Best fit and finish under $200(Updated)

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Lennyo3034

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Nov 27, 2012
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So I realize that 95% of the time I have one of my knives in my hand, I'm just playing with it and not actually cutting anything. In fact, I have a tendency to continuously flip it open and closed during telecons. I guess I just like playing with a quality tool.

So in the spirit of getting what's best for my uses, what brand knives do you think has the best fit and finish in a folding knife? I currently have several benchmades, a spyderco, and a SOG. The SOG doesn't come close to the quality of the other two. What brand knives have struck people has having exceptional fit and finish? Obviously I prefer a knife that can be used to good effect when I need it to. I also don't care about appearances that much.

Thanks.

Update Page 3: Bought a 710 and was sorely disappointed.
 
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Lennyo3034 said:
So in the spirit of getting what's best for my uses, what brand knives do you think has the best fit and finish in a folding knife?
... I also don't care about appearances that much.
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Huh?

Fit & finish refers to how well something is put together = appearances.
 
I think he means without concern or style.

I've always thought my SAK has excellent fit and finish. ;)
 
From my experiences, the higher end spyderco knives have the best F and F among production folders.
 
CWL said:
Huh?

Fit & finish refers to how well something is put together = appearances.
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I was referring to the design. It doesn't need to be pretty, ie. not a gentleman's folder. What I care about in regards to fit and finish is how it feels in the hand. Solid lockup, minimal wobble, parts flush where they are supposed to be, etc.
 
My Sog Vulcan and my ZT 0200 and 0300blem and 0400 are all superb fit and finish. No balde play, loose screws, machine marks or off center issues. All scales and liners match up well. Even the blem(could never find the blem, drove me crazy trying to find it)
 
Sage 1 is ergonomically perfect for me, with excellent F&F.
Benchmade AFCK, and the already mentioned #710 in M390.

Mike H.
 
glocker199 said:
Benchmade 710 in M390
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I got one of em just before they discontinued em. It came with an off center blade with scraped against the liner. BM sent me a shipping label and I'm gonna send it back soon. I guess we'll see if that fixes it. Other than that though, fun knife to play with
 
To my eyes Bark River has the best fit & finish for fixed blades & Spyderco looks the best for a folder!
 
I totality understand what you mean. I use to love cleaning and messing with my assualt rifles just because I liked the precision action of well fit metal on metal.

My Spydercos are nice, but mine are frn. I liked the zt 0350, but my latest BM rift is very smooth. My favorite. For now. :)
 
Do you have a preference in size?

I would recommend a higher end Spyderco. The Fit and Finish is top notch. Especially the Taichung Taiwan knives.
For regular use you don't really need overly built. I like something that can slice and be used lightly but handle whatever I throw at it.

With that idea in mind:
Spyderco Gayle Bradley - It's loved by many knife nuts(I don't have one) but know it's a well built knife with awesome materials at a good price.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 - Is made here in the USA and is a great overall EDC.
Spyderco Chokwe - It looks weird but feels nice in the hand and the blade shape is very utilitarian.
Spyderco Techno - A little tank of a knife. Thick and solid, fits the hand well and is an overall excellent design. Good blade steel, nice shape to it. Can handle both big and little jobs.
 
I actually already own a Manix 2 in CPM M4. Is there an advantage to the gayle Bradley when I already have the Manix? I really like the ball bearing lock over what the gale bradley's lock.
 
I do the same thing. I flick open and close my knives just for the F of it. Like the feel of well made solid knives.
For me Kershaw is my favorite brand, particularly any Ken Onion designs. Perfect example would have to be the Blur. It feels SOLID and the Speedsafe mechanism is perfect.

-Tony
 
Lennyo3034 said:
I actually already own a Manix 2 in CPM M4. Is there an advantage to the gayle Bradley when I already have the Manix? I really like the ball bearing lock over what the gale bradley's lock.
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I have both of these knives, and the M4 steel is really the only real similarity between the two. The locks, blade shapes and handle materials make them feel very different.

The Manix is a great knife, but my GB feels like a $400 folder -- just seems so well built. However, if you are just looking for a knife to continuously flip open, the GB might not be for you...the liner lock is thick and has a very minimal clearance for your thumb...it isn't really an issue for me, but others have complained about it before and I've heard people mention it hurting their thumb to disengage.
 
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