What's the hardest use folder in the 200-300 dollar range?

Although no one has mentioned it, the Spyderco Superhawk is damn tough too.:thumbup:
AND it fits nicely in the price range(the lower end at that).
 
I recommend one of the ZT 300 knives. I've only had my 301 for a few weeks but I'm very happy with it so far. I do commercial demolition and building so it's one of those use whats closest to you tools. I've really beaten the crap out of it in the short time I've owned it. A few things I've used it for are opening paint can lids, hammering the lids closed, removing baseboard, scraping up vct tiles, separating conduit and ceiling grid from block walls, lifting metal track that's been ramset into contrete, jab behind spinning screws to back out with my drill, baton 1/2" pex pipe, wedge under doors to get the hinges aligned, removing pipe insulation with black asbestos mastic. What I like most is the s30v on this knife hasn't chipped like my s30v spydercos doing way lighter tasks. Only wear so far are scratches on the blade.
Check out my ZT301 video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyl2CGb2N38
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley would do well.

Alternatively, for lots less money, CS Pocket Bushman is stout as all hell. That Ram-Safe lock is really something.
 
26 posts here so far and no one has mentioned Emersons!?!
Must be most of us Emerson guys are out doing things weekends...like using our knives.
"Hard Use" is what Emersons are made for.
Get one and never regret it.

CP
 
cp2u said:
26 posts here so far and no one has mentioned Emersons!?!
Must be most of us Emerson guys are out doing things weekends...like using our knives.
"Hard Use" is what Emersons are made for.
Get one and never regret it.

CP
Click to expand...

If you get a frame-locked version, then sure.
If it's the liner lock versions, then they are still tough, but not in the same category as some of the others, especially for destructive tasks like batonning.
 
cp2u said:
26 posts here so far and no one has mentioned Emersons!?!
Must be most of us Emerson guys are out doing things weekends...like using our knives.
"Hard Use" is what Emersons are made for.
Get one and never regret it.

CP
Click to expand...

Emerson's have weak liner that wear too fast
 
cp2u said:
26 posts here so far and no one has mentioned Emersons!?!
Must be most of us Emerson guys are out doing things weekends...like using our knives.
"Hard Use" is what Emersons are made for.
Get one and never regret it.

CP
Click to expand...

I mentioned Emerson back on post 12 but only a couple specific models even though they would lag behind in some areas of construction, that being the thin thin thin lock cuts where the lock is bent to spring it which are much thinner than most frame locks I've handled or owned by the way. In a side by side abuse test with some of the other knives mentioned in this thread most Emersons would be left exhibiting vertical blade play at best if not worn out locks and bent liners at worst. I think the fact that Emerson was not mentioned much in this thread is because most people here know the hard use thing is just marketing hype for the most part because if you really do use one hard to the point of abusing it the great warranty will be voided anyways so what good is it? Oh you can do a lot of normal things with them sure but you can do that with any of the others for sale too and you can't begin to take the EKI brands to the extremes of some of the other knives mentioned here.

If you don't believe me go spine whack the crap out of your Emerson and then stack some weight on the lanyard end if it survives the whacking and see how much it holds before defeat even compared to the cheapest FRN/Zytel model of one of the new Triad lock Cold Steel knives at half the cost. You'll see just how hard use it ain't.

I wouldn't dream of hard stabbing any liner lock into anything soft let alone the hood of a car or a 50 gal. steel drum. Sorry but my fingers mean too much to me to try that and I've heard and seen the results from end line users that have done that and regretted it. If I was going to have to do a hard stab though I'd certainly prefer a solid reliable lock like a Triad or a frame lock that I could feel better about confidence wise so the blade doesn't slam closed on my hand when doing it.

STR
 
If they were still being produced I'd have to say Lone Wolf's Harsey T-3 Ranger. But alas they are no longer being made.

If this blade is going to get the crap beat out of it I would reccomend buying one of the Disco'd models from CS. While the Aus8 isn't my favorite steel it does take a good edge and sharpens up fairly easily. It is highly unlikely that you will wear the edge out completely by sharpening it away in use. From what you describe it is far more likely that the knife will fail due to inherent weaknesses in folder design. From that perspective the lower cost hell for stouit folders from CS make some sense.

Me I'll stick to my fixed blades.
 
Strider PT
diapo384b1cbf7ed52f1696d0d7a25b19c32a.jpg
 
twid said:
I recommend one of the ZT 300 knives. I've only had my 301 for a few weeks but I'm very happy with it so far. I do commercial demolition and building so it's one of those use whats closest to you tools. I've really beaten the crap out of it in the short time I've owned it. A few things I've used it for are opening paint can lids, hammering the lids closed, removing baseboard, scraping up vct tiles, separating conduit and ceiling grid from block walls, lifting metal track that's been ramset into contrete, jab behind spinning screws to back out with my drill, baton 1/2" pex pipe, wedge under doors to get the hinges aligned, removing pipe insulation with black asbestos mastic. What I like most is the s30v on this knife hasn't chipped like my s30v spydercos doing way lighter tasks. Only wear so far are scratches on the blade.
Check out my ZT301 video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyl2CGb2N38
Click to expand...

Holy crap!!!

Was there any play in the blade after you were done?

I just got a ZT 0301 last week from Kershawguy and it's built like a tank, weight is a tradoff, but I really like it.

Sorry to go offtopic OP

Thanks
Jason
 
My Emerson CQC-7A is one tough SOB. My Kershaw Cyclone has been through some rough use but I think the CQC might hold up a bit better. Though I did at one time have one of the Lone Wolf T3. Just it's size alone made it seem like a indestructible folder. But never really used it.:confused:

HPIM0813.jpg


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:)
 
I own a ZT300, a BM Rukus, a CS Large Espada, have a Black Rhino on the way. I have other folders that look like they could take a serious beating and be none the less for wear. I have held and used Striders, Hinderers, I also own a large Sebenza.
None of these folders match up to the Extrema Ratio RAO. If it's indestructibility and fixed blade-like toughness you seek in a folder, this is top of the pyramid. No one seems to like the knife much, or the fact that no other can touch it in this respect, but there you are.
 
The ZT0500 MUDD hasn't been mentioned either. That's one tough knife that can take a beating. The enclosed Hawk Lock won't allow any grit or grime into the locking system and overall the knife is built like a tank. It's made for dirty work.
 
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