Advice: $400 folder

Klesk

Klesk

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2003
Messages
1,105
OK, Ok, I know this subject has been done to death, but I still need the valued advice of the BF membership. I've been collecting for around 20 years and I still learn new things when I'm on the Forum.

I have about $400 to spend, and I'd like to spend it on one good folder. I know I could buy 2 - 4 nice factory knives for this amount, but having $400 at one time is a once yearly (if that) event for me. The "cheaper" factory stuff I can get just about any time.

What I'm looking for: something "tactical", with a decent-size blade (around 4"), and not too fancy, so I won't mind carrying it around and using it on a daily basis.

What I'm considering: CRK Sebenza (a little small for me), Strider SnG, Crawford KFF, Brian Tighe "My Tighe".

All but the Strider are pretty easy to get once I make up my mind. Any other suggestions? Anybody know where I can get a nice SnG?

Thanks for the info/advice.
 
If I had $400 and ONLY wanted to spend it on a folder, I'd either get a J.W. Smith Scimitar or a Strider AR. If I had a spare $400 to spend on anything though, I'd get a Ruger GP100 with a 6" barrel.

Happy Huntin'!
 
I recommend a large Brad Duncan Whiplash. You can get one of his framelocks for $400 from www.knifeart.com. I have a Mini Police Whiplash which is super smooth, has a great lockup and cuts very, very well.
 
Originally posted by Scott Dog
Get the large Sebenza.
Click to expand...

Since Scott's recommendation was seconded by dylan_d, I'll have to third it. Get the Sebbie, you will not be sorry. It's in a class of it's own.
 
It depends on what you need or want.
I like my large wood inlay Sebenza, it is very light but strong, and feels great in the hand.
If you like heavy-duty, the Strider SNG or AR seems to be tops.

If you want a custom, there are plenty of makers in that range. I have a David Mosier (DMKnives on the forums) Instigator 2 which I really like. It is a hefty 3.5" S30V blade with carbon fiber scales. It was $350.

I'd shop around, find a knive you like the looks of, then look up reviews of the maker.
 
I consider the Sebbie to be heavy duty.

How about this one from forumite Peter Atwood?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=242036&highlight=the+beast

beast4.jpg
 
For an SnG, keep an eye on www.tadgear.com, or contact one of the strider dealers.

The Whiplash is an excellent suggestion, just figure what you like and go from there though. Do you want a framelock, or a liner? Any type of steel? Any type of blade shape?
 
Klesk - I thought the Large Sebenza might be a little too small as well,until I purchased a Large standard model.The blade is fairly wide and quite impressive,and will do anything any folder can be expected to accomplish.It is a true tactical,heavy-duty tool.
 
R.J. Martin Q40 is just what you need. And, it's a little under $400. S30V blade, razor sharp(and I'm not kidding). Titanium frame and liner(way overbuilt) with checkered G10 handle slabs.
 
I have a custom Darrel Ralph Aftermath. It's my edc, and there are a lot of things to like about it. The knife is very thin, which makes it easier to carry than the 5.5" blade would lead you to believe. The blade shape is very useful, and the handle shape with the "extended handle" is also user friendly and comfortable.

I asked Darrel about the Camillus Cuda Aftermath, and he said that it was the highest quality production knife he's seen. 1SKS has it for $329.99. And it has the assisted opening, which the custom knives don't have yet.

cu2562.jpg
 
Is there a reason for knives other than Strider folders to even exist anymore?







:D :D :D


Honestly, if you have $400 to spend and want to use it on a fine blade, I can think of no better than Strider.

If you are incredibly lucky, you could get one of the new Tactical ARs or GBs. I know that the "regular" ARs and GBs are selling for pretty low prices due to the new Tactical series coming out. (But when you see the new Tacs, you probably won't want a regular... :D :p )
 
You might also check out some of the offerings of rick hinderer and allen elishewitz. Many of their knives are around your price range and are *excellent* knives - truenorthknives.com has some examples.
 
I'm curious ... how do you know that a $400 folder is what you want, when you don't have a particular knife in mind?

I'm not trying to be rhetorical or anything, it's just that my own mind has never worked this way. I mean, if you don't know what you really want, why not just hang on to your money, and keep saving, 'til something comes along that really strikes your fancy?
 
You can't go wrong with a Sebenza !

Tom Anderson makes a very nice tactical for $400.

And Andre DeVilliers makes some killer tacticals in the $400 ballpark.

There is also Jeff Angelo.

Most of Duncan's and Tighe's stuff run $475 (from dealers).

If you're looking for a custom. . .you may need to increase your spending allotment. Most customs begin at $425 (from dealers).

Good luck. . .and let us know what you end up getting. :)
 
Originally posted by Scott Dog
Get the large Sebenza.
Click to expand...

I'll be the 3rd or 4th to "Ditto!" that.

but you should give the new CUDAs a look as well.

P.S. I would get a Large CLASSIC Seb. (LCS) I can't stand the Reg.s
 
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