Best knife for $100 or less shipped

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Brutus013

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I am in the market for a new knife and have decided to spend $100 MAX with shipping. I have a few choices, and would like your guys' help in choosing. Also, if you have any other idea please tell me. Here are my choices:

Kershaw NRG w/ 3.5" blade
Spyderco Endura 4 w/ 3 3/4" ZDP 189 blade

Basically, I am looking for a folding knife with a 3"-4" blade made from an at least decent quality steel. I am leaning towards the Endura 4 for the better steel, but I like the aesthetics and handle on the NRG better. What would be your choice that meets these rather loose criteria, and if you know of any with G-10 handle and a better quality steel then Sandvik, preferably VG10, that would be great.
 
I managed to find the Benchmade 710 w/ D2 for just under $100, so I think that is my choice. I know the blade steel sure is the best steel I would expect for $100, and I really like how it looks.
 
Brutus - the 710 opens like butter too, and has a very appealing feel it it. :thumbup:
 
I would suggest either a Kershaw Blur in S30V or SG2 steel, around $85 or less on evil-bay + s/h or a Buck 110 'Alaskan Guide' from Cabela's with the black Al-Ti-N coating at $65 + s/h. I have the latter - great bargain. You can order a 'custom 110' from Buck with Ni-Ag bolsters, BG-42 steel, fg or not, for < $100 - and an 8-10 week wait - mine is a definite keeper!

Stainz
 
Each person must determine what a knife will be used for and what, if any, emphasis will be placed on cosmetics. Kershaw, Spyderco, Emerson, Benchmade and Buck all make outstanding knives with VG-10, S30V and other fine steel blades. Some are featherweights; others are more robust. The only knife type I'd avoid is linerlocks, but framelocks, lockbacks and axis locks are, in my opinion, tops. And if you like assisted open, they're fine, too.
 
Confederate said:
Each person must determine what a knife will be used for and what, if any, emphasis will be placed on cosmetics. Kershaw, Spyderco, Emerson, Benchmade and Buck all make outstanding knives with VG-10, S30V and other fine steel blades. Some are featherweights; others are more robust. The only knife type I'd avoid is linerlocks, but framelocks, lockbacks and axis locks are, in my opinion, tops. And if you like assisted open, they're fine, too.
Click to expand...

Problem with saying you would avoid liner-locks, but assisted opening is fine, too. What assisted opener is not a liner lock? I can't think of any. Maybe there's a frame lock thats assisted?
 
jill jackson said:
Problem with saying you would avoid liner-locks, but assisted opening is fine, too. What assisted opener is not a liner lock? I can't think of any. Maybe there's a frame lock thats assisted?
Click to expand...

Yup, the Ti/ZDP Mini-Cyclone. However I think it is over $100.
 
jill jackson said:
Problem with saying you would avoid liner-locks, but assisted opening is fine, too. What assisted opener is not a liner lock? I can't think of any. Maybe there's a frame lock thats assisted?
Click to expand...

There seems to be quite a few:

Kershaw:
Offset-Stud Lock
Blue/Green Bump-Frame Lock
Spec/Speed Bump-Stud Lock
Leeks-every version is a frame lock except for S30V/G-10

I'm sure there's more.
 
ignoramus said:
There seems to be quite a few:

Kershaw:
Offset-Stud Lock
Blue/Green Bump-Frame Lock
Spec/Speed Bump-Stud Lock
Leeks-every version is a frame lock except for S30V/G-10

I'm sure there's more.
Click to expand...

LOL, I even have that blue Bump! And didn't think about it being a frame lock.
 
jill jackson said:
Problem with saying you would avoid liner-locks, but assisted opening is fine, too. What assisted opener is not a liner lock? I can't think of any. Maybe there's a frame lock thats assisted?
Click to expand...

Well, there's the ZT 301/302, but they're well above $100.
 
+1 for the Lahar. awsome knife and freakishly sharp. smooth as silk, and the fit an finish is comparable to high end knives.
 
All the knives mentioned are very good, but if you're placing blade steel as a priority, I think the Endura ZDP is probably the best one. Another good knife for the money is the Benchmade Griptilian D2 (Both full & mini size), & it has the axis lock which can be just as quick as an A/O.

If you want to be different, you can probably buy a Lone Wolf Harsey T-1 for under $100 shipped. S30V steel, nice blade shape, & 3 1/8" blade.
 
Kershaw Ken Onion Avalanche Plain 3.1" S30V Black Blade G-10 Assisted
ks1570bkj.jpg

G-10 Handle with a deep etching for improved grip even when wet.
s30v steel Designed by Ken Onion. Manufactured by Kershaw Knives in Oregon, USA. Blade Material : Black Teflon Coated Stainless Steel. Rockwell hardness 58 - 60. Super-Textured G-10 Handles. Heat Treated 410 Stainless Steel Liners and pocket Clip. Blade Length: 3.125", Weight 3.7 ounces. Features: Ken Onion's patent pending "Speed Safe" mechanism incorporating torsion bar technology for assisted opening.

For 89 bucks or cheaper
 
One of my EDCs is the SOG Trident which you can usually find for under $80. Blade is AUS-8 with zytel handle. This knife comes in alot of blade options with different finishes. The handle has a special groove in it so you can cut small cordage without opening the blade, which is assisted opening I might add.

Here are some photos:
SOGTF-3.jpg


SOGTF-5.jpg


SOGTF-6.jpg
 
On the For Sale forums here you can get knives cheaper than at a webstore, so your $100 will get you more knife on the forums than at a store, plus you might find a little of haggle room in the prices here.

And I second the BM 710, worth it even if it is over budget, been carrying mine for 7 years.
 
The $100 limit may cut out the BM 710 by a bit, but buy the 710. If you have to g a couples of days w/o lunch to save the extra $10, then get the 710!!!
 
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