Ultimate Survival Folder? - CS Paradox? ... What do you say?

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engle's-wilder

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Nov 18, 2010
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There are a lot of folding knives out there, and many, many locking systems.

From the Lockbacks, Clasps, Axis, Liner & Frames, Balisongs, to Manuel OTF's...etc.
What do you all think is the strongest of the locks and the best knives that utilize that system?

Right now, I'm thinking the Cold Steel Paradox has one of the strongest folder locks. (period). But I may very well be wrong. Thoughts anyone? (feel free to disagree)


I know batoning is really controversial, but what knife (and it's lock) would fair the best if it needed doing?
 
I like a well designed lockback, but for batoning, i'd say a slipjoint (a locked knife is more suseptible to damage imo).
 
Some say that the Chris Reeve frame lock isn't as strong as some liner locks because the metal is alot longer. That folding Bushman is a real tough beast
 
I like folders and use them more on a daily basis than my fixed blade, but when outdoors, my folders are really limited to a quick cut of cord, possibly sharpening a stake or quickly trimming very small branches; the heavy duty chores are done by my fixed blade.

With that said, there are a lot of good blade locking mechanisms out there from the traditional lockback to the Axis styled locks. I've been very satisfied with liner locks form Benchmade, TOPS, Spyderco and Emerson; I don't trust most, but from reputable manufacturers and makers, they are pretty fool proof for normal usage. From an engineering perspective, Spyderco's compress lock (reversed liner?) is very secure and I really like them on the Spyderco Para Military models...one of my common EDC folders.

Spyderco lockbacks are pretty darn tough, but as mentioned, battoning a folding knife can damage most locking mechanisms over time...if done, it should be done rarely and within reason. Cold Steels mammoth Rajah 1 has probably the beefiest lock of any folder I've seen and the original Al Mar SERE has a very robust lockback as well.

Framelocks are pretty stout if well done as well. I'm pretty comfortable with my Sebenza's locking mechanism.

The Axis styled locks have been out for some time and I haven't heard much other than if they aren't maintained, they can get gunked up.

I do have a couple of Benchmade Balisongs and they are good locking mechanisms...for the most part, very similar to the Paradox from Cold Steel. As with all folders, it's not always the locking mechanism that is the issue but the inherent issue that the blades "tang" is always going to be short and you're relying on beefy, well constructed scales in conjunction with the locking mechanism to provide the necessary strength for tough uses. Lateral stresses are the worst and what should be avoided the most.

I would have to say the dual locking mechanism of the Extreme Ratio RAO folder is most likely the toughest folder I own. It's still not a fixed blade and it could be used roughly, but if I can, I'll rely on a fixed blade for the more abusive knife chores. If you're limited to a folder, just understand there are limitations and limit the abuse that affects their weakest aspects (lateral stress and hammering against the strength of the locking mechanism.

ROCK6
 
I like liner locks, easy for me to open or close with just one hand. they are plenty sturdy and the main problem I have with them is when someone borrows a knife with a liner lock they don't know how to close it and they hop around bent over in a funny little dance.

Pat
 
omniviking said:
I like liner locks, easy for me to open or close with just one hand. they are plenty sturdy and the main problem I have with them is when someone borrows a knife with a liner lock they don't know how to close it and they hop around bent over in a funny little dance.

Pat
Click to expand...

That part makes me smile:D
For batoning a folder, as long as you don't bear down on the handle too much and tap it through the wood rather than try to hit a home run with the baton, it should be ok. You can also baton with it unlocked, if you're worried about it. Blade length seems to be the limiting factor, as to limit the stress on the knife, I stick with limiting wood thickness to half the blade's length. With most folders, this means its useful for kindling prep only, but that's where I find I really need the dry wood. Thicker wood, even if slightly damp, can be dried in the fire.

I would say, for the ultimate survival folder, my personal choice is the OHT plain edge. Cheap, corrosion resistant, easy to sharpen, holds a decent edge, the bottle opener is beefy enough for light prying, and the saw...sweet mother of bushcraft, does that saw come in handy.
 
I have the CS bushman and I have on more than one occasion battoned for making kindling. The lock is amazing, but I wouldn't get to complacent with it. I'm sure eventually it will break it if I pushed it to far. It's a great back up for a just case senario.
 
I own and use folders of just about every variation. For strength, the backlock and the various types of "bolt locks" have worked the best for me. The ER RAO is fail proof with the pin installed. Without the pin, there have been complaints that the lock spring needs to be stronger. Not everyones cup of tea, but is is definately one of the strongest folders on the market. I kinda like it.
 
I really like the feel of the Cold Steel Rajahs if I had to use a folder in the woods(as a primary blade). I don't own one yet, but I got to use one for a weekend and it faired well to light chopping and some batoning of small wood.
 
I have to agree that the CS Pocket Bushman seems to answer the original question. The knife isn't particularly easy to open or close, but it is tough; and, at around $20.00..., what else is there comparable??? (NOTHING):D
 
csstoreonline_2134_5200251


That thing up there ↑ is your "Ultimate Survival Folder?"
I would put that on my list of things NOT to take in a survival situation.
Hardly any lateral strength and that tiny tang - I would not trust it.

I would have to say on the cheap - CS Pocket Bushman - I have beat the crap outta mine trying to break it and have not yet done so during regular woods outings.

I am not even a CS fan and I have several - the New RECON 1 seems to lockup like a tank. It is tough - I have already beat the heck out of it - it held up fine.

cold-steel-recon-1-clip-point-plain-2010-model.jpg
 
Joezilla said:
That folding Bushman is a real tough beast
Click to expand...

Hells yes it is--I've got one of the 1st gen pieces and carry it nearly every day. It's been used for everything from food prep (very often) to batoning (not so often) and it's held up great! The mechanism is a lot easier to deal with once you spend a little time with it. I can one-hand open AND close it now without difficulty and with total safety. The only flaw I can find with it is that it wouldn't be the best for long-term wood carving due to the metal handle.:thumbup:
 
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