which folder

RescueRiley

RescueRiley

Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
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A recent thread on folders vs fixed blades got me wanting to experiment with a folder/axe combo... (also with my sak of course) I was thinking something along the lines of a buck ranger or 110 but am open to suggestions I know some folks swear by oppinels (though the stock is a little thin)...I know all the advantage of a fixed blade, and have several quality ones, so I'm not trying to start a debate, It's just that in my area carrying a fixedblade (even in the woods ) draws a lot of attention so I thought I might want to play around with a new combo for a while. thanks
 
I'd say whatever you are attracted to, buy it and try it. I think few people would argue that the Buck 110 would be a good place to start. It's a classic.
 
I carried a Buck 112 Ranger for years. A great knife. The Buck 110 is also a great knife. Check out the Cabela's version in SV-30 steel for about $65. If one handed opening is important to you then these are not the knives for you. A Spyderco Delica or Endura, Benchmade Griptillian to name a few are excellent selections. There are many other folders by other makes that are also excellent. Good luck!
 
These three are good for a pretty low price.

Spyderco Endura: http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1436

Blade Tech Hunter Lite: http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=9717

Benchamde Griptilian thub-stud: http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1546 (it's a little thick overall compared to the others)

Benchamde Giptilian thumb-hole: http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8528

Spyderco would be my suggestion.
 
rfbadger said:
I carried a Buck 112 Ranger for years. A great knife. The Buck 110 is also a great knife. Check out the Cabela's version in SV-30 steel for about $65. If one handed opening is important to you then these are not the knives for you. A Spyderco Delica or Endura, Benchmade Griptillian to name a few are excellent selections. There are many other folders by other makes that are also excellent. Good luck!
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Hey rfbadger,

The 112 is a very nice little folder. The 112 can be easily opened with one hand (don't know about the 110 as I have never handled one). You can either hold the spine of the blade between your thumb and your digit finger, with the pivot end closest to you and flip it open using the weight of the handle and then slide it down in your hand or you can grab the spine between your middle finger and thumb and start the blade out of the handle and finish opening it with just your thumb.

I hope this is clear because I don't know how else to explain it.

Doc
 
Hey rfbadger,

The 112 is a very nice little folder. The 112 can be easily opened with one hand (don't know about the 110 as I have never handled one). You can either hold the spine of the blade between your thumb and your digit finger, with the pivot end closest to you and flip it open using the weight of the handle and then slide it down in your hand or you can grab the spine between your middle finger and thumb and start the blade out of the handle and finish opening it with just your thumb.

I hope this is clear because I don't know how else to explain it.

Doc
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Thanks for the tip Doc. I'll give it a try. I'll try to avoid being a klutzheimermicspazitron (cuts and stabs).:D
 
A folder with one hand opening and belt clip is very handy. This would depend on what you want to spend as well though. If I were in the market for a new folder I would go with the mini-Manix.
 
I personnally use the old bucklite with the OD green handle for a folder. It very light, strong, and easy the sharpen with a leather belt. I also sometimes use the Buck 110 when I feel like it. My friend uses a Sypderco Manix and he loves it. I think I will eventually get one in th future.
 
I think the 110 or 112 would be fine,and like Doc said,it doses't take much practice to open most lockbacks one handed,just keep a good grip on the blade:eek:
 
I have the Buck from Cabelas with the S30v blade they call it the Alaska guide series. My only complaint on the Buck 110 is the weight. I also like the old Buck-lites. I also have and carry a Spyderco Pro Grip which has a very good skinning and all purpose blade and its very light. I don't like heavy knives for everyday carry.
 
Another +1 for the Manix. If as you say you are looking for something in place of a fixed blade in the woods rather than an EDC in the high street, I would go for the extra weight and strength.

Another nice folder in my opinion is the Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 manufactured by Benchmade. I don't have one as having a Manix I can't justify the purchase, but I do have a Mk3 fixed which is one of my favourites.
 
Byrd Cara Cara, big enough to do considerable chores, and a nice woodwork knife too. Takes a very nice edge, and at 61Rc holds it quite well. Also, Kabar Mule is an option as well. :)
 
The Kabar Mule runs about $45 and is one of the toughest folders I've tried to date. It's got one of the best designed handles out there, the AUS-8A blade is one hand opening, holds and edge well but can take a lot of punishment. For example, I've batoned with this folder before. It's also one of the few folders I've used that chops well for it's size.

kab3050.jpg
 
the opinels are good knives, and yes they do have pretty thin stock.

more importantly, they have a very thin edge, that if not careful, can be easily damaged. because of the full convex grind, they have no edge bevel to provide for a thicker sturdier edge.

when whittling fresh maple (no more than three weeks since cut) i did manage do put some small dings in the edge when i hit some of those tough dried out knots.

but, and this is a big but for me, using some sandpaper (100, 600, 1200) i got the dings out and restored the razor edge in under two minutes.

also, those dings occurred with the factory edge, with only a stropping. since taking some steel off, i have noticed the edge standing up better to hitting knots and things. perhaps i took off some of that decarburized soft steel from the edge that is often discussed.

i have never owned a buck, or have a desire to own one, because i personally disagree with the steel choice and the primary grind. but that is based on my own personal preferences, and you may like them for the same reasons i don't.

i also like the low cost of the opinel. the largest standard size they make costs about $15 most places. i think i have also seen a giant foot long version offered for sale somewhere, but i don't know that these are authentic.

i have also used some more traditional pattern slipjoint knives with great success in the woods, including the Case trapper in CV steel (with the yellow plastic handle scales to help prevent loss, which they have once so far)
 
mrostov said:
The Kabar Mule runs about $45 and is one of the toughest folders I've tried to date. It's got one of the best designed handles out there, the AUS-8A blade is one hand opening, holds and edge well but can take a lot of punishment. For example, I've batoned with this folder before. It's also one of the few folders I've used that chops well for it's size.

kab3050.jpg
Click to expand...

I've read a little about the Mule. A couple of reviews by outdoors mag types has made the comment that the Mule is tough and the handle is the most comfortable they've used. Others that have them say they are the toughest they've used. Maybe it's time I get one and incorporate it into my EDC along with my OH Vic Bundeswehr Trekker. I think they'll play well together. :D
 
Since Kabars have come up...how 'bout the Dozier Large Folding Hunter...I've been eyeing one for a while...under 30 bucks, 3 5/8 inch AUS-8 drop point, looks like a nice "woods folder."

I should just buy one already....

php7DURHi_550-.75x550_149423.jpg
 
Buck Strider..I bought one second hand, and it is one tough little knife, I broke about 1/16 off the tip abusing it (prying my trucks window open) and I still love it. I never liked the look, but it is pretty comfy in the hand. Gene
EDIT: and if you want to spend the money, I like the looks of that new Falkniven folder.
 
As you know I'm not much of a Folder guy but I was going to suggest that you look at the offerings already mentioned from Ka-Bar.The Mules look good and solid but the Dozier options look better for Bushcraft !!!
Also I don't think you could go far wrong with any from Benchmade !
 
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