AUGH! need last-minute help with info on budget folder!

T

Trout Tamer

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Jan 20, 2004
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Ok guys and gals, I'm buying a budget folder for my step-dad for Christmas (he has a propensity to lose things... like the Griptilian I gave him last year! :rolleyes: I'm looking at a few models but I'm not sure on how they compare to each other. Here's the list I've compiled:

- Spyderco Byrd Cara-Cara. I like the steel choice and the looks of the ergos on a folder that's so inexpensive. Plus, a longer blade is good, as he likes combo edges.
- KaBar Dozier. I've heard nothing but good about this knife. However, I'm wondering how solid the blade feels when open, since the handle has no liners. This one has models with thumb studs, which are a plus.
- Benchmade Pika. This one has BM's 440C, which I know that he likes. It's also long enough to do a decent combo edge. THe major downsides are the (perceived) fragile tip and the opening hole.
- Benchmade Monochrome. I don't know anything about the N690 steel's performance abilities. On the plus side, he likes frame locks.
- Benchmade Snipe. It appears to have liners in the handles, which is a good thing.

My step-dad really values a blade that can hold an edge. I know none of these have S30V or a good carbon steel, but they aren't AUS 6, either... He also like a decently-sized handle. He has medium-large hands and doesn't care for dainty folders. He likes frame locks, but the one frame lock on here is on the small side...

So, what would y'all choose from that list? How do the models do in edge holding, edge toughness, and the ever-subjective grip comfort? THanks in advance for any and all input!
 
Yupp, the Monochrome is a bit on the small side, and the handle is a bit narrow even for me. (My hands are average.)


If you consider the tip of the Pika fragile, you also will have the sam problem with the Byrds. The blade of the Snipe is also a bit thin. Although they are all good slicers, none of them are good prybars. ;)

If you want a good sized, cheap and durable folder without opening hole, maybe you should consider the Ka-bar Mule or the Buck 179 Hilo.

Good luck with your purchase!
 
the Monochrome has a very solid and deluxe feel to it, far exceeding its price tag.

I love the Dozier folding hunter and even though it lacks liners, it is a great knife that will last a long time.

But for a gift, I think the Monochrome has an element of great class to it. It's extremely well designed. I can't speak for the blade performance except that the steel has a good reputation for easy sharpening and I can't see a thing wrong with it.
 
I recently purchased a Spyderco D'allara drop point. Its a hefty folder, good size handle real sharp blade vg 10 steel. Doesnt weigh a lot , doesnt weigh the jeans pockets down. I am impressed with the handle. Really comfortable, didnt think I would like the larger handle, but Its just fits well ergonomics etc.
See if you cant find one and try it out for size, I got mine at New Graham knives, and it didnt bust the bank, around 55 bucks.
Good knife hunting
Jack
 
I don't really know anything first hand about the knives you muntioned, but check out the Spyderco Centofante III for an awesome folder for around $45
 
I got my Ka-Bar Dozier online for $19.95. Bought it as a beater, and it takes it easily. If I loose it I would only be upset as long as it took to get another one. I have the drop point model (with the thumbstud) and no worries about breaking the tip on this one, it is kinda thick. I tied a Chris Reeve knot lanyard on it to keep it handy out of the pocket, and it looks real nice too. Adjustable pivot. Left or right hand use adaptable. Buy him two, the user and the loser. :D The only thing I did to mine to really improve its cutting perfomance was to lower the edge angle, adding more relief. Love mine!
 
Can't go wrong with either the Pika or Monochrome, with the latter being more utilitarian and tougher, while the former would be the better choice for SD and has better ergos.
 
The N690 steel of the Monochrome is an Austrian steel also used in the Extrema Ratio knives. Good stuff.
 
How about a Spyderco Native from Wal-Mart for $40? Yes, you can get S30V for relatively cheap.
 
Or how about a Camillus CUDA EDC with 154Cm blade-steel?

It's a strong frame-lock and it's made in the USA (if that matters).
You can get one for about $50.00 dollars.

Think of it as a "poor man's small Sebenza".

Good luck,
Allen.
 
The CUDA EDC is a great choice. It's not a large knife, but it is beautifully designed, and fits my fairly large hand perfectly.
 
I agree with Temper. The D2 Dozier is a great value.

The aluminum handles should take care of any concerns you have regarding the flexibility of the less expensive linerless models.
 
I have the Mini Pika and the Ka-Bar Dozier and like them both.I find myself carrying the Dozier more. I prefer tip up carry and the Dozier opens smoothly.Both knives are strong and for twenty bucks they cant be beat.
 
The Ka-Bar Dozier designed folding hunter in any of the like four blade variations to choose from are all great values for the $20 plus shipping price. For the money you probably will be hard pressed to beat that.

Next in line after that would be one of the Spyderco Salt knives in H1 as my pick for a good budget everyday carry maintainance free or worry free folder.

After that in the $50 price range my first choice would be the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter folder. For the money it is a great buy and a super value for all you get. The grip is fantastic on it by the way. Yes, I have one. Its one of the best knives I bought all year, but make no mistake I love my Spyderco Salt 1 and my Atlantic Salt also. The only thing about the Ultimate Hunter is that it is a thick knife compared to the slim lines of the others mentioned above.

STR
 
Of your choices, I'd pick the Cara Cara
--The ergros are typical Spyderco, excellent. The knife feels solid in hand and can perform with models priced higher (Endura, Delica, etc.). The steel takes a great edge. To me, the edge lasted a bit less than VG-10, but it sharpens or strops back quickly and with ease. If he doesn't like dainty folders, this may be the right size for him.

As for the others:

Dozier
--Great knife (as most people on the forum will attest to) The handle, IMHO, doesn't feel as solid as one with liners (not flimsy or cheap, just not as solid as a lined handle). The knife performs well and can take a beating. It's a smaller knife, but does feel comfortable in hand. The edge is great. I've used mine for odd jobs around the place and have sharpened/ stropped it once (and that was just a light touch up). May be a bit too dainty.

Pika
--A good piece. I've had no problem with a fragile tip. The chamferred hole does present an annoyance as I have to open it a bit slower (to make sure the blade doesn't slip). Nothing major, just something I have to remeber when I carry it. The edge was hari poppin' sharp out the box. I've had no problems returning to that same sharpness after use. I don't use it for hard jobs (IMHO, I just don't feel confortable with it doing hard chores).

Monochrome
--The N690 steel is comparable to AUS-8, (if memory serves). The edge is is great, sharpens easily and has not been a problem in terms of chipping, fragility, etc. The only complaint I've had with it is the all metal handles; they can be slippery sometimes. That, along with the smaller size, makes me feel as if I couldn't get a rock solid grip as I dowith other, larger knives. Still, an adequate knife for moderate EDC. I generally carry mine as a gent's knife or for those times when it's better to have a small, sheeple friendly knife (as opposed to the a CE Ednura)

Snipe
--Haven't handled it

If he likes bigger knives, I suggest a look at the Benchmade Ambush. Great for medium hands, nice edge, a lot for the money (from Benchmade, anyway).

Sorry about the long post. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for all of the responses, guys! So far, I'm leaning towards either the Cara Cara or the Dozier... I'll let ya know what I get him. I may take another look at the aluminum-handled Dozier, too... it's pretty tempting. And, thanks for the long post, Hateman :) It was very informative and helpful
 
Oh yeah, I went and looked at the Native and I actually really dislike the handle. He and I have similar tastes in handle ergos, so I know he wouldn't care for it either. Thanks for the tip, though :)
 
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