What folders do you have ABSOLUTE confidence in?

My ZT560, Rat1, Manix for real hard use when the only thing in my pocket. All my other folders jump in when carried with multi-tool or mini pry bar. It still cracks me up with all you cut and fold only guys. If my knife can't pop a lid on a paint can, than it is not very hard use. Wouldn't trust that tip strength in many tasks other than stabbing something soft if that were the case. If self defense and box opening is your only daily needs, than your ABSOLUTE confidence is ranged differently than others. I have used the tip of my knife to scoot back the latch on a door knob to get a lock open when keys and "other" tools weren't around. I have been carrying knives for 27 yrs and between landscaping, construction, and trailblazing there are few folding knives that can deal with "true" hard use. I know…carry a fixed blade. Absolute confidence to me means that when ALL I have with me is my folder, can it handle some rough use? The cut and fold answers must be coming from safe queens or warranty departments. I don't own a Strider or a Hinderer, but given the tip construction, I would see those fitting the bill with ease. We all know that there are better tools for certain jobs, but can we approach these specific questions with correct answers?
 
NetshadeX said:
Used to be my point of view until someone pointed out to me that a backlock fail is ALWAYS a 100% fail whereas a liner that fails might still protect your fingers if the liner bends towards the far handle scale.
Click to expand...

let me guess, that person was testing the knife upside down.
 
The only folders I've had FAIL - fail on me were a Buck Strider, a Buck Vantage Force Pro, and a CRKT M16.

These two along with my old Cold Steel Ti Lite are far and away the most reliable knives I've owned. The ZT has seen abuse half the people here would say I should be banned for. The Utilitac hasn't seen as bad, but still enough that most here would still think I'm nutty.



I know what what you mean about finding a solid cheap knife. If I could only grab one folder when the SHTF, it'd be my Utilitac II. :eek:
 
How do you define absolute confidence? Absolute confidence in a folder? No, I don't have absolute confidence in ANY folder. I don't abuse my folders, I don't abuse my fixed blades, but I don't have absolute faith that my folders will take abuse without failure. I have a Sebenza, an Insingo, an Umnumzaan, a 561, a 710, a Ritter Grip, a Vic new linerlock Soldier, numerous slipjoints, a Benchmade Marlowe bali, Bradley Mayhem and a couple SAKs. While I think the frame locks and Axis locks are well made, I cannot put absolute confidence in any of these knives. They are folding knives and as such are meant to fold closed. I am not a hard charger, operator or even an armchair tactician. I'm a user, sometimes my use is cutting open boxes of knives, messing around with a one stick fire when a cup of fuel will do but mainly whittling, and slicing and dicing in the kitchen. No hard use here.
 
I would agree with silenthunterstudios in that word ABSOLUTE is not appropriate when talking about any tool. Maybe "Most Trusted Hard Use Folder" would be a better way of describing it. Then classify what hard use means to the OP and go from there. Hard use is a pendulum that swings very far distances on this forum. From some that think cardboard is too abrasive and ruins your edge to beating your knife with a 5 lb. maul to see what it can take to break it. These threads are a love/hate relationship with me. Still love seeing the great folders that some of you have. Helps build the Christmas list!!
 
Honestly my Benchmade Griptilian. Guys I dont have any high end knives like many of you yet, but the Grip is a beast. I didnt even buy my Grip my uncle found it in the middle of the desert!! haha He is EOD and he found it out in the open while out working. The Scales were faded and the blade was covered in grim and dirt all over and sand inside. Took it apart, sanded the blade to remove the rust, sanded he washers up to 3000 grit and pretty much all of the insides. But is is like new! its how i would expect it to feel just out of the box! 154 CM steel and i am pretty sure the blade was black at some point. Not sure tho, I really love the knife and i trust it completely to take a full beating. I know the lock wont fail me Benchmades Axis locks are fantastic.
Anyways i really love my grip and its in my edc knife rotation.
 
I have a lot of confidence in my ZT0350, mainly due to the design of the knife that is IMHO very safe
I have even open a coconut with it without any risk of injury.
The grip si form and the shape of the knife prevent the hand to slide on the blade.... Very good
 
I'd say these two for folders:

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The Victorinox Farmer complete with para cord lanyard and ferro rod. Then the Strider SMF for my folding sharpened pry bar :D It's literally not great at slicing anything due to the extremely thick blade stock but it is a tank :cool:
 
Sniper Bladeworks makes some amazing folders! I am getting rid of all else, as we speak! AMAZING!
 
I have absolute confidence in all my folding knives for everyday cutting tasks. I use them to cut things with, not to hammer or pry with. I mean, they make hammers and prybars for a reason. If I'm out in the sticks I'll carry a folder, a fixed blade, and a hatchet and use them accordingly. It's about using the right tool for the right job, right?
 
I have "absolute confidence" in nothing regarding cutlery. (And damnall else, but that's a different screed for another time.) Not even a fixed blade. Every tool can and will fail when pushed beyond its limits, and they all have limits.

I use knives whose blades are thin, weak, and were made in the Middle Kingdom, but I do so knowingly and do not ask more of them than they are able to give. I also use stout blades for big tasks, but again, I'm always looking for failure. In short, I assume that when I choose a knife for a job — or choose what cutting jobs I'll tackle — I do so half-expecting it to crumple or otherwise give way.

Some jobs a Vic Classic is absolutely foolproof for. Others I use an Ontario Jet Pilot Survival knife that has the thickest, stoutest, and most bombproof blade of any I have, perhaps including a classic Kabar. (I have no interest in theological arguments — believe as you choose, and I'll do the same.)

Trust nothing, and better to pick a bigger than a smaller blade. And go easy, son. Go easy with it.
 
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