Favorite tip down sub $100 folder?

[ScooterG]

Trust me, I'm not calling anything "girly" here, just saying that I'm trying to find something that is tip down capable, as I'm unwilling to change where I carry my knife. Maybe its just my bias, but it feels like it is getting less common to find knives that are tip down capable, so I was asking for help finding the interesting ones .

Still getting more familiar with spydercos offerings. I've never really considered spyderco before, so like I said, trying to trying to broaden my horizons in some ways (brands I never considered before), even while I don't budge on others (must be tip down capable).

Anyway, not trying to offend, just looking for ideas.

If you’re testing the waters with Spyderco, try a Tenacious. It’s well under your budget, not fancy but is fairly typical Spyderco. If you like it, consider a PM2 off the exchange when you’re ready to spend $100-200, depending on steel.

 

[afishhunter]

With your blade length limitations, I'd go with an Ontario RAT 2, maybe with a D2 blade.

 

[mwhich50]

I put my clip on the same end as the lanyard hole, if it has one. I don't whether my 100+ knives are tip up or down.

 

[Fixall]

Just a tip... If you end up going with one of the Dividends (I freaking love my M390 Dividend and can't imagine a much better knife for only $79), you can contact Kershaw and they will send you a free deep carry clip. It really makes the knife a lot more discreet for work carry and whatnot.

 

[ocnLogan]

Just a tip... If you end up going with one of the Dividends (I freaking love my M390 Dividend and can't imagine a much better knife for only $79), you can contact Kershaw and they will send you a free deep carry clip. It really makes the knife a lot more discreet for work carry and whatnot.

The m390 dividend looks like a really good deal at that price. I never had a "super" steel (nothing better than 440C so far), so it would be interesting to try something higher end.

is it slippery? With it being all aluminum, and no texturing, it seems like it would be quite slick. Also, can it be de-assisted? Speed safe is fun to play with, but not sure I want that feature at the office.

Steel Will Mini Cutjack in D2. I really like the M390 version which is more expensive, but everyone seems to like the D2 version which is a lot less expensive. It's a flipper and liner lock.

Lionsteel makes goods stuff by the way. There is a reason they have been winning the manufacturers award at Blade the last couple of years. The small Opera is one of my favorites, but it has no clip. I have the stag version. It's in D2.

I thought I'd looked at the cutjack before, and saw it was only tip up. Does it offer a tip down position, and I just missed it? I'd be interested if it is.

Also, a lot of recommendations for things in D2. I know it's "semi stainless", but I've never used it. I live in the perpetually damp PNW. Would it be a bad idea for an edc to be D2 up here?

First thing that came to mind when I saw this thread was the Kershaw Speedform 2. Elmax, treated well, under $100, reversible clip, really smooth action. Only thing I would suggest is replacing the thumb stud with a screw on version, because the factory stud is a little sharp.

Is the speed form discontinued? I can't seem to find it for sale anywhere yet.

 

[GermanyChris]

https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Manual-Knives--45#/filter:price:*:100/filter:blade_length:3:3.49

Why not pick a few you like then ask specifics?

 

[strategy9]

I just got a Fox Terzuola folder for myself after suggesting one for you in your previous thread, because it was available in blue, and I must say I couldn't be happier... super thin and light... so, I'll recommend it again...

 

[Reswob]

Kershaw Blur is the best hidden gem in the knife world. The normal models (not limited ed. blade steels) go for $70-80 and are easily worth twice the price.

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

Spyderco stretch! Also I held the Al Mar stretch-esque knife it’s tip down only. Liked it

 

[Fixall]

The m390 dividend looks like a really good deal at that price. I never had a "super" steel (nothing better than 440C so far), so it would be interesting to try something higher end.

is it slippery? With it being all aluminum, and no texturing, it seems like it would be quite slick. Also, can it be de-assisted? Speed safe is fun to play with, but not sure I want that feature at the office.

I haven't found it slippery at all. The aluminum has a nice matte finish which gives it some texture and the shape of the handle gives you a really secure grip. I haven't taken the Dividend a part just yet, so I'm not sure if it can be de-assisted... I'm gonna assume no because I don't see the liner lock engaging with a detent ball when I close it. Someone else will have to chime in on that though. I DO know that the Kershaw Link can be de-assisted though. It has a strong enough detent and detent ball. The Link is basically a slightly larger Dividend. Personally I found it a little too large for me, but I have baby hands and prefer blades at or under 3". You can get the M390 version from @kershawguy for the same price as the Dividend ($79). Both knives are a HELL of a deal in my opinion.

Here's a pic of my Link and Dividend in M390 to give you and idea of how they compare to eachother:

And here's a pic of my Dividend with the deep carry pocket clip I just received from Kershaw:

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

I live about 80 yards from the ocean in the Northeast (MA) And as long as I clean them at the end of the day I haven't had any issues with my D2 knives.

Also I own a Link, and it can not be de-assisted. AFAIK Kershaw stopped drilling detent holes in the blades a few years back.

 

[Winch]

I really like the Endura for <$80. Light and sharp, plus a nice size for me.

 

[Fixall]

Also I own a Link, and it can not be de-assisted. AFAIK Kershaw stopped drilling detent holes in the blades a few years back.

I've been able to find several accounts from people who have de-assisted their Kershaw Link with no problem. Here's a video with a de-assisted Link:

I've also found some posts from people saying the Link used to have a hole drilled for the detent ball, but the newer ones do not. I know the one @NickShabazz took apart didn't have a detent hole, but I haven't taken my m390 version apart to check.

 

[spyderg]

Personally I don’t like tip down, buddy of mine got a nasty cut from carrying that way. Never met someone cut by tip up.
You’ve had the opposite experience though so I’d look into Spyderco, they have a large assortment of knives with multiple carry options and many within your budget.
Other than that, a good slipjoint, (GEC for example) will never open accidentally and serve you well for any edc task and many are also in your budget.

 

[mwhich50]

I haven't found it slippery at all. The aluminum has a nice matte finish which gives it some texture and the shape of the handle gives you a really secure grip. I haven't taken the Dividend a part just yet, so I'm not sure if it can be de-assisted... I'm gonna assume no because I don't see the liner lock engaging with a detent ball when I close it. Someone else will have to chime in on that though. I DO know that the Kershaw Link can be de-assisted though. It has a strong enough detent and detent ball. The Link is basically a slightly larger Dividend. Personally I found it a little too large for me, but I have baby hands and prefer blades at or under 3". You can get the M390 version from @kershawguy for the same price as the Dividend ($79). Both knives are a HELL of a deal in my opinion.

Here's a pic of my Link and Dividend in M390 to give you and idea of how they compare to eachother:

And here's a pic of my Dividend with the deep carry pocket clip I just received from Kershaw:

Thanks for the photo. I have the Link, and was curious about the Dividend. I like a larger knife.

 

[ocnLogan]

https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Manual-Knives--45#/filter:price:*:100/filter:blade_length:3:3.49

Why not pick a few you like then ask specifics?

Believe it or not, thats actually what I did first. I used a few different retailers searches, and tried to find things I was interested in. The problem was just that there were so many different options (the link you posted above has ~1400 results), and most of them didn't seem tip down capable.

I am really appreciating all the suggestions so far, as I'm being suggested some models that I've never even heard of. I've just been looking for ideas/info is all, hopefully thats not been too much of a bother for everyone.

I just got a Fox Terzuola folder for myself after suggesting one for you in your previous thread, because it was available in blue, and I must say I couldn't be happier... super thin and light... so, I'll recommend it again...

Its not off the table, it does look pretty nice .

Kershaw Blur is the best hidden gem in the knife world. The normal models (not limited ed. blade steels) go for $70-80 and are easily worth twice the price.

I've looked at the blur, and even though it seems to be a great deal, there is something about it that I can't describe that doesn't appeal to me tons. Maybe I'll get over that someday though.

Spyderco stretch! Also I held the Al Mar stretch-esque knife it’s tip down only. Liked it

What is the Al Mar "stretch-esque" knife called?

I haven't found it slippery at all. The aluminum has a nice matte finish which gives it some texture and the shape of the handle gives you a really secure grip. I haven't taken the Dividend a part just yet, so I'm not sure if it can be de-assisted... I'm gonna assume no because I don't see the liner lock engaging with a detent ball when I close it. Someone else will have to chime in on that though. I DO know that the Kershaw Link can be de-assisted though. It has a strong enough detent and detent ball. The Link is basically a slightly larger Dividend. Personally I found it a little too large for me, but I have baby hands and prefer blades at or under 3". You can get the M390 version from @kershawguy for the same price as the Dividend ($79). Both knives are a HELL of a deal in my opinion.

Here's a pic of my Link and Dividend in M390 to give you and idea of how they compare to eachother:

And here's a pic of my Dividend with the deep carry pocket clip I just received from Kershaw:

Thanks for the photos sir, and the info about the clip. The link is larger than I typically like, but the dividend is right about the right size and weight.

I also just found that USAmadeblade has a dealer exclusive on the knockout with Blue aluminum scales and M390. It sounds pretty interesting as well. It does seem a bit bigger though like the link.

Personally I don’t like tip down, buddy of mine got a nasty cut from carrying that way. Never met someone cut by tip up.
You’ve had the opposite experience though so I’d look into Spyderco, they have a large assortment of knives with multiple carry options and many within your budget.
Other than that, a good slipjoint, (GEC for example) will never open accidentally and serve you well for any edc task and many are also in your budget.

If you carry tip up in your rear pocket, the knife blade opens easier than any other carry method. Its going against gravity, and it doesn't have the seam of the pocket to keep it closed either. So I've seen a number of people carry tip up like that, and get caught by an opened blade as they shove their hand in their pocket, with expectedly bad results.

Ever since I raised my price range (from ~$60-70 to $100), there are a lot more Spyderco knives to look at, so I'm taking my time looking through reviews on each model, etc.

Thanks for the help everyone, this has been a big help so far.

 

[spyderg]

I know it’s happened, I just don’t personally know anyone that has had it happen to them. My friend had his tip down right carry knife open in his right front pocket and go 2” into his leg. I’ve carried my Delica tip up back pocket. Blade to one side so it is against a seam with no issues. However I almost always carry my modern folders tip up left hand carry in left front pocket and a traditional loose in my back pocket.

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

Believe it or not, thats actually what I did first. I used a few different retailers searches, and tried to find things I was interested in. The problem was just that there were so many different options (the link you posted above has ~1400 results), and most of them didn't seem tip down capable.

I am really appreciating all the suggestions so far, as I'm being suggested some models that I've never even heard of. I've just been looking for ideas/info is all, hopefully thats not been too much of a bother for everyone.



Its not off the table, it does look pretty nice .



I've looked at the blur, and even though it seems to be a great deal, there is something about it that I can't describe that doesn't appeal to me tons. Maybe I'll get over that someday though.



What is the Al Mar "stretch-esque" knife called?



Thanks for the photos sir, and the info about the clip. The link is larger than I typically like, but the dividend is right about the right size and weight.

I also just found that USAmadeblade has a dealer exclusive on the knockout with Blue aluminum scales and M390. It sounds pretty interesting as well. It does seem a bit bigger though like the link.



If you carry tip up in your rear pocket, the knife blade opens easier than any other carry method. Its going against gravity, and it doesn't have the seam of the pocket to keep it closed either. So I've seen a number of people carry tip up like that, and get caught by an opened blade as they shove their hand in their pocket, with expectedly bad results.

Ever since I raised my price range (from ~$60-70 to $100), there are a lot more Spyderco knives to look at, so I'm taking my time looking through reviews on each model, etc.

Thanks for the help everyone, this has been a big help so far.

Okay so it’s called the Al Mar Nomad. It is $200. That’s somewhat bonkers. If you legitimately use your knives please do yourself a favor and get a stretch. It looks a little funky but if you have the chance to hold one you will understand. It melts in my hand. I have 4 of them. The blade is thin behind the cutting edge and is the “sliciest” knife out of my collection.

 

[Fixall]

Thanks for the photo. I have the Link, and was curious about the Dividend. I like a larger knife.

Any time.

It sounds like that M390 Kershaw Knockout from @whitty at USAMADEBLADE is right up your alley. Very similar to the Link with a slightly larger handle and wider blade.

Thanks for the photos sir, and the info about the clip. The link is larger than I typically like, but the dividend is right about the right size and weight.

I also just found that USAmadeblade has a dealer exclusive on the knockout with Blue aluminum scales and M390. It sounds pretty interesting as well. It does seem a bit bigger though like the link.

No problem. I'm not a huge fan of assisted opening knives either (which is about the only negative I can say about the Dividend), especially in a work environment where it can sound like a switch blade. On the other hand... I've found GOOD manual flipping knives under $80 are pretty rare and can differ greatly from knife to knife, even if they're the same model. When it comes to cheaper knives, I would personally rather have an assisted open knife that fires 100% of the time instead of a manual flipping knife that fires correctly 90% of the time (like my Skyline Damascus).

I was actually checking out that exclusive Knockout too. It's a REALLY sweet knife with fantastic build quality. I was checking out a standard Knockout at the local outdoor shop and the first thing I noticed was the fit and finish. It's a really nice (anyone else keep putting a "k" before the "n" of "nice"?) knife. It is a bit big (for me) though. The blade is the same length as the Link (3.25"), but overall the knife is .3" longer than the Link.

Good luck on your hunt! Your $100 limit really opens up some great options for you.

 

[waverave]

I like all the Kershaw suggestions. I have to say, one of my favorite sub-$100 EDCs is the Kershaw Leek (love the Chive too for a really small EDC). I guess it depends on what blade shape you prefer but I find the Leek suitable for most cutting tasks. You can find them all day long in multiple configurations, you can also get replacement scales or deep clips, etc., and they are readily available on Amazon or any knife store. I have a few of them.