Best folder under 250

Stringjam7 said:
but thick blades can still perform well when offset by things like a high grind on a tall blade that manages to keep the BTE reasonable
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I would have argued against that in the past but my Spyderco Shaman SPY27 has made me more open minded .
OP there's another good'un to consider .
 
With the para 3, there are a lot of great steel choices. I really like the size of this one. A lot of great knives in this price range.
 
Stringjam7 said:
I get that. Whenever an OP states their criteria, I really try to stick with it if I have a response worth giving. OP wants thick blades - and my own preference definitely leans towards thin blade stock, but thick blades can still perform well when offset by things like a high grind on a tall blade that manages to keep the BTE reasonable.

ZT does have some thin stock slicers. They're not as popular as the chonks so they don't get much mention - but I love em'. ;)

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Stringjam7 :
Thanks !
That's looking pretty darned good to me .
they don't get much mention
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What the heck , lets mention it. What is that one ?
 
Cold Steel is an option, like others have said. Blade thickness is just "average" for their size, though. If you're pulling and stowing it often enough, you may start to imagine removing the pocket clip and building some kind of belt sheath.

A used Emerson? I think this is a long shot, at the sub-250 range you will need ninja skills to catch one here, or on the Bay.

Benchmade Adamas sounds like it might do what you want, and pre-owned options can be had at your price. I recommend going with one that has been "pre-loved" anyway, because this knife is going to meet concrete, sooner or later!

I look for chances to bring up TOPS Knives, and this is one of them! The TOPS/Buck CSAR-T would likely be just what you're looking for, if you're willing to wait for one to come up on the secondary market. Don't ask me what all the letters mean, I don't know. This was back when TOPS had a lot of tactical pretensions, so it probably has something to do with search and rescue.

Edited to add: my experience with "bigger" knives is that they aren't always better. Unless you're a legit strong man, or have a thyroid condition and all your trousers are bespoke, pockets tend to have the same amount of real estate, no matter what the numbers on the tag say. Big knives take up a lot of it, and my Cold Steel 4Max Scout can prove it.

Cardboard is a great way to test edge geometry, retention, and how nicely a knife is willing to treat your hand. Blade size isn't as relevant as chemistry, when you're processing compressed carbohydrate foam.

That's why I'm going to un-ironically recommend a Buck 110. Especially if you can find one with the Bos HT. Add a belt sheath and an aftermarket thumb stud to make it a serious consideration for your needs.
 
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I think the Vosteed Psyop is a good knife for what you're asking.
Easy to use, good materials, and ergonomic. I can grip it in many ways. It also feels very sturdy, the blade does not feel weak at all.

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A while ago I tested a bunch of folders and small knives on some of that triple ply cardboard that a bed had shipped in, and the Hinderer and Hinderer design ZTs I tested cut far better than any others.
 
After dozens of high end blade purchases, I believe the Benchmade bugout in CF is the best daily EDC folder.
 
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For years my EDC was a Buck 110. I was working in the oil industryh doing technical work on drilling rigs. At that time (early 1970s-1980s) the only knife to have in a belt pouch ws either a Buck oe Schrade locking folder. Later in life I switch careers and worked in a hospital setting. I performed diagnostic imaging procedures with isotopes, such as treadmill stress tests. The Buck was just too big and wore out the pockets of my scrubs.

The early Leatherman tools were to small and inconvenient to use in my opinion. But when they brought out the Wave line with blades that deployed from the outside, I switched in a blink.

I have been retired since 2003 now. My EDC is still a Leatherman Wave. Whenever I put on my pants, the Leatherman is there in a horizontally oriented belt pouch; not too big, rarely noticed, unconcealed and ready -to-hand. More useful than a McGiver knife. and en extremis, it can present two sharp blades at the same time.

The Wave models are all well under $250. However, I am thinking about getting a Leatherman "ARC" for somewhere near $250 in the near future.

Is that "the best" folder? Maybe not for you, but that is what meets my needs st this point in my life.
 
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Some of the Pena X-series knives are pretty great. The Mula is still one of my favorite production knives and also a fun multi-opener.

And some lower volume knives like from Bridgeport Co are great value and solid.

Also agree with the Para 3 ... one of my main users. Looks a bit goofy but really functional grip for some tasks.

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I agree with other commenters that the Spyderco Para 3 is hard to beat. Other considerations include:

- Benchmade Griptilian (1st) and Bugout (2nd)
- Hogue Deka
 
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Like the AD20.5
Have these 2 and they are very smooth and functioning is awesome. They have a few blade styles to choose from.
Lots of good options postedIMG_3902.jpeg
 
I’ll throw another vote in for a Spyderco, but I prefer the Manix 2 to the Para 2 or 3. It’s one of my most used folders, and for its size, it slices really well. And of the 3.3” blade isn’t big enough for you, there’s an XL version at almost 4”. And any of them can be had all day long for under $250.

The other one I’ve become quite fond of lately is my Kershaw Launch 6. It’s an automatic, so check your local laws first. Slices well, seems really solid, and will get you into a really usable auto for half your price range. Might recommend the Launch 1 for an even more usable EDC blade shape.

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