Which Heavy Duty folder?

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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Since you seem willing to put down some decent cash for a knife, why not get a nice one with nice steel and handle materials. I would skip the cold steels unless you are really needing to save some money.

Take a look at the Benchmade 520, Benchmade Griptilian 551, and Benchmade HK 14205. These are all heavy duty 3.5" folders that will take anything you throw at them.
Spyderco's Manix 2 would also be up to any task you have. The Spyderco Military is also a tough knife, but mind the thin tip.
 
I realise this is a popular topic around here but I would still rather carry a small fixed blade in the woods over a large folder anyday. I would recommend a Swamp Rat HRLM. Available direct from the store for under $150 shipped. And its very easy to conceal.
 
How about the Ontario Hossom Retribution-1? It's big knife with a 4 3/8" blade that carries well in a belt sheath and is available for less than $200.
 
no denying the cold cteel is one of the toughest bang for the buck. a real strong model is the spydie bradley but also more expensive. the strongest in the world [i.m.o.] is the crusader forge. however the 4 in. blade model tips in st around 11 oz. & costs about 9 times the price of cold steel. i have 2 crusaders but never carry them. i'm sure you could throw them at a brick wall & it would still function. really you need big pockets & stand about 6'4" to pack these babies. a custom proposition.
dennis
 
Here is my spin on this after owning and using a bunch of Heavy Duty folders. :)

It depends on the actual use of the knife in question I believe. If you need something that is really heavy duty there are a lot of fine options on the market along with Customs.

Comfort is a big plus for me, I tend to like folders with wider contoured handles. If you have ever done some really hard cutting you will know what I mean. I personally don't like to have my hand torn up when cutting for periods of time. Most of the thinner handled folders that I have used will tear the heck out of your hand when doing hard cutting. That means wearing gloves is a must unless you want some serious blisters etc.

The interesting thing is most of them feel good in the hand until you start putting some serious pressure on the blade. By serious pressure I mean 18 to 20 LBS of cutting force, do that for 100+ cuts and you will really start to think about fixed blades.

After all of that I can say without a doubt that my Custom Demko is the most comfortable Folder I have ever cut with hands down, no contest. That is a custom knife though with smooth contoured G10 and a wide handle. It's fixed blade comfortable to use when cutting, I can cut hard for long periods of time and it doesn't kill my hand.

In the end I think the person buying the knife really has to hold it and use one to really know if it's right for them or not.
 
DSC00709.jpg

crusader forge --gec fur trapper--& crusader.
the larger crusader 's blade is slightly over 4 in. the smaller forge about 3 in. with a mirror bevel courtesy of knifenut 1013. although the gec fur trapper is a handful at 4 & 1/8 in. the massive construction of the crusaders makes it look like a minature.
dennis
 
Nathan Ihrke said:
Combative Edge M1
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You'd better move fast on the Combative Edge M1. I contacted Rob Walker after seeing "supplies dwindling quickly" or similar warning for this folder. He told me they were about gone but would hold one. If you want one, they are cool but for myself I slept on it and decided not to pull the trigger on this knife. :)
 
If i were you i would carry a Fallkniven F1. It's compact, better in the woods than any folder.
 
Ankerson said:
Here is my spin on this after owning and using a bunch of Heavy Duty folders. :)

It depends on the actual use of the knife in question I believe. If you need something that is really heavy duty there are a lot of fine options on the market along with Customs.

Comfort is a big plus for me, I tend to like folders with wider contoured handles. If you have ever done some really hard cutting you will know what I mean. I personally don't like to have my hand torn up when cutting for periods of time. Most of the thinner handled folders that I have used will tear the heck out of your hand when doing hard cutting. That means wearing gloves is a must unless you want some serious blisters etc.

The interesting thing is most of them feel good in the hand until you start putting some serious pressure on the blade. By serious pressure I mean 18 to 20 LBS of cutting force, do that for 100+ cuts and you will really start to think about fixed blades.

After all of that I can say without a doubt that my Custom Demko is the most comfortable Folder I have ever cut with hands down, no contest. That is a custom knife though with smooth contoured G10 and a wide handle. It's fixed blade comfortable to use when cutting, I can cut hard for long periods of time and it doesn't kill my hand.

In the end I think the person buying the knife really has to hold it and use one to really know if it's right for them or not.
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I do pride myself in handle shape and feel. Many folding knives will kill your hand quick.
 
Hi Andrew! Good morning. It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all if you got my "Ankerson's model" custom w/Ti backspacer done this year......I can't wait buddy!! :D
 
For the short time I owned one, the Cold Steel American Lawman impressed me as well. Only reason I got rid of it, was to be a tipping point in a trade I made. As soon as I get back up to Yongsan, I am going to be replacing that particular knife. It was awesome, and will make a good hard use companion for my Spyderco Sages or UKPK.
 
DemkoKnives said:
I do pride myself in handle shape and feel. Many folding knives will kill your hand quick.
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Andrew,

You did an outstanding job on it, I just can't express how good it really is putting it into words, it is that good. :thumbup:


Jim
 
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