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Best starter knife at 100$?

CRKT M-21 best bang-for-your-buck IMHO.

You can spend more but why?

Leave the spensive ones to the hard core knife nuts.
 
Sorely tempted to say spend a little more and get a Para 2.
But with the sharpening issue you mention, maybe spend less, a Tenacious would be a great starting point. 8CR13MOV is real easy to get a great edge on.
 
My input here is biased, since I just can't seem to like Spydercos, but some Benchmades and Kershaw are awesome. I believe the best value for $$ is found in the Kershaw products, especially if you go with used or discounted items like a Blem. I'd look at a Blem for something from Kershawguy. Great prices for "user" grade knives so it won't hurt so bad when he damages one, chips an edge or breaks a tip. Better to learn on something less.

Super steels, and even premium ones like S30V can be a challenge for a beginner sharpener unless they have a lot of patience, or are exceptionally gifted at learning skills. That said an S30V knife will hold an edge ages longer than a cheep Chinese knife and noticeably longer than the standard Kershaw steels. But even they are pretty darn good steel. $100 will easily get you into a sturdy Kershaw in s30V with a bit of shopping around.
 
Having owned dozens of under-$100 folders, I can wholeheartedly recommend any of the following as knives your friend will value long-term, no matter how many knives end up in his collection:
Benchmade griptilian or mini-grip (really can't beat the fun of playing with an axis lock)
Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight (or the g10 model, both are great)
Spyderco Endura (my least favorite of the bunch, but perhaps the best value)
Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (if you can afford to go a bit over $100 you really can't go wrong with a para 2)
 
He can start at the bottom of the price range and get a value knife, as I did. Or he can skip the first part of the pocket knife learning curve and get a Griptilian or an Endura. The best way to choose between these two is to hold them both. If made in the USA is really that important, get the Griptillian. He ll be very happy.
 
Benchmade Griptilian all day!!! It is Benchmade's most popular knife and is a really great all purpose knife. Made in the U.S.A. and once you try the AXIS lock, you will fall in love. You will definitely not regret the buy. Oh and you can now customize the knife to your specs...Handle color, blade color, Steel type...etc. Benchmade also has a lifetime guarantee and a Lifesharp service (they sharpen & tune up your knife for free for the life of the knife, just pay shipping.) Customer service is also top notch! Get it goin' Brother!
 
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I like the axis lock but I'll take my Kershaw Piston all day long over my Benchmade Griptilian. I prefer the wider blade, higher flat grind and thinner profile. Looks nicer too IMHO. If that matters. I guess it does to me.;)
 
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