AO folder

G

going-strong

Joined
Jan 12, 2009
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5
i use and carry a knife daily. i have always bought the 'cheaper' knives because if and when the break i dont feel bad.

i have made up my mind that i want to spend a little bit of money(anywhere between $30-$100) and get a decent knife.

i like the 'tactical' black appearance because IMO it looks good and because its not 'too pretty' i dont have to worry about messing it all up. I have also decided that i want AO. the blade should be 3"-4" long. other then that i dont know a whole lot.

what do you reccomend?
 
kershaw tactical blur. most wal marts have em for 50 bucks. tanto point blade, half serrated, black blade and handle. ken onion speedsafe a/o. blade is a little over 3 inches long.
 
Kershaw really has nice knifes, I carry a "Needs Work " Really like it. blade is just shy of 3" somewhere around $35.00. Seems like the Needs Work doesnt get much attention. But,its great, I think.
 
If you can find one, a Kershaw Boa. I have seen them on the popular auction site for as little as $ 85, and as high as $ 125. They are tough as nails, DLC coated, and SpeedSafe equipped. Blade steel varied, depending on the date of manufacture, from 440V/S60V/S30V.

EDIT: One can be found now for under $ 90. S30V.
 
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If assisted opening is what you're after, the new Benchmade Barrage falls into your requirements. Might be slightly more than $100, but I havent seen it on a site yet.
 
SPXTrader said:
If you can find one, a Kershaw Boa. I have seen them on the popular auction site for as little as $ 85, and as high as $ 125. They are tough as nails, DLC coated, and SpeedSafe equipped. Blade steel varied, depending on the date of manufacture, from 440V/S60V/S30V.

EDIT: One can be found now for under $ 90. S30V.
Click to expand...

And it's "said" the Boa is one of Ken Onion's favorite designs. Perhaps it is.

I own a couple myself. Highly recommended ;)
 
I thirded the blur. Or get a Benchmade Griptilian. I can flip the blade out faster than my blur and with one hand. Shut it with one hand too. Best knife ever.
 
Benchmade has a new model called the Barrage. It is an assited opening Axis lock. It's something worth looking into.
 
My first AO knife was a Kershaw Boa quite a few years ago, all black, great knife, definitely worth a look IMO. I've also got the black Leek that would fit the short list of the OP's requirements for about 1/2 the money (or less) than the Boa.
 
Blur or Bump would be a good choice. I like how the Blur rides in
the pocket better....for me anyway. Both have good ergos and feel
great in hand.
 
I definately would go with Kershaw. The Blur is an excellent start! Even though it is not AO, the JYDII is another I would look at due to its extreme smoothness in opening..........you'll think it IS AO!
 
1596s30v.jpg


You pretty much have to get a Spec Bump. It's PERFECT for your needs.

They retail for a little over 100, but I'll bet you could find one for about a hundred around the exchange area. At any rate, it's worth the extra money. Your quest is over. Go get this one.
 
Artfully Martial said:
1596s30v.jpg


You pretty much have to get a Spec Bump. It's PERFECT for your needs.

They retail for a little over 100, but I'll bet you could find one for about a hundred around the exchange area. At any rate, it's worth the extra money. Your quest is over. Go get this one.
Click to expand...

Kershaw guy in the dealer forum is selling them for $86 IIRC.
 
I'll second the Spec Bump, which is easily one of the best knives that I own.
 
A.P.F. said:
I'll second the Spec Bump, which is easily one of the best knives that I own.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but I think that's the second ugliest pocket clip in the history of folding knives. FWIW, the shiny version of the same clip is the worst.
 
Not true! Have you seen the offset's pocket clip? :)

I actually like the Bump's pocket clip. I hate coated blades, but love coated pocket clips (if they're done well)
 
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