Closest folder to a custom?

[T.K.C.]

Geeeez, I didn't know that Combat Elite had a price increase either!! WOW!! Sorry, about that!! When I got mine for Christmas, it was close to $200, barely under. They sure have gone up!

 

[stevekt]

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

I was just about to suggest a kit also. I built a GX-6 pocket dagger a few months ago. I love it becuase I built it with my own two hands. I selected my own scale material and added a pocket clip. The DDR Button Lock knife seems like it would have a lot of potential to be a really nice knife. Kits are not for everyone. They do require some mechanical inclination and a lot of patience.

 

[Megalobyte]

I bought one of the Microtech S90V full size "Tactical" SOCOMs made a few years back in limited runs, they are basically all black, manual SOCOMS with a very strong and reliable Microbar lock, kind of like a very thick, leaf type liner lock, but IMO much better, anyway, I believe I got it NIB for $200, I would put its quality and F&F right up there with many pricier customs I have owned, better than many customs in fact, and of course not quite as good as some, but for $200, definitely custom-quality, if not typical custom materials, ie. ivory, pearl, stag, etc.

I also feel the quality and F&F of a Sebenza is the equal of many customs, but again, because of its typical, bland materials, it doesn't have that custom look or feel. It really depends on what you want from a knife, simple, but very effective, or are you more interested in an interesting design, with fancier, more costly materials?

The Benchmade Blackwoods and the Kershaw Bumps are also excellent and great values IMO. Very close to custom quality. Then again, pick up a used Obenauf for $300, and you might no longer be quite as impressed with the Benchmades and Kershaws. There's no real answer here, just choices and what you really want, and for how much money.

 

[Chazzy151]

Microtech SOCOM, mine was made in 98...it's custom quality imho.

 

[jlh2600]

I bought one of the Microtech S90V full size "Tactical" SOCOMs made a few years back in limited runs, they are basically all black, manual SOCOMS with a very strong and reliable Microbar lock, kind of like a very thick, leaf type liner lock, but IMO much better, anyway, I believe I got it NIB for $200, I would put its quality and F&F right up there with many pricier customs I have owned, better than many customs in fact, and of course not quite as good as some, but for $200, definitely custom-quality, if not typical custom materials, ie. ivory, pearl, stag, etc.

So is that specific only to the older (unavailable) s90v versions? Or are the ones available now (in D2 only) otherwise identical except for blade steel?

 

[Pilot1]

My vote goes to the Combat Elite RRF. It's one great knife.

Me too. I don't think its a dumb question. This is the whole reason "mid-tech" knives are being made and selling well.

 

[SharpNJ]

Lone Wolf Tighe Pan, discontinued, but you might find one on Ebay.

 

[daberti]

Well action is subjective. What is smooth to you may be rough to me. I have handled 3 large Skirmishes and a small, and they all were a bit rough to open compared to a custom or a Sebenza. It is hard to notice, though.

But you cannot adjust/tune the opening/closing torque on a Sebbie, and to me it is a major issue
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3738322&postcount=20

Also, IMHO, it is not fair to compare smooth of opening between two blades that are completely different: Large Sebbie's looks like a toy to Skirmish's one which is definitely much more robust.

 

[Daniel Koster]

I agree that the Skirmish is a near-custom-quality knife and definitely good back-for-the-buck.

And by "near-custom-quality" I mean that good dependable knifemaker steel is being used with nice handle materials.

Not many knifemakers willing to make a folder out of AUS-8, 420J, etc. Needs to be high-performance steel like S30V with a well thought-out handle design.

my 0.02

YMMV