Most of the above mentioned knives will do quite well in any "knife use" situation. My SERE 2000 folder is about as heavy duty as a person needs.
 
thanks everyone for the input. I am really starting to like the SERE 2k. It is built tough by a man whos saying was "form follows function"
I always liked the ease of use with liner locks but never really trusted them. Sounds like the liner is really huge. It is also the right size for my pocket, not huge. Also I wouldnt want to beat the hell out of a knife like the Sebenza.
Knifeman==>-----
 
REKAT Pioneer II in tactical black. Damn tough piece...give it a try...better lock than the Spydies!


-Steve in CT !!!
 
Originally posted by K man
thanks everyone for the input. I am really starting to like the SERE 2k...

Hey K-man, you can't really go wrong with the SERE but I will pad that by saying I have had 2 that would close with a firm tap on my knee.

I know there are ones out there that are as reliable as any liner locker but be picky about the one you buy/keep.

If you don't mind spending the money then keep in mind that with a Sebenza, Chris Reeve will refurb it to factory new condition for about $25. I beat all of my Benza's and that's the way they like it :)
 
Definitely the Buck Strider, tanto blade. I've used and abused mine and it has held up very well, save for a few obvioous scratches on the blade.

If you want to go custom, a DDR Madd Maxx.
 
I have to say the ultimate hard use folder in your category would be the BM 710. I own one and it is very durable. The SERE 2000 feels pretty damn tough and durable also, but I do not have one of these yet so I can't give you a testimony on it.
 
My EDC is the S2k, and I absolutely love this knife. The fit & finish are first rate, the lockup is rock solid, and it just feels good in my hand.

That Strider AR folder is something else altogether though!
Has anyone managed to damage one of those knives yet? I would surely like to hear from any AR owners out there on this one.
 
Originally posted by K man
Thanks everyone for the input. To be more specific, I was thinking more in the range of an overbuilt EDC, not huge.

Well, you said: "THE ULTIMATE HARD USE FOLDERRRRRRRR!"

So go buy a 710HS. The Axis lock rules.
 
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