Best folder under $250.

ZT 0452 would be a good choice for the sub 250$ mark. I love the BM 940 also and if KW is selling them in 20CV thats a bonus.
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I have decided on a ZT 0770 with M4. Lightweight, nice flipping action, not to big and a great blade. Maybe a bit more mainstream than I'd have liked but I think it'll be everything I want.
 
The Freeman 451 flipper is definitely not a mainstream knife. Excellent fit and finish, strong D2 blade, sits very well in hand, flips perfectly, rock solid and looks super cool (comes with several different G10 and one micarta inlay). $200 directly from the maker. I have sent it back (lack of use) and miss it dearly.





 
Southern Grind Bad Monkey (~$250), Spider Monkey (~$220). Here are pics of my Spider monkey:






Kizer Ki423--Flipper, ball bearing pivot, very unique design. Pics of mine (sorry about the med bottle in the background):




The Three Sisters Forge Beast is a nice knife, and you can find them (albeit users) on the exchange for around the $250 mark. Pics of mine:




Brous Blades has a new knife out, the Sniper, starts at $169. Neat, slim design, D2 steel, flipper with bearings, aluminum handles. For a bit more they have a coated blade version as well. The Bionic 2.0 and some of the T4 models come under that $250 mark as well.

LionSteel and their collaborators (DPx, Dendra, and one or two more I can't remember) have some unique knives. I owned an SR-1 aluminum and a DPx HEAT and both were well made knives, if not for me.
 
I'm a huge fan of my DPX Hest 2.0 folder. Tank of a knife, really useful notch in the blade to open bottles so you don't have to carry a bottle opener.

The smaller HEAT is also nice. I'm actually planning for one soon.

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K.O.D. said:
Brous Blades has a new knife out, the Sniper, starts at $169. Neat, slim design, D2 steel, flipper with bearings, aluminum handles.
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Stay away from the Sniper. The jimping is flat out ridiculous (read painful) and the aluminum itself is slicker than snot. So, basically, if you hold on tight while you're using the knife, it's going to hurt. If you don't, you're most likely going to have the knife slip out of your hand.

In my personal opinion, this one screams "cut corners to save money". It is complete junk, especially at that price point. DPx Gear, Spyderco, Benchmade, ZT, and just about anyone else you can think of offers much more knife at that price point. If you're not worried about free sharpening at a US address, Reate and Kizer are two Chinese companies pumping out pure quality and both offer far superior value.

Profit margins on that Sniper better be through the roof at $169...otherwise he'd be much better off having them made in China.

It's hard to talk about that knife's poor design without cursing...someone is going to end up cutting themselves if they use it hard. It's truly appalling for the price, and it's pretty sad that this is what you get buying American made now.
 
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Hogue EX01 with 3.5 blade, 8' overall. I have the one with the aluminum handle, it's just a great design and has a dependable button lock, a beautiful knife that you can find for around $120
 
The benchmade loco has absolutely blown me away. Loses NO utility to its size. Like a manix on steroids. Super comfy, great looking IMO and deep carry clip. Only negative is sometimes I like a finer point.
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NG VI said:
That Freeman looks gorgeous, how is the lock on it?
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Sorry for a late reply - the lock is super safe and tight. There was zero blade play even when force was applied (in whatever direction). If I ever decide to get a 'heavy duty folder' - I will most probably get the Freeman (without going through never ending chores of finding the 'best' one).
 
The blade shape on that one is anything but "mainstream" when talking to non-knife folks. You've picked a great-looking blade in a very nice configuration. Enjoy! :D
 
That Freeman looks awesome!!! I changed my mind and opted not to get the ZT 0770. Instead I found a thread that had a TON of custom scales for a Benchmade Griptilian and Mini Grip so I opted for both! OK, so I went over my budget as both are Ritter Grips that come with M390. Now my next knife won't be a knife, it will be custom scales for both!
 
Have you looked at the boker plus urban trapper? I just got the CF version and I'm very impressed with it. It seems to be underrated due the gen 1 version needing some tweaks.
 
Congrats! Yes - there are quite some custom scales for the Griptilian. I myself can not stop thinking of getting this knife and then scales from Kevin Wilkins. Pricey, but sooo cool :)
 
Ontario Rat 1
Buck 110 (belt sheath carry)
Buck 112 (if you want sometging a little smaller than the 110)
Buck 301
Any of the Rough Rider traditional folders
Case
Schrade Uncle Henry LB7 (old or new) Old Timer 7OT (old or new)
Any if the Schrade traditional folders (old or new) I hear the new made Modern Schrade folders are pretty good, as well.
 
I'll also +1 on the ZT 452 and ZT 450. I have both, but prefer the smaller ZT 450 for EDC.

If you look around the forum(s), you might be able to find a Lion Steel TiSpine, my other favorite knife to EDC. Moletta and Robert Young Pelton did a fabulous job with this design. The size, blade geometry, and steel are all PERFECT! Once you handle one, you get it.
 
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