If you're reading this magazine, you're probably an off-roader who enjoys the outdoors. And if you're an outdoor enthusiast, you've probably found yourself in need of an edged tool on occasion.
Whether you're wheeling to the river for a fishing trip or deflating your tires on a rockcrawling expedition, a folder knife is a versatile tool to have in your tackle box or clipped at your hip.
So this month we're continuing our quest started in 4WD&SU's January issue to find top-quality folder knives that are trailworthy for the mudbogging, rock-hounding outdoor adventurer.
Making The Cut
A folder knife can make a fine substitute for a multitool. You can use it to push in a Schrader valve pin to get the right psi before hitting the trail and then use it to fillet a fish by the campfire after a long day of four-wheeling.
But a folder knife's primary purpose is to slice.
Therefore, we put the four below knives to three tasks: severing 1/8-inch-thick heater-core hoses 1 inch in diameter (to simulate repairing a burst hose); cutting into 1/2-inch-thick tree branches (to imitate slashing branches for firewood); and then sawing into 1/8-inch-thick cardboard tubes 2 inches in diameter (to replicate opening packages and to test edge retention).
For the most part, the results weren't surprising, considering the reputations of the manufacturers.
We performed the first test chef-style, placing the heater-core hose flat against a table and slicing down. The 520SBK Presidio from the Benchmade Knife Company cut through the rubber like a carving knife through warm sausage. Its drop-point blade allowed for a smooth forward slice, while its serration split the rest of the hose on the pull back.
Next, we used the Presidio to cut the branches and by the time we were done, splinters lay scattered about as we marveled at the Presidio's ability to hack at whole branches, carve out marshmallow skewers, or have the precision to whittle toothpick-size sticks.
During the final cutting test, the Presidio's black-coated blade showed no signs of wear, stabbing through the cardboard tube and sawing off a section without much effort. Made of 154CM stainless steel, this folder's blade has excellent edge retention and great corrosion resistance. Three words best describe the Presidio: lasting razor sharpness.
Meanwhile, the Delica 4 C11S from Spyderco and the Ultimate Hunter from Cold Steel tie for second in the cutting department.
The Delica's blade is impressive. Because the C11S version is completely serrated, the Delica naturally required more of a sawing action than a slicing motion to sever the rubber hoses and cardboard tubes. Nonetheless, there wasn't a hint of dulling in its premium-grade VG-10 stainless steel, and the knife still looked brand new after hacking through all manner of rough materials.
Likewise, the Ultimate Hunter with satin finish maintained its sharp edge despite our repeated abuse. While it's debatable where its VG-1 stainless steel stands among the other premium-grade blade alloys out there, one thing was clear to us about this knife: Its drop-point blade cuts. And quite effectively.