Best tactical knife for under $100

cgusek111 said:
SOG Trident
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Not to come off like an a$$hat, but the poor quality of the SOG Trident TF1 is what got me interested in Kershaw. The blade wobble is horrible in the SOG (due to cheap plastic or something washers, not brass or copper), the steel (AUS6 I believe) wont keep an edge for any length of time, and along with the general poor ergonomics of the knife when compared to the Kershaw Cyclone series, my SOG folder days are over. I do have both a Seal Pup and a Seal Pup Elite for fixed blades, and I really like them. I also have a few spydies and a BM or two, but Kershaw has it all over them now, IMHO, in quality, innovations, and price.

For a right-hander, the tip-up option and the SpeedSafe is remarkable.

Give me a c-note and I'd have a brand new Kershaw Cyclone and Mini Cyclone (standard) and a free little pack of Band Aids to go along with the other 4 Cyclones I have.


I guess this is why there's more than one flavor of ice cream...
 
I'm glad that I joined this forum when I did...I was about two mouseclicks away from ordering a SOG Trident from OMB Express as my EDC. As it turns out, they aren't all that impressive.

Kershaw or BM.....Kershaw or BM.....

The gears are turning. One of these days, I'll make a decision.
 
It's been discontinued but you may be able to find a good BM 806. It looks a little different but it feels like you sit inside it. Very solid.
The blade is almost 4 inches long.

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Convert, first check out the reputable dealers...there are many but my vote goes to New Graham Knives in Bluefield, VA. The Owner/Pharmacist Mike Dye has a thread on this site, keeping us updated on what's new and in stock. Their website is www.newgrahamknives.com. Either Mary Beth or Annie will answer your call or quickly return your email. I have been dealing with them for a while now, and and couldn't be happier.

They also have the Cyclones in stock (both the full size and the mini) and have them in plain edge black, if you're interested in black blades.

How about this?: http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=44459

Tell them Brad sent you.....

...photo courtesy of New Graham Knives...
 
Brad, if I end up going with the Cyclone, thats exactly what I'm planning on getting. Thanks for the link, very good price. I'm weighing the merts of the Kershaw vs the Benchmade Grip, and although I like the looks of the Grip a little more, I'm not putting to much stock into "form" over "function" for this knife. I like the speedsafe option on the Kershaw vs the Axis lock on the BM, and I prefer the aluminum handle over glass filled nylon.

Either way, I think I'm going to wait until after the baby is born before I buy one...maybe let my wife order it as a Christmas gift for me (that will make her happy, and I'll still get the knife I want).
 
It is hard to go wrong with a BM knife w/ axis lock. All BM "axis lock knives" and great U.S.-made knives and there are several around $100 or under to consider. You are wise to research your options, btw, and whatever you get, I hope you never have to use it for SD.
 
Is this your first? If so, I hope he/she is healthy, happy and bouncing! Best wishes to you and your wife on your new arrival, and to you on the arrival of your new knife!

Brad
 
Folder... Spyderco mini manix. Shop around and they can be had in your price range.

I think a leatherman wave would give you the most options on your duty belt, if you dont already have one. If weight is a concer Leatherman is introducing the CX (5oz).
Pliers to fix the little things in the patrol car, wire cutters for when the suspect climbs over razor wire and your not willling too...etc
 
I would try to find a deal on the spyderco military. If not the cyclone would end up being ok. also check out the speed bump. I love my spec bump. either way you go ordering from new graham is definitely the right decision.
 
longbeachguy said:
Welcome to bladeforums!

Reading your requirements the knife that leaps to mind is the Benchmade 14205. It's part of the Heckler & Koch line of knives made by Benchmade.

It has a .150" thick, 3.5" long drip point blade. It's one of the strongest most solid folding knives I know of. It's not assisted opening, but with the Axis lock you can flick it open. The blade steel is 154CM which is premium cutlery steel. The only thing is, it's a little over $100.

You can get it here for $114.72: http://www.aapkblades.com/heckler_koch-knives/BM14205-4158

If the price knocks the BM 14205 out of contention, I'd recommend a Spyderco Endura, which you can find at the same dealer (great dealer) for $47.78 at this link: http://www.aapkblades.com/product_details.php?id=1961

You can also get a "waved" Endura for about $10 more. The "wave" feature allows you to open the knife at the same time you are drawing from your pocket. However, personally I don't like the wave feature. Many here do though.

Again, welcome, and I hope this helps.
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Is that an american or canadian site ????
 
SPXTrader said:
Is this your first? If so, I hope he/she is healthy, happy and bouncing! Best wishes to you and your wife on your new arrival, and to you on the arrival of your new knife!

Brad
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Thank you, Brad. Actually, this will be our second son (woohoo!), so we're busy redoing the third bedroom and refinishing all of the furniture (wife is in big time nesting mode...what a PITA! lol). As of right now, the baby is perfectly on track with weight and size and all of that, so we're expecting another healthy addition!

TheWayOfTheGun1 said:
I think a leatherman wave would give you the most options on your duty belt, if you dont already have one. If weight is a concer Leatherman is introducing the CX (5oz).
Pliers to fix the little things in the patrol car, wire cutters for when the suspect climbs over razor wire and your not willling too...etc
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Great suggestion - but I have a Leatherman Kick on my belt already. I seem to find a use for that thing every day...aside from my flashlight, it's probably the most used piece of equipment on my belt. Most recently I had to use it to tighten a very loose screw on the radio mount, after it tore a nice chunk out of my holster. :mad:

If Safariland's stuff wasn't so damn expensive, maybe I wouldn't care as much. But dinging up a brand new 6280 gets a little aggravating, after paying $125 bucks for it.
 
I would like to throw in another suggestion; a ZT0200. It is about $30.00 over the $100.00 limit, but for the money it is one of the best values out there. It has some very thick (.075") hardened steel liners, a really, really good sculpted G-10 handle, 154CM blade steel at 3.75"L X .158"T, a XL pivot with phospher-bronze washers, a small and inconspicuous pocket clip mounted so that only a small portion of the knife sticks out, and it weighs around 7.5 ounces so it has some heft to it letting you know you've got a knife in your hand!

I know it doesn't fit the requirements in all aspects, but it is such a great knife, a great value (it really blows a lot of other $125.00 knives out of the water, for that matter some $200.00 knives out also!), and made in the US of A by Kershaw. Although it isn't an assisted opener, it does have a flipper (along with thumbstuds) that works great with the heavier blade.

Again, just another choice to look at and one that should last you a lifetime with minimal care.

Check one out at www.newgraham.com
 
CRKT Hissatsu folder. Tough little knife. Strong assisted opening. Cool blade design 3-7/8" long
 
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