Help me find my “for life” $300-500 “overbuilt” folder

[jstn]

I am really liking the looks of the upcoming Spyderco Amalgam as a hard user. Will likely be under $200 with a robust blade made for hard use, and I can't imagine the compression lock ever wearing out is taken care of.

 

[jstn]

Also, as mentioned above, the Cold Steel 4 Max. I cannot imagine breaking that beast.

 

[Charlie Mike]

Another vote for the 4Max.

 

[Kreyzhorse]

Look at the exchange and pick up a Hinderer. Secondary prices can be had for less than $400. No disrespect to ZT, but if you want a knifemfor life, Hinderer is built a hair better and worth the money.

 

[sharp_edge]

Hard use is relative and so is overbuilt. If you use a knife for its intended use even if you are a bit harsh with it, I am sure most if not all knives from any reputable manufacturers, including ZT, Spyderco, Benchmade, Cold Steel, CRH, RHK, Reate, etc. will last life long.

 

[ScooterG]

That one is easy... I've owned three and they are the best available heavy-duty knives that I've found.
BENCHMADE 275 ADAMAS

YES, but they're so damn blade heavy they break the tiny springs. Happened to me 2x

4-Max

 

[ChazzyP]

Les George
Hinderer
Chris Reeve

Any from these manufacturers should last a lifetime.

 

[Dallas T]

Xm18

 

[knerd]

CRK
Hinderer
Strider

Any of the main food groups. If you like CRK and want more "overbuilt" go w/ Hinderer. CRK's aren't wimpy, but the XM gets the nod for a more overbuilt knife IMO. Older Striders have a few things to be desired. The new stuff being produced has waaaay better f&f. It costs a little more though. I've used the Strider warranty (lock rock) and my SnG came back solid. No experience w/ the other warranties (haven't needed to use them yet). Something to keep in mind.

 

[Sonnydaze]

YES, but they're so damn blade heavy they break the tiny springs. Happened to me 2x

4-Max

Sorry about those springs...I imagine you used yours much more often than I did.

 

[Gideons]

I am really liking the looks of the upcoming Spyderco Amalgam as a hard user. Will likely be under $200 with a robust blade made for hard use, and I can't imagine the compression lock ever wearing out is taken care of.

While I'm very excited for the Amalgam, I'm not sure if I could consider a knife that has CF a hard use knife...

 

[Amurr]

Hoback would be a great option and you can find excellent pricing on secondary market

 

[wazu013]

Here's another vote for ZT 301. I've been using mine for a few years without any issues. It's field dressed deer, changed windshield gaskets and splintered kindling. I've even flipped pancakes with it. I would love to show you a picture of it in it's present condition except it's stuck in a porch support at our family cabin in Steamburg, NY since the end of October. I live in Florida so unless a racoon walks off with it will be waiting for me this sommer.

 

[Kustom Kutz]

Knives I have or had that would qualify...
Grayman satu = ridiculous beast couldn’t imagine carrying it edc or anything though. But 100% a tank!!! I don’t have a dua but I would imagine it’s a smaller tank u could edc better.
Zt 0300 series I have 2 love them! Was probably the first I gotta have it knife. Only issue could be recurve blade harder to sharpen for some.
Zt 0560 another one that’s a beast and love everything about it.
BM Adamas 275 is a workhorse... sold mine just doesn’t have the wow factor. Would buy in a heartbeat again if found a deal

There are a lot of nice overbuilt folders out there you should just do some reasearch and see what falls in your lap. I don’t think I have seen any in this thread that wouldn’t work so find what u like.

 

[fishiker]

My first choice is a Sebenza with TSF and Grayman tied for second. Any of the three make excellent EDC knives.

 

[ursamajor]

Hey all,

I really want to buy a rock solid knife that will theoretically last me for decades of fairly hard use (mainly in the woods and camping).

I have lots of Spyderco’s, A ZT, a couple of Benchmades and an Italian Fox, so really looking for something “different” and more heavy duty. I will likely be buying my first Emerson soon as well.

I have looked at Medfords, but don’t want to spend $800 on a knife and not fond of the crazy rules around their warranty.

So what should I be looking at? Hinderer? Strider? What others?

Any ideas would be great.

Thanks!

CS 4Max

20CV Blade TI Liners, Backspacer and Clip.

Demko’s are the kings of Hard Use Folders.

 

[Gkahoot]

Les George
Hinderer
Chris Reeve

Any from these manufacturers should last a lifetime.

Les George customs or his zero tolerance knifes?
Thanks

 

[jstn]

While I'm very excited for the Amalgam, I'm not sure if I could consider a knife that has CF a hard use knife...

I believe it is the grippy peel-ply over G10, like on the M4 PM2 and S90V Yojimbo 2. If so, it should provide great grip and be very durable.

 

[TheEdge01]

Hard use is relative and so is overbuilt. If you use a knife for its intended use even if you are a bit harsh with it, I am sure most if not all knives from any reputable manufacturers, including ZT, Spyderco, Benchmade, Cold Steel, CRH, RHK, Reate, etc. will last life long.

Yup!!!! Well put!!! I would also like to add that any knife, regardless of manufacturer will break or wear out faster if abused.

 

[DocJD]

Hey all,

I really want to buy a rock solid knife that will theoretically last me for decades of fairly hard use (mainly in the woods and camping).

I have lots of Spyderco’s, A ZT, a couple of Benchmades and an Italian Fox, so really looking for something “different” and more heavy duty. I will likely be buying my first Emerson soon as well.

I have looked at Medfords, but don’t want to spend $800 on a knife and not fond of the crazy rules around their warranty.

So what should I be looking at? Hinderer? Strider? What others?

Any ideas would be great.

Thanks!

For your stated use , a fixed blade would be my first choice . 2nd choice : CS 4Max but make sure you understand the size !