Best Beater Folding Knife?
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Ryan H asked:
I’m down to a couple manufacturers (cold steel, ka bar, SOG). I feel like those manufacturers make tough knives. I’m open to suggestions. I’m going to be camping and hunting with this knife. I’ll cut a variety of materials including some wood with it. Who knows how often it will get dropped and onto what. I’m looking for something that’s built strong, have a blade out of the box/keep it, and sharpen well when necessary.
I have recently purchased a kabar/dozier foldinghunter for $25 and it’s a steal for the money. I’m looking for a bigger blade 4-6. I was considering CS recon 1, SOG trident, or kabar mule. They are all around the 70 dollar mark. I like the rugged design.
I’m looking under 100 dollars, preferably under 70. If you know of a knife that’s cheaper than that, fits my criteria, and has handled everyday use well..feel free to suggest. I would prefer a cheaper option. I think everyone would.
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I’ve seen the 110/112 come up a few times and people say they’ve used it for years. Which, to me blatantly implies durability. I’m not a big fan of the wood veneer. I prefer a synthetic/tactical look. That’s just me. Not to say anything against the knife, I’ve never owned one. I was considering getting one for my dad on his birthday though.
I’ve been doing some research on my own in the meantime. I’m gonna post some of my findings and anyone/everyone can feel free to chime in…
Ka Bar Dozier Folding Hunter
BM Griptilian
Kershaw Junk Yard Dog II
Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara (.and actually all of the spydercos are good)
Ka Bar Mule
Cold Steel Voyager/Ultimate Hunter
This is just my findings when looking for a nice sturdy knife that can take a beating and keep on truckin’.. This certainly isn’t all of them and I’m sure there’s some big ones that i’ve left out (like the buck 110 that’s been mentioned).
So, anyone that’s had experience with a sturdy folder from any of these companies (or others, Gerber, Boker, etc), feel free to post some info on your findings, preferences, or just what you think overall about a good folder.
Really, this is about information helping me to decide on which one to get. I’ll probably end up with a few in the end, but I need a good place to start.
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In my opinion the Buck 110 is the best folding knife in the world. I have had one for hunting/camping/daily use for years and it has cut everything from rubber to deer hide to wood. It holds a fantastic edge and will open/close even after gutting a whole deer or two. If you have never tried one of thes knives, do it.
A buddy of mine has a CS Recon 1 and likes it a lot. Its been through quite a bit and is still going. The Kabar mule also looks like its a decent beater and if you like the other Kabar, you will probably like the mule as well. I do not have any experience with SOG knives so I have no idea how that one will perform. Personally, I like Benchmade knives. I use a Griptilian Model 551 and it has proved durable, unfortunately the blade is a bit shorter than what you are looking for, but you might want to try their website out:
Also, the prices on the website are high, you can usually find them cheaper through many webstores…good luck with your search.
Another vote for the Buck 110. I have 2 of them. One with the finger grooves and another with out. The knifes are tough and if you break them their warrantied for life.
As for the wood handles my one Buck is my work knife. It’s been dropped numerious times. Dragged down a gravel road (I was dragging my gravel drive way forgot it on the drag, found it 500′ down the road) and the knife still works great the wood held up pretty nicely. I was impressed.
I don’t think you would be sorry with a purchase of one for yourself. Another suggestion would be looking at some of the various multitool knifes out there. Like a Leatherman or Gerber. For pure function and there hard to beat. For camping hunting you don’t know when you might need a pliers, screwdriver, saw or just a good sharp knife.
A buck 110 is hardly the best knife available. A Chris Reeve Sebenza probably is.. Although, that might be debatable. It comes at a price, usually around 300 dollars.
I’d suggest a SAK (swiss army knife) firstly. Although they aren’t the most durable they are handy little knives. There’s several models available. Look at the rucksack..i like that one.
If you’re looking for something SPECIFICALLY that can take abuse…look for something with a wide blade. The wider the better. For the price a spyderco cara cara is good at around 25 bucks, but if you’re going to be beating on it.. I’d say either the Ka Bar Mule or CS Voyager/Ultimate Hunter. They’re all pretty stout knives and can hold an edge fairly well.
If you REALLY want something that can take a beating you’re looking at a fixed blade. There’s a multitude of them available…check out Becker, Ontario, and Ka Bar for decent fixed blades. They are all going to be fairly well made and relatively cheap (around 50 bucks). There’s several available from those manufacturers.
Again, though fixed blades aren’t made for chopping..so if you’re going to do that get a machete/khukuri or the infamous camp axe.. Gerber makes one with a knife in the handle. Form with functionality if you ask me..
Good luck.
Benchmade is hard to beat!
They might be a little on the high side for your price range but they are the best beater knife there is…………….