Best knife for ~$200?

R

ryts100

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Feb 19, 2009
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I'm thinking about getting a new knife. I'm not sure yet, because I got a new one relatively recently. If I do though, I want it to have the following things, in order of importance:
-S30V(S110V?) or other high-end stainless steel.
-Ideally a titanium handle, but if not then grippy G-10 or micarta. I like blue, but color isn't top priority.
-Ideally framelock, but I could go with a lockback(never tried this one before), or liner lock(as long as it's well made), or basically any other strong, reliable lock.
-Around 3.5" blade length, and as close to a 1:1 blade:handle ratio as possible(not a dealbreaker though).
-Good ergos and/or jimping.
-Weight isn't much of an issue, just as long as it's not unreasonably heavy(6+ ounces).

I've thought about a Spyderco Military, but I'm afraid of breaking the tip. Any suggestions?
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley... It has just about everything youre looking for and

can be had for $120-$140. If you can find 1 a Kershaw JYD ti SG2...I got 1

nib for a little over $100. Fantastic steel,titainnum frame lock and a flipper.

Lots of choices out there.;)
 
clockman said:
Spyderco Gayle Bradley... It has just about everything youre looking for and

can be had for $120-$140. If you can find 1 a Kershaw JYD ti SG2...I got 1

nib for a little over $100. Fantastic steel,titainnum frame lock and a flipper.

Lots of choices out there.;)
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Actually, the Spyderco Gayle Bradley is the knife that I recently purchased, and it's pretty awesome. I thought about getting a SG2 JYD blem from kershawguy, but I don't like how broad the blade and flipper is. Other than that though I like the design.

freedoom said:
Spyderco Sage 2.
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I also thought about this one, but I think the plain titanium would be a bit too slippery, and I would prefer it to have a bit larger blade.
 
ryts100 said:
Actually, the Spyderco Gayle Bradley is the knife that I recently purchased, and it's pretty awesome. I thought about getting a SG2 JYD blem from kershawguy, but I don't like how broad the blade and flipper is. Other than that though I like the design.


I also thought about this one, but I think the plain titanium would be a bit too slippery, and I would prefer it to have a bit larger blade.
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it's not slippery at all unless your hands are wet. it's also got tons of jimping on the thumb ramp and choil. if you want the larger blade and titanium go for the military. you won't be breaking the tip unless you are sitting there opening paint cans.
 
freedoom said:
it's not slippery at all unless your hands are wet. it's also got tons of jimping on the thumb ramp and choil. if you want the larger blade and titanium go for the military. you won't be breaking the tip unless you are sitting there opening paint cans.
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I like the Sage 2, it's just a bit too small for my preferences. I want to get the Ti/RIL military, but it's just a bit too expensive. About the tip issue, I've read about people breaking the tip just cutting(stabbing?) cardboard. Also, I try not to drop my knives, but sometimes I get clumsy, and when I do, I don't want to be dropping the Military and breaking the tip off.
 
How about a Benchmade Rift. Very close to a 1:1 handle blade ratio. Has a '3D' machined G10 handle. And it has the AXIS lock which is one of the strongest locks made. It has 154CM steel which is a very good steel but not one of the latest 'super' steels unless you can find one of the pretty rare M4 versions. It is available with tan and black G10, Black G10, and Carbon fiber.

To my knowledge the only knife with S110V is the Kershaw Shallot which should narrow your search down if you just need that steel.


Benchmade Rift:


riftstripe.jpg

index.php
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
How about a Benchmade Rift. Very close to a 1:1 handle blade ratio. Has a '3D' machined G10 handle. And it has the AXIS lock which is one of the strongest locks made. It has 154CM steel which is a very good steel but not one of the latest 'super' steels unless you can find one of the pretty rare M4 versions. It is available with tan and black G10, Black G10, and Carbon fiber.

To my knowledge the only knife with S110V is the Kershaw Shallot which should narrow your search down if you just need that steel.


Benchmade Rift:


riftstripe.jpg

index.php
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I like the looks of the Rift, but I already have a knife in 154CM, and I'd like to try something else. The S110V isn't necessary, just a possibility.
 
ryts100 said:
I like the looks of the Rift, but I already have a knife in 154CM, and I'd like to try something else. The S110V isn't necessary, just a possibility.
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If you are going for steel then I suggest M4 or ZDP. The already mentioned Gayle Bradley is a good choice for a M4 knife and I really like the Stretch with carbon fiber and ZDP which is a lock back.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
If you are going for steel then I suggest M4 or ZDP. The already mentioned Gayle Bradley is a good choice for a M4 knife and I really like the Stretch with carbon fiber and ZDP which is a lock back.
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I might get the Stretch with blue FRN, but I'd still like to hear suggestions.
 
The ZT 0350! I have one and highly recommend it. S30V steel, g-10 scales, very strong liner lock, and unbeatable ergonomics.
 
rramjet said:
The ZT 0350! I have one and highly recommend it. S30V steel, g-10 scales, very strong liner lock, and unbeatable ergonomics.
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The ZT's are too bulky and heavy IMO. I use my knives for EDC tasks, including food and cardboard.
 
st9v9n said:
Paramilitary
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The blade:handle ratio bugs me, but not as much as the tip-down only configuration. If I bought another spyderco, I would probably zip-tie wave it, and for it to work, it would need to be tip-up, and I don't want to send it out to modify it.
 
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