$200 to spend on folder....suggestions?

M

Monty0124

Joined
Dec 3, 2004
Messages
20
Hey all,

First, let me start by saying I did several searches and didn't really find what I need...of course I'm an internet retard so what do you do.

I am in need of a daily carry folder for work (LE). I have about $200 (enough??) to spend and would like some suggestions if any of you are willing to provide them.

I've just gotten sick of carrying junk knives and am ready to start spending better money for something that will get the job done.

Thanks for any help you may provide.

Monty
 
That's a fair amount.
A lot of people don't like eBay, but I do, you can get GREAT deals.
If you're interested, you can even get a Spyderco customized with stone, by Santa Fe stoneworks, which is very nice, and can be gotten for under $200 on eBay, but would be about $250 everywhere else.
Okay, besides that, what size are you looking for?
Style?
Serrations?
is Thickness an issue?
 
Strider Buck Tarani SBT 882 Police Utility Knife
Spyderco Military or Manix
Benchmade 805HSSR, 806D2, 710HS
Emerson UTCOM CQC-11, Commander BT
SOG Knives SG-NV70 Night Vision, SG-94 Tomcat II
Masters of Defense Keating Hornet auto, CQD Mark I, Advanced Tactical Folding Knife

There are so many options out there. Good luck!
 
Look at the Buck Mayo TNT ti.. I'll sell you mine for the $200. But you can buy them new for around $185. Saw one go for $155 on ebay.
 
I'm in LE as well and find that Spyderco and Benchmade make some really neat knives and tools geared towards our chosen field. I carry a Spyderco Scorpius (can be bought for around $60) in my BPV's trauma plate pocket, and alternate between a Benchmade 710 ($100-$120), Spyderco Manix (my absolute favorite, which runs between $120-175), Spyderco Para-Military (about $100), and a Spyderco Dodo (about $75-100) for pocket carry. I also have a Benchmade Rescue-hook ($20), which I carry on my duty belt.

For $200, you could easily get a Spyderco Manix (which I recommend) and a BM Rescue-hook, and still have enough left over for another toy or maybe dinner and a movie. Happy hunting and Be Safe! :)

3Guardsmen
 
Hey all,

thanks for the great suggestions.

To answer the earlier post, I have no preference for serations etc. I do prefer large folders as I have big hands and they've always worked best for me. That being said there aren't a lot of knives I would rule out at this point, as long as they're a quality piece...like I said earlier, I'm tired of carrying junk that just doesn't perform when you need it.

Monty
 
Shoot, also forgot to add....I'm seriously considering an Emerson, either the Commander or the CQC-11. I'm quite attracted to the wave feature for the ability to open quickly with one hand. My primary folder, which this will be, figures heavily in my gun take away defense, and one-handed opening would be a bonus.

Anyone care to comment on Emerson? I've heard mixed reviews about them...

Thanks again,
Monty
 
I'm a LEO also and would suggest your consideration of the Al Mar SERE 2000. It comes with ambidextrous thumbstuds, is noted for its fit and finish and can be bought for well short of the $200 limit you've cited.:eek:

Stay safe.:cool:

Larry S.
 
Duffin444 said:
Why get a folder with the wave feature if you can have a full auto or fixed blade instead?

-Duffin
Click to expand...

I carry a large fixed blade on my tactical gear but I don't have room to carry a fixed on my regular duty gear. As for autos, I haven't ruled them out but I haven't been overly impressed with any that I've had a chance to handle either. The wave appeals to me because it's just as fast as any autos I've handled (deploying from the pocket) and it's simple to deploy even in gross motor skill situations.
 
try either a spyderco ti ATR or a emerson SOCFK.

imho the wave opens almost if not as fast as any auto, out of the pocket. imho fixed blades while very reliable are a pain to edc, been there/done that. i have a nealy amoeba which is as good as any to edc, still can be a pain, not nearly as convenient as a folder.
 
What do you want to do with it? How will it be used? For good home/garden work get a leatherman. Then take the rest of the $200 (there should be alot left over) and spend it on your wife/girlfriend/etc. by going out on the town for a nice dinner. That way they don't get PO'd that you are out spending money on good knives. I have used a Browning Stockman 3-bladed for over 30 years. But around the house the Leatherman is just so damn handy!!!
 
Even if your department allows them, I wouldn't bother with an auto. I realize this might seem kinda funny from a guy who shuns "regular" knives over autos himself, but I'm not a cop.

You need a knife that can be opened equally easy with either hand. That can be opened in any grip. Something like a Benchmade 710/805/806 or a Spyderco Manix/Military comes to mind. Any of these will leave you with plenty of money left from your $200 budget. Additionally, I'd reccomend getting a second knife, a Spyderco Rescue with full serrations. The blunt tip lends itself well to applications like cutting plastic cuffs or seatbelts. Or, there's the Assist model, which is similar (but with a truely blunt tip) and an integrated carbide glass breaker.

If you get an auto, look at the Microtech Mini SOCOM SBC. It has a slot in the handles that allows the blade to be used as a seatbelt cutter, and has a glass breaker in the base of the handles.
 
Monty, Look at the Buck Alpha Hunter folder model 277. Has ATS34 steel and ambi thumb studs, smooth opening and closing.
 
Spyderco Military, or Al Mar Sere 2000. Do a search on both these knives and you'll get a boatload of useful feedback.

Given your stated requirements, I can't imagine you'd be anything but happy with the performance of these knives.

Benchmade 710 or 806D2 are close runner ups, but I prefer the ergonomics and blade geometry of the Al Mar and Spyderco. I don't believe the strength of the Axis lock is that much of a bonus over a well designed liner lock - unless you are a user that tends to readily disengage liner locks.

I have a Spyderco Manix on the way, so I can't comment on that knife, but by all accounts it too is an excellent candidate for your needs.

Emersons are great knives - but IMO the chisel grind makes them slightly less appealing for EDC, and you can get better steel for the money. If you like the wave and don't mind the blade grind, the Commander would be my preference, primarily for the handle ergos, wicked recurve, and strong tip.
 
How about a balisong?
 
Take a look at the Benchmade 5000, ambi auto opener, beefy handle, solid blade. When I handled one I was impressed, very comfortable handle with good action. It was the first knife I had liked that wasn't a frame-lock in a long time. If you are hoping to use it as a left hand carry or a back-up piece then the auto-axis will be a big plus.
 
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