CRK owners-- what is your favorite production knife under $200???

Spyderco Military. Technically I don't have a production Military, only sprints, but the CTS-XHP version was under $200. Even so, I would still carry the production S30V version if sprints weren't available. I love how Spyderco does S30V. Love the blade shape, size to weight ratio, edge geometry, and value of the Military.

The Spyderco Gayle Bradley is a close 2nd. In fact, I may choose it over an S30V Military because of the M4, which is my favorite blade steel.
 
The large regular Sebenza is my EDC.

Victorinox Scientist, Yeoman, Farmer, Soldier, and Explorer, would be companions to the large regular.

I could see a Para 2 and/or a mini Ritter Griptilian as well as a 2012 Bladeforums Kershaw Skyline as sub-200 dollar knives that could easily become a part of my rotation. Also, the SAK One Hand Trekker or Sentinel w/pocket clip could both be considered for the super cheap price range.

It would be hard for anything to bump my Large Regular Sebenza out of my pocket. The only thing that I think could eliminate the Sebbe from my rotation would be a serious lack of money.
 
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Gawd ..... I seriously tried to contribute to this thread ..... but I can't. I have SO MANY sub-$200 knives that I really like, hard as I try, I can't narrow it down to one (or even two)! Every time I settle on one .... another pops into my mind! Most of them, however, are Spydercos. As Aidansdaddy17 said, one of Spyderco's newer knives .... the Techno is super nice. Small, tough, comes with great blade steel and exudes excellent production quality. But there are so many others. NOW ..... if we changed the question to the favorite production knife under, say, $20 ..... that would be a totally different story. Hands down ..... the CRKT stainless Drifter!! It's a very nice/tough knife in a small package. Under $40 ..... ummmm ... I guess the Spyderco Squeak. When we get to $70 and beyond, here is where the field starts to widen too much for me. I can tell you that despite whatever primary EDC blade I am opting for ..... I always have either a Spyderco Dragonfly (ZDP or the G10 model) or Squeak on my watch pocket. Unlike some CRK devotees .... I have chosen not to downsize and dispose of many of my "lesser" knives. I find that that each one of them has some kind of value to me.
 
I noticed almost all of us mention the Sebenza even though the OP is asking about sub-200 dollar knives lol.

OK... If I had to choose just two sub-200 dollar knives for rotation, it would be a Vic Scientist, and a Para 2 (maybe a ritter mini grip instead of the para 2, but I haven't tried one yet. So I can't really comment on it).
 
I haven't seen much mention of SOG knives, but as much as I like my sebenzas, I think that the SOG Mini-XRay is about the best ~$100 production EDC in existence. I would replace it in a heartbeat if I ever lost it - can't say the same about my CRKs. It does just about everything well for an EDC.
 
lemmuhj said:
I had a first gen Gayle Bradley I wish I would have never sold. Awesome knife. Super well built.
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I can't agree with you more. The Gayle Bradley is an exceptional knife with awesome steel, awesome F&F and then there's the fact it was designed by a cutting champion. I have the skeletonized liner version and it's still a tank to carry around on a daily basis but totally worth it when you put it to use. The workhorse of workhorses in my collection without a doubt.
 
For me its the D.H Russell Grohmann lockback, a bit pricey but under $200 (some of them are over $200 depending on handle material). This thing cuts like a light sabre and its Canadian made. This thing is as classic as the pocket knife gets.
grohmann r300s big.jpg
grohmann lockblade handles.jpg
 
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For me, it would be a Para 2 and a Caly 3.5. But I have not carried either since getting a Sebenza. If I don't use them after a couple of months, I'll sell them. I also have a SE Salt 1 that's my go to beater and work knife when I know I'm going to be around water and humid conditions. Actually that Salt 1 has the most solid lock up of any Spyderco lockback I've ever had, it's a great little knife.
 
This is tough as there are so many great knives out there below $200.

I guess if I picked just one, I go back to the knife that started it all for me, the Benchmade 940. Just a great EDC blade that fits between the large and small Sebenza.
 
There is some good stuff out there, I'll throw these into the ring :

Competing with my Large Insingo : BM Grip with Cuscadi scales (a Ritter with Cuscadi scales just might slip in under $200), Spyderco Lum Chinese (large), BM LFTi.
Competing with my Small Insingo : Spyderco Techno (my newest favorite), Sage 2, Centofante 3, BM Mini Dejavoo

I suppose it would be rude to suggest a Chinese clone?
 
psquared said:
There is some good stuff out there, I'll throw these into the ring :

Competing with my Large Insingo : BM Grip with Cuscadi scales (a Ritter with Cuscadi scales just might slip in under $200), Spyderco Lum Chinese (large), BM LFTi.
Competing with my Small Insingo : Spyderco Techno (my newest favorite), Sage 2, Centofante 3, BM Mini Dejavoo

I suppose it would be rude to suggest a Chinese clone?
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May I ask you what you see in the Techno and the Sage 2? After owning Sebenzas, I found the Sage 2 to be very chintzy (despite it's centered blade and smooth action) even at $100 I'd not purchase another one.

As for the Techno, what knife? It's like the size of a Swiss Army knife at the price of a small Sebenza "user" - am I missing something here? :confused:
 
cziv said:
May I ask you what you see in the Techno and the Sage 2? After owning Sebenzas, I found the Sage 2 to be very chintzy (despite it's centered blade and smooth action) even at $100 I'd not purchase another one.

As for the Techno, what knife? It's like the size of a Swiss Army knife at the price of a small Sebenza "user" - am I missing something here? :confused:
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The fit and finish of the Techno is very close to a CRK. Like 90% It rivals some knives and customs 2-3x's its pricepoint. You can buy one in the $160-$170 range. It is a small tank, yet so smooth. All the edges are rounded or smoothed out. Great and satisfying click. Solid lock-up. Can be used hard or for a perfect EDC/Small Sebenza companion. I was on the fence. Thought it looked hokey. Then I had to have it. Until you get one in hand you don't realize the quality and perfection. It is actually worth every penny or more. It beats out the Sage 2 easily. I love it! (Obviously) Everyone that I know who owns one now, along with CRK's and customs love it too.
 
cziv said:
May I ask you what you see in the Techno and the Sage 2? After owning Sebenzas, I found the Sage 2 to be very chintzy (despite it's centered blade and smooth action) even at $100 I'd not purchase another one.

As for the Techno, what knife? It's like the size of a Swiss Army knife at the price of a small Sebenza "user" - am I missing something here? :confused:
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I'm not suggesting that the Sage 2 is comparable with a CRK for a moment. It is however, in my opinion, a sub $200 knife worth considering. You'll note from my suggestions that there are a few Ti frame locks ... I happen to like them.

As for the Techno, once again, it is Ti and a frame lock which I like. Admittedly it is new so there is still some novelty factor for me but for the last few days I have been carrying it with a PT to compare the two and I am most impressed with the fit and finish as well as the ergos. Comparing it to a SAK kind of defeats the purpose, if we were comparing everything to SAKs I suppose the "logical" thing to do would always be to take the SAK based on multi functionality, price, etc. However we like and collect knifes so the SAKs get left with the camping gear and we carry other knives "because we can".

Without derailing this thread any more, give the Techno a try. It grows on you. The ergos, fit and finish will surprise you.
 
The Benchmade contego is IMO the best folder out there for under $200. It's got a great blade shape that looks awesome and is practical, high hardness M4, and stout handle construction.

It's really a beast of a knife in a very compact and practical package. I think it's the strongest folder I've ever owned.
 
One last off-topic remark. I am drawn to that ugly little Techno but I thought they were like $190. Maybe we;ll have a look. The ti slabs look nice and thick. Might be nice....hmm? :) Thanks for your replies guys.
 
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