Assisted Opening Folder choices?

K Williams

K Williams

Joined
Nov 17, 1998
Messages
3,301
I'd like to purchase an assisted opening folder. My specifications are below. Any choices?

- 3.5" to 3.75" blade
- partial serrations
- pocket clip
- high end cutlery steel
- easy to sharpen
- strong construction(double liners if possible)
- between $50 and $100 in cost


Thanks.
 
SOG Trident folders look the business and can be had for less than $100. Another vote for Kershaw. The Kershaw Leek is available in combo edge in S30V.
 
I highly recommend the Sog Trident.
I have two Tridents, one clip point tiger stripe, and one tanto TiNi. They can be had for around $60 if you look around on the net. I have put the clip point one through hell, and it has never failed me. The finish doesn't even look half bad for what it's been through.:D
I usually carry a BM 710HS every day, but on the days I don't, the Trident fills in nicely.
 
"Leek is a 3" blade though."


True enough, but I'm not sure there's another Kershaw available in a combo edge of high end cutlery steel. There's the Blur in S30V but even that's only 3 3/8". I don't think the Spec Bump comes in a combo edge and it usually retails new for over $100. Then there's the Boa in CPM440V or S30V, but that's over $100 also. There's the Benchmade Apparition in 154CM. There are assisted offerings from Camillus (AUS-8) and Columbia River Knife & Tool (154CM) too. I can't think of any others in K Williams price range. Knives Illustrated covered some assisted openers in Feb 06 issue.
 
Ken Onion invented the assisted opener. The rest are copies of his idea/design. I would go with a Kershaw for that reason alone.
 
Have you looked at the s30v blur? I owned one in 440a and really like it, seems like I read where they are refining it, using less abrasive scale material, maybe a few other tweaks. There is a plain edge version of that knife coming as well. The blade is a bit shy of what you wanted, but not by much.
 
+1 for the Trident. I traded for one (a Spyderco Cricket I wasn't using) and am very happy with the Trident in serving the purpose of a fairly large and menacing looking knife that is very easy to open quickly should the need arise. Possible the easiest to open AO I own (and I own a bunch- SOGs and Kershaws). The Arc Lock is super easy to close also. It's not the most convenient knife to carry (fairly thick/long- but lightweight), but the bayonette pocket clip does help. I generally just have it in a front jacket pocket. Because of the aggresive styling and AO, be warned that this knife WILL draw attention in certain environments, but you probably expected that.

I also have the Twitch XL which is just shy of your size range. Very well made and handsome knife, but the AO is kind of stiff and really takes a good push to get it started. Also, the lockback makes it harder to close one handed.

I've got the SOG AO bug right now and just snagged an aluminum handle Flash II Tanto blade off of CPF for $50. Seems like a good deal- assuming it goes through I'll let you know how I like it, as it's another AO in your size range (albeit w/o serrations, but there is a Flash II serrated version). I have the Flash I in Zytel and it's always been one of my favorite small knives.

Good luck,
Jon
 
NickZac said:
Benchmade Appirition 672

G10 handle
Hollow Grind blade
D2 tool steel
Faster than the original
Street price of about 100
AO can be disabled
partially serrated or PE


http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=672
Click to expand...

I just got one of these last week and I would hightly recommend it. This knife is as fast if not faster than the Kershaw/Onion knives that I have handled. Meets most if not all your criteria and can be had off the internet for less than $100.00
 
K Williams (heh, my first name starts with K and my middle name is William), why exactly do you need partial serrations? I should think if you just keep a straight edge sharp enough its fine... partial serrations have never been my thing though.
 
_habit_ said:
K Williams (heh, my first name starts with K and my middle name is William), why exactly do you need partial serrations? I should think if you just keep a straight edge sharp enough its fine... partial serrations have never been my thing though.
Click to expand...

I cut a lot of 1" manila line as an ironworker. The serrations aren't a must(I know how to keep my knives sharp), but it helps.
 
Kershaw is releasing a Blur with partial serrations, S30V Steel, satin finished blade, fast AO, and a street price around $100. First Quarter 2007 release ETA I think.

EDIT: I think this knife only comes with the Plain edge, sorry. Still a great knife though!

The Kershaw Cyclone is a great knife if Sandvik 13C26 steel is acceptable to you. It is a good steel and the Cyclone offers everything else you asked for :)
 
if youre not going to be beating on the blade, id do the blur. its what i carried pretty much all thru iraq, and here at home too. The blade is super easy to sharpen, and can be made sharp as a razor blade. Though i warn you, the blades a little brittle. If youre going to be just cutting with it, and nothing else, Id do the kershaw. Super grippy grip, easy opening, and not to bulky. Mine never failed me once.
If you think it may be getting some abuse, definitely go to sog's.
 
:thumbup: This knife is built like a tank and meets your specifications. The aluminum handle fills the palm nicely but doesn't have a lot of texture. I'm not familiar with the steel but it appears to be one of the better steels that Kershaw uses.
 
http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4136

Very solid knife. Easy to open or close one handed and has a strong spring assist. The blade steel is AUS-8 which is not high end, but I think it is a good working steel and is easy to sharpen. Camillus is out of business, so don't count on a warranty, but the price is right, and I have never had a problem with mine in the several years that I have had it.
 
I really like the Blur, myself. Feels great in the hand and very smooth. But they are grouped in with butterfly knives and autos under Michigan law so I have no intentions of getting one since I wouldnt able able to (legally) carry it.
 
I don't like the Kershaw AOs, but haven't used anyone elses. The safety on them is really poor.
 
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