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Closest folder to a custom?

Why not compromise and go for a high-quality kit knife, like the DDR-3? For a bit of work, you can have a folder with terrific fit and finish, excellent functionality, and a customized touch. If you go for some of the higher-end materials and add-ons (pocket clip, backspine, etc), it still shouldn't cost you much more than $100.

- Mike
 
My Buck/Mayo TNT has excellent fit and finish.
I also own an old CF William Henry which was less than $200. That one is superb as well.
 
Pardon the question, OT as it is, but WHERE are you people finding an RRF for under $200?!?

In terms of the question asked, yes, there are different levels of production, and there are also different levels of custom knife maker. I think for under $200 you should be able to get a HECK of a knife. My personal suggestions would include:

Buck/Mayo TNT (one of my personal EDCs)
Buck/Strider 880/881 (the original Buck strider folders, not the SBMF or Tarani)

Benchmade/Blackwood 630/635

Kershaw/Ken Onion Offset, Bump, Spec-Bump, Speed-Spec Bump

Kershaw/Hawk E.T.

I suspect the new Kershaw ZT/Strider line will be good too.

Those are all the ones I have at the moment.
 
yeah, what they are really asking is what's the best quality knife for <= $200.

I can't add anything to what has already been suggested, except that for another $50 you could get the "real thing" a sebenza, not a cola. I've see a fair number recently go for $250.
 
When I first saw your topic the first knife that came to mind was the Spyderco/ Jess Horn C27, but you couldn't get one of those for under $200. I've compared the C27 to a real Jess Horn, and they are tough to tell apart.

The only thing close would be a Spyderco/Kiwi, I believe they are made by the same factory in Japan. A quality knife all the way, sheeple friendly and a joy to use. I think you could throw a Kopa into the mix as well.
 
VegasNick said:
My vote goes to the Combat Elite RRF. It's one great knife.

Nick
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second that, also, take a ook at MCUSTA knives they come pretty close for the price
 
Al Mar SERE 2000 and Shrike and the MT Amphibian are all knives I have owned or still own, and I think they are right up there as far as near-custom quality for under $200.
 
From Nolan Raborn:
Now I think this is a dumb thread. If you want a custom knife, buy a custom knife. don't look for a non custom knife that is as good as a custom. This is like asking which Chevrolet is almost as good as a Rolls Royce. The answer is none of them.
Click to expand...

Not true.

From RobertMegar:
Well I disagree with some posts up there. Custom doesn't = high quality nor $$$$$$ = high quality.
Click to expand...

True.

I can build you a custom made one-of-a-kind knife, but it will definitely not be better than about any knife you can buy at Wal-Mart.
 
If a few scratches and scuff marks don't bother you; you might consider getting a used small CRK sebbenza. I bought mine from a fellow formite for under 200$. It was a very well cared for knife. I was just not willing or able to part with the new price of the sebbies. Just my 2 cents worth.
Jay
 
Monocrom said:
Thanks for the link.

No offense, but those prices seem a bit too good to be true.
Click to expand...

I'm inclined to agree somewhat. Anyone got a dealer with a good track record that has 'em for under $200?
 
Confusing. Too many variables.

My $.02 - Closest to custom in a production line varies. CRK Sebs are as pricey as customs as well as the Wilsons and William Henrys on certain models. Then again I can go find a custom knife by Dick Atkinson for $125.
There are too many aspects of design and choices of materials to make it a black and white issue. Thats not even looking at the knifes intended purpose. Traditionally customs are more money but not so anymore. They are all great knives, but some may be too expensive for your task, etc.
 
My Microtech LCC has excellent fit and finish. It is the best built knife that I own, and it also uses premium materials. Unfortunately MT discontinued it a couple of years ago.
 
kamagong said:
My Microtech LCC has excellent fit and finish. It is the best built knife that I own, and it also uses premium materials. Unfortunately MT discontinued it a couple of years ago.
Click to expand...

I'll second that, thanks for bringing it up. I've been carrying mine for several days now, giving my Terzuola TTF-3 a break. The MT fit and finish is equal to or exceeds the Terzuola just about everywhere except blade finish, while the Terzuola cost more than three times as much. But the LCC is still my secondary edc, for what that's worth. The Terz is just perfect for me in ways the LCC isn't and that's what it comes down to.
 
SpyderJon said:
Pardon the question, OT as it is, but WHERE are you people finding an RRF for under $200?!?
Click to expand...

I got mine right off the Combat Elite website a few months back. Looks like the went up a bit. I didn't realize that they had a price increase.

Sorry,
Nick
 
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