A simple urban layman has the idea that a jackknife can only be in the hands of a person who is plotting something unkind. Hunters and fishermen, travelers and farmers have a different attitude towards them. Sometimes this tool in skilled hands can replace an entire workshop.
The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/", taking into account the feedback from consumers, presents the best models of folding tools that are popular in the domestic market. Prepared recommendations and advices who are the best manufacturers, how much it costs and which is the best to buy a knife that suits your interests.
Content
A folding knife is a human companion in life
The first tool on the long path of human evolution was the knife. With its help, hunting, cutting and cooking, defense from wild animals and no more cultured fellow tribesmen, and the manufacture of various tools were carried out.
Surprisingly, this instrument has not undergone structural changes over its many thousand years of history, remaining a blade with a wooden handle. Being an irreplaceable companion of man, he has acquired an aura of legends and magical properties.
A rare home interior of those times did without it. It turned out that at the turn of our era the masters of the East turned it into a work of art. Blades made of damask steel with sheaths inlaid with precious stones have survived to our times and are presented in the best museums in the world.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in medieval Europe, gave new life to the knife. New technologies have made it possible to produce them in large quantities. The appearance of folding models dates back to this time. They were more convenient for fishermen, hunters and farmers.
Briefly about the anatomy of the knife
The folding tool has gained well-deserved popularity for its compactness and versatility, which allows it to perform a number of household operations. Designers began, in addition to traditional cutting, to fill its functionality with additional chips - a saw, a corkscrew, can openers, screwdrivers, etc.
Blade
The main characteristic of a modern knife is the material from which the blade is made. Basically, these are high-carbon alloy steels. Blades made of them are resistant to corrosion, bending strong and keep sharpening well. The surface of the blades is subjected to various treatments in order to increase wear resistance and for decorative purposes. For example, anodizing makes the canvas matte, black, and zirconium coating significantly increases the wear resistance of the surface.
The shape of the cutting blade largely determines the tasks that this tool can solve. For cutting food and soft materials, a relatively long, narrow blade with a razor edge is suitable. If you need to use it as an ice ax during a hike so as not to fall off a steep cliff, then a short one with a tip closer to the center line will help out. When choosing a model for yourself, be sure to consider these factors.
Blade lock
For safe handling of the folding blade, the main role is played by blocking the cutting blade both in the open state and in the folded state. Accidental spontaneous movement of the blade can cause serious injury. For this, locks of various designs are used.
There are several types of locks that differ in design, but work according to the same principle. The simplest ones are based on spring plates inserted between the handle bars. When opened, this plate falls into a protrusion or groove on the blade and holds it securely. To fold, you need to press the plate or button.
Lever
For effective operation of the blade, it is required to securely hold it in the hand. Folding handles are two side bars called sliders. A lock is installed between them, they are connected, in most cases, with rivets.
Dies are made of stainless steel (steel or aluminum). Coated with various non-slip materials. It can be wood, rubber or plastic. Cheap models use micarta, a laminated resin and fiberglass composite. The expensive ones have special compounds based on modern polymers.
The nicest folding knives for 2020
| Name | Length, mm | Blade length, mm | Weight, g | Price, p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M9686-2 (Win) | 200 | 85 | 170 | 550 |
| A2077 Viking Nordway | 189 | 81.5 | 180 | 1250 |
| STINGER G10-048 | 219 | 95 | 185 | 750 |
| KNOX Captain (333-580406) | 223 | 98 | 155 | 1350 |
| RUIKE P108-SF | 210 | 120 | 118 | 3570 |
| VICTORINOX Trailmaster one hand (12 functions) | 111 | 90 | 142 | 2300 |
| BUCK 286 Bantam BHW | 225 | 95 | 92 | 2400 |
| Boker Magnum Advance Desert Pro (BK01RY307) | 213 | 95 | 130 | 1580 |
| Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite 8.9 cm OE-RL-10 | 203 | 114 | 180 | 4880 |
| HT-2 Black (Mr. Blade) | 257 | 112 | 270 | 4170 |
M9686-2 (Win)
Folding semi-automatic everyday tool from China is made of 420 carbon steel with hardness HRC = 54-56. On the stainless steel handle there is a drawing of hoisting the flag of Victory over the Reichstag and the inscription "Victory".
Can be presented as a souvenir for the Defender of the Fatherland Day or Victory Day.
A reliable model with a Liner Lock, the absence of a backspace makes it easy to clean it from debris and dirt. Effective sub-finger closure notch. Elastic clip holds it securely on the belt.
Advantages:
- low price;
- convenient flipper;
- souvenir execution.
Disadvantages:
- over time, a vertical play of the blade appears.
A2077 Viking Nordway
Domestic brands are presented in the ranking with the automatic folding knife A2077 Viking Nordway. The model is being made in China. Blade material high carbon stainless steel 420, hardness HRC = 54-56. The convex-concave handle is made of stainless steel with G-10 fiberglass pads, does not slip in the hand, is not afraid of humidity and low temperatures.
It unfolds automatically when you move the slider made of plastic. The fuse reliably fixes the blade in the closed position, excluding its accidental opening, there is a small false blade, the thickness of the butt is 3.1 mm.
Compact, lightweight 180 gr. design ideal for EDC (everyday wear), fishing and hunting.
Advantages:
- comfortable handle does not slip in the hand;
- reliable fuse.
Disadvantages:
- the plastic fuse slider breaks down first;
- blade backlash characteristic of automatic machines.
STINGER G10-048
Inexpensive folding types are presented on the market by the Chinese model STINGER G10-048. Model type - for survival. Blade steel grade-420. Drop-Point profile with point lowered closer to the center for easier piercing and cutting of hard materials.
The reliable Liner Lock provides a backlash-free lock in the open position. Opens with sub-finger stop-pin. The functionality has been expanded with a cullet, a device for breaking glass in emergency situations, for example, in a car accident or a fire in a room.
The handle is made of G-10 fiberglass, dark green, equipped with an elastic clip and a cutout for opening bottles.
The model is intended for everyday routine, it can be taken on hikes, it is also useful for a mushroom picker. Sold in a gift box.
Advantages:
- Drop-Point profile for easy cutting of hard materials;
- the presence of cullet.
Disadvantages:
- the smell of plastic in the handle.
KNOX Captain (333-580406)
Models of Russian production KNOKS-budget models intended for home, work, tourism and everyday use. Lightweight, practical design, easy to clean from dirt due to the lack of a backspacer. Focused on the right hand.
Made of Japanese AUS-8 steel for optimum flexibility and toughness. After hardening HRC = 56-58, keeps sharpening for a long time, does not chip in critical situations. Blackwash topcoat technology is applied, the surface is covered with many small scratches. Therefore, traces of mechanical stress are not visible on it. A powerful pin is used for opening, easily felt with a finger.
The handle is made of two stainless steel dies, connected by pins. Inside there is a Liner Lock plate that locks the blade in the open position. Cover plates made of the popular G-10 fiberglass plastic in swamp color. The rough surface is notched to prevent longitudinal sliding in the hand. The round peg is fixed on the right side when opened and cannot be moved.
Advantages:
- topcoat Blackwash;
- easily cleared of dirt.
Disadvantages:
- oriented only under the right hand.
RUIKE P108-SF
Domestic company Ruike releases the P108-SF model. The tool is designed for everyday use and as a home tool. The quality is not inferior to the best world samples. Delivered to the market in a gift box bearing a number. When purchasing, check the number on the blade. Five-year warranty.
The blade is made of Swedish chrome-molybdenum steel Sandvik 14C28N, hardened to a high degree of hardness HRC = 58-60. Relatively narrow with a small butt width. The false blade plays the role of a stiffener. Opening occurs by pressing the fin, there are no pegs. Ball bearings are installed on the blade axis.
Metal handle is 3Cr14N stainless steel, chrome alloyed. The dies are sanded using Stonewashed technology, so the handle is soft to the touch, does not glare in the sun. Classic Frame Lock, after opening it is securely locked with a slider. In the folded position, the ball on the liner of the lock firmly fixes the sharp blade, excluding unauthorized disclosure.
Advantages:
- notches on the liner for better grip;
- locking the lock with a slider;
- each blade is numbered to ensure quality.
Disadvantages:
- overpriced according to buyers.
VICTORINOX Trailmaster one hand (12 functions)
The Swiss company VICTORINOX, famous for its multifunctional folding knives, presents the Trailmaster one hand model with a set of tools that perform 12 functions. It was developed taking into account the requirements of the rescue services, an indispensable tool in a campaign, at home and in emergency situations.
The main cutting blade is made of molybdenum-vanadium steel, hardened to HRC = 55-56. The siretor makes it easier to cut materials such as synthetic cables and car seat belts. Opens with either hand, thanks to the large hole on the butt. The blade length of 90 mm meets all the requirements of the EDC model.
The accessory kit includes:
- saw for wood;
- bottle opener with screwdriver function;
- small screwdriver with a diameter of 3 mm;
- crosshead screwdriver;
- can opener;
- insulation cleaner;
- awl and core in one;
- corkscrew (not for all modifications);
- tweezers;
- plastic toothpick;
- key ring;
Knife with plastic handle made of impact-resistant thermoplastic resin and Liner Lock. All tools open with a characteristic click, between them there are aluminum plates, excluding backlash in the transverse direction.
Supplied for sale in a cardboard box with information in Russian. There is a branded stamp on the butt of the main blade.
Advantages:
- multifunctionality;
- Swiss quality;
- easy.
Disadvantages:
- not all modifications have a corkscrew.
BUCK 286 Bantam BHW
Popular models of foreign manufacture are represented by the BUCK 286 Bantam BHW folding knife from the USA. Lightweight and compact model for everyday use, the largest in the BUCK range, 225 mm long. This allows you to expand the functionality to a kitchen for slicing products for salad.
Sharp blade made of high-carbon steel alloyed with chrome 420HC. Hardened to HRC = 58, corrosion resistant, wear resistant, easy to sharpen.The Drop Point shape provides the best performance. The top is beveled towards the top to minimize injury. Finishing was carried out using Satin finish technology.
The opening is carried out with pins adapted for different hands. The axis of the blade is set in the body on fluoroplastic washers. Lockback type, press the button to close.
The handle with the BUCK inscription is made of GRN composite material, has a rough surface, is equipped with a clip and a hole for a safety cord.
Advantages:
- American quality;
- long blade;
- Lockback lock.
Disadvantages:
- the blade rotates on the washers, with time a backlash appears.
Boker Magnum Advance Desert Pro (BK01RY307)
The German brand Boker is well known for its melee weapons: from 19th century sabers to modern army knives made of Damascus steel. The presented foldable model is designed for EDC, hiking and fishing.
The blade is made of high-carbon chrome steel 440C, the surface is anodized using EDP technology, hardened to HRC = 58-59. The canvas has a matte black finish, which eliminates glare in the sun, which is very important for hunting and fishing. Fluoroplastic washers are used as an axial structure.
The Recurved blade has an S-shape with a descending tip, suitable for chopping and rough cutting. When opened, it is locked with the Liner Lock, opening is carried out with a pin under both hands.
Stainless steel handle, covered with GRN thermoplastic, soft non-slip surface. Sold complete with a cover.
Advantages:
- low price;
- aesthetic anodized finish.
Disadvantages:
- rust on contact with sea water;
- fluoroplastic washers.
Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite 8.9 cm OE-RL-10
The rating of quality folding knives is complemented by the model of the American company Outdoor Edge, known for its survival tools. It is a multifunctional modern product with six replaceable blades, with a special shank shape for fixing in the body, easily changed with a simple movement.
The blades are made of Japanese 420J2 stainless steel, corrosion resistant, easy to sharpen even in the field. The surface is polished, it is afraid of scratches and mechanical damage. Drop Point profile with the point lowered to the centerline of the knife.
Lockback type lock with a special recess on the butt that fits into the groove on the spring element. Unlocked by pressing the button.
The handle is made of polypropylene with high resistance to mechanical stress and high temperatures. The outer surface is rubberized with santoprene with a "sticky" feeling.
Includes six blades stored in a Cordura-thick nylon composite structure case.
Advantages:
- correspondence of price and quality;
- the possibility of sharpening at home;
- multifunctionality;
- durable cover.
Disadvantages:
- the polished surface is afraid of scratches;
- frequent blade changes can lead to backlash.
HT-2 Black (Mr. Blade)
The popularity of the models of the Czech brand Mr. Blade makes the HT-2 Black a flipper that is in demand on the Russian market. Designed as a tourist with a tactical bias, designed to solve a variety of tasks. Suitable for both daily wear and self-defense.
The 112mm long blade is made from American D-2 high carbon molybdenum steel, considered semi-stainless. Therefore, when leaving, it requires thorough wiping after use in an aggressive environment. The lance-shaped shape with a thick butt provides a confident cut.
The blade is zirconium-coated and rotates on ball bearings. Equipped with Liner Lock with a characteristic click when opening, securely fixes the blade in working position. There are pins for one-handed opening. A special flipper fin acts as a stop.
The knife handle consists of two liners separated by a spacer. Pads made of G-10 polymer give a solid volume, have under-finger grooves, it is convenient to work with gloves. The clip can be installed on either side.
Advantages:
- blade on bearings.
Disadvantages:
- afraid of aggressive environments.
Conclusion
The variety of knife models on store shelves makes it difficult to choose the required design. The average price strongly depends on the manufacturer, material and design. You can buy inexpensively with Ali Express, but there is a very high risk of getting on an ordinary tin can with a rubber handle.
A review of the best folding knife models should tell you how to choose for the price and which firm to buy. The above description of rating models allows you to determine what selection criteria exist, what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing the blade you need.
If you have experience in the practical use of folding knives and know the intricacies of their design and operation, share with us in the comments.
