Best fit and finish under $200(Updated)

Hogue EX-01 for me. Every example I've seen has perfect blade centering, butter smooth action, zero bladeplay, comes with a gorgeous polished edge. I like many models of Benchmade or Spyderco better for various reasons, but the EX-01 has really top notch F&F.
 
Anything by the A.G. Russell company.

I'd suggest the new titanium one hand folders or the Gentleman's Framelock.

I've got the one hand folder in white bone and I just can't put the damn thing down.
 
When we talk about fit and finish, I think we are really just tap dancing around the question of which knife makes us feel good when we play with it.
 
A knife that struck me with quality?
A $40.00 ALOX SAK will blow you away, especially for $40.00....
 
Spyderco's Southard flipper is only slightly above your budget, but well worth it.
 
A tie exists between Spyderco Gayle Bradley and Benchmade 710 (CPM-M4 version). I prefer the lock and action on the 710. The GB, however, has mind-blowing fit, finish, and aesthetics.

Also, much of the complaining about the GB's recessed liner lock is overstated. The lock functions well and is easily accessible to the hands of most users.
 
When we talk about fit and finish, I think we are really just tap dancing around the question of which knife makes us feel good when we play with it.

Are we? I thought we were talking about fit and finish.....tightness of construction, gaps in construction, smoothness of opening, finish on polish etc.....?
 
Are we? I thought we were talking about fit and finish.....tightness of construction, gaps in construction, smoothness of opening, finish on polish etc.....?

Yes, and all of those factors contribute to how much we like it when we play with it.
 
Greetings, Lennyo3034:

I'd echo both the Hogue EX01 (G-Mascus version) and the ZT 0200. I had both of them (the ZT was KW's beadblasted, uncoated blade version) and regret selling them. They're tactile marvels, and the micro-precision build quality and polished edge of the Hogue was really gratifying. Both had super smooth action, yet the ZT's balanced heft, bumpy G10 scales, and great flickability with both the thumbstuds and the flipper made it a fun toy. I never used either to cut anything except paper:), but the ZT especially felt like it'd be indestructible.

Cheers,
Isaeus
 
I just ordered a Benchmade 710 in CPM-M4. I look forward to comparing it to the Spyderco Manix 2 in M4. They are essentially the same knife: full liner, bearing/axis lock, G10. Should be an interesting matchup.

There are several things that make me shy away from the Gayle Bradley. I'm not a fan of carbon fiber scales, liner lock, the blade shape, and I've always carried a stigma for steel made in Taiwan. Even though I'm sure it's of great quality, it still just bothers me to see the tag on the knife.
 
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I see replies stating good F&F in the 710 in M390 or M4. Are they put together better than the other the 710's with other steels?
 
The new Spyderco Southard flipper for a high quality tool. I have a serious case of SFS... (Southard Flipping Syndrome)

It's a bit over your $200 limit but I seriously think its one of the nicest production folders period.
 
Out of all the production knives I've handled, I would say Mcusta or Moki products have the most flawless fit & finish I've seen.

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