Recommendation? $150 budget for USA made folder

[bush-haus]

Howdy all! All comments are welcome here and I appreciate your time. I’m looking for recommendations on an American made folder with about a $150 budget—give or take. I usually go for more economical choices but would really like to add one better quality knife to my collection. Not quite ready to go up to Chris Reeve yet.

It will be for office carry, won’t see a lot of hard work, but I’d like to know it’s capable. Looking for around 3.5” max blade or shorter. I’m not a steel snob, but again looking for better quality. I am looking for more modern recommendations as I have many traditional slip joints.

I have been looking at Hogue, Kershaw’s higher end line up, and Benchmade Bugouts. I have considered flippers and Autos, but I don’t want something that has a chance of popping open in my pocket. Not a huge fan of the way Spydies look, although I know they are great quality and hugely popular. Just making sure I am covering all of my bases before I make a decision. Thanks again!!

 

[Random Dan]

The hogue deka and benchmade bugout would probably be my top picks in that price range.

 

[sabre cat]

I have agree with the post above.

I also am not a big fan of how Spyderco knives look but, you really should get one at some point.

 

[bigsurbob]

A "like new" ZT0470. They run in that price range in the Exchange lately. I love mine. I'm considering selling off a lot of my EDCs and this would be one of the few I'd keep. Capable and classy. Perfect all the way around.
Edit to add: just saw the no flippers criteria. If that's based on concern that it might open in the pocket... well, that's really unlikely. This one has a very small flipper tab.

 

[Yo Mama]

I can't recommend Buck Sprint marbled carbon fiber enough!

 

[DeathByCactus]

Benchmade Fact served me well in the office. It's sitting at $163 on Amazon atm in satin finish, which I what I have. Though, I can't remember if blade length is 3.5 or 3.9.

Premium steel, axis lock, slender for slacks/suit carry, fine point for boxes, tape, and envelopes.

 

[bush-haus]

A "like new" ZT0470. They run in that price range in the Exchange lately. I love mine. I'm considering selling off a lot of my EDCs and this would be one of the few I'd keep. Capable and classy. Perfect all the way around.View attachment 1568931
Edit to add: just saw the no flippers criteria. If that's based on concern that it might open in the pocket... well, that's really unlikely. This one has a very small flipper tab.

That’s beautiful! I don’t have any hard stops, just have heard a few autos that have popped open in a pocket. I would want a model where it’s not an issue. Thanks for the info on that ZT!

 

[Oklahoma Outlaw]

Hogue Deka. Period.

 

[gazz98]

The only other brand I would suggest that is similar to the Hogue is the Doug Ritter RSK (full size). Slight larger overall and they run a few dollars more at $160ish.

 

[Cowboyfromhell666]

Best bang for the buck right now imo is the Hogue Doug Ritter rsk mk1 g2. Comes in large and the mini, 20cv steel, nice contoured g10, deep carry clip. The benchmade Bugout is nice, a lil bit more money gets you the legendary 940! Good luck and stay away from Amazon....

 

[Jsully]

The custom spitfires from buck run under a hundred... The hogue K320 series would be another to look at. I love the "axis type" locks.

 

[Hackenslash]

Another vote for the Hogue/Ritter RSK in full size.
View attachment 1569029

 

[Justin Presson]

I picked up a Buck Marksman inferno from SKBlades and love it. It was around $125. I think he might be out of stock right now but can probably find the original Marksman.

 

[afishhunter]

Buck

 

[lieferung]

Spyderco Manix 2.

 

[whp]

The only other brand I would suggest that is similar to the Hogue is the Doug Ritter RSK (full size). Slight larger overall and they run a few dollars more at $160ish.

This is a great choice for any price range.

 

[JBoone]

Benchmade bugout disappears in the pocket. Great EDC

 

[bush-haus]

Benchmade bugout disappears in the pocket. Great EDC

Good to know as I will be looking to have it in the office.

 

[bush-haus]

Hogue Deka. Period.

View attachment 1568985

View attachment 1568986

Great photo! I think I am narrowing it down to the Hogue Deka, Dog Ritter RSK, or Benchmade Bugout. Choices choices!

I love the idea of Buck as traditional as they are, but the designs have never appealed to me. I purchased two and one rusted very quickly (my fault for not taking care of it) and another had a liner lock that barely engaged the blade to lock it. I felt it to be dangerous. The Buck Sprint mentioned above is beautiful however!!!

 

[Velitrius]

Spyderco makes fantastic stuff in your size/price range, but I'm with you on the aesthetic. I don't like the look, the width or the opening method. Still awesome though.

The Hogue Deka is a cool piece, and they offer some beautiful configurations as Oklahoma Outlaw demonstrates quite nicely.

For office carry, I gotta say Bugout. I carry mine when I don't want anyone (including me!) to know I have a knife on me. It disappears very effectively, the Mini even more-so.

You can pick up the Bugout 535 in blue for $115 , or the blacked out Mini for $110 with free shipping over at BladeHQ.