Favourite folder for $100-ish

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peanuts

Joined
Dec 9, 2007
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Ok, so you can have one locking folder for the next three years, what would you pick? It has to be around $100 (lil' more, as much less as you want), no AO's or autos, preferably* a bigger folder. I was thinking a lone wolf T1 in G-10 or BM 710, tossing up between the two.

*preferably= would be nice but not entierly necessary.
 
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Ok, after live it loud's suggestion, I re-thought the police. It costs more, weighs more, is probably slightly too large, has slippery handles and uses the same steel as the endura. So basically, the endura's better and $40 USD cheaper! (I'm Australian, with the way our dollar is, you could buy a house with $40 USD :eek:). So the thread is helping already, also it has the potential to be awsome, so keep em' coming!
 
peanuts said:
Ok, after live it loud's suggestion, I re-thought the police. It costs more, weighs more, is probably slightly too large, has slippery handles and uses the same steel as the endura. So basically, the endura's better and $40 USD cheaper! (I'm Australian, with the way our dollar is, you could buy a house with $40 USD :eek:). So the thread is helping already, also it has the potential to be awsome, so keep em' coming!
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You can have a variety of pricing with this knife depending how you go. Different steels, handle material, waved or regular blade. I just have a plain edge Endura 3. I think it's a great bang for your buck but I'm sure others will chime in with their opinion.
 
True, it can be quite different depending on what model is chosen, however, i would opt for a white, E4 for $54
 
I'm a big Kershaw fan, so for a knife around $100 I'd go with the CB Shallot with ZDP-189. Solid handle with a framelock and a great blade steel to go along with the a fantastic blade profile. It also provides for tip up or tid down carry.
 
Tony8179 said:
I'm a big Kershaw fan, so for a knife around $100 I'd go with the CB Shallot with ZDP-189. Solid handle with a framelock and a great blade steel to go along with the a fantastic blade profile. It also provides for tip up or tid down carry.
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While a good suggestion, one locking folder for three years, there are gonna be times when I want to beat on it just a little bit. Kershaws seem to strike me as more, light use utility rather than really heavy duty. Also, cant import AO's. Thanks for the suggestion all the same though.
 
I would have said the 710 even if you had not mentioned it.

Mine is on me now.
 
peanuts said:
Kershaws seem to strike me as more, light use utility rather than really heavy duty.
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Couldn't be farther from the truth. You can beat on Kershaws all day long and they won't budge. Too bad you can't import any AO's over there. That sucks. You're really missing out.

If it can't be AO then I would suggest an RSK MK1 Ritter Grip.
 
Well at least it isn't a "Lost on an Island" thread....:D It would probably be one of these...

Spyderco G-10 Police
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ZT 0200
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Buck 880-SP
DSC02077.jpg
 
Here's a couple of suggestions, the Boker M type frame lock in 440c, it is superbly made, flat but very ergonomic to the hand and about a 3.5" blade. Heat treat is excellant and hey its an extremely well made frame lock with bronze bushings. I paid 35 bucks plus shipping off an ebay vendor. It is a classy looking knife as well.

Next up would a Kershaw Lahar. G10, VG10 recurved blade, excellant build quality with hardened s.s. liner(s) and lock. An incredible value at around 40 bucks plus shipping. Blade is about 3.5", handle is about 4.5". Just very well made and my favorite Kershaw bar none. Blade is wide, high flat grind and razor sharp.

Next would be a Ontario made RAT1 folder. AUS8a steel, zytel scales, hardened s.s. liners and about a 3.75" blade. This is an excellant design, the scales not withstanding. Done very well with again for the bucks an extremely high degree of fit and finish. Handle is about 4.5", but the knife carries very well in the pocket due to its slim handle design. Look for these from anywhere from 25-40 bucks on line.

You can also sometimes find the CRKT Apache on ebay for around 50 bucks, maybe a bit more. ATS34 steel, about 4" blade, with a titanium liner lock and nice and long thick titanium handles. This is a very good s.d. knife with excellant handle ergo's. Hope this helps, keepem sharp
 
Next would be a Ontario made RAT1 folder. AUS8a steel, zytel scales, hardened s.s. liners and about a 3.75" blade. This is an excellant design, the scales not withstanding. Done very well with again for the bucks an extremely high degree of fit and finish. Handle is about 4.5", but the knife carries very well in the pocket due to its slim handle design. Look for these from anywhere from 25-40 bucks on line.
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+1 on the Rat-1... I had one and it was an outstanding folder for the money!!! Wish I had never sold it... Maybe I'll look for another when I get back to work???
 
Hey if you guys like the rat folder it is actually still pretty easy to find, i would be quick though. I am still thinking the 710 though. I would be ripping chunks of hair out and generally going insane trying to choose between 710 Vs. G10 police Vs ZT 0200 if the police and 0200 weren't just a tad too over budget. BTW, to new people, endura and 710 are still options if thats what you would take.
 
Tony8179 said:
Couldn't be farther from the truth. You can beat on Kershaws all day long and they won't budge. Too bad you can't import any AO's over there. That sucks. You're really missing out.

If it can't be AO then I would suggest an RSK MK1 Ritter Grip.
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Yeah, I have a feeling they would do fine as hard use knives, I don't even know where I got the idea they wouldn't. I guess I always think of the leek, which seems slightly delicate.

Edit: I will check out the lahar though.

Edit 2: Wow. Ok, I take it back, the lahar looks like it WANTS me to beat on it. Still like the 710 though. Actually the kershaw getting my attention is the zing. That thing looks awsome. Hows the steel compared to vg-10 and d2?
 
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I like the round hole opener so between the two I would have to choose the Endura---but the Bechmade 710 is a better knife because:

1. full rather than nested liners
2. axis lock rather than lock back
3. G10 rather than FRN scales
4. D2 rather than VG10 steel

The Endura only has two advantages over the 710:

1. round hole opener
2. 4 way clip

For me the round hole trumps everything else, but if you're OK with a thumb stud then the 710 is the way to go. Of course, the 710 is about at the absolute limit of your budget while the Endura can be found for slightly more that half.
 
elkins45 said:
I like the round hole opener so between the two I would have to choose the Endura---but the Bechmade 710 is a better knife because:

1. full rather than nested liners
2. axis lock rather than lock back
3. G10 rather than FRN scales
4. D2 rather than VG10 steel

The Endura only has two advantages over the 710:

1. round hole opener
2. 4 way clip

For me the round hole trumps everything else, but if you're OK with a thumb stud then the 710 is the way to go. Of course, the 710 is about at the absolute limit of your budget while the Endura can be found for slightly more that half.
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Once you get the 710, you will never touch the thumb studs anyway.

Flip open, flip closed.
 
Ok, endura is out. Steel, G10, and axis beat it. Thanks for the post elkins, helped alot. True the endura is much cheaper, but this is my last knife for 3 years, so all i care is that i can afford it, other than that, i dont mind spending the full budget. Although what DIDN'T help was those friggin kershaw posts:p. So now its the 710 Vs the zing. Watch the zing vid on youtube (theres only one), it looks beefy(in a good way).
 
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