Benchmade, Spyderco, and ?

M

MajorLonghorn

Joined
Jul 6, 2012
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I always find myself coming back to Benchmade and Spyderco. Unless I am looking for a budget-minded offering (Kershaw) or something overbuilt (Zero-Tolerance), I can't seem to find a company which makes a folding knife that is made out of high quality materials at a reasonable price. Short of breaking the bank with a custom maker, is there another option for interesting designs, quality materials, and great customer service?
 
Depending on your definition of quality - AG Russell makes some nice "modern traditionals". Many have the 8cr13 which some here turn their nose up to. But my experience is that the steel used in the budget AG Russell knives functions well. You also get designs that are far different from BM or Spyderco.

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MajorLonghorn said:
I always find myself coming back to Benchmade and Spyderco. Unless I am looking for a budget-minded offering (Kershaw) or something overbuilt (Zero-Tolerance), I can't seem to find a company which makes a folding knife that is made out of high quality materials at a reasonable price. Short of breaking the bank with a custom maker, is there another option for interesting designs, quality materials, and great customer service?
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The ZT 0770 and BM 940-1 are hard to beat for quality materials and the pricing isn't bad either for what you get.
 
Hogue knives. Check them out.

The EX-04 is one of my favorites and if I can I'd like to get the EX-01 & 02 also.

They are exceptionally well made knives, made with good materials and have great ergo's.

Best of luck!
 
While most of the ZT models are heavily overbuilt, some are well within reason - like the 0561 or 0801. And the quality of the materials and construction are on on par with the best of the best.
Alternatively, CRK has the best fit and finish in the business - though you may not consider $350+ to be "reasonable" for a new knife.
 
Benchmade, Spyderco, and ZT. For what you pay, no other production knife company compares to these three in terms of Construction, materials, and design. IMO
 
Rum. Monkey. said:
Benchmade, Spyderco, and ZT. For what you pay, no other production knife company compares to these three in terms of Construction, materials, and design. IMO
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This is pretty much where I'm at with it.

If you don't want overbuilt, the 0770cf gives you Elmax steel, a great slicing grind, and a very light package. The 0566 isn't a feather, but it is slim and easy to carry.
 
Spyderco and ZT are my go to brands these days. If I cant afford either one of these when my itch starts up, I will go for a US made Kershaw or cold steel.
 
I found, much to my surprise, that I really like my Cold Steel Recon 1.

I do stuff with it that I would never do with a Benchmade or Spyderco. Like cut 8 gauge wire. It sharpens well and holds and edge. It feels great in my hand and the lock is rock solid.

You might give one a try. You might be as surprised as I am.
 
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I really think if you are open to slipjoints, GEC is awesome. Grab one and see what you think. 1095 blade steel and a great American Made fit and finish that will blow you away.

Also, MCusta is a damn fine knife for the money with usually VG-10 or a VG-10 core with a Damascus outer shell.
 
I see Cold Steel was mentioned already, but I don't own a Cold Steel knife. I do own one single Emerson, though. I enjoy my Mini A100. Never had to do anything that required customer service, though.
 
Columbia River (CRKT) has got a lot of variety at lesser price-points. Lots of collabs with designers over the years. Sog takes a lot of heat here, and has got stuff spanning the spectrum from super cheap-wouldn't own one, to several hi-zoot models costing more than most BM or Spyderco
 
JOELSM said:
Depending on your definition of quality - AG Russell makes some nice "modern traditionals". Many have the 8cr13 which some here turn their nose up to.
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That's something that has recently started bothering me a little. As far as carbon and carbide content, AUS-8 and 8cr13Mov / 8cr13 are very comparable. Their preformances are similar as well, yet I've seen people complain more about the 8cr13 steel than AUS-8.
 
My personal favorite production company is Emerson...

One thing i have found over the years of collecting is try not to get caught up on the hype train of the latest and greatest, find out what you don't like and move forward to what you really like.

+1 to Al Mar.. they don't get enough credit
 
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