In your opinion, what is the best general-use production folder made in the past 10 years?

[johnnytoxin]

Although I believe it’s a little older than 10 years, I have to agree with all those who posted about the Umnumzaan. Simple design, easy to disassemble and maintain, a slicey hollow grind (once you reprofile the convex edge to a V) and a good balance of being ergonomic in hand vs easy to carry in pocket. The recent steel update steps up the edge retention as well, not because of the steel itself, but the heat treat. I have other production folders I use on occasion but this is in my pocket the vast majority of the time.

 

[353]

From the standpoint of being relatively affordable by most people, I would say the Spyderco Endura or Cold Steel Voyager.

I second the Endura.

Great reliable design and lock.

 

[nattynarwhal]

I second the Endura.

Great reliable design and lock.

Plus, you can get it in k390. The best steel in a production pocket knife if corrosion isn’t a problem imo

 

[jonnieb27]

CRK, probably a large 21 DP, although the Inkosi and Umnumzaan are very close behind.

 

[DavidABQ]

I would suggest that the Sebenza would but right up there as the best or one of he best general purpose production folder.

 

[Booba1000]

XM18 Bowie.

Agreed

 

[Fir Na Tine]

Thinking of the average person and not knife nerds, I have seen too many “norms” using and loving their Ken Onion “Leek”. Other “Norms” seem to be quite happy with their gas station knives too. (gross)

 

[Vis07]

Cold Steel AD10. Spyderco Military. I have and love them both.

 

[allenC]

Without a doubt...the Victorinox Farmer X.

 

[allenC]

 

[sodak]

Any SAK. Hands down, bar none.

 

[mmyron1]

For me it's a toss up between the Para 3 or the Bugout. Both are more knife than I will ever need for my purposes. With all the available customization options they are the best bang for the buck.

 

[abbazaba]

PM2 for do it all. Bugout for light edc. Same edge length, very different approach.

 

[PM2Phanatic]

PM2

 

[Phil Indablanc]

Hinderer XM-18 3.5

 

[papercutter]

I don't give opinions, I give facts. General purpose? Toss up between the Spyderco Manix 2 and Gayle Bradley.

This conclusion takes into account cost, ability to accept and handle most NORMAL tasks with aplomb, take some abuse, have excellent ergonomics/grip, and are readily available (Well the GB2 at least is, the 1 i sadly gone)

I've owned quite a few knives in my journey through this hobby, at least to me. While I appreciate most of them, I find that the ones I grab when I know I might need something both robust and sliceable I always grab either the Manix 2 (CTS-XHP) or the GB. I can do most jobs with them, comfortably. I can open and close them one handed very easily, to the point where they have pretty good fidget factor for my anxiety and adhd issues.

The leaf blade shape is extremely versatile. Yes, its a jack of all trades, master of none, but on a daily basis that's what most people need.

The high hollow grind makes the GB and excellent slicer, but the CPM-M4 makes it tough enough for rougher tasks.

Plus, unlike many of the knives mentioned, the thumbhole does not hinder cutting like a thumbstud does.

Easy to disassemble, no bearings to get crap in (which I know is something some people worry about, though not me) and both are pretty easy to find customized parts for.

I've sold, traded, given away, and returned many knives. The Manix 2 and GB are the oldest knives in my rotation. 8 years for the GB, 7 1/2 for the Manix.

I agree with the Manix 2 and reasoning. Either G10 or lightweight, whichever your preference. Both are excellent. However, I highly recommend replacing the plastic button with a titanium one (for G10 model). It makes it feel like a much better knife. Definitely one of my favorites.

PM2 and Police aren't far behind.

 

[gooeytek]

ZT550
Spyderco Gayle Bradley or Bradley 2

 

[metsfan]

I’m going to throw down a vote for the Zero Tolerance 0801, any of the iterations work.

 

[K.O.D.]

I’m going to throw down a vote for the Zero Tolerance 0801, any of the iterations work.

I feel the edge is a bit too obtuse for everyday type of use. Definitely good for cutting rope and heavier media though.

 

[POCEH KOCEB]

It's hard to single out one folder simply because what's "production folder" and what's "General Purpose" ? I've done office maintenance for the last almost 20 years, my knives unintentionally get to the point that have to take some controlled abuse and you don't want to see what I'm doing with them when I don't have the right tool around... For me "general purpose" is completely different term than for a gentleman that works in a office and opens boxes and cuts plastic ties or slices apples at lunch.
In this regard, I personally would never use a frame lock with completely metal handle, in my line of work they are hazardous but there is that user in this forum Dcdavis that is using his Sebenza on daily bases in his electrical work...
My point is - there are "production knives" that are really "production" but in fact are either mid-techs or semi-customs and I don't think they would qualify for what the title is asking even they are exceptions, people that are using those hard.
They'll get the job done but not as well as folders designed specifically for work.
Here I will second K.O.D. s post about the Manix and Gayle Bradley (1) knives. To me they are exactly the answer of what the title is asking. I have numerous Manix models, both sizes, and I tend to like both of them in S90V steel. Those are truly working knives. My number one would be GB1 in M4. I used and abused this knife for over a year till I finally broke the tip of the blade off, repaired it, cleaned it very well and retired the knife in my collection. I spoke with Mr Bradley in person few times about his knife, there is no element of this model that they didn't designed specifically for work....
I also must mention the Benchmade Griptilian, I believe the 553 is the large model, which is a knife that will take unbelievable amount of abuse and will still going strong, it's probably takes second or third place after the BG1.