Cheaper overbuilt knives

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brandonnash

Joined
Apr 29, 2013
Messages
143
I have been looking at some higher end knives and it makes my mouth water with some of them. Problem is I am constantly broke and can't see myself ever affording one (single income from gov'ment job with wife and three kids). I am loving the look and build quality of Medford knives and direware knives but I can't pay the $600-1000+ for one of their knives.

Are there any cheaper alternatives that share the same thick and chunky look and feel of these knife companies? Maybe a step bigger than a zero tolerance. I would like something either assist open or something that can easily one hand open. Would also like to look at fixed blades like this too but mostly interested in a folder right now.
 
Bark River Bravo series is some chunkers for ya. Extreme quality and function for around the $180 - $250 mark. :thumbup: fixed blades tho
 
  • What's the maximum you want to spend on a new one?
  • Minimum and maximum blade lengths?
  • Minimum blade thickness?
 
When you're ready for a fixed blade; the BK2 (or 22) should meet your qualifications (cheaper + overbuilt).
If you're willing to go more expensive than that; take a look at Miller Brothers Blades. Most models are 5/16 " thick 5160; but they've got some at 1/4". (They do a few at 3/16", but that's moving away from "overbuilt")
 
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I am not sure what I am willing to spend right now. I would say in the $200 range max but even with that it would be a big splurge. Blade length 4" or under. Tennessee has a bill going thru again that may change the maximum length but they had the same bill last year that would have opened autos and any length but it got struck down on the last vote. The blade thickness...I like thick knives. Medford's are 1/4" on their folders. I think the guys recommending kershaws or spydercos haven't seen these Medford's or direwares before.
 
Kershaw Junkyard dog 2.2. If you shop around, 50 bucks for a knife that could have been a zt.
 
Check out the Boker Albatross. It's a monster small folder for around $100 or so. The DPX HEST or HEAT are also good options, but a little pricier.
 
Honestly, once you get past ZT it's really hard to find overbuilt folders without getting into expensive mid-techs and customs ($400+) I would go on the custom exchange and/or google search relatively unknown makers who might be willing to cut you a deal with a trade + cash. Overbuilt is in right now.
 
The Hogue EX-F01 is a beast of a fixed blade. It's 5.5 or 7 inches and it is the thickest chunk of steel I have seen yet in a knife. For around $200 it's about as overbuilt as you can get I would assume. Their folders are really nice too, cool looking, button lock, smooth flip open/flip closed operation. The only problem is they are pretty lite so they don't feel overbuilt but they are awesome knives. Again they are also around $200.
 
The spyderco southard is pretty thick and has top of the line steel for <$200 (used, $200 new) not a/o but a well designed flipper or the spyderhole.

I'll second the DPx HEST, the milspec is a little more than the standard but it's upgraded to Sleipner from D2 (made by lionsteel with the roto-lock) and again very beefy, meant to beat on, it's also surprisingly small in hand for a thick 3.25" hard user.
 
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