Best Value Folder

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Cody Lauderdale

Joined
Jul 8, 2018
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24
I'm looking to purchase a new folder in the $150-$400 range (big range I know) and I need a little help. I'd like something with either a reverse tanto, wharncliffe, cleaver, or sheepsfoot type blade. I'm looking for something that can be opened with the middle finger flick like variations of the Spydie hole, and I'd like to have a fall shut action (doesn't have to be a flipper). It doesn't have to be made in the USA, I just want something that can be a user. I don't need a safe queen. I really like the Olamic Busker and its front flipper as well as the custom options it has, but the size of the blade doesn't allow the fall shut action. I'm new to the forum, so I apologize if I'm breaking any rules. Thanks for the help!
 
Can’t go wrong with a benchmade 940-2 or any other variant! No hold deployment, it has thumbstuds but you can still deploy it with your middle finger! And it’s on the lower end of your budget. Or you can check out the Kizer critical or guru or sheepdog.

Or check out the VDK War Admiral !
 
Cody Lauderdale said:
I'm looking to purchase a new folder in the $150-$400 range (big range I know) and I need a little help. I'd like something with either a reverse tanto, wharncliffe, cleaver, or sheepsfoot type blade. I'm looking for something that can be opened with the middle finger flick like variations of the Spydie hole, and I'd like to have a fall shut action (doesn't have to be a flipper). It doesn't have to be made in the USA, I just want something that can be a user. I don't need a safe queen. I really like the Olamic Busker and its front flipper as well as the custom options it has, but the size of the blade doesn't allow the fall shut action. I'm new to the forum, so I apologize if I'm breaking any rules. Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of the ZT 0850. Its on washers, so it does require a bit of a break-in, but once that's done it's like glass.
 
I like a particular size of folder for regular carry and the Steel Will Mini Cutjack in M390 (and G-10) has satisfied my need. Been carrying it for 8 months or so and really like it. Cost is around $130, so even below your low end range.

Some of the ZT's are quite nice in sort of a modified wharncliffe blade design and well within your budget.
 
JDX said:
Can’t go wrong with a benchmade 940-2 or any other variant! No hold deployment, it has thumbstuds but you can still deploy it with your middle finger! And it’s on the lower end of your budget. Or you can check out the Kizer critical or guru or sheepdog.

Or check out the VDK War Admiral !
Click to expand...

Every time I mention liking the reverse tanto, someone suggests the 940. Lol. My last purchase was actually an axis lock so something like the War Admiral would definitely be the type I'm looking for. I really just don't know a lot about it, and I'm sure it's going to be slightly difficult to find. I've definitely considered Kizer as well for this purchase, but if I'm going Chinese, I think I'd rather try something from WE Knife. Maybe an Isham design?
 
$100 for a four inch wharnclife. Fall shut action. Katsu titanium framelock.

39466907224_b3a8bd955c_b.jpg
 
AF said:
Reate K1? May not satisfy all of your requirements but it's a nice knife, as is most everything by Reate.
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The K-1 is definitely my favorite from Reate. I've considered it many times. The finish and the blade shape are perfect. I'm sure the action is on point as well. If it had some kind of cutout on the blade, it would definitely be my first choice. It will probably pick it up after I satisfy the needs of this purchase. Lol
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
I'm a big fan of the ZT 0850. Its on washers, so it does require a bit of a break-in, but once that's done it's like glass.
Click to expand...
I bought the 0562 a few months ago, but it was stolen. It was quite nice. I doubt I would have ever gotten rid of it. I should like the 0850 even more considering the blade shape. I'm not sure why ZT would put it on washers though at that price.
 
MolokaiRider said:
Highly recommend the Spyderco Gayle Bradley folders... either 1 or 2.

Great steel, look nice, and well built.
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For some reason I've never been too interested in either of the Gayle Bradleys as much as some of the other Spydercos. The blade shape might just be too typical for what I'm looking for at the moment.
 
Cody Lauderdale said:
I bought the 0562 a few months ago, but it was stolen. It was quite nice. I doubt I would have ever gotten rid of it. I should like the 0850 even more considering the blade shape. I'm not sure why ZT would put it on washers though at that price.
Click to expand...
It's not a fault. The one I had was smoother even than any Shirogorov I've handled.
 
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Cody Lauderdale said:
I'm looking to purchase a new folder in the $150-$400 range (big range I know) and I need a little help. I'd like something with either a reverse tanto, wharncliffe, cleaver, or sheepsfoot type blade. I'm looking for something that can be opened with the middle finger flick like variations of the Spydie hole, and I'd like to have a fall shut action (doesn't have to be a flipper). It doesn't have to be made in the USA, I just want something that can be a user. I don't need a safe queen. I really like the Olamic Busker and its front flipper as well as the custom options it has, but the size of the blade doesn't allow the fall shut action. I'm new to the forum, so I apologize if I'm breaking any rules. Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Benchmade Custom Shop Sheepsfoot Griptilian. Choose M4 or 20CV and G10 handles and you will be around $215-220.

ETA: corrected the pricing to the actual (and lower) amount.
 
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