Best knife for $100.00

M

mammoth29

Joined
Aug 19, 2011
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36
So my lovely wife was kind enough to back pay me on my allowance for the last 13 years. I then combined that $7.35 with some I had saved up and came up with $100. I am fairly new to the knife world as I have relied on Old-Timer and Buck to carry me through my life. I would like anyones opinion on this matter- What folder knife would you buy today if you had $100?
 
You have left the options far to wide. do you want the blade to lock? what size do you want the blade? modern folder, or traditional? what do you use it for? all of these things will help us decide.
 
Any of these can be had for under $100 and all are excellent for EDC...

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Top to bottom: CRKT Ripple 1, Spyderco Centofante 3, Spyderco Delica 4, Kershaw Zing

Or for a little over $100, these are superb, imo...

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Spyderco Para-Military 2, Spyderco Sage 1
 
Ok, thanks for helping me out. I want the blade to lock. Blade size woule be 4" or less. I am interested in modern folders as I have a few traditional. I am looking for one I can carry anywhere and anytime. I hope this helps a bit. Thanks again.
 
I would have a look at Al Mar's ultralight series. I have the Eagle. You should be able to find it under 100 all day.
 
Spyderco Paramilitary II for about $105ish many places. Very tough knife if not technically "hard use". I have the first version and it is great.
 
Spyderco Manix 2 is a great all around knife for under $100, Kershaw Speedform 2 would give you Elmax steel for that price range, and Benchmade 530 does well and is very slim and easy to carry.
 
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Buck Vantage Pro (large) For $60 is a steal. Pocket the extra $40.

If you want a monster (and don't mind a recurve blade) - check out the exchange here. Kershawguy has some ZT 200 blems for $89.
Some Blurs for short money too. Good deals.
 
Almost forgot, if you like titanium, A.G. Russell makes two frame locks, one with a 3" 154cm blade one with a 3.5" ATS-34 blade, both of which sell for $99.
 
I would recommend the Spyderco Endura ZDP-189 as best bang for the buck. You might check around for a Zero Tolerance 0350 (I really think KershawGuy and his factory blems is a good idea too). Benchmade Griptilian is a staple at that price range. If it doesn't HAVE to be a folder you could check out the ESEE Izula, or Izula II if you like a little more grip. Amazing little knives.

Manix 2 (especially nice fully serrated) and paramilitary 2 as well.
 
I think that the kershaw speedform 2 or blur in S30V would be an excellent choice. both have steel that will give you excellent edge retention.
 
Man, you guys are coming up with some good knives. The hard part now will be to choose which one to actually purchase. Thanks for all the input!
 
I'll go along with the others with regards to the Spyderco Endura ZDP-189. You get a great slicer that is well built and a super-steel to top it off.

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It really depends on whether you want a locking knife or not. A lot of people on this forum default to locking knives, which is fine. But, you've been using an Old Timer. I bet that is a slip joint. And your Buck, is it a stockman, perhaps a 301? If so, do you want a locking knife or do you want to stay with a slipjoint? If it is a locking knife, then I would recommend the Spyderco Delica IV, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Spyderco Stretch 2 FRN, the Benchmade Mini-Griptillian, the Buck Vantage Pro, and the venerable Buck 110. But, if you prefer slipjoints, well that is a different ballgame. In that case, you can still get an excellent Buck 301 stockman. If you want something a tad pricer, but nicer, look at the excellent knives made by Great Eastern Cutlery. I would recommend a Great Eastern #73 or #73L (linerlock) to anyone. The Great Eastern #66 Calf Roper Stockman is excellent, as well. Ultimately, it comes down to what you are comfortable carrying.
 
Para 2 digi camo with black blade

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Manix 2 satin

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Manix 2 black DLC

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Eneman, I would strongly suggest you strip the links and store names out of your post, as you will pick up a flag for 'deal spotting'.
 
From Spyderco I also suggest the Paramilitary 2 followed by Manix 2, Stretch, and Caly 3. The Salt series if you want something that is impossible to rust. The plain edge doesn't hold the best edge but is easy to sharpen and the serrated is supposed to hold a much better edge.

Benchmade has the AXIS lock which is my favorite. The Griptilian is really popular and while the handles are plenty strong some don't like the plastic handles. I personally don't mind them and the FRN is just about indestructible. The Bone Collector can be had for $93 and has D2 steel, G10 handles, and full skeletonized liners. The Rift is my personal favorite knife and can be had for $110.

Kershaw doesn't have a ton of designs I like but the RAM is a really nice knife. The OD-1 is also nice but a slim-er knife and only $40. It used to be available at Walmart so you can hold it first but I don't know if they still carry it.
 
If you can go just above $100, I'd get the Spyderco Para-Military 2. Otherwise a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian or Spyderco Delica/Endura 4 are nice knives.
 
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