Which are the most heavy duty 3.25" - 3.5" blade folders?

V

Viper2

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Mar 15, 2012
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I am looking for a very heavy duty 3.25" - 3.5" blade folder for EDC. Which are the most heavy duty folders in this size? I will keeping it in a sheath at home or in my truck most of the time, and not in my pocket.

Any responses will be appreciated.

Thank you very much.
 
If price isn't a big concern, you could always have Peter R make you a custom. :eek: :thumbup:
 
How will you carry your EDC if it will sit in your home or inside your truck?
 
If you're going to be keeping it in a sheath in your truck or at home, I don't understand why you don't go with a fixed blade. If you want heavy duty then a fixed blade is the way to go.

If you still want a folder then I have to agree with ZT. Hinderer's XM-18 is another good choice. Peter R has been recommended and he makes some pretty heavy duty folders. Direware Solo is a beast. Andrew Demko's folders are rock solid. Crusader Forge is a good choice. I've got a Eric Elson Outdoor Dreadlock that can take a beating.
 
You do realize that the "C" in EDC stands for "carry," don't you? As in on your body. This matters because if you won't be carrying it on your person then weight and size become non-issues. Like the first responder said, a big Zero Tolerance folder is very robust and sensible in cost.
 
If you're willing to spend a bit of money, check out the Lionsteel SR-1 knives.
 
The OP hasn't mentioned his budget yet, Cold Steel makes some strong folders in the Lawman and Recon range.
 
ZT for sure.
0350, 0200 and 0300 range for entry

0550 and 0560 range if you spend a bit more for bett quality
 
Thanks for the responses so far everyone.

From the research I have done so far, it seems like the Cold Steel American Lawman is the toughest in its price range. It seemed to have beaten the Spyderco Manix 2 in a hard use test I saw on youtube.

I don't like the assisted flipper sticking out of the ZT 0350, and IMO the ZT 0550 is just too expensive for an EDC.

Any opinions on the Cold Steel American Lawman versus the Spyderco Manix 2?

Thanks.
 
While I prefer Spyderco over Coldsteel, I'd take the Lawman over the Manix2 for semi-abusive tasks. I wouldn't be concerned about lock strength one way or the other, but the tip on the Manix2 is what I see as a weakness relative to the overall knife. You can get more options with different steels, handle colours, grinds on the manix2, but they come with added price.
 
What is your understanding of 'heavy duty'?

I ask this because one should draw a difference between a knife that can do heavy duty cutting, or a knife you want to beat on.

I use my knives hard, for hard cutting chores and can recommend a few, but first want to know your opinion/mindset as this will limit the choices.

To note, Spyderco DID address the issue of the Manix lock that caused the specific failure (many people mis that part as it is under hundreds of opinionated posts)
 
I've seen enough tests where a guy nails two boards together and then uses a ZT 0300 to pry the board apart. Also chops through pretty big wood and batons with it. That's heavy-duty in my language.
Sonny
 
Buck CSAR-T. ATS-34, BOS HT, G10. Very strong build. Comes with a sheath.
 
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Have no experieince with the Manix 2, but have had with a couple of the original lockback manix - good knives. If you are considering a Manix, also check out the SOG Titanium Vision(SS liners/Ti frame)..I have one of the older versions with ATS34, and it is tough. I have used it hard through the years, and it is still as solid as when it was given to me, no blade play whatsoever.
Don't confuse the Ti version with the other SOG models, to my knowledge, it is (or at least was) the best made, most hard use folder they had, or may have today, heads and shoulders above any of their other models I have seen/handled. Good luck with your decision.
 
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