Best Built/Smoothest Folders Under $250

T

TriviaMonster

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Jan 2, 2012
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Pretty much as the title says, I am looking for smooth, well made folders in the $250 range or less. Obviously, if it's $275, no big deal, but make a note of price if you don't mind.

I am into framelocks and all sorts of types of knives. I really like my 0561 and I have an order in for an HTM Gunhammer in S90V :D

But, I have hit kind of a wall on my next purchase. I have been wanting a Grayman Dua ($255) in the all Ti version, but they are out of stock until September I guess. That is a big one on my list and I think it's a fair price for the knife.

I am also looking at a Microtech Socom Elite in S35VN (2012 Model). I have even been considering a Military, but am looking for something a bit more exclusive I guess.

Hopefully you guys can help me fill my void. I like good steel and typical blade shapes, not a big Hawkbill fan :thumbdn:, but I do like wharnies :thumbup:

Thanks to everyone in advance!
 
Try the combative edge M1 or the lion steel Sr-1a. If you like big the Jerry hossom Ontario retribution 1 is so smooth. And beefy. Knife center has them in stock.
 
For about $100, you can get a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 with S30V blade-steel. A compression lock is used; a lock which is strong and unique: very easy and quick deployment and closing of blade. One of the most respected folders around.
sonny
 
I'd say the Al Mar S.E.R.E. 2000 is in the running. A veritable tank on teflon treads. Can be had for around $175
 
Both the Combative Edge M1 and the SERE 2000 are on the list of knives I have been eyeing for this purchase. I will give the edge to the M1, but I like them both. The Para2 is on the list for a down the road purchase, but I have my eye on something a bit more unique.

I have even been eyeing the Protech Integrity framelocks, but not quite sure. Should I just hold out for the Dua? It's been on the list ever since the article in Tactical Knives magazine.
 
I've been eyeing the Satu. I may wait till he changes steels, maybe s35. I also like the DPX hest triple black.
 
The Hest Triple Black is very cool, but expensive and has serrations that I am not super fond of.

Does he plan on changing steels on the Satu and Dua pretty soon? I would love an ELMAX or M390 Dua!
 
I am also seriously eyeing the new Benchmade Mini Onslaught w/ Carbon Fiber scales, blue anodized Ti barrel spacers and a black D2 blade. This thing is really working it's way up my list fast. But, do I wait for the Dua or get an M1 or SR11?
 
There are several great knives available at that price but I'd go for the ZT 0560/61...just my opinion but I think its the best made, most feature rich and smooth opening production knife you can buy at or near its price.
Best of luck!
 
I know you have the 0560, but I would give the 0550 a look if I were you. I like it better than the 0560 and it's super smooth, mine is almost as smooth as a VECP. I rate the 0550 as one of the best frame locks I have owned and for the price you can't go wrong.
 
KLJTech said:
There are several great knives available at that price but I'd go for the ZT 0560/61...just my opinion but I think its the best made, most feature rich and smooth opening production knife you can buy at or near its price.
Best of luck!
Click to expand...

He said he already has one. Anyway, three sisters forge beast is $300.
 
Biginboca said:
I know you have the 0560, but I would give the 0550 a look if I were you. I like it better than the 0560 and it's super smooth, mine is almost as smooth as a VECP. I rate the 0550 as one of the best frame locks I have owned and for the price you can't go wrong.
Click to expand...

I have the 0551 as well and its great knife...either would be a great choice and if a wanted a tad smaller knife I'd certainly grab the 0551 or 0550. You can't go wrong with either knife...Hell, I love the 0300 as well and I've found that knife new for anywhere from $213 to $230 which is a fantastic deal.

The A.G. Russell Acies is a very smooth knife too and its a great slicer.
 
Check out the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. It is about half your goal price but many say a bargain at $250. It is really solidly built with great materials worthy of a premium. I don't know about exclusive because it seems to be a very popular model (for good reason). If you want a military and exclusivity- look for a sprint run or fluted ti model. Those are two knives I think everyone should at least try out.
 
The Spyderco Sage 2 is hard to beat for around $160. Quality materials, super-smooth opener.
 
I have thought about an 0550/1 but never pulled the trigger. I am worried that I wouldn't carry the 0550/1 all that much since I have an 0561, which I love. I mean I love the crap out of my 0561, like in a gross way.

I have also considered a 0300, but seems a bit heavy for EDC. The Three Sisters Forge Beast looks nice, but for less money I can get the Grayman which I like a little bit better.

Both the M1/SR11 and the Dua are unavailable until September, which isn't, but seems really far away from now. I keep coming back to the Mini Onslaught, especially since I keep hearing that they are ground super thin behind the edge and love to cut/slice.
 
I have only heard rumor that he will change steels, and no indication when. I don't think the DPX T3 is too much. It's got a great steel, .197 thick, 4in. Blade. Ti and g10 handle. I don't like serrations, but those aren't horrible. I found it online for under 300 new. It may be my next folder, if I can't close a deal on a Demko Ad-10 I'm working on.
 
Is the blade really 4 inches?

Specs:

BladeHQ DPX HEST T3

Overall Length: 7.63"
Blade Length: 3.3"
Cutting Edge: 3.10"
Blade Thickness: 0.197"
Blade Steel: German Niolox, 60 HRC
Closed Length: 4.38"
Handle Thickness: 0.54"
Weight: 5.10 oz.

Specs from KnifeCenter

Blade length: 3.94" / 100.08 mm
Blade thickness: 0.197" / 5.00 mm
Cutting edge: 3.10" / 78.74 mm
Closed length: 4.38" / 111.25 mm
Overall length: 7.63" / 193.80 mm
Handle thickness: 0.54" / 13.74 mm
Weight: 5.10 oz / 144.58 g
Handmade by LionSteel in Italy


DPX's website lists the same specs as KnifeCenter. Overall Length = 7.63" - 3.94" (Blade Length) = 3.69" of handle length. That doesn't add up. Somehow with a 3.94" blade it's the same cutting edge length and overall length as a regular HEST 2.0 Folder? Yet it has the same 3.1" cutting edge length? BladeHQ even goes farther, they list the HEST T3 as a 3.6" blade. I am super confused. Even more they list the weight as basically the same 5.1oz. That wouldn't be crazy it it were the same with a larger blade if they did some further weight reduction, but adds even more to my theory I suppose.

HEST 2.0 Folder from KnifeCenter

Blade Length: 3.10"
Blade Thickness: 0.187"
Handle Thickness: 0.541"
Closed Length: 4.38"
Overall Length: 7.625"
Weight: 5.11 oz.
Handmade by Lion Steel in Maniago, Northern Italy
 
I know! I saw the specs and I was confused too! The Dpx website is what I went by and one of the review vids(edge observer I believe) said the same and measured it... If those specs are true???then it is exactly what I want.
 
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