Best Folder/steel options under $200

I'd say a Gayle Bradley (hard to beat performance wise), but you want something smaller, correct?
Perhaps a BM 940?
 
After hearing some of these responses, I think I'll go for a mini-RSK if I stick with Benchmade. I haven't come across any Spydercos yet, so I'll have to wait and see as far as those go. Right now that Gayle Bradley in M4 looks good, (if only it were m390)! I still prefer a smaller knife though, which seems harder to find in the premium steels. If only I could afford an XM-18 in CTS-XHP, I wouldn't have this problem.

I've been looking at the ZT 0550 recently, it looks thinner and somewhat smaller than the 0560, is this the case? It's coming in under budget, but with s35vn steel, I wonder if I shouldn't hold out until I can try some Spydercos in better steel. I really don't think the Kershaw Speedform II would work, I don't dig the look, which for me is a large part of the pride of ownership.
 
cm_bushman said:
After hearing some of these responses, I think I'll go for a mini-RSK if I stick with Benchmade. I haven't come across any Spydercos yet, so I'll have to wait and see as far as those go. Right now that Gayle Bradley in M4 looks good, (if only it were m390)! I still prefer a smaller knife though, which seems harder to find in the premium steels. If only I could afford an XM-18 in CTS-XHP, I wouldn't have this problem.

I've been looking at the ZT 0550 recently, it looks thinner and somewhat smaller than the 0560, is this the case? It's coming in under budget, but with s35vn steel, I wonder if I shouldn't hold out until I can try some Spydercos in better steel. I really don't think the Kershaw Speedform II would work, I don't dig the look, which for me is a large part of the pride of ownership.
Click to expand...

For what it's worth, I actually much prefer m4 to m390 despite the corrosion resistance issue. M4 seems to sharpen easier, take a finer edge, and hold it just as long if not longer than m390 in my experience.

With regards to the ZT 0550, it is shorter than the 0560,but not thinner. The 0550 is a beast of a knife, but an absolute brick in the pocket...
 
I just picked up my second Benchmade the other day and am extremely happy with it. I purchased the 940 Osbourne, S30V steel aluminumum handles, 3.4 inch blade and only 2.9 ounces. Might be slightly longer than you're looking for though. If you'd like pm me and i can tell ya where I purchased it from and how much as well.
 
Spyderco knives didn't look good to me either at first.
The big hole in the blade made me look at them funny.
Now I prefer knives with holes.

Spyderco is my favorite company and for good reason.
They have great designs and great steels at a great price.
Their quality is unbeatable. I would check them out if I were you.
I didn't like them until I held one.
And I didn't love them until I had one and used it.

I would look at:
Spyderco Native 5
Spyderco Caly 3
Spyderco Chaparral - You can even get the Ti version with CTS-XHP Steel in your price range!
Spyderco Gayle Bradley Air - I love this one.

Also check out the Curtiss Nano Linerlock - It's a custom and it's great for a little knife. I carry mine daily.
 
Native 5 is flawless. I was always hesitant but once I ordered one and got it I was wishing I had made the decision months ago. S35VN is great steel.
 
I have a sizable number of blades that are 3.0-3.5 inches long and use exotic steels. Many of them have been discussed on this thread. I'll sum up my favorites:

(1) Benchmade 940 - Consider it a very similar knife to the Mini-Grip; however, it carries smaller while having a larger blade. Incredibly smooth action, people friendly, and a very long blade for the size; the steel may be s30v (unless you can find a used gold class) but the ergonomics and cutting length make up for it;

(2) Spyderco Sage 1 - The carbon fiber scales and lock strength on this knife are amazing. It slices very well, carries INCREDIBLY discreetly in the pocket, and holds an edge well [Spyderco Sage 2 is another good choice];

(3) Spyderco Caly 3.5 (ZDP/Carbon Fiber) - This knife carries like a 940 but uses an exotic steel that holds an edge for a long, long time. It has the best ergonomics of any knife I own.

I'm not a huge fan of the PM2, personally. It is a fine blade, but I've always disliked its appearance (too triangular; don't care for the G20 used).

For larger folders, consider:

(1) Spyderco Gayle Bradley - The best fit and finish that I have seen on a production folder below $300. The CPM-M4 steel is AMAZING, holds an edge forever, and the handle material is the perfect combo between smooth and grippy. I -love- this knife and consider it the most aesthetically pleasing blade I own;

(2) Benchmade 710 in M390 - A good bit lighter (and longer blade) than the Gayle Bradley. The fit and finish is not nearly as good, but it deploys MUCH faster and is a bit easier to operate.
 
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Mini griptilian in m4 is for sale now as previously listed. Of the knives suggested i would go with

Mini-grip in M4 or Kershaw Leek D2 composite or Native 4 FRN (can be had for cheap, s30v w/ spyderco HT is g2g!)
Benchmade 710 M390 or Spyderco Gayle Bradley or Kershaw 0550 or Blur
 
I've searched a bit for both the m390 and CPM-M4 versions of the Mini-Grip and the only examples I've found were a couple M4 versions on auction in the usual place for over $200. Can anyone point me in the direction of some in-stock, or at least reasonably priced mini-Grips in these steels if they're out there?

The 581 is a bit bigger than I would like (why no mini-Barrage in the same steel?), but I've heard great reports, plus it's an Axis lock, which sweetens the deal. I've seen them reasonably under budget in a couple places, so that may be a contender. Anyone have any feedback on the 581?

I also seen that the mono-lock 755 MPR Sibert was in m390, and about the same length of my beloved 556. They're also in the right price range if I go used, so it's also jumped up in the running. However, I haven't seen any recommendations for it so far, and I figure there has to be a reason. Any problems with the 755 in use for anyone out there? The overly thick blade is a double-edged sword (ironic, no?) for me however, as I appreciate a sturdy folder, but at over 5/32" thick, I don't know if it's practical for a sub-3" blade.
 
Benchmade's small Bone Collector is G10 / D2 and about the size of your mini-G. It'll be a bit lighter than the 525 and also a bit different feeling in the hand because of the G10. A G Russell also has a new Ti & VG10 framelock folder out that's in your size & price range. VG10 is certainly not in the S30V or M390 / M4 category for edge holding, but it's a fine steel and sharpens up easily.
 
I have a mini BC. You can also get it in walnut if you like. Its not quite m4, but it is nice. I carry the 581 Barrage all the time and i love it. min came with a dull uneven edge so after i re-profiled it i have not had to sharpen it yet. it is only and EDC, not a heavy use blade so it could be a year before it hits the Sharpmaker. The 755 is HEAVY and bulky.
 
Both, the Spyderco Sage 2, & the ZT 350 can be had with S30V, @ about $140 each! If you have never held a Spyderco in your hand, you are depriving yourself of a most wonderful knife experience!
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley is my favorite for performance in your price range. Their CPM-M4 is good stuff.

The M390 Para 2 is no slouch, either.
 
After handling a few Spydercos yesterday, I think I'm sold on them overall, I couldn't find any real fault with the ones I handled, except maybe the lack of an Axis lock, but again, that's just a nice perk.

I especially liked the Native, (they didn't have the Native5, but with the markup, I don't know if it's worth it), for it's size and ergos. It seemed about the same size as a mini-grip, and I had never worked a lockback that smooth (albeit, I had disregarded lockbacks after having some Schrades when I was just getting started). I thought the choil/finger hold made by the blade felt great, but I didn't like that it cut out so much usable blade on an already small knife. The price is certainly right, with s30v it's the at the same price point as a 154cm mini-grip, so I can't argue with that.

I also liked the Tenacious, though I know it's another (lower) class of knife than the Native. I think that's about the largest size I would feel comfortable carrying EDC.

I was also lucky enough to handle the BM 581 Barrage. I liked it from the first, but it's just a little too big, with a handle much larger than I think it should be, or that I would feel comfortable with in-pocket.

I didn't get to handle any of the Sages or the Caly 3. How does the Bolt-action lock on the Sage 3 compare to the Axis? Does it work in a similar manner, and can it be adjusted to be "flicked" open if so desired?
 
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