[quoteIs it a good companion to their fixed blades in terms of toughness?
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I just received my Trap in the mail this past Saturday. It IS NOT meant to be used hard! It was meant to carry nicely for such a large size, and cut very efficiently. Both of the goals have been accomplished.
The Trap was not built like a tank, but it was not meant to be, either.
I don't think you are abusing your knives, I do everything you have stated, and have no problems whatsoever, save having to sharpen them again, which is to be expected. I do think you are using the wrong type of knife, however.
Unless there is some reason you are set on a folder you should go to a fixed blade immediately. Any type of lock is mechanical, and can fail sooner or later. Later can mean an amputated finger. This is bad, okay. :)
A fixed blades lock will not fail. It has much more inherent strength, and you can buy one that overall is about the same size package as a large folder.
A couple I can think of that I own are the Swamp Rat Howling Rat and Bandicoot. Those are two tough blades, and are priced appropriately. There are also many other brand name fixed blades out there that are as tough as nails.
The CRKT is a popular knife because it is inexpensive. The steel is a lesser quality, w/o a lot of heat treating. This does not mean they are bad knives, I just think they have their limitations when being used in the manner you described.
Get you a good fixed blade, and carry a folder for more delicate cutting chores.