Best sub 400 USD tip-down folder?

Jeru

Jeru

Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
609
I'm ready to spent mid-tech-kinda money on a knife for the first time of my life. I'm looking for a nice folder under or around 400 USD. But! Unfortunately I suffer from this weird disorder that I cannot carry folders tip-up! :( So it absolutely must be a knife that I can carry tip-down! Please don't tell me I'll get used to it, because I tried that enough already and I won't, unfortunately :grumpy: Until now my favorite folder of all time is the Spyderco Military C/F M390. I have three Millies and I'm going to sell almost everything else, because I don't carry it. For example my ZT 0300 is too heavy and I've learned I don't like the spring-assist. There are several knives on my want-list, but I would like to try something else which I maybe overlooked. I know I still have to try a Para-Military2, but the few that are available are just ridiculously priced now. Of course a fluted or standard Ti Millie would be nice as well, but like I said, I already have three Millies and I would like to try something else - also I really don't like they just put the standard S30V on such special Millies but anyway. Nothing wrong with S30V of course. Naturally I would love to try a Strider or a CRK, but I just can't stand tip-up carry! :( Believe you me, I really wish it was different.

Further:

I prefer liner- or frame locks and I prefer flat grinds.

I don't like back-locks, I don't like hollow grinds and I don't like ball-bearing pivots.

Last but not least: I like a knife to cut well!
 
Jeru said:
I prefer liner- or frame locks and I prefer flat grinds.

I don't like back-locks, I don't like hollow grinds and I don't like ball-bearing pivots.

Last but not least: I like a knife to cut well!
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Sound like me, like tip down much better than tip up although I can tolerate tip up. It's not a total no sale because of it. Like flat grinds more than any other. I like liner locks and frame locks the most, but can tolerate Cols Steel's Tri Ad. Don't like any extra parts that can go bad, thus no ball bearings please.

Yup, Spyderco Military is the cat's meow for me. I have three myself and will soon add a fourth.
 
cbxer55 said:
Sound like me, like tip down much better than tip up although I can tolerate tip up. It's not a total no sale because of it. Like flat grinds more than any other. I like liner locks and frame locks the most, but can tolerate Cols Steel's Tri Ad. Don't like any extra parts that can go bad, thus no ball bearings please.

Yup, Spyderco Military is the cat's meow for me. I have three myself and will soon add a fourth.
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Ha, thought I was the only one :) I have a Recon 1 tanto, but that knife learned me that I cannot 'tolerate' tip-up, unfortunately. I recently stubbornly tried it again with a Horseman, but no, I really can't tolerate it :(

The reason why I'd rather don't have a ball-bearing pivot, is because I have the feeling that in a muddy, sandy or dusty environment (or around a lot of abrasives) bearings will get gunked up sooner or later.

But you don't have any other tip-down recommendations?
 
I would recommend a dozier folding hunter. I have 2 and they are my favorite tip down carry knives.
Not sub $400 new......but used you can get a good deal sometimes as I got the 3.5 version with micarta scales for 395$ lightly used.
Most customs can be had any carry configuration you like, and you can find ones from both Tobin Smith and Marty Young for less then $400. Very nice knives, I have two of each.
 
Thank you for your responses!

Assuming a Hinderer XM18 3.5 would cost me 800 USD, it would cost me 1100 USD to get it delivered to my door (21% tax + service charge + shipping). If I would ever spend that kind of money on a folder it would be a fully build custom (e.g. Bob Terzuola, Jason Stout) but I think I rather keep spending that kind of money on plain tickets.

Bob Doziers are gorgeous. And tip-down. But hollow grind. Still, nice recommendation. I will think about that and set up an email notification.
 
Jeru said:
Thank you for your responses!

Assuming a Hinderer XM18 3.5 would cost me 800 USD, it would cost me 1100 USD to get it delivered to my door (21% tax + service charge + shipping). If I would ever spend that kind of money on a folder it would be a fully build custom (e.g. Bob Terzuola, Jason Stout) but I think I rather keep spending that kind of money on plain tickets.

Bob Doziers are gorgeous. And tip-down. But hollow grind. Still, nice recommendation. I will think about that and set up an email notification.
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HOLY CRAP :eek: I had no idea getting things to Amsterdam was so costly...Hinderers usually only run $600 with standard (read:ethical) mark up from dealers...still the taxes and shipping seem oh so cost prohibitive...
 
I have a very well-built German-made Boker Minos designed by Jens Anso. It's a mini-tank with a thick N690BO steel blade (length 80mm, thickness 5mm, high hollow grind - cuts well) and titanium handles and lock bar. The pocket clip is tip down (left or right hand). Kind of heavy at 184 grams but it doesn't matter to me. Looks sick with stonewashing all the way around! I'm very happy with my flawless copy serial# 376. You shoud be able to buy these locally.

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1SHOT1KILL said:
HOLY CRAP :eek: I had no idea getting things to Amsterdam was so costly...Hinderers usually only run $600 with standard (read:ethical) mark up from dealers...still the taxes and shipping seem oh so cost prohibitive...
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Don't worry. Shipping costs are my least problem. Most knives are 50 to 100% more expensive here in Europe. And a lot of eBay shops and some dealers are willing to ship for 15 to 30 USD. To give you an idea: a CS American Lawman costs ±100 EUR; ZT 0560 ±270 EUR; Spyderco Southard ±360 EUR. The EUR/USD is on this moment 1.34 USD. That makes a Spyderco Southard almost 500 USD. It's ridiculous. Even Swiss army knives and German produced Bökers are much cheaper in the US than in Europe(!?)

I never saw a Hinderer for 600 USD(!?) But still: 600 USD + 21 customs/tax = 726 USD. Customs service charge would be between 15 and 25 USD and I guess shipping would be around 40 and 50 USD (because it is no 50 USD Cold Steel). Oh and I forgot I have to pay 21% tax over the shipping as well. That still makes 800 USD. Double the 400 USD I asked for. For that kind of money I can buy a nice custom. Or like I stated: an intercontinental plane ticket - I really would like to experience some US landscapes some day :)
 
goodeyesniper said:
good luck.

I doubt any $400 folder can come close to the spyderco military.
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cbxer55 said:
That's a good one. And oh so true. I'd buy two Military's before I bought one $400.00 knife.
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Nice one guys. Maybe I'll just go for a Ti or fluted Millie. But it would be nice to try something different.

@RamZar
Thank you very much. Awesome suggestion. Although I really don't like hollow grinds. But I can tolerate that. What I find harder to tolerate is my fear of a terrible quality, which Böker is by now famous of.
 
If you can get past the ball bearing pivot (or find a pre-2012 model) a Microtech Socom Elite is a great knife. Plus the 2011 models came in Duratech 20CV (M390 equiv.). The 2012 models came in CTS-204P and the new models come in ELMAX. Of course they also came in S30V/35VN. For me, the Socom Elite is a step up from my Millie. Plus their liner lock design is great and very well designed. Around $260 new.

The Socom Elite is also ground razor blade thin at the edge. Its the best cutting "hard use tactical" folder I have used. No hot spots on the handle either. It really is a great performing knife and will out cut my Millie and others.

The big downside is the non standard screws and pivot in the 2012 models and newer.
 
Jeru said:
Nice one guys. Maybe I'll just go for a Ti or fluted Millie. But it would be nice to try something different.
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You can never have too many Millies. However, for something unique get the sprint one with CF scales and M390 steel blade (C36CFM390P). I tracked one for myself today at nearly 30% below the auction house!
 
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Gunsnknives said:
Benchmade AFCK.
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I think this is a great alternative because it has a kind of Spydie hole, same blade length and a choice of either D2 or CPM-M4 (limited edition) steel. On the downside, it only comes with black blade.
 
Thank you so much you all!

TriviaMonster said:
If you can get past the ball bearing pivot (or find a pre-2012 model) a Microtech Socom Elite is a great knife. Plus the 2011 models came in Duratech 20CV (M390 equiv.). The 2012 models came in CTS-204P and the new models come in ELMAX. Of course they also came in S30V/35VN. For me, the Socom Elite is a step up from my Millie. Plus their liner lock design is great and very well designed. Around $260 new.

The Socom Elite is also ground razor blade thin at the edge. Its the best cutting "hard use tactical" folder I have used. No hot spots on the handle either. It really is a great performing knife and will out cut my Millie and others.

The big downside is the non standard screws and pivot in the 2012 models and newer.
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I know! A Socom Elite is actually already on my list for a long time. Unfortunately discontinued and I'm picky: I want an all black plain edge with carbon fiber inlays. S35VN is fine. Very hard to find nowadays.

RamZar said:
You can never have too many Millies. However, for something unique get the sprint one with CF scales and M390 steel blade (C36CFM390P). I tracked one for myself today at nearly 30% below the auction house!
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Like I stated in the first post 'Until now my favorite folder of all time is the Spyderco Military C/F M390'. It is my EDC since the day I got it. (I have to send it to Spyderco though because it recently developed up and down play unfortunately.)
 
I'm exactly the same. If it can't be carried tip down it doesn't see time IWB with me, although I may carry it loose in the pocket.

The Para2 is definitely worth a look because it is just such a great knife, but my favourite by a very long way is the ZT550 which can be carried tip down. Great knife, cuts brilliantly and built like a tank.

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