Best Built/Smoothest Folders Under $250

For me, it is my Benchmade 2012 Forum Rift. Everything about it reeks of quality. The Carbon Fiber is smooth and strong (no sharp edges like the G-10 Rift), the Barrel Spacers looks good, the blade is Cerakoted uniformly, and the blade is dead center. Feels incredible in hand, and the opening/closing action is extra smooth, even for the already smooth Axis Lock. Cost me $180, but it would probably cost a lot more now if they are all sold out.

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Hogue EX-01 is one of the smoothest production folders I've ever had, and was well below $200.
 
As far as best built / smoothest folders.... I'd have to ask, what your preference is aesthetic-wise.

For something with a little tactical appeal, a well broken in HEST 2.0, AL MAR SERE, an all black Para 2 or a DUA. Lube'em break them in and tune the pivot... pure silk.

For a gentlemans style, the Benchmade 940 is very well built and extremely smooth (actually just about any of the axis lock blades are silky smooth) but my favorite has to be the Gayle Bradley (they can be had for around $100 right here on the exchange) It is gor-ge-us! It is a nice gentleman's folder, a bit heavy but it has an M4 steel hollow ground blade, carbon fiber handles and the fit and finish is excellent. Seriously, if this exact blade.....CF handles, polished liners, hollow ground blade, zero travel lock up was not a production blade and made by and sold by one of our own makers here on this forum... I pretty sure it would sell in the $500 + range (i'm glad it's a production blade :D
 
I've felt a bunch of smooth Benchmade mini-grips, 940s, Spyderco Tenaciouses (is it Tenaciousi for plural?), and Paramilitaries.
 
Maddogg774 said:
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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I have the Hest T3. Awesome knife!! It's pretty much the same size as the regular Hest 2.0. I believe there are some mistakes in the print descriptions out there. The differences are, limited to 500, better blade steel, serrations (asked for by 1st responders), blacked out, and better tool made from Ti that includes a great compass. It's like the Three Sisters Forge Beast - a small huge knife. :) Quite smooth too. Cheers.
 
TriviaMonster said:
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.
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I know that that the 0300 is a bit on the heavy size but its a beast and one Hell of a knife...I just saw it for sale brand new for only $211...I grabbed mine for $230 and thought that was a great deal.
Best of luck on your quest...there are so many great knives out there now that if you do your homework it would be hard to make a mistake.
 
I checked out a Bradley Alias, and was very impressed it. More than I was spending that day, but in your price range. I can also personally recommend the Sage 2.
 
Don't laugh. One of the smoothest folders I own is a camillus 7.25" folder. Vg10 steel, g10 scales, liner lock with thumb stud. The downside is its right hand tip down carry only. But it is smooth as butter opening and closing. And was only about 50$.
 
Combative Edge M1, Spyderco PM2, Microtech Sodom Elite are all super smooth. Benchmade axis locks are also smooth.

Good luck!
 
Maddogg774 said:
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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UpdateGianni emailed me last night. He said the length specs are the same as the hest 2.0. That being said I'm leaning more toward the 810 Contego.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley wins hands down.

Carbon fiber + CPM M4 + Most solid liner lock ever + Hollow ground @150$....
 
Used Small Sebenza
ZT 0560
Paramilitary 2



(S30v > M4 for it's rust resistance. M4 is slightly harder and holds an edge longer but I don't think it's anything noticeable. At least from all my searching around lately s30v is the best all around steel for the money if money isn't ask issue entire purchase then s90v is best.)
 
I'm also in the market for my first folder, and I quite like the 560... Only thing that kept me from getting one is the finish on the blade, as I recall reading that a black blade version would come along at some point.
Now maybe I'm just blind, but I can't find a black blade 560 anywhere?
 
Maddogg774 said:
UpdateGianni emailed me last night. He said the length specs are the same as the hest 2.0. That being said I'm leaning more toward the 810 Contego.
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Thats what I thought. If i remember correctly there was even some confusion about the HEST 2.0's blade length when it came out. Everybody seemed to overestimate the size. Its like a 3 inch blade at best. But the knife is still huge! Thats what I like about it so much.
 
The Kershaw JYDII is pretty smooth and far under your limit.
Get the CB version, it has the edge made out of CPM-D2
HEST 2.0 is very nice, too but not as smooth
 
Sonnydaze said:
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
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there out of stock or delayed everywhere I have seen.
 
The Sage 2 is the best bang for your buck as far as quality / price is concerned IMO.
It's such a well built, sleek knife and the size + weight is perfect for any occasion.
The smooth Ti just melts in your hand.
I also recommend the BM Mini Onslaught LE with CF/D2. Great ergonomics and blade shape, and the axis-lock is silky smooth.
And although I have no personal experience with it, I can guarantee that AG Russel's Acies 2 will be a winner.
 
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