100-150$ assisted open knife advice

C

Canuck_Tac

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Jan 13, 2013
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Hey I'm pretty new to buying/collecting knives - I have a Kershaw wildcat ridge in 3140 Japan and a black Leek both of which I really like. I have been reading up on some different steels available in the knives I have been checking out (mostly SOG, Kershaw, and CRKT) As far as the actual models I'm kinda stuck between a Black Blur in 14c28n, an Aegis in vg10 (i think!) and a crkt Ken Onion Forsight which is AUS8. (Seems like the vg10 has a bit more longevity but less ability to get that 'razor' edge to it? that's mostly what I've gotten from my reading but feel free to correct me)

I like the look and feel of all of these models but just having a tough time deciding since I'm a student and can afford only one! Wondering if anyone has experience or advice on these in terms of fit and finish and how well they function as far as mechanisms, handle/grip quality and pros and cons of the blades and their respective steels?

Sorry in advance for my extensive questions but people here seem really knowledgeable so I just figured I'd ask away:D
 
I would look at the S30V Blur and the CPM-154 Blurs that are out. The S30V comes with Black handle with grippy inserts...Where as the CPM ones can be had with a Green or purple Spider web handle (with DLC coated blades) or a Black handle with Carbon Fiber Inserts...Also at the $150 mark you could get a ZT0350 which is an amazing knife as well with S30V.

CPM-154 Blurs
Kershaw-Blur-Blog.jpg
 
Wait Sog has a VG-10 Aegis? But yes I agree with Chester. And if you go the 0350 route might I suggest orange if it's still out. Or you can get the 0200, or 0400. But those aren't assisted.
 
The knife store near me does carry ZT, and s30v blurs, not sure on the cpm ones though. I did notice the zt's were a bit more money compared to Kershaws, what would you guys say is main advantage or 'upgrade' with a ZT?
 
The ZTs are bigger and beefier. If you don't need it I wouldn't bother the Blur is great....Also you can buy them from better places then you local shop considering it probably would be cheaper.. If you call up BladeHQ they could set you up good.
 
I say s30v or CPM-154 Blur.
Or the ZT 0350. Excellent over built knife but comfortable for EDC. And if you do have a hard task at hand, don't be shy to use this one lol.

Also if you add $15 to your $150 you can pick up a ZT 030X blem from Kershaw Guy. Big strong assisted ti frame lock.
 
I'm going to jump on the bandwagon here and suggest the cpm154 blur with the carbon fiber inserts or the zt0350 in any variation that floats your boat. The cpm154 blur can be had for around $100 online (or cheaper for a blem model from kershawguy) and the 0350 usually runs anywhere from $120-150. If you need a beefier, heavier knife that will take a bit more abuse then the zt0350 is the way to go, if not, the blur is going to be a bit more pocket friendly and will be a better slicer.

The benchmade barrage is also available in your price range and is an excellent assisted opening edc knife if you're into that sort of thing.

Also fyi, the sog aegis is not vg10, it's aus8.
 
mkjellgren said:
I'm going to jump on the bandwagon here and suggest the cpm154 blur with the carbon fiber inserts or the zt0350 in any variation that floats your boat. The cpm154 blur can be had for around $100 online (or cheaper for a blem model from kershawguy) and the 0350 usually runs anywhere from $120-150. If you need a beefier, heavier knife that will take a bit more abuse then the zt0350 is the way to go, if not, the blur is going to be a bit more pocket friendly and will be a better slicer.

The benchmade barrage is also available in your price range and is an excellent assisted opening edc knife if you're into that sort of thing.

Also fyi, the sog aegis is not vg10, it's aus8.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought
 
Maybe you can find a used Benchmade 581 with M390 in the Exchange...it is a great knife all around.

I'd sell you mine (as I can't carry legally), but I'm not quite ready to let it go yet.
 
Thanks for all the advice everybody, this is helping a ton! Also it was my mistake on the aegis steel type so kudos to total and mk for the clarification. From what I've seen here and a few other places the Blurs look very tough to beat in terms of bang for buck. Now only issue is choosing between the s30v and the cpm154!
 
I'd pick cpm154, because it's easier to sharpen, and you really never see them in production folders.
 
Canuck_Tac said:
Thanks for all the advice everybody, this is helping a ton! Also it was my mistake on the aegis steel type so kudos to total and mk for the clarification. From what I've seen here and a few other places the Blurs look very tough to beat in terms of bang for buck. Now only issue is choosing between the s30v and the cpm154!
Click to expand...

To tell you the truth, the cpm154 vs s30v debate could go on and on, but really, for most people its six of one, half dozen of the other. The real factor when deciding between the s30v and cpm154 blurs is the handles. The s30v version comes with the standard aluminum handles with the grippy inserts, the cpm154 versions are available with full aluminum handles with the spider web pattern in either purple or green (I think there might be orange too) and black coated blades or black aluminum with carbon fiber inserts and a stone washed blade. Keep in mind the cpm154 versions are limited editions and may be hard to find so if you want one and find one for sale you'd better snatch it up. My personal choice would be the carbon fiber cpm154 version, but really you can't go wrong with either.
 
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