What is the strongest folder?

what I mean by bolster is the size of the pivot screw that holds the blade and allows it to swing open. The striders looks to be about 3/8 inch around. Bigger is more secure thatn a small screw holding the blade.

I'm focusing on the DMK's, especially the model12. Does anyone know washer material and locking mechanism type? Website doesn't specify.

Cliff
 
you should look at the following knives:

new Strider FNG
Airkat Tripwire
Mike Obernauf Model 1 or 2
Scott Cook Lochsa
Carson/Obernauf collaboration - C2O
Neil Blackwood Skirmish (custom version)

edited to add:

Lone Wolf Harsey Tactical Folder
Emerson HD7
future Busse Combat folding knife - it can redefine term "strongest folder" :) especially if it will be covered with unconditional lifetime guarantee same as fixed blades
 
Hi ERdept.

I think you should first determine what "strongests" means to you.

When we break 'em, the "weakest link" always breaks first. The "weakest link" is often not what we thought would break first.

If "strongest" means prying strength of the blade, you will want a thick blade all the way to the tip.

If "strongest" means lock strength, then there are locks stronger than a frame-lock or linerlock.

If "strongest" means cutting power, then a thinner edge, better steel will give you better results.

The "stongest" knife has no value if you don't have it with you with you need it. Sooooooo, "easy to carry" is also "strong".

sal
 
I love that Tripwire, but you can also try one of the new Korth folders. They are TANKS. I handled one last month. Very carryable. EDCknives.com has them. Here is one example. They come in a variety of styles. The pivots ride on ball bearings, and they are super smooth.
KorthFlipperGreen1.jpg
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi ERdept.

I think you should first determine what "strongests" means to you.

When we break 'em, the "weakest link" always breaks first. The "weakest link" is often not what we thought would break first.

...

The "stongest" knife has no value if you don't have it with you with you need it. Sooooooo, "easy to carry" is also "strong".

sal

that's a good point Mr Glesser. If I understood ERdept he meant all around strength with all components with maximally possible strong. but usually such a tough folder isn't very usable especially for cutting. I guess the Manix for example is not as strong (overall) as Extrema Ratio folders, but far more usable.

for me the strongest lock is a back lock like in ER knives or Manix/Chinook II but there are not many knives produced with such a back lock.


and three more propositions:

any of Extrema Ratio folders - these are real folding bayonets.

Spyderco Manix/Chinook - especially Manix if you need tough cutter

Bob Dozier DK-TW Workhorse - this one could be one of the toughest folders on the planet

edit:

Dozier DK-TW
workhorse1no.gif
 
I realize you said you already have a Strider, but, the AR/GB liner locks are very different from Strider's framelocks, I often feel like the Strider AR/GB knives are at least as tough, or seem as tough as the framelocks. Something about a liner lock with liners at .110" thick. :)

But, Mike Obenauf makes a very good framelock, a Sebenza doesn't have that heavily overbuilt quality Striders do, but it is still a very strong knife, as are Tom Mayo's TnT's, they are deceptively strong. A Scott Cook Lochsa is extremely strong and beautifully made, and its one piece frame

You may very well like the ER lockbacks, I have a Nemesis, and although the edge on these knives is very thick, which makes them not very good cutters, the lock and overall construction is very impressive and if you appreciate the look and feel of Striders, with their heavy duty, overbuilt, handle anything feel, you might also appreciate the similar feeling you get from the ER folders.
 
Strength and repeatability are likewise important.

The worlds strongest framelock is not nearly as interesting if it is only strong for period of time before the lock wears or loosens up due to use.

In frame locks, the best I have seen have been from Hinderer, Ralph and Reeve. I am sure there are plenty of others, but those are the best I have seen. There is more to this than thickness--angles, materials and most importantly the strength of the screws and fittings are paramount.

In lockbacks, Spyderco rules the roost. I am quite certain that my Chinooks have stronger locks than any framelock or linerlock out there. The downside is weight and mass and also potential accidental unlocking while using a lockback.

In alternative locks, Benchmade AXIS and Rolling Lock are very strong and repeatable, meaning they are reliable and will work seemingly indefinately.
They can break and I have seen some BAD(non functional) Axis locks, but for the most part these two locks along with the latest generation of Spyderco compression lock are strong, smoth and reliable. The Cold Steel version of the AXIS seems brute strong also.

IMO, never, ever confuse a liner locking knife of being strong OR reliable for anything more than medium-light work. Serviceable? Sure but almost never strong or reliable for a long period of time.


Thats my experience regardless of the maker.
 
In my own use of frame locks when the lock is titanium after repeated use and/or after simple spine whack tests the lock will loosen. The ones made of hardened steel wear better and seem to take abuse better than the softer titanium locks IMO.

I don't feel that the liner or frame locks are as strong as the lock backs and there is good reason to believe the bearing lock by Spyderco and the Axis lock being used by BenchMade are the strongest folding locks of all made or available today.

When it comes to blade strength. The blade can have strengths as Sal pointed out, in cutting and/or prying but in most cases one is sacrificed to gain more of the other. A happy medium is, in my mind anyway, a blade about like that on the Manix which I believe is a great overall shape although S30V would not be my first choice for a 'strong' blade steel for prying anyway.

But there are other blades that have stronger steel and perhaps stronger also because of the blade design like a tanto which reputedly stabs and holds up to prying better. So, a good tanto blade in a nice thickness and a high saber grind coupled with a good strong lock would be a candidate for 'strongest' overall package but as to who makes that? There are probably several places. Cold Steel makes some strong folders but so does Spyderco and Benchmade also. Again just my opinion.
 
STR said:
So, a good tanto blade in a nice thickness and a high saber grind coupled with a good strong lock would be a candidate for 'strongest' overall package but as to who makes that?
The Fulcrum IID combines an insanely thick blade with a fairly durable handle and high strength and very secure lock, which even has a cross bolt to prevent accidental release by white knuckling. It can easily handle tasks which would maul most "strong" folders that people commonly recommend. Of course its cutting ability is pretty much the same thing in the opposite direction. Though if you have the time and a belt sander you could easily change the blade profile to fix that, any decent custom maker could probably mod it out either.

-Cliff
 
The EDC has a thicker blade, bigger pivot 3/16 vs the 1/4 inch for the DMK.

Thanks all,

Cliff
 
In terms of lock strenght/security, it is insanely high. It was custom made, last the maker posted he was not making more because of monetary issues.

-Cliff
 
The new H&K knives designed by Mike Snody and manufactured by Benchmade are very strong knives. They have an axis lock along with bolsters. The bolsters up the lock strength quite a bit:)
 
lukaszki said:
that's a good point Mr Glesser. If I understood ERdept he meant all around strength with all components with maximally possible strong. but usually such a tough folder isn't very usable especially for cutting. I guess the Manix for example is not as strong (overall) as Extrema Ratio folders, but far more usable.

for me the strongest lock is a back lock like in ER knives or Manix/Chinook II but there are not many knives produced with such a back lock.


and three more propositions:

any of Extrema Ratio folders - these are real folding bayonets.

Spyderco Manix/Chinook - especially Manix if you need tough cutter

Bob Dozier DK-TW Workhorse - this one could be one of the toughest folders on the planet

edit:

Dozier DK-TW
workhorse1no.gif


I myself just about bought Bob's knife.
The lock is what stopped me from actually scooping it, it barely moves in, is a sliver thicker then a horse hair and left me feeling uncomfortable with its ability to keep it locked open.
This is just my experience only, it may the toughest liner lock ever, but even in your photo's, the lock barely moves over, looks like it could forced back into its parking spot.

I may buy it one day, but for a EDC, i myself couldnt justify it.

WR
 
WarRaven said:
...it barely moves in, is a sliver thicker then a horse hair
Many liner/integrals are like this initially, if you give them a few hard inertial openings the lock bar will move to a stronger and more secure engagement.

-Cliff
 
Cliff Stamp said:
Many liner/integrals are like this initially, if you give them a few hard inertial openings the lock bar will move to a stronger and more secure engagement.

-Cliff

That is exactly what the fellow at the store said.(Only seller in my city)

Even handled the demo unit fairly roughly to try an accomplish this to happen or even show signs of it, but do to limited time and opening potential, we could not.

He went so far as to to pry with his mini-tool, still it perfered to stay close to its home position.
It really saddened me, i would have bought it in hearbeat if not for that, Barring that, it was gorgeous in other manners, from fit to finish.

I do understand the effect of wearing in, however, many of my liner locks, engage better then this NIB.(And after usage)

This very well could be the exception to the rule of these knives, i only could,err we could only handle one at a time, so we had no comparisons to allow for flukes.

Sorry to potential owners or people already in possesion of these sweet little units, i am not knocking it, it just didnt fill my need like this. I certanly dont want to sound like that i was running her down, i am not.

WR
 
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