Battle of the sub 40 and 200 dollar folders

Yo Mama

Yo Mama

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2011
Messages
6,251
Man the major manufacturers are killing it this year! I have a cheaper and more expensive purchase planned for this year. While I want them all there is just not enough money!

40ish dollars: Kershaw Link vs. Buck open season flipper. Both with 420hc, but Buck doing it forever. I also don't know how much I like the speed safe. Is it safe? I don't have any Kershaw and the aluminum handles look great! Both are USA made.

200ish dollars: Spyderco Domino vs. Benchmade loco. Is the Domino to small for me as I like bigger folders? I have the Southard and love it. Is the loco at 200 bucks worth it with the materials? No titanium and comes with "just" s30v steel?: :D

Decisions decisions. ........
 
Last edited:
I don't own any of these knives, but I have a couple pertinent opinions:

Buck's 420HC is really good. It isn't super hard, but it is easy to sharpen and takes a great edge. For EDC, it is more than adequate. If you are cutting rope or something, it will dull quickly. For EDC chores, it is fine.

I'm personally not a fan of Speed Safe. It is fun to play with (well, fun to open... less fun to close), but in my experience the cams break before too long. The knife can still function with the broken cam, but the action is wonky and there is no detent towards closure. The cam, when it is working, also makes the knife harder to close as you have to overcome the force the cam puts on the blade (minor issue). I have had a Leek open in my pocket before, but luckily it didn't stick me. They have a safety, but using the safety defeats the purpose of the assisted opening, IMO.

However, I still think Kershaw knives are fantastic for the money, and Speed Safe is a great choice if you want assisted opening. I think most people don't have many issues with Speed Safe. YMMV.
 
The Kershaw Link BW is a great deal for the money.
The new ZT0452cf is a bargain at $220 if you can find one. IMHO.
 
The Kershaw Link feels like a ZT, and other than having to touch up the factory edge, mine is great.

I generally like Buck's stuff, but the "Open season flipper" looks like a knife searching for an identity; it's has Hinderer-esque elements to it (flipper, blade shape) and then a randomly placed oval opener. The metal potion of the Buck's handle also sticks out too far from where the scale ends. Lastly, the pocket clip is hideous. I'd say this one's a fail for Buck.

Winner (IMHO) is the Link, with the Aluminum version (1776GRYBW) being the best.
 
I have a domino and really like it. Flipping action is smooth and the fit and finish is on par with the southard. I don't consider it a small knife...but not a large knife either. It really is a good all around size and has a great blade shape. The blue lightning strike scale is MUCH better looking than the standard version IMO.
 
Hair said:
I don't own any of these knives, but I have a couple pertinent opinions:

Buck's 420HC is really good. It isn't super hard, but it is easy to sharpen and takes a great edge. For EDC, it is more than adequate. If you are cutting rope or something, it will dull quickly. For EDC chores, it is fine.

I'm personally not a fan of Speed Safe. It is fun to play with (well, fun to open... less fun to close), but in my experience the cams break before too long. The knife can still function with the broken cam, but the action is wonky and there is no detent towards closure. The cam, when it is working, also makes the knife harder to close as you have to overcome the force the cam puts on the blade (minor issue). I have had a Leek open in my pocket before, but luckily it didn't stick me. They have a safety, but using the safety defeats the purpose of the assisted opening, IMO.

However, I still think Kershaw knives are fantastic for the money, and Speed Safe is a great choice if you want assisted opening. I think most people don't have many issues with Speed Safe. YMMV.
Click to expand...

Just an FYI the link actually has a detent on it!

I would go with the Link on your lower end knife!
IMG_8936 https://www.flickr.com/people/57703464@N02/
 
I'd go with a Kershaw; the Link is a bit broad bladed for my tastes, I prefer the Oso-Sweet or Volt II.
Rich
 
Well I sure appreciate the feedback. I'm really torn but all the points help.
 
timwilso said:
I have a domino and really like it. Flipping action is smooth and the fit and finish is on par with the southard. I don't consider it a small knife...but not a large knife either. It really is a good all around size and has a great blade shape. The blue lightning strike scale is MUCH better looking than the standard version IMO.
Click to expand...
I'm thinking of the bento box blue
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top