Your recommendations for $100 folder for daily use and abuse

[TREX]

Gentlemen,

I had a great time reading the "High End" folders thread, but I'm in need of something else.

I'm in need a daily use (and abuse) folder that will be used regularly for cutting rope (cotton, nylon, even fiberglass), zip-ties, plastic tubing, silicone tubing, etc. Also, used to puncture plastic totes, drums for venting. Regular contact with water and both alkaline and acidic chemicals.

So I'm thinking something with a semi-serated - serated seems to get through the ropes best, fine blade cuts the tubing clean and flush. Tanto tip because of the puncturing - but the "fatter" tanto does make it difficult to slide under a zip-tie. And some sort of coating for maximum protection between cleanings. Also, I'm going folder because I want it to slip in my pocket w/clip as I don't want the hassel of threading on a pouch everyday to my belt (I have a mini leatherman and never use it beacuse of this).

Why $100? Well as you can see it will take a beating and I work over water frequently, so losing it is a real possibility.

What do you guys have for me?

[bbeard]

I am an electrician so my knive get abused at work. My take is there is no coating that holds up to daily use. So maybe stainless. Also stay away from the superhard steels like D2. Oh my goodness, almost impossible to sharpen. And want to change the bevel angle? Better have a lot of spare time. My favorite for work has become a cheapo smith and wesson, serretated blade, lock on the back side, some kind of black coating that is holding up reasonably well and most important....dirt cheap.

[Hunter]

I have had good service from Buck knives.
They are inexpensive, good quality,and have a lifetime warranty

[TREX]

bbeard - so funny that you would mention a S&W knife. I've carried the Extreme Ops Tanto semi-serrated for the past year or so. I have managed to keep it together by cleaning it, oiling the pivot point, and putting lock-tite on the hex screws. Even so, it's time for this one to go.

I was hoping for something that would hold a better edge this time around.

[TREX]

Hunter - Any Buck in particular?

[Hunter]

I am old fashioned and prefer the 110 but they have much modern knives available.
I saw a slew of new Bucks at the SHOT show that would fit your bill.

[wichaka]

CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool)

Lots to choose from, and many quality models under 100.00

[JTQ]

I have a Bucklite (110 with plastic grip) that I've had for 25+ years. It is a good size and it is still going strong.

However, the Benchmade Griptillian is a very attractive knife and should fit in your price range.

[gottripletsNC]

I've owned Bucks, definitely can't wrong.
I've carried Uncle Henry, Schrade, and messed with many others, but I have to keep going back everytime to a Ken Onion / Kershaw. They have a lifetime warranty, the best assisted opening knife by far and away, and hold an edge like you wouldn't believe, and take to honing stone like a charm.
All under 100$ to boot.
I'd put my Kershaws up against and CRKT, SOG or Benchmade anyday.
As for Gerbers, I can't keep an edge on them, and I can't get them to take an edge either.

[El Gato]

cold steel tanto... clip point is too fragile... they have a good warranty/service dept.... broke a tip off of a clip point and they reshaped and sharpened the blade at no charge....

I carry a cold steel large tanto in my body armor every day at work.. gets used for odd jobs and is my left hand knife in case of... well in case... I have been very pleased with it... used it to field dress game in the past too... not a bad blade overall... I carry a ZT knives knife on the right side most of the time or a benchmade... both has seen hard use... the ZT blade is way more expensive but worth it IMHO.. especially if circumstances made for wet slick stuff on my hands and I needed a knife like really bad and it needed to open and it needed to cut and I like that... but the cold steel is always with me in my vest.. always...

[glouglou]

Personnaly I highly recommand Spyderco , specially the caly line, or the pen knives.
At tihs time I did not find better knife in this price area.

[John]

Benchmade Griptillian 550 is what I usually carry. I prefer the non-serrated blades, since I can sharpen them easier.

http://www.folders-r-us.org/images/Griptilian/griptilian1.jpg

[krag_33704]

Spyderco or Benchmade would be my choices. I carried Spydercos during my Coast Guard enlistment and they held up well to daily use.

[Ross6860]

All the knives recommended in the thread are quality items in theirown right.

I would recommend a Buck 110, but it's probably to big (thick) to carry in your pocket.

I was taught a long time ago that a knife has only one purpose, to cut. If you want to do something else, use the right tool. Almost every knife I have used as a srewdriver, chisel, prybar, splitting maul, etc., has been damaged in one way or another. I know better, but I did it anyhow.

IMHO, buy the smallest, least expensive knife that will reliably do the jobs you want. I would hate to drop an expensive knife in the water to be lost, or ruin it from abuse.

If you are carrying it to save your life, that's a different matter.

[af22raptor]

My suggestion would be the CRKT M16 with the aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber handles I have the m1614fk, m16-01t and m16-13le they are awsome. I usually switch from the 3 depending on what I would be doing or going. Currently looking at a Kershaw Tactical Blur as my next carry blade.

[DENDEN]

Check ebay for CRKT m16 models. I bought one for $18 and shipping last year.

[TREX]

All the knives recommended in the thread are quality items in theirown right.

I was taught a long time ago that a knife has only one purpose, to cut. If you want to do something else, use the right tool. Almost every knife I have used as a srewdriver, chisel, prybar, splitting maul, etc., has been damaged in one way or another. I know better, but I did it anyhow.

I would hate to drop an expensive knife in the water to be lost, or ruin it from abuse.

If you are carrying it to save your life, that's a different matter.

I agree completely, and that is why I explained my usage and situation in the first post.

[TREX]

Check ebay for CRKT m16 models. I bought one for $18 and shipping last year.

I've considered eBay, but I'm worried about getting a genuine product.

I went to browse my local wal-mart as some suggested, but the entire knife case was empty for inventory. I may try to venture out to a Bass Pro Shop thats in the area with a few model numbers written down. Last time I looked there I became overwhelmed with not only the sheer number but the range of prices in no particular order.

[Immortal_Ben]

For the money, IMO, you cant beat a CRKT. I have several of the M16 models and they all perform better than what I paid for them.

[af22raptor]

I would like to also recommend the Kershaw Tactical Blur that was designed by Ken Onion. I just got one as a belayed Birthday gift and its AWSOME!!!! The blade is the sharpest factory blade I have ever seen. I have Spyderco, CRKT, Buck, Gerber, and S&W. The Blur is availble at your local Wal-Mart for under 60 bucks which is very nice compared to the MSRP of 99.99. Do a search on Youtube for Kershaw Blur and you can see what the knife looks and handles.

[tonka]

My personal experience is with Cold Steel's Voyager Tanto, Benchmade's Ascent, and Spyderco's Emerson/Endura. They kind of rotate in EDC mode, all are great knives. Of the three, the Voyager sounds like it's closest to what you want. The hard part here isn't going to be finding a knife; it's going to be choosing from all the knives you find!

The biggest consideration for you, I think, is getting the strongest lock-up you can find- or afford. If the knife folds up under stress and lets the blade close on your fingers, you'll have plenty of time to regret the money you saved while you're sitting at Urgent Care.

[bigstephan]

I suggest a remington folder they are about 20 dollars I have two that I use for work they are sharp and will sharpen pretty easy. it is a good cheap knive for work. they have a black or silver finish on the blade and a soft rubber on the handle. they also have the serrations on the blade. Good luck!

[dogdollar]

Benchmade Griptillian or Kershaw Leek.
DD

[hydersk8]

I'd say, for your needs, a Spyderco Tenacious would be a great knife. Cheap, but great quality.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=44757

But, to be specific to what you asked for, check these out.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=7746

edit: Sorry, you said coated blade. This one is the same as above but half an inch longer and coated.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=3939

[high_caliber]

Benchmade Griptillian 550 is what I usually carry. I prefer the non-serrated blades, since I can sharpen them easier.

Same here. I was not sure about it at first, but it really "grows" on you after while.

[dogdollar]

Gerber Covert Folder is another nice blade to check out. Mine is a coated combo serrated/straight edge and is very handy. Great looking knife, too.
DD

[t-bird]

TREX, are you still looking? If not, please tell us about your new knife,,,,,,,,,,.

[Kaw-Liga]

My most recent knife, and what I carry every day(on and off duty) is a gerber harsey air ranger. It is quite sharp out of the box(but myself by accident several times). I am looking for a new knife too. I'd like the next one to be carried either in my right or left pocket. I'm looking at a SOG Trident as I also thing the belt/zip tie cutter would be extremely usefull. We use zip cuffs quite a bit. I was also thinking of getting a Ka- Bar TDI to carry on my duty belt behind my mag pouch to use just in case.

Rob

[Kaw-Liga]

I just saw that Blackhawk has the new CQD Mark 1 Type E for 99$. Website says it is the same performance as the original, but with a less expensive handle. The link didn't work but it is on the Blackhawk website
Seems like a good deal, good blade with belt cutter and glass breaker for 100$

Rob

[t-bird]

Thanks for the INFO Kaw-Liga, would love to see some PICS of your gerber air ranger.

[Kaw-Liga]

I don't have and pictures that would be better than those you can see in a Midway catalog/on the Gerber site. I do really like the knife, only down side is that it is NOT right/left pocket carry adjustable.

Rob

[t-bird]

Thanks for the INFO, Kaw-Liga,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.

[Frank]

I'm late to this party, but I was just using a Benchmade 10750 Vex today to cut up boxes, and I was very impressed. It seemed a well made knife. The blade locked up nicely and kept a good edge, and it was solid. I think it was a lot of knife for an MSRP of $60.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=10750

I have quite a number of high end folders, but this struck me as an excellent everyday knife.

DVC

[t-bird]

Thanks for the INFO Frank,,,,,,,,,,.

[doctord]

I bought a couple different Kershaw's at a local gun/knife show about two years ago because they were cheap at 40 bucks. I thought I would use them until they broke but I'm still using them daily.

[t-bird]

What model Kershaw's did you get doctord? I have the 1660 and the 1840, I carry the 1840 daily and it has been great, with the clip on it I forget it's in my pocket. Best knife I have ever owned, I gave forty-two dollars for the 1660 and fifty-five for the 1840. T-BIRD..........

[doctord]

I bought the 1570 st and the 1670 tblkst. Both are assisted open with serrated blades. Great workhorse knife's

[wushuguy]

The Benchmade 710 is an extremely well made knife. Not to mention the Axis Lock is quite possible the greatest lock ever (ease of opening and closing, as well as strength). I have a the plain edge version, and prefer that over serrated. As long as you keep your knife sharp, it should have no problem cutting through rope. It's all personal preference though. You can choose either here. $103.25 for plain edge, and $112.50 for partially serrated.

I have many $100+ knives, and this one is easily one of my favorites.

http://www.gpknives.com/item/benchmade-710-d2.html

[t-bird]

The 1570 and 1670 are both very nice knives, I love the assisted opening. Thanks for the INFO doctord, best of luck and enjoy.....T-BIRD.

[Kaw-Liga]

I just got the Blackhawk CQD Mark 1 Type E in the mail this evening. First impressions are that it is pretty well built. Blade is sharp, and locks open really tight. The carbide glass breaker seems that it would have no problem performing it's function, and the cord cutter slid right through cardboard. I got it off eBay for ~68$ including shipping. One thing, IT IS BIG, I don't think it will work well as an everyday front pocket carry knife. I will end up carrying it clipped to my right cargo pocket while on duty.

[t-bird]

You got a great deal Kaw-Liga, I was at a gunshow last weekend and they were getting $99.99 out of the Blackhawk's as fast as they were putting them on the table. A very nice knife for the money, best of luck and enjoy...T-BIRD.

[armybrat02]

cold steel all the way. they have expanded their line of folders a lot in the last 10-15 years. My father has been a dealer for them for at least that long and they do have a great customer services dept. I have an AK-47 that I carry a lot and the Recon 1 tanto. The AK-47 and the Ti-lite are faster then a switch blade bc they can be open at the same time as taking them out of your pocket. I have a lot of knives including some benchmade switch blades and others, I like the Cold Steel the best.

Thats my $0.02
Brat

[CDogg]

I carry 2 everyday. 1 is a SOG twitch XL for beater status and every other thing and a benchmade nitrous stryker for those important moments :)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/ball5out/my%20toys/twitch.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/ball5out/my%20toys/BMserratednitrousstryker.jpg

[jraney]

hey how about a swiss army knife,lol, Macguyver used his for everything, or maybe a tool belt that way you could carry a knife to cut with, a screwdriver or 2, pliers, hammer, and anything else that you may need. of course i am just kidding but a multi-tool sounds best to me. good luck on your search.

[CDogg]

Id carry a swiss knife if they could be opened by one hand quick but unfortunately, we cant so a folder it is for me. Going camping, i have a swiss knife in my gear bag

[JTQ]

You had to know it was coming, well here goes.

http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/Product.aspx?category=everyday&product=54886&

Just one of several one hand openers.

[Frank]

You had to know it was coming, well here goes.

http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/Product.aspx?category=everyday&product=54886&

Just one of several one hand openers.But I need one with a sextant and a torque wrench.

DVC

[d90king]

I have a Benchmade Osborne that is a great folder...http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=CDpMU3ppYStvqJ42Ltgf1iLDPA4Wmgnq1y6HRBK2RyeoLCAAQASC2VFD9j7nQ-P____8BYMmeqI3spIAQoAGHmY3-A8gBAaoEH0_Q-_9N7Cb2Is444EPPi_dzriCU7jIzPr_w64jNIjU&sig=AGiWqtw4veYZJXQ6Z9NY2WIhGbOueKQLxA&q=http://www.thebladeshop.com/SearchResults.asp%3FSearch%3DBenchmade%2520Osborne

[wiesjon]

There are lots of nice knives out there, but for the money I haven't seen anything better that the CRKT. A lot of the knives are sold stictly on reputation. Without looking at the label I think you would be hard pressed to find anything better than a CRKT - at proably 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a fancy brand name.

[colubrid]

You can get a spyderco Military for around $100. on the second hand market.

The Military is the most popular amongst knife enthusiats.

[NyteOwl]

The Spyderco Police combi (half-serrated) is nice with G10 scales. It's list is over the $100 but can be found lower with patient searchig.

[awdeity]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11071298

I used one of these for ~18 months on patrol. Great knife - sharp, frame lock, cheap and easy to replace.

If you're wanting something big look at CRKTs M21 series. I have a M21-14SF and it's a great big knife that will cut through anything you listed. Get one with the "autoLAWKS" tab to keep the liner lock in place. If you're going to be cutting rope I'd suggest the M21-14SFG (bigger serrations)
http://www.lifeviewoutdoors.com/store/images/crktM21-14SFG-main-xlg.jpg

[marada]

for an everyday good quality knife under 100.00 , get a crkt . try to find one with us8 steel.

[AmonStone]

If it will be suitable for your purposes, and it sounds like it is, how about one of those folders that use replaceable utility knife blades?
You mention being around water and the potential for rust. Of course utility knife blades will rust, but if your going to be using this knife quite often, you'll probably be replacing the blade before it has a chance to get very rusty.
I have a couple of these folders made by Sheffield. One even has a chamber in the handle for spare blades.
I dont believe I paid more than 10 dollars for these folders. So if you do lose it, not a big loss.
Oh, but PLEASE be careful. I have seen some ultra cheap version that dont have locks on them. A utility knife blade closing on your fingers is something I dont even want to think about. Hope this helps.

[1990dtgl98]

You can get a spyderco Military for around $100. on the second hand market.

The Military is the most popular amongst knife enthusiats.

I would recommend the Spyderco Para-military. Smaller than the military, lighter, plus it has a better lock (compression lock is nearly impossible to make fail. It wedges the liner between the blade tang and the stop pin. So in order to get the lock to fail you'd have to crush the liner).

The police as the other user mentioned, is nice, but also very big (over 4" blade), which can get cumbersome to use for smaller situations.

I will always own a para-military, and with all the knives I own (over 20), its the one I keep as my EDC knife.

Its a little above your price range at about 130, but the other benefit I find is its made in the USA, not outsourced.

[Larry33]

Cold Steel Voyager, medium, Tanto, straight edge. As a professional firefighter for 12 years, this is my work knife of choice.

[caseyjaxfl]

i use a cold steel lawman and it my favorite

[Juliet Delta]

I've used a Benchmade Mini Presidio for a few years now, and it has blown away every Camilus, CRKT and Buck that I've used before. Just a better blade steel, sturdier lock, and
http://www.benchmade.com/products/525

You can find it for around $100:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM525P

The same configuration with non-metallic scales and a less expensive (softer) blade steel is being produced now, also:
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmademinipresidioultraaxislockplainedge.aspx

Other than these two, the Spyderco Delica's/ Endura's are worth a good look, IMO.