"Best" Assisted opening Folder for under $125

R

robicon

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Jun 9, 2008
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"Best" being subjective, let me try to narrow it down. This knife will be my new EDC so carry ease is important (not too bulky or heavy).

(In order of importance to me)

--I want good edge retention while having some stainless properties.

--I want a solid locking mechanism. Liner or framelock is not important, but it MUST be solid.

--Assisted opening feature is preferred as I've grown accustomed to my SOG Twitch II.

We're buying a new home, hence the price limit. I'm a fixed blade guy so I know little about folders.

My folders:
I own an old Elishewitz Benchmade, the previously mentioned SOG TwitchII, and assorted other "cheapies".

I figure you guys get this all the time, but reading prior threads leaves my head spinning (and they don't mention this exact price point).

I appreciate any and all help.

Thanks,
Rob
 
I like the new Kershaw Leek composite version with the laminated D2 along the blade edge.
 
IMO, the Kershaw 1660CB D2 Leek. $60, great deal, 440A stainless frame lock.

Buy two :)

Edit: Jinx, I was typing this post as you entered yours.
 
Bimmer1 said:
I like the new Kershaw Leek composite version with the laminated D2 along the blade edge.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion.

Have you used this knife and are you aware of its lock strength?

The composite blade looks interesting and functional...very neat.

I've owned a Kershaw in the past (lost long ago) and it seemed like a decent knife.
 
Flatlander1963 said:
Buck Tempest in 154cm (top notch steel that comes very sharp). This is a high quality AO knife at an excellent price point. And, it can be had from a internet retailer for around $55-$65. Check 'em out on EBAY.

I love mine!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Buck-Tempest-As...ryZ63792QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I've use this outfit several times. Good operation.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion.

I'm a bit leary of hollowed out handles. Now I could be completely wrong here, but it would seem that those cut-outs make a great entryway for pocket lint, dirt, grime, etc. to find their way into the mechanism.
 
robicon said:
Thank you for the suggestion.

Have you used this knife and are you aware of its lock strength?

The composite blade looks interesting and functional...very neat.

I've owned a Kershaw in the past (lost long ago) and it seemed like a decent knife.
Click to expand...

I own lots of leeks and they all have very strong lock up. The shallot is also a nice assisted opening knife, but the steel wont have the same edge retention as d2 or s30v.
 
I was going to suggest the CB Leek as well.

I have the knife and I love it. EDCed it for a few weeks but being in NY and its being an AO, not the best mix in the world.

The framelock is really solid. It feels strong to me but I can't really compare it to other knives since I don't own any other framelocks. I did play around with a friends Boker Trance and the Leeks lock feels stiffer than that.
 
I also would a Kershaw leek or one of Kershaw's similar knives.

My edc is currently a composite leek.
 
All suggestions so far are excellent. Could even get away with 2 Leeks given the budget. My alternative: ZT 0400. S30V blade, $120 @ the Pharmacy, I think it EDC's well.
 
D2 at $55-60 vs. S30V at $75-80...save your $20 for some brewskis and get D2.

In my experience (4-5 knives in both steels), the two are so close in performance, its really not worth the price difference.
 
Since Kershaw has the patent on Ken Onion's SpeedSafe AO, I'd look there. The 1660CB Leek is a great little knife. You get a CPM D2 cutting edge fused to a spine of 13C26. Frame lock, too. A sleek knife! If you're looking for something just a little larger and tougher, I'd suggest a Blur. They can still be found for right at $ 100, and you get a SG2 blade (1670BRNSG2). For a little less, there's the Blur in stonewashed S30V (1670S30V). Both of these are liner locks. I own all of them, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Any of these would fit your bill.

Good Hunting!
 
I would like put the Benchmade Nitrous Stryker on your "check it out" list. It meets all of your requirements- and is a heck of a knife.
 
If you stick to SOG, the Flash II is nice as well as a SOG Trident. Even the Twitch XL is a nice looking knife.
 
Kershaw Blur, in SG2, S30V, or Leek in composite D2, or S30V, Spec-bump in S30V, (all Kershaw)

For Sog, the trident.

Good luck!
 
How about a Kershaw Boa? I also like the Camillus Heat, Kershaw Blur and SOG Trident. I like the Heat and if you look around you can still find the USA model. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
I'm gonna have to back the BM 913 in D2. Perfect size for EDC i think. The only drawback i can think of is maybe the titanium liner-lock wearing (as is the case with any liner-lock). Other than that, the knife locks up solid with no play at all, D2 steel works very well, G10 scales do their job well with the grooves and the AO action is quite snappy.

Wish i had it here, but my girlfriend won't give it back she likes it so much.
 
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