"Best" Assisted opening Folder for under $125

Tons of excellent Kershaw's in this price range, you could probably grab a couple nice ones actually.

I love my Leek, but sometimes it's a bit small and dainty. Depends on what you are going to use it for I guess.

If you want something a little beefier, check out the Cyclone and Mini-cyclone, a cool feature being that you can turn the AO on/off.

Check out the Junkyard Dog II, perhaps even the composite version, absolutely gorgeous. Technically, it's not assisted, but using the flipper, you would never know.
 
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.


My only concern with the ZT knives is EDC-ability. I know of them as being a bit larger than EDC in dress slacks.

I like having a larger knife, but I don't need one that is conspicuous in office attire.

I'll give their dimensions a look.

Thanks for the suggestion.
 
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.


I'm a fan of Benchmade durability, but the Benchmade I own is a tanto--IMO, not a practical blade shape for practical everyday use.

I've given a few used Benchmades a look on various forums, but most seem to have the combo edge.
 
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.

I didn't know much about SOG knives until I got the TwitchII for Christmas. It's actually held up pretty well without lint/dirt cloggin up the AA mechanism.
 
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.


Looks like the right blade shape, a good steel, all by a reputable manufacturer.

The only problem I think I'm seeing is size. 4.68" closed, over 8" open.

I've found lots of great folders with my desires, but they all seem to be a bit too big.
 
In each BoB (or emergency bag) there are just about all necessary short-term survival materials including a decent fixed blade and a multi-tool kit (mix of Gerber and Leatherman).

It's my fault for not stating this clearly in the original post. I know most are giving sound advice based on having the famous "just one knife".

My TwitchII is ~3.5" closed, sleek, and has a decent AA system. The thumb stud, IMO, is worthless and unusable as configured.

Something similar to it, with better blade steel, and perhaps a bit larger (by a .5" or so closed).
 
there is always spyderco delica,endura, or spyderco paramilitary
only problem is they dont have assisted opening
 
there is always spyderco delica,endura, or spyderco paramilitary
only problem is they dont have assisted opening

Well, you mention Spyderco and I've never owned a Spyderco.

I've heard outstanding things about them both from users and in various gun rags.

How about the Spyderco Embassy Auto C121P? S30V steel, auto open feature, no serrations, and 4.2" closed? It's about 30 bucks more than my stated price point, but are the additional features worth it?
 
I also recommend 1660CB leek, great little knife.

However, have you considered nonAO Kershaw Flippers like JYDII or RAM? They're not AO, but open like an AO :) I have JYDII CB and it's a great knife for a great price :)
 
The Sirus is the solid handle version of the Tempest and can also be found in both ATS-34 or 154cm.
 
Anyone checked out the newer CRKT "My tighe" and "mini My Tighe". I forgot about these. They are actually pretty cool assisted openers and I think they are framelocks. I have thought about picking up the "mini" version.
 
i like the twitch XL a lot.

The twitch XL is a good sleek knife with a good lock and assisted features.

Oh yeah, robicon, don't use the thumb stud on the twitch, just the finger flipper. I don't know why SOG bothered to put those on the knife, 'cause just attempting to use them almost hacks your finger off.
 
CPM D2 composite Leek.
Price is great. Knife is great. The CPM D2 holds an excellent edge.
 
Try to find an original Camillus Heat or Blaze. One of the most durable, and strongest AO design around IMHO.

Avoid the new Spain products!
 
Back
Top