Best knife under 200

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fuzzwuzz133

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May 30, 2012
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Hey guys. What's up? My son is starting to get packed up for college and I want to get him something nice. Any suggestions? Preferably a very durable folder with decent steel. Thanks.
 
A good Multitool like the Charge/Wave or Swisstool / Spirit - it will get a ton of use in the dorms (speaking from experience)
 
Extreme ratio are pretty nice knives, but other than that the usual... Zero tolerance, Hinderer, Spyderco Para 2, blah blah blah
 
Any ZT that you could find under 200.

If you could get a used 0550 or even a new one (about 205$), it would probably be all he would need. Or a 056X would be a great gift!

I hope you get him what he wants, good luck.
-jc
 
fuzzwuzz133 said:
Hey guys. What's up? My son is starting to get packed up for college and I want to get him something nice. Any suggestions? Preferably a very durable folder with decent steel. Thanks.
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Where is college?


I honestly, would suggest a GEC slip joint!

Something classic and traditional. He can carry it at college without raising eyebrows, and they are civilized. Most importantly, the are made to be real cutters. They do what a knife is supposed to do. They slice!
 
I'm gonna say, ZT 0200, 0350, 0550 or a spyderco para2, gale Bradley. Hell if you get one of the cheaper ones on that list you could still grave a Leatherman wave to send as well.
 
Check what laws in your state are specific to school grounds. I live in CA and I was surprised to find that in my lovely south bay area there is a 3 inch limit for locking folders, otherwise in the area a 4 inch is fine, or bigger.. So I carry a sage 2 and keep a case stockman CV in my pocket as well, it doesn't raise eyebrows, and between 'em, I'm covered. GEC slipjoints are next on my list.. enjoy college!
 
ZT 0550 would be great and i believe you can get it for right at $200, spyderco paramilitary 2 is also excellent knife and comes in a few different color/blade variations. if you're looking for a smaller blade spyderco sage series would be worth looking at
 
The laws are important if it will be carried on school grounds. I live in CA and although my city allows 3 inch folders, government buildings including schools have a 2 inch limit. That's not a specific county law but a law throughout the state...
 
Well, he's going to University of Iowa. And he's already got a Wave and a Para. The ZT series looks good, but it might freak out sheeple. Any suggestions for more sheeple friendly locking knives?i
 
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DPX HEST 2.0. Smaller and I found it better in the hand than the ZT 0550. Also less expensive. How about a Mcusta? They make very visually appealing knives with a wide variety under $200. Might not raise eyebrows quite as much. Something like a Hogue EX01 with the Gmascus might not be bad either. I've always found color makes knives less threatening to the sissie types.
 
fuzzwuzz133 said:
Well, he's going to University of Iowa. And he's already got a Wave and a Para. The ZT series looks good, but it might freak out sheeple. Any suggestions for more sheeple friendly locking knives?i
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Delica
Endura
Mini AK-47 (it's small)
Mini Grip
BM 940
 
If he already has the para2 I'd recommend a Benchmade 940. On the other hand, EVERY young man or woman needs a good sleeping bag/tent when going out into the world!
 
Lol, I just asked my son if he likes sheeple friendly knives. His quote was,"Screw sheeple." So. . .I guess black tanto knives are back!
 
I'd seriously look at the Spyderco Sage series.

My new Sage 1 feels classy, is legal to carry most places (except the UK!) and is just about perfect as a quality EDC option IMHO...

Nice gift by the way.

Ben
 
Good idea about a multi. You could get him a charge al and a spyderco sage 1 for about 20 if you look for some deals.

But to the question what is the best knife under 200 dollars id say pm2 no question. Right now you can even get a bown sprint run with s35vn for under 200 and that would make it a little more special as a gift
 
Since he already has a Para2 and a good multitool I'd recommend:

ZT 350 (or any ZT for that matter)
Benchmade 940 or 943, whichever blade style you like best.
Perhaps an Emerson.
 
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