Expensive folders.

gajinoz

gajinoz

Joined
Sep 2, 2003
Messages
11,650
I know this has probably been asked a zillion times before, and moderators feel free to move it off to somewhere more appropriate if necessary but ...

If you could afford one, and only one, expensive folder, ($400 - $600), what would it be? I'm in this position right now and I really can't decide. I'd like a sebenza but I'd also like one of the strider knives. What to do?
 
I like a nice Wood Inlay Sebenza, Box Elder or Redwood Burl.
 
That's a tuff one. I have a Sebenza, but I want a strider. I guess that's my answer - Sebenza. Hopefully its not my last expensive folder, but if it is - no regrets.
 
I honestly don't think I'll spend $400+ on a folder again, with knives like the large plain Seb, or Darrel Ralph's new mid-tech/collaboration/whatever Rapid Response folder out there.
Really like the spearpoint SnG, though.
Don't really care for the wood inlays, but a unique spider-web, or particularly a Calvary Sebenza would be nice, too, without being gaudy. Very classy knives.
Calvary Sebenza would probably get my $$$ if I were spending that much...
 
i would like to get either a emerson spec war super CQC6 w/a wave or a ryan folder that i cant remember the name of, looks kinda like the surefire collaboration, of course unless i get lucky they would go way over $600 lol, i dont mind spending that for a knife i REALLY want (ie my emerson custom CQC8, i carry it edc and have always loved the design, was my #1 want for several yrs, but like everything once ya get it theres always something else..),

greg
 
crk woodie limited edition is the way to go...broke :footinmou

classy and built solid...cant go wrong, and if you decide on something else afterwards....resale is good and quick ;)
 
With that kind of money, you can get yourself a very nice custom.

If we're limiting the choice to production knives, I'd go for a large wood inlay classic Sebenza with dual thumbstuds.
 
Buy a BM 710 HSSR, a Spydie Military and a SERE 2000!

Spend the change on malt whisky.

maximus otter
 
Strider SMF. :D I have one, but really can't afford it. Upon reflection(Staring at it shaking my head in a moment of doubt 'cause I ain't had steak for a while) it's like, "whatever happens, the folding knife thing is taken care of", and I'll always think of it as a smart purchase (especially when my future son tries to pry it outta my cold dead hands at my funeral ;) ).

The SMF is really versatile, with the nice choil on the blade it does big knife tasks AND small fine work! The ability to choke up on the blade for... whatever, was a big selling point for me. I still haven't been able to get into customs 'cause I like the idea I can replace a mid-tech relatively easier and it wouldn't hurt as much to lose it IMO.

I like the Sebenza and the Lochsa, but they're too pretty for me to use. The SnG is nice, but too small for me. The Strider warranty is cool, but honestly I don't think I'd ever have to use it. The only drawback to Striders I have found is their availability (I'm tryin' to find a Mark 1A). A funny thing about my SMF is that for such an "expensive" folder, it really screams, "Let me at 'em!" I use the SMF for stuff that I wouldn't wanna use say... my CF Police, which is like 1/4 the cost of an SMF! :confused: :)

I guess I'm tryin' to say, "Get an SMF dude." :D
 
Here's another vote for a Sebbie with a wood inlay. I hope you enjoy whatever you choose. BTW, if you do get a Sebbie post a pic on the CRK forum so that we can see it. ;)
 
Since most interresting folders (read: one hand opening and lockable) aren't allowed for public carry in Denmark, I'd be rather hesitant to spend a lot on one. But if I did, I'd get one of Jens Ansø's outstanding folders:
4.jpg

Almost legal:D - and extremely well made!

Bo Hansen
 
EasEWryder said:
Strider SMF. :D I have one, but really can't afford it. Upon reflection(Staring at it shaking my head in a moment of doubt 'cause I ain't had steak for a while) it's like, "whatever happens, the folding knife thing is taken care of", and I'll always think of it as a smart purchase (especially when my future son tries to pry it outta my cold dead hands at my funeral ;) ).

The SMF is really versatile, with the nice choil on the blade it does big knife tasks AND small fine work! The ability to choke up on the blade for... whatever, was a big selling point for me. I still haven't been able to get into customs 'cause I like the idea I can replace a mid-tech relatively easier and it wouldn't hurt as much to lose it IMO.

I like the Sebenza and the Lochsa, but they're too pretty for me to use. The SnG is nice, but too small for me. The Strider warranty is cool, but honestly I don't think I'd ever have to use it. The only drawback to Striders I have found is their availability (I'm tryin' to find a Mark 1A). A funny thing about my SMF is that for such an "expensive" folder, it really screams, "Let me at 'em!" I use the SMF for stuff that I wouldn't wanna use say... my CF Police, which is like 1/4 the cost of an SMF! :confused: :)

I guess I'm tryin' to say, "Get an SMF dude." :D
Click to expand...

Ditto that :)
 
jsun said:
Scott Cook Lochsa
Click to expand...


What he said.

If I had to give up all my knives but one, I'd keep the Lochsa...then likely drive into a bridge abutment from frustration at owning just one knife.
 
gajinoz - good news is that with that budget, you can buy a lot of knife. It sounds from your references that you are looking for a tough, no-nonsense integral lock knife, so we can toss out pearl, damascus and the like.

If you are looking for a completely reliable, every day carry knife, either a Sebenza or a Strider SnG are pretty comparable, each has its strengths and weaknesses. IMO, it comes down to certain personal preferences on blade shape, overall handle design, clip design and overall visual appearance. Either options keeps you at the $400 level.

On the custom side, look at John W. Smith; Mike Obenauf; Kit Carson/Jody Carson/Mike Obenauf collaboration (C2O). These integral lock designs are right at $400 (or less in some cases). IMO, all of these are a better buy than either the CRK or the Strider - higher finish level, interesting designs and good value retention. Rick Hinderer is also worth a look, in particular his upcoming collaboration with TADgear (I have one reserved myself). I leave Tom Mayo out of this one only because you are really looking at $600-$650 for a starter piece from him, when you can get one. There are many others of course, keep an eye out.

If you want to ramp up to the higher level, you are either paying for reputation or added finishes or something like a Stellite blade which may be of no value to you.
 
I've been looking at Brad Duncan's work on Knifeart.com. I really like the "Aftershock," and could see myself getting one. You might want to check out some other custom knives, like Elishewitz, Ralph, Carson, Crawford, etc. Most of their basic knives start around your price range.

DD
 
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