Recommendation? $150 budget for USA made folder

Hogue/Doug Ritter RSK MK1-G2, available in both mini ($140-$150) and full size ($160-$175) from knife works. Highly recommend both the knives and the vendor. I have the both the Mini and Full. I carry the mini in shorts/sweatpants and the full in jeans/khakis.
 
The microflip is okay, I think it's a little ugly and not the best daily carry (a little chunky).

The deka is gold, and compares very favorable to the bugout. The bugout might be a little better for office/lighter carry since its skimpier in all dimensions.

If you can find one used, try the ZT0707...I think it's one of my favorite ZTs, unbelievably light and thin for its size and blade length, plus great luxury features that make it cut above some other framelock.

I would agree spydercos are a little funky looking, but if you dont mind the look, the para 3 and a few others make great EDC.

If the made in US is not a hard requirement, I'd look for an elementum in S35VN...absolutely great price, unintimidating look, slicey grind, smooth action. I have the new Imperium coming which is in Nitro-V! That would be great one too and looks sexy to boot.

150 is a good price range, you'll find lots of good options and really cant go wrong! Have fun shopping!
 
Some really great options already listed but I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Para3, PM2, Sage 5 from spyderco. Great edc blades and all from the Golden Colorado factory. Another Golden CO spyderco blade to look at is the Manix 2. All can be had for right at or below that 150$ price point.
 
He/she says they didnt like spyderco looks lol.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the grip. I might be a minority in saying the grip wasn't all that impressive in my "grip" lol. I gave it to a buddy who absolutely loves it.
 
Dergyll said:
The microflip is okay, I think it's a little ugly and not the best daily carry (a little chunky).

The deka is gold, and compares very favorable to the bugout. The bugout might be a little better for office/lighter carry since its skimpier in all dimensions.

If you can find one used, try the ZT0707...I think it's one of my favorite ZTs, unbelievably light and thin for its size and blade length, plus great luxury features that make it cut above some other framelock.

I would agree spydercos are a little funky looking, but if you dont mind the look, the para 3 and a few others make great EDC.

If the made in US is not a hard requirement, I'd look for an elementum in S35VN...absolutely great price, unintimidating look, slicey grind, smooth action. I have the new Imperium coming which is in Nitro-V! That would be great one too and looks sexy to boot.

150 is a good price range, you'll find lots of good options and really cant go wrong! Have fun shopping!
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Thanks for the reply! Really looking hard now at the Deka! I am strictly looking for USA made at this point.

My question about the Deka is the clip as it’s not deep pocket. Anybody know of a deep pocket clip that can be put on it? I saw some made for some ZT models that look like they would fit.
 
Looks like MXG makes one, its pretty standard 2 screw vertical clip and I think Etsy have them too. Wouldn't be hard to replace it, I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Dergyll said:
The microflip is okay, I think it's a little ugly and not the best daily carry (a little chunky).

The deka is gold, and compares very favorable to the bugout. The bugout might be a little better for office/lighter carry since its skimpier in all dimensions.

If you can find one used, try the ZT0707...I think it's one of my favorite ZTs, unbelievably light and thin for its size and blade length, plus great luxury features that make it cut above some other framelock.

I would agree spydercos are a little funky looking, but if you dont mind the look, the para 3 and a few others make great EDC.

If the made in US is not a hard requirement, I'd look for an elementum in S35VN...absolutely great price, unintimidating look, slicey grind, smooth action. I have the new Imperium coming which is in Nitro-V! That would be great one too and looks sexy to boot.

150 is a good price range, you'll find lots of good options and really cant go wrong! Have fun shopping!
Click to expand...

The Para 3 is a great knife as well….

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Buck 898 Impact Automatic. "Period."​
 
My top suggestion is the Hogue Doug Ritter RSK.


From Spyderco: Chaparral, Sage 5 LW, Native 5 LW, PM2 (USD154), Manix 2 LW, all great EDC options.
 
bush-haus said:
Thanks for the reply! Really looking hard now at the Deka! I am strictly looking for USA made at this point. I

My question about the Deka is the clip as it’s not deep pocket. Anybody know of a deep pocket clip that can be put on it? I saw some made for some ZT models that look like they would fit.
Click to expand...

I heard Civivi clips work. And can be had very easily and cheap.
 
I bit of advice, speaking from personal experience, if the knife that you really want is a bit more than your budget, save for a little longer and get what your heart desires. Otherwise you will end up spending more on others that aren't quite what you really want and at some point still end up buying that grail anyway.
 
I don't even own one (not because I don't like it but because it doesn't fit in my collection) but, for around $150, I'd say Hogue Ritter MSK RK1 all day long!

Retail cost is around $160 but you can pick up one on the Exchange or elsewhere for less than $150.
 
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