Looking for a heavy duty folder knife

Mark J - September 19, 2020

Gear

I am looking for a heavy duty folder to use as a field knife in place of a fixed blade knife. What do you recommend? In case you are wondering “why not a fixed blade knife?” I live in California where keeping a fixed balde knife ‘concealed’ in a backpack is a misdomeanor and can be a felony depending on the whim of the prosecutor.

Perhaps this could be an item for The Prepared to do a review on?

10  

what’s your budget?

 

Trying to keep it under $150.

 

Buck 110 and SAK Classic

 

Thank you. A very interesting response. You listed two knifes that I already own. My EDC is an SAK Executive.

 

What task do you conteemplate that the Buck 110can’t accomplish? It is available in sverak variants…

Perhaps you need a machete, kukri, or parang – or some variant threof. My macheteis very good at cutting down weeds, etc.

 

Cold Steel has the largest assortment of folders with >5″ blades.  Unfortunately, their designs are kind of out there and probably not what most would consider a field knife. 

I’ve got their Espada XL but it’s clownishly massive.

 

While it might be smaller than you are looking for, I am very happy with the blade on my Leatherman Skeletool CX.  It feels very solid, and the blade can be extracted using only one hand- which is a big advantage to other multitools or SAKs.  I particularily like it because it’s a multi-tool; not only because of the other tools, but because nobody thinks twice about someone carrying a leatherman…

 

@Mark J, for what use to you intend the folder?

I ask because I own and have owned some good folders (current one is a Zero Tolerance 0562, which is just about the perfect locking production folder, in my humble opinion). However, the knife that sees daily use is my SAK Hiker. Its screwdriver adjusted the temperature setting on my refrigerator today, for example. My point is that you may not really need a heavy-duty folding knife for 99 percent of possible uses.

Now, if you just want to buy a nice folding knife, I totally get that (hence my ZT). If you’re looking to keep it under $150, a Spyderco Para Military 2 would be an excellent choice, assuming that is legal where you live.

 

To build on MA’s post, what are your preferences (if any) for:

-Blade size

-Locking/non-locking

-Single blade or multi-tool

-One handed opening or not

A lot of it comes down to personal preference.  For most cutting chores, I prefer a single-blade, lockback knife with a medium-sized blade (3″-4″).  I strongly prefer one-handed opening, and I find thumb holes easier and more comfortable to use that studs.  I also prefer a synthetic handle that is textured or rubberized to give a good grip even when wet.

I have an old Gerber that meets these criteria nicely.  Basically an earlier model of this knife:

https://www.bladehq.com/item–Gerber-E-Z-Out-DPSF-Lockback-Knife–27051

It has seen more use than any other knife I own – lots of outdoor adventures and house repairs.  Quick to deploy, especially if your other hand is busy holding a flashlight or the thing you want to cut, etc.  Pocket clip to keep it handy.  Light enough that it doesn’t drag at your pants.  Not too expensive.  After 20 years, I’m still happy with it.

Blade HQ has a nice website where you can plug in all of your criteria (size, locker, blade shape, etc.) to winnow down their massive catalog into a few dozen (or a few hundred) options and find something you like.  I don’t think you have to spend a massive amount of money either.  As long as you avoid things with bargain basement prices, I expect you’ll get a functional, fairly durable knife.

 

You might check out the Cold Steel Bush Ranger or AD10–both are pretty stout blades. Also the Ontario Utilitac is a bit of a beast or the Rat 1 is good but not as stout as the others I mentioned–also don’t forget about the good old Buck 110