Which Heavy Duty folder?

shaving sharp

shaving sharp

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Looking for some input here. I have several ZT folders and I really like them.I was wondering what you would suggest for a large heavy duty folder to use in the woods as a primary blade. I am thinking of volunteering for the local park system but do not want to openly carry a fixed blade knife. I am looking for a big strong folder. What do you suggest? I was thinking of a TOPS 747 Magnum.Would like to keep the price under $200.00 and have at least a 3.5 inch blade. Include photo's if you have them please.
 
shaving sharp said:
Looking for some input here. I have several ZT folders and I really like them.I was wondering what you would suggest for a large heavy duty folder to use in the woods as a primary blade. I am thinking of volunteering for the local park system but do not want to openly carry a fixed blade knife. I am looking for a big strong folder. What do you suggest? I was thinking of a TOPS 747 Magnum.Would like to keep the price under $200.00 and have at least a 3.5 inch blade. Include photo's if you have them please.
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Why not one or more of your ZT's?
 
ZT's are good...but one you might not have thought of is the Folding Field by Kershaw. Mine is still in great condition following years of use. It is a tad on the heavy side but is as robust as you'll ever require for field dressing or bushcraft chores.
 
I have a Benchmade 741 Onslaught. A fine blade and carries well in a pocket.

Depends on whether you want to cut or chop?
 
mrjefe2u said:
I have a Benchmade 741 Onslaught. A fine blade and carries in a pocket.
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I have a 741 and would never call it a hard use knife; the blade is far too thin.

Op, ZT's are probably the most "hard use" knife I've ever encountered (I own a 0300 and 0200)

I've read great things about the Houge(spelling) ex-1
 
I know its not $200, But the fallkniven PXL series is pretty damn amazing. I had (and lost :() a PXL with ivory micarta scales...
 
Get yourself a Cold Steel Lawman or Recon 1 for about $60. Strongest lock in the industry, IMO. Trust Powernoodle on this one. :thumbup:

IMG_8188.jpg

Lawman, middle. Recon 1, bottom.
 
Thanks for the comparison pics on the Lawman vs. Recon 1 powernoodle. :thumbup:
I didn't realize the size difference between the two.

On that same note; depending on what you are doing, a Rajah II would be excellent for brush clearing and trail maintenance without scaring the park-go'ers on your way to the trail. I have a few Tri-Ad folders and the lock is pure kick-ass for hard use.

Incidentally; ZT is currently my favorite production brand. But it depends on what you expect out of the blade. You can do most tasks "in style" with a ZT 0302:thumbup:, but if brush clearing is a priority, that may be too small.
 
How about the ZT/Hinderer 0551/0550. Its right at $200.00 but you might have a hard time getting the 0551 since its pre-order. The ZT 0550 should come out next year sometime.

The ESEE HEST folder is coming out in December....that should be heavy duty.
 
Crusader forge is the most hard use folder I can think of. I have yet to own one but if you look them up you will realize how tough they are
 
mrjefe2u said:
I have a Benchmade 741 Onslaught. A fine blade and carries well in a pocket.

Depends on whether you want to cut or chop?
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I have one of these,great slicer but the blade is too thin. I was disappointed how thin the blade is for a knife this size.
 
I agree with Powernoodle on the American Lawman/Recon. Dollar for dollar I dont think there is a better hard use folder out there. Only thing I dont like about them is that they have oversized fugly handles which is probably a good thing if you plan on hacking things really hard with it. That being said I dont understand why you dont just use your ZTs or are they just not cutting it for you (No pun intended)?
 
kawr said:
I agree with Powernoodle on the American Lawman/Recon. Dollar for dollar I dont think there is a better hard use folder out there. Only thing I dont like about them is that they have oversized fugly handles which is probably a good thing if you plan on hacking things really hard with it. That being said I dont understand why you dont just use your ZTs or are they just not cutting it for you (No pun intended)?
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Like I said I really like the ZT knives I was just looking for some fresh ideas.I really appreciate all the suggestions.
 
My heavy duty folder is this one. Build like a tank.
CIMG2537.jpg

A lot of info on a german blade forum, with excellent feed back only
 
I have the American Lawman and trust me it feels like a tank but handles like it's an extension of the hand.
 
Whenever I'm a-swampin' and have the need for a heavy duty folder, the Cold Steel Spartan is as tough as I've ever seen bang for the buck wise. Only caveat is those who feel that a few ounces here and there is...sniff...too heavy, need not apply.
 
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