$500 Budget, What Would You Buy?

watchknut

watchknut

Joined
Oct 16, 2013
Messages
259
One thing that I have noticed is that some knives lose value and some gain value right off the bat. Because of that, I have enjoyed buying on the used market, and have saved a bundle on some nice mid-tech folders. While I like my Sebenzas and Striders, my favorite knife is my Spyderco Techno for EDC. Because of that, I am thinking of clearing house and spending anywhere from $400 to $600 on a production or custom folder, something with a 3.5" or so blade.

That being said, I am not patient and do not plan on waiting months to have a knife made, and will most likely pull the trigger on a pre-owned knife of some sort. Based on what is out there in the market (and I know it changes everyday), if you had around $500 to spend, what would you buy, new or used? Before I venture into this territory, I would love to get some opinions.
 
Well if you could find them then one of the high end ZT's are nice like the triple seven and eight along with the 0600. For your price range though I would most likely go ahead and jump into the midtech and custom. For midtechs look at the Bodega FG (I do not prefer the all G10 however) Matt Cucchiara Dorado, Allen Elishewitz, Jason Clark, etc... There is really too many makers to name and it really depends on what you are looking for. Narrow it down for us as far as specs and looks. Big beefy tactical folder or more of a sleek gentlemen's liner lock. Also check out Brian Tighe as he does great work for the money.
 
Go check out many of the knives BladeHQ just got in. They have many customs and midtechs they just received that you can buy right away.
 
I saw some sweet Tim Britton Tangos, really like the look of those. I am looking for something that is between my Sebenza 21 and my Strider SMF.
 
watchknut said:
I saw some sweet Tim Britton Tangos, really like the look of those. I am looking for something that is between my Sebenza 21 and my Strider SMF.
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OMG I love looking at all the customs and Tony Marfione custom Microtechs I think made me have a personal experience..... The Bronze and Carbon Fiber DOC along with the Delta's in 30k Carbon Fiber and polished blades. The Britton knives are very good from what I hear it seems it can depend on whatever one you get when it comes to flipping action. I am a flipper guys so those are attractive to me. Look at that Andre Thorburn too as he makes some great stuff. It might not be up your alley and is on the high end of your price range.
 
Barabus said:
Curtiss and Les George are both in that price range
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Agreed. Curtiss F3 in either 3.5" or 4" (compact just seems to small to me). Or Les George VECP.

I recently acquired both and they are some of the most phenomenal knives I've had the pleasure to own. F3 is a very smooth flipper. It's got the IKBS pivot and the cool hidden blade stop. The VECP is maybe a little less smooth. It's not a flipper but it has a solid feel that inspires confidence. I'm also a big fan of CTS-XHP.

Edit: I missed where you said the Techno was your favorite EDC. I love my Techno as well. I'd recommend the 3.5" Curtiss F3. Although I have thought about getting a compact F3 it just seems like I should get more blade for the same price.

Additionally, if you like the bladesteel on the Techno (CTS-XHP) you'll appreciate that the George VECP sports the same steel. The F3 has a Bohler N690 blade, which I have yet form a real opinion on since I haven't sharpened it yet (or needed to sharpen it yet).
 
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MaxFactor said:
Agreed. Curtiss F3 in either 3.5" or 4" (compact just seems to small to me). Or Les George VECP.

I recently acquired both and they are some of the most phenomenal knives I've had the pleasure to own. F3 is a very smooth flipper. It's got the IKBS pivot and the cool hidden blade stop. The VECP is maybe a little less smooth. It's not a flipper but it has a solid feel that inspires confidence. I'm also a big fan of CTS-XHP.
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I have both the F3 Compact and Medium but use Compact more due to L.A. blade length limit. Compact is a bit smaller than Techno.

I also have the Wilson Combat Eagle made by Les George and it's a great flipper. Very thin with a 3.6" blade of CTS-XHP.

You can see some comparison pictures in this thread: Curtiss F3 Flipper
 
RamZar said:
I have both the F3 Compact and Medium but use Compact more due to L.A. blade length limit. Compact is a bit smaller than Techno.

I also have the Wilson Combat Eagle made by Les George and it's a great flipper. Very thin with a 3.6" blade of CTS-XHP.

You can see some comparison pictures in this thread: Curtiss F3 Flipper
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Jeez! Just when I thought I was happy with my current knife collection, you have to go and show me that Wilson Combat Eagle.
 
Michael Vagnino Velox
Olamic Wayfarer
John W. Smith SD3
Jason Clark
Tobin Smith
Alan Davis
Diskin Fire

Lots of custom options at the range.
 
Another ZT0888
IMG_20131117_190853_050_zps87d7c71e.jpg
 
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