Knife - Good carbon steel folder?

Discussion in 'Blades' started by wags_01, May 5, 2011.


  1. wags_01

    wags_01 Monkey+

    Hi All,

    I'm looking for a reasonably priced carbon steel folder ($20-40), with a maybe 3-4" blade. Just doing a tiny bit of looking, I can seem to only find ones like these Opinel folders: Amazon.com: Opinel No 9 Carbon Steel Folding Knife: Sports & Outdoors

    There are few reviews for them though, and I'm not sure I trust Amazon customers to really put knives through their paces.

    Any thoughts?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 26, 2015
  2. Dubs Chops

    Dubs Chops Monkey+

    Personally I would spend a few bucks more. But you could look on ebay for a Buck Branded strider collaboration knife. I have had mine for 2 years and literally beat the crap out of it. ZeroTolerence makes a good folder but your looking at about $150 and up, Benchmades are okay and I think you could get a smaller griptillian for about $60. The one I really want right now is a DPX H.E.S.T. Folder but they are back-ordered and probabbly be about $175 when you can finally find one in stock.
     
  3. wags_01

    wags_01 Monkey+

    Yeah, I'd love to be able to spend more than that, but for now I'm on a tight budget. I'm new to prepping and am trying to get the basics together first, at least until my employment situation changes.

    Thanks for the recommendations.
     
  4. Witch Doctor 01

    Witch Doctor 01 Mojo Maker

    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2015
    Bison_Forge likes this.
  5. Bison_Forge

    Bison_Forge Aspiring Knifemaker

    If you just want an old fashioned lockback knife for hunting and general utility use, I would recommend a Kershaw, although Kershaw is a far superior knife IMHO. Buck, Gerber, and Kershaw knives are all available at walmart.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 26, 2015
  6. oth47

    oth47 Monkey+

    For the money,you can't get a better knife than the opinel folders.I have several,and the locking mechanism is foolproof and the edge holding ability is second to none.It takes very little effort to get the new knives shaving sharp and they'll stay that way.
     
  7. wags_01

    wags_01 Monkey+

    Thanks oth, I'll be sure to pick one up the next time I order something from Amazon.
     
  8. oth47

    oth47 Monkey+

    Most of the Opinels at SMKW are out of stock.. :(..I also bought several of the Opinel paring knives and wouldn't be without one.
     
  9. Hispeedal2

    Hispeedal2 Nay Sayer


    This is a good tip ^ IMHO.

    The 110 is stainless, though. Carbon folders are hard to find these days. Look for S30V. It's one of the better SS I have found lately and is fairly common on folders. Buck does special orders now- you could get a 110 in S30V. To solve the clip issue, there are several guys that drill and tap the bolsters for a clip. It's hard to beat that combo IMO. Rough, tough, proven Buck 110 (classic, eh?) with a modern pocket clip for retention. Heavier than some alternatives, but much, much stronger.

    Thumb studs are available too. Some are drill and tap. I bought two set screw varieties for next to nothing. A little blue loctite and I haven't had one come of yet.

    I find used/excellent varieties in the $10-$15 price range occasionally. That's about 50% off retail. Check flea markets,swap meets, or maybe pawn shops.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 26, 2015
    Bison_Forge likes this.
  10. KB01

    KB01 Monkey+

    I am also an Opinel fan, I have a No 8 and a drop point No 8. They are a very nice, cheep tool, but definitely not a weapon.

    As I said I like them, but they are not everyone's idea of a good knife.
     
  11. oth47

    oth47 Monkey+

    Not a weapon? I dunno,I'd hate to face somebody with a #12 open..I've whacked off tree limbs over an inch around with mine,one whack.
     
  12. KB01

    KB01 Monkey+

    My no 8 isn't a very good weapon, your no 12 may be a different story. You may have a good technique for getting it open, but I find it takes a little while to open one, not what you want if faced with a situation where you really need a weapon.

    Where I am the police take a very dim view of anyone carrying anything that could be deemed a weapon (without a valid reason, and self defense is not considered a valid reason). As such I view my knife as a tool used for work (which it is) and keeping it as non-threating looking as possible. I don't like to be without a knife, they are just so useful, hence the effort I go to.
     
  13. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    I am with you, that's for sure. I always have at least one blade on me at all times. I have been in knife fights when I lived in Florida and worked in night clubs, so carrying a gun wasn't an option. Just as a deterrent factor, a good sized folder can mean the difference between spending the night in the hospital or fending off a few punks who have had too much liquid courage.

    A buddy of mine used to carry a 12" flat head screwdriver. Yup. I watched him bury it handle-deep into a man's thigh once.
     
    hank2222 likes this.
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