Best Friction Folder For Under $75

Single blade or multiple? What size main blade? We need some specifics as far as wants in order to give meaningful advice.
 
Take a look around Opinel's website And pick one that suits you.

They really are amazing and range from dirt cheap to very fancy specialty woods.
 
You crazy kids! But in all seriousness, everyone should have at least 1 Svord friction folder. Its quite possibly the most mod friendly knife ever made. Plus it comes in all sorts of handle materials. I'm not a big fan of the metal ones but they are a bit slimmer. You can also add a clip to them if you are careful.

Buy one, thin the edge, add a finger groove, whatever you want. You can even make a new handle if you want.

You know you want one! Plus, the steel they use is absolutely fantastic for the price. It holds a good edge and is ultra tough. It also takes a face shaving edge easily.
 
Guys need to seriously speak up for Opinel, you can pick up one of each. The Opi's carbon steel is Amazing and u hear their stainless is awesome too.

For that price point you can own both and a Mora fixed blade :)

P.S. I'm waiting for my package to arrive today with a Svord in it, I'm not opposed to owning both but the Opinel definitely will serve you right, don't leave it out when these knives are do cheap.

I use a #9 with the locking ring removed and z forced patina + oil cost to prevent rust.

But they take on a natural patina extremely fast. It changes pretty much every time you prep food with it.
 
At the higher end of your price cap, look for Cognet Le Capucin and Le Montpellier friction folders (the same company also makes the Douk Douk friction folders)
 
seelow123 said:
I wouldn't really call the opinel a friction folder. It has a lock.
Click to expand...

Not all do and the larger models locks can be removed, the lock is a recent invention I. Their history and convenient but I enjoy mine much more without it.

A non locking Opinel is purly a friction folder relying only on the pivot tightness and not an extended tang held by your hand.

Idk what is meant by smoothness. Never found any problems yet and you can snug the pivot pin up so nicely that itll make a clicking noise right as it fully deploys and somewhat literally "snap" I to place.

I would like to post a pic of mine without lock but lost in an out of state restaurant to tonight and will have to wait for it to be mailed back to me. Guy found it three minutes after I left.

You can look at the 1850 model though for the idea.
 
If you want a nicer knife, look into Michael Morris friction folders. They cast around $100. Normally I'd not mention it, but you had $75 bucks to spend.

Svord is a nice FF that has the protruding tang, Opinel does not. Opinel is still a friction folder because that is the only thing keeping the blade from flopping around (the lock is really secondary; all Opinels will work without the lock). Both Svord and Opinel can be had for less than $20. Also look into Higonokami folders. They are traditional Japanese friction folders, and out of the ordinary.
 
I am not sure of price but here are a few makers that have some nice friction folders.
Brian fellhoelter
Michael Morris
Frazee
Snody
Jan Dox
Jeff c Morgan
Jk knives
Sergeknives
Custom Bladeworks (Belgium)
Daniel Fairly ....he will be doing a run sometime this year ...I think. It will be over 75 bucks for sure.
I do agree with previous posts get a Svord and mod it or have someone mod it for you. I recommend the Mini Peasant.
I am not sure if these makers are still offering friction folders but hey it will make for some sweet eye candy either way.I apologize if this post has anything to do with you raising your budget buy 100-200 bucks:D
 
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Just got my Svord today and right off the bat, they are both great knives but the Opinel looks of a much nicer quality and maybe more "people friendly" if only cause the svords handle comes out making it look much larger and alarming even though the #9 Opi has a longer blade.


The Svord is sn excellent knife though and I fairly immediately attached a leather thong to it so that it can be hanged from a pack or open up any number of other carry options. It will make an excellent compainion knife in the field. And I love it's potential in that application.

The Opinel is probably better suited to pocket carry.

Neither came screaming sharp but will take an edge to your hearts delight, I know that the Opi will and I'm confident in the Svords ability even though I haven't touched it up yet.

Do urself a favor and get both :)
 
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