Toughest EDC Folder?

[kaichu dento]

It might be because this thread is about the toughest folder <100$ (i missed that part too at first...)

I probably read that part months ago when this thread was created but now the only part I see is the title! Okay, thanks for reminding me!

[benthiccracker]

I gotta say the Benchmade Mini-Griptillian. I suggest a Non-Coated Non-Cerated blade and I am sure you know they make several blade styles for this folder. I have had one for longer than any of my other BM and put it through a lot. I have sent it back to BM for LifeSharp service (only $5 for return postage) and they sharpened it, fixed some spring inside that I didn't even know was tweaked (it locked, opened, & closed fine) and sent me a brand new clip back with the knife in about a 2 week period after I mailed it. This is one of their least expensive knives. Shows something about customer care!

[nbp]

It's back and just in time! This has been a fun thread.

I never got off the Ti framelock kick, though my focus shifted from the Sebbie as the grail to the XM-18. Then I realized those make Sebenzas seem like a good deal. I basically EDCd my Spydies and SOGs the past couple years, and didn't buy more folders, though I got a couple Landi fixies which are really nice and a steal as well. But still I wanted a reasonably priced, tough Ti framelock. Well, tonight I bought a ZT0551 on the MP, and should have it in a couple days. I'm hoping this ends up being the gnarly tough EDC I have been longing for since this thread began years ago. (I have since finished school and was able to expand my budget a little. ) Looking forward to getting this knife!

[precisionworks]

tonight I bought a ZT0551 on the MP, and should have it in a couple days. I'm hoping this ends up being the gnarly tough EDC I have been longing for since this thread began years ago. (I have since finished school and was able to expand my budget a little. ) Looking forward to getting this knife!

You'll like the 0551. I've carried my 0550 for a few months & still enjoy it. Problem is that I just picked up a 0560 flipper & it is now my EDC of choice

The nicest thing about the 0550/0551 is that they are ready to use right out of the box. The 0560/0561 needs a bit of attention to make it feel comfortable. The complaint most often mentioned is the too sharp jimping that abrades the index finger each time the blade is flipped. Those edges were melted & blended:





The flipper had serrations that seemed of no use so those were the next thing to go:



The last mod was to correct the most irritating feature, the thumb studs that I've never used. Look closely at the image above & you can just see how they've been shortened. Here's a better view:



These would catch every time the knife went into a pocket & would catch again each time the knife came out. Now they still have 100% function as blade stops but the knife no longer hangs up on clothing.

[wquiles]

Nice work on the 0560 Barry - much more "ergonomic" now. It is good to use a knife that does not bite back

Will

[eh4]

CRKT M-16 series, these might qualify as budget knives to some and too expensive to others, but the autolawks safety backing up the liner lock makes it a quick and convenient folder that I trust to not ever close on my fingers. -Seems awkward at first but after practicing a hundred times or so opening and closing one handed, say a half hour of playing around, converting it from a fixed blade back to a folder is slick and smooth, no big deal.

Also there are two beefy steel pins on either side of the base of the blade that sit down into notches in the handle, effectively crossbracing the blade when open, really solid design. Mine is a half serrated tanto blade, it took me a while to warm up to this "ugly" blade profile, but it's incredibly useful. I actually do use it for cutting sheet metal when nothing better is at hand, as well as using it for box cutter functions, and for precise paper cutting... lunch functions, splinter removal, skew chisel functions, solitary bathroom mirror Dirty Harry monologues -lol! It's never ever needed as a weapon... I'd rather have a shovel or a sturdy chair. ;-) The steel is tough, holds an edge well and sharpens easily. I've gradually converted it to a convex grind on one side, keeping the basically flat grind on the flat side, with convex micro bevel, going on 5-6 years of not so gentle use, Highly Recommended.

[eh4]

+1,

and your little fixed is beautiful !

octaf, nice pics!
I love a three finger grip sheath knife, I made one up from some nice Swedish steel and thought I'd come up with something new (nothing new under the sun) they are perfect for low key carry in back pocket.

[Burgess]

Great thread here !

Makes me even happier about selecting my Spyderco Delica4 FFG FRN (orange)




Wanted something thin enough to EDC-carry in my back Jeans pocket.

All day long -- every single day.


This little beauty was a Fine Choice !

[nbp]

Yeah Delicas are super knives. I've got one too that has seen a lot of carry.

Barry, do you own anything you haven't modded in some way?

So far, two weeks in and I am very happy with the 0551. A really nice knife with heavy duty build, very solid lockup, good hand feel. It carries smaller than it is, which I didn't expect. That 0560 didn't quite appeal to me, but the 0551 really seems to fit me well. The only thing is the G10 scale is kinda ugly. There was a member here called The Sun that made wicked scales, anything you can imagine. I'm considering asking him to make me a new scale. Not sure what I want though - different G10, carbon fiber, a Ti slab? I think a carbon/Ti combo would be really nice.

[precisionworks]

Barry, do you own anything you haven't modded in some way?

LOL, hardly anything mechanical escapes without modding

The 0550 is close to unchanged with only a Hawk Grip Clip added. IIRC that clip also fits the 0551.



The orange lines show possible trit slot locations but these are not yet machined. The 0550 fits into the chest pocket of my work clothing better than the 0560 so it goes with me every day to work.

I am very happy with the 0551. A really nice knife with heavy duty build, very solid lockup, good hand feel. It carries smaller than it is ...

+1

The most surprising feature of these models is how they disappear into a pocket and go unnoticed until they are needed. Not many knives can go along for half a day on the Harley without being a pain (literally). These are big knives with a small footprint.

[Dr Jekyll]

I'd have to say that the toughest folder I've had experience with is the XM-18 from Rick Hinderer. If you can handle the heft and bulk of a 4" blade I'd steer you towards the XM-24. Tough as nails, built like a tank and will take a beating!

[kaichu dento]

I'd have to say that the toughest folder I've had experience with is the XM-18 from Rick Hinderer. If you can handle the heft and bulk of a 4" blade I'd steer you towards the XM-24. Tough as nails, built like a tank and will take a beating!

+18!
Having had both sizes of XM-18 I can't stress how much bigger the 3.5" feels over the 3" version and can only imagine how much more that would apply to the XM-24.

Someday I'd love to have all three sizes, but mostly want to get a non-flipper 3" again, which I will never let go! Right now carrying Benchmade 520 and 525, but as good as they are, the Hinderer makes them feel very inadequate when it comes to heavy chores.

[nbp]

LOL, hardly anything mechanical escapes without modding

The 0550 is close to unchanged with only a Hawk Grip Clip added. IIRC that clip also fits the 0551.

The orange lines show possible trit slot locations but these are not yet machined. The 0550 fits into the chest pocket of my work clothing better than the 0560 so it goes with me every day to work.

+1

The most surprising feature of these models is how they disappear into a pocket and go unnoticed until they are needed. Not many knives can go along for half a day on the Harley without being a pain (literally). These are big knives with a small footprint.

Well I don't have the machining ability you do but I do want to get the Ti custom ZT clip (not sure who makes 'em) and Ti lock bar stop from UniqueTitanium to put on my 0551 for more Ti goodness and Ti clips hold up better to abuse anyways. And maybe a new scale at some point like I said. When there's money, haha.

Yeah I'm amazed at how comfortable this thing is in my pocket despite its size. It's actually fairly thin, and sits deep so its not really a bother at all.

[precisionworks]

... I do want to get the Ti custom ZT clip (not sure who makes 'em) ...

http://www.hawkknifedesigns.com/contact.html

IIRC the clip is $25 Paypal & includes shipping. Pretty awesome piece as you spring it open as it goes into the pocket & again release tension when pulling the knife out. Almost eliminates pocket wear from the clip & the grip is like death. Another nice add on is to replace the six screws with Ti-6-4 screws from Lunsford Racing: http://www.lunsfordracing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc Those are the same screws used by many of the top flashlight makers.