favorite AO knife

I'd suggest an avalanche or for $20 over your price, the 0400. If you want something crazy badass, you're definitely going to want the 0400.

blur is good too.
 
*sigh* if only the Kershaw Cyclone was still in production...

Blackouts and Avalanches are a good option.
 
Oh, for a combination of nice features, the Oso Sweet deserves a mention as well, even though it is very inexpensive. It has a handle with similar ergonomics to the Blur and Blackout, a nice flipper, and is flat ground. Its probably one of the better Kershaw AOs for food prep(apples, sandwiches, etc.)

If you do get one, just make sure you get one of the newer ones in 8Cr13MoV rather than the AUS6 they used to come in.
 
Burdan said:
*sigh* if only the Kershaw Cyclone was still in production...

Blackouts and Avalanches are a good option.
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I have an early Blackout. It is a very smooth opener, and I love the blade design. However, it isn't perfect. The jimping on the blade is excellent, but is entirely buried between the scales when open. The pocket clip is tip-down only, and the clip is of a design that doesn't accomodate much fabric under it, so it is prone to bend if clipped to heavy clothing.

Also, the liner is low profile, with no matching cut out in the opposite scale. While this makes the knife very safe to use, it also makes it effectively a two-hand closer for me, unless I rotate the knife 180 degrees in my hand and pinch the liner closed with my index finger when using it right handed, or with my thumb if left handed.

One nice thing is that it has proved to me that Kershaw's tungsten DLC coating is amazingly good. If anyone wants a blackened blade, Kershaw DLC is definitely a top tier option.
 
keeping with the kershaw theme...how about the Clash....only $20/30 opens fast with a nice sound and a wicked looking blade!(i think):thumbup:
 
taeku4 said:
I would recommend the Benchmade Barrage. I own one and it is hands down the most fun assisted opener i've gotten to play with. It snaps open with a really loud snap and its pretty strong. Out of all my knife-appreciating friends, it gets the most attention when opened. I'm not going to lie, I also feel badass when I snap it open. The Mini-Barrage is also just as awesome but a bit smaller and cheaper, but if your like me and you have long fingers, the full size feels much better.

Price wise, I'm not sure if you can find it online for 100, but I found mine for 112 dollars at a brick and mortar store, so I'm pretty sure you'll find one online for the right price.

Also, a lot of people complain about the handles feeling plasticy and cheap, but they feel fine to me, and are really durable. I've been carrying mine daily for 4 months or so now, and there aren't any real dings or marks. Thing is, I also don't use it roughly or abuse it, so you might want to take that into consideration.

Finally, no wiggle or blade play in mine, combined with full skeletonized liners and manual safety for both open and closed seems like a pretty good deal to me.

Good luck with finding your new knife, hope you have fun with it.
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much agreed. the blade flies open like nothing i have feel before. but if the price keep you away from benchmade i would recommend kershaw as well. you should check out the kershaw 2011 catalog. many new knifes are AO and they are just $30. made in china but excellent quality.
 
gomipile said:
Oh, for a combination of nice features, the Oso Sweet deserves a mention as well, even though it is very inexpensive. It has a handle with similar ergonomics to the Blur and Blackout, a nice flipper, and is flat ground. Its probably one of the better Kershaw AOs for food prep(apples, sandwiches, etc.)

If you do get one, just make sure you get one of the newer ones in 8Cr13MoV rather than the AUS6 they used to come in.
Click to expand...

Oops, apparently the 8Cr13MoV Oso Sweet is hollow ground. I find this rather disappointing, as my favorite thing about the Oso Sweet was the flat ground blade.
 
Go with the Kershaw Leek it's blade shape is very practical for general edc use and still will impress your friends.
 
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