Best $1K folding knife (blade length of 3 inches or less)

[nikshichu]

Looking for the best folding knife around $1K, preferably under 3 inch blade. I've got my eyes on Koenig Mini Arius, Strider pt gen 3 and Hinderer xm18 3". Also considering Shirogorov but those are big knives except for the Neon, which I don't like the looks as much as the other ones. Now I already have a small seb 31, which is my first and only grail knife, but now as I'm discovering more knives I want a new one.. you know how it goes I am fairly new to premium custom brands, so I'm all ears ‍

 

[Peter Hartwig]

Pena makes a couple nice custom front flippers
Mula & cabellero

 

[Hackenslash]

Dressed up Herman Micro Sting.

 

[Leo Greer]

Just a heads up, the Shiro NeOn is 3.35”. Excellent knife though. I own an R20 which is even lighter than the other variants and it’s a joy to carry and use.

 

[Therom]

Je if mini-Arius, Herman micro Sting or Rockstead Hizen are good option but I think that in this price range you can also start to look a custom designer

 

[chevyrulez1]

When I first glanced at the title my brain thought "best $1 knife" It took me a moment to realize what you were asking. I wouldn't have a clue as I personally couldn't imagine paying that much for a blade, it would habe to really be something special.

 

[lintonindy]

Oz Roosevelt, Eutsler Dukling, Mini Arius, GPK Lamia (not my favorite but version 4 seems to have fixed some issues), NCC Ragnarok.

My personal favorite is the Roosevelt by a large margin.

 

[John Phillips]

Neon, Oz Roosevelt, Rockstead Hizen, Herman Sting

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

FSD Mini, CRK Mnandi.

 

[BTTLBRN]

Some very good suggestions so far, but I personally would commission something custom.

 

[mitchnola]

I’d probably be looking to have a custom made in that range but if ya antsy ck out the eustler duk. Don’t have one myself but I always catch myself drooling when I see em.

 

[John Phillips]

Also, South African knife makers are seriously good. A2 knives might be bigger than your requirement but they make great high end flippers

 

[JTR357]

I was going to say a Tom Krein Alpha but they're like $1300-$2K+. Years ago, you could snag one for 800-1k. With that said, I'd probably go with a nice dressed up CRK in Damascus & a cool inlay like Mammoth or something.

 

[sharp_edge]

Some very good suggestions so far, but I personally would commission something custom.

Actually no. Most ones suggested by far are not even remotely close to $1k.

 

[John Phillips]

Actually no. Most ones suggested by far are not even remotely close to $1k.

Mini Arius is under $1,000
Rockstead Hinzen is under $1,000
Herman Sting is under $1,000
A2 was $800
Oz Roosevelts are $850 if you can win one
Almost all CRKs , even uniques are under $1,000, bought a large 31 unique Hematite last night for $800 shipped.
Almost all Hinderers are well under $1,000 unless you get into BPU or Battle Hound
Neon is under $1,000

Maybe I misunderstood your post???

 

[Delgadonine]

Buy what you can, use what you buy.

How do you intend to use this knife?

Pocket jewelry or pocket tool?

 

[Bing Gao]

Higher end custom slipjoint would be nice with that edge length requirement

 

[DMG]

I was going to say a Tom Krein Alpha but they're like $1300-$2K+. Years ago, you could snag one for 800-1k. With that said, I'd probably go with a nice dressed up CRK in Damascus & a cool inlay like Mammoth or something.

What is that in your avatar? Looks awesome.

 

[JTR357]

What is that in your avatar? Looks awesome.

It's a Benchmade 635 Mini-Skirmish modified by Tom Krein. He straightened the recurve & reground it. It's one of the very few tip-down carry knives I have & it just works for this model. I also lightly sanded the Ti handles to give it more of an antique/worn look.

 

[155440]

I've been out of the higher-end knife game for a minute... what the hell is the appeal of the oz roosevelt? It's a basic b titanium frame lock in 20 cv - someone please explain to me why people are willing to pay 1k+ secondary for them.

To keep my post on topic you can get an awesome custom slip joint for 1K