Ok folks, it's time for me to find a new folder for work. A little background my old work folder is a S&W SWAT which has served well for the past 3 years. It worked great..but is being retired now. I finally ruined the tip and a nice bit of the edge. I work installing Heating and A/C and a good knife is a daily requirement. My knife cuts on a regular basis, fiberglass insulation, thick and thin plastic, cardboard, copper wiring, and foam rubber. It's also been over the past 3 years used as a pry bar, hammer, shovel, screwdriver, and writing utensil(no I'm not joking).
Here are my requirements:
-Must be a folder.
-No serrations. They're too difficult to sharpen and are often more of a problem than not.
-Blade Style: Tantos and Wharncliffs are out. Must be a drop point or clip point blade.
-Has to take a good edge and hold it fairly well...with occasional sharpening.
-Rust resitance isn't a huge factor, but it is important.
-Stout lock up...preferebly liner locking.
-Blade length minimum is 3.5", prefering something in the 3.75-4" range.
-Blade has to be thick and able to withstand much abuse. Prying and hammering, are general requirements of the job. The tip of the blade needs to be fairly thick as well.
-Handle must also be thick, able to fill a medium-large hand, and be able to withstand hard impacts and abuse.
-Other obvious little features are needed. A non slip grip, pocket clip, and one handed opening, are all important.
-Price: Folders over $50 need not apply. The risk of loss, breakage, or damage, is simply too high to spend a weeks pay on a knife.
In short...I need a fairly stout knife. Something that is thick and hard and won't break the bank in terms of cost. I know that is asking alot from a quality folder under $50. I feel there is something out there to fit the budget, though.
Thoughts, recommendations, comments are all welcome.
-Random
Here are my requirements:
-Must be a folder.
-No serrations. They're too difficult to sharpen and are often more of a problem than not.
-Blade Style: Tantos and Wharncliffs are out. Must be a drop point or clip point blade.
-Has to take a good edge and hold it fairly well...with occasional sharpening.
-Rust resitance isn't a huge factor, but it is important.
-Stout lock up...preferebly liner locking.
-Blade length minimum is 3.5", prefering something in the 3.75-4" range.
-Blade has to be thick and able to withstand much abuse. Prying and hammering, are general requirements of the job. The tip of the blade needs to be fairly thick as well.
-Handle must also be thick, able to fill a medium-large hand, and be able to withstand hard impacts and abuse.
-Other obvious little features are needed. A non slip grip, pocket clip, and one handed opening, are all important.
-Price: Folders over $50 need not apply. The risk of loss, breakage, or damage, is simply too high to spend a weeks pay on a knife.
In short...I need a fairly stout knife. Something that is thick and hard and won't break the bank in terms of cost. I know that is asking alot from a quality folder under $50. I feel there is something out there to fit the budget, though.
Thoughts, recommendations, comments are all welcome.
-Random
