Want a large folder as backup to fixed blade field knife

W

wahoowad

Joined
Dec 2, 2002
Messages
39
I'm looking for a sturdy folder built to take abuse for miscellaneous fieldcraft duty. It will be a backup to my Cold Steel SRK, or go on wilderness hikes where I leave the SRK at home.

3.5 to 5" blade, solid locking mechanism, good clip. Good balance between solid construction and not being a slab o' steel. What do you recommend? :cool:
 
I like the ZT line. Look at the 0550, 0560, and 0300/0301, etc. I carry one of these when hiking, and camping in addition to my fixed blade, often, and Bravo-1 or one of my ESEE's. The ZT's are over built, sturdy, and well made.
 
I bring my ZT0301 along. Not so much for a back-up, just that it is already in my pocket. Carrys nicely for it's size and weight. Large but thin.

The ZT0550 I had was very well buit and tough enough. Shorter and lighter than the 301, but thicker. Too thick for my tastes.
 
Can't go wrong with a Spyderco Military. Light for it's size, solid liner lock, although it is only tip down right hand carry, so you might find that annoying. Another Spyderco you could consider is the Tuff or the LionSpy, both have titanium RILs as well as tough steels (CPM 3V and Elmax, respectively) although they are both on the smaller side of what you're looking for, the Tuff has only a 3 inch cutting length, and the LionSpy has 3.55 inches.

Otherwise, I echo the sentiments about ZT, they are definitely well built and tough enough to take on anything you might need a folder for.
 
Thanks guys - I am checking them out, although probably looking for a more budget knife. How about something that competes with the CS Pocket Bushman, just cooler? :abnormal:
 
wahoowad said:
Thanks guys - I am checking them out, although probably looking for a more budget knife. How about something that competes with the CS Pocket Bushman, just cooler? :abnormal:
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Opinel, Douk Douk (not locking, though), Ontario RAT-1, Spyderco Tenacious or a Cold Steel Voyager. Those are all affordable and well made.
 
Cold Steel Voyager XL, Bench Made 275 Adamas. Some say the Adamas is too heavy/bulky. I don't find that to be the case. It comes with s sheath.
 
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