Folder, $30 - $90

M

MplsAtty

Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
69
Hello all,

First-time poster here.

I am just looking for recommendations for a general-purpose, heavy-duty folder in the $30 - $90 range (approximately, flexible on price).

I'm looking for a knife with a blade no longer than 4" (for city carry), strong enough to handle outdoor, yard, and camping chores.

Also looking for partial serration, and a steel liner or aluminum handle for rigidity.

I know the users here have opinions, as well as the knowledge & experience to back those opinions up. So I humbly seek your advice on a folder that will fit these purposes & requirements. Thanks in advance!
 
Check out the Benchmade Griptillians, solid knife, Axis lock. Great knife for the money. You can pick the Regular or the Mini size. Blade steel 154CM, a good steel. You can get it in S30V-The Doug Ritter line of the Grips or D2 only at Cabelas.
Then you can check out the Spyderco line of knives. You can get the Spyderco Native with S30V steel, all USA made, at a lot of the bigger WalMarts for about $39. Another Spyderco that fits your length requirement would be the Delica and the UK Pen knife.
You wont have to spend too much to get a good knife from either Benchmade or Spyderco.
 
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Thanks for the recommendations, but about the Griptilians -- do those have steel liners? The grip is attractive, but are the liners reinforced? Benchmade's knives have always seemed elegant to me, but not necessarily heavy-duty (I think I've also seen too many Benchmades with the G-10 or Zytel handle, not sure which, so there's a personal prejudice there, those handles have never inspired confidence, even though intellectually I know they are quite strong).

And I know very little about Spyderco, but I'll check out the larger models you recommend. Thanks again, Whitedog!
 
Sog Trident is good. I don't have mine anymore and I don't remember if they have steel liners. The Kabar folders are great too. I currently have been using a Buck 442 for the last 11 years. Just bought a new one to replace the last one I lost. This one has no steel liners, but to last almost 11 years until this idiot lost it says a lot about this knife. Buck has a lot of good stuff. I'll post back later with some more experiences once I can recall what I have had in the past.
 
get the new benchmade griptillians with the 154cm steel around $90 and work great the axis lock is tough and there are many blade styles and variations to choose from i would go with it for sure i have one and am planning on getting another
 
Spyderco Delica. Lockback design is very sturdy and has metal liners for strength. It is available in combo edge, and the Spyderco serrations are among the best.
 
Spyderco Endura with Combo Edge
Benchmade Griptilian serrated
Spyderco Military with Combo Edge
 
Check out the Buck/Strider 889 :thumbup:
Buck.jpg
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The older models (pre 05) had a line lock problem but they fixed the problem on the newer ones ( thicker line lock) they go for around $60US
 
The Kershaw Blur...available in different handle colors, multiple blade styles and steels, with aircraft aluminum handles with steel liners, fast A/O and a beefy liner lock. :thumbup:

Here's a few of mine :D:

BlursNet.jpg


From top to bottom:

1670TBLKST, Tactical Blur, 440A (newer ones are Sandvik 13C26), hollow grind Tanto combo-edge
1670GRYST, Gray Blur, 440A, flat grind combo-edge
1670S60V, S60V Blur, S60V, flat grind plain edge
1670S30V, S30V Blur, S30V, flat grind plain edge
1670BRNSG2, SG2 Blur, SG2, hollow grind plain edge
1670DKGRYST, Dark Gray Blur, S30V, hollow grind combo-edge

Ray :)
 
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Glad to see the Blur was recommended, as well as the Strider, I'd been considering those... And to Morablades, you said the Ka-bar folders were good, did you mean the Mule, or were you refering to another type of Ka-bar folder?
 
Welcome to the forums!

The Blurs are nice, but since you want aluminum handles and steel liners, I'd take a look at the Kershaw Cyclones. Available in the regular size HERE and also available with a black DLC coated blade. SpeedSafe equipped, it can be turned on and off at your discretion. Rock solid lock-up. Sandvik 13C26 stainless 3 3/4" blade, 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle. Reversible clip for tip up carry. These knives are tough enough for just about anything you want to throw at them. The Cyclone fits your requirements 100%. Comes with Kershaw's lifetime warranty and top notch CS. Around $ 50 on-line.

For something a little smaller, the Mini Cyclone is a great value.

Hope this helps!
 
Alright, Brad....let me qualify my Blur post...:D

The handles are aluminum with Trac-Tec inserts, and the steel liners are recessed, skeletonized and only 2/3s the handle length, ending before reaching the butt. I still think this meets the OP's criteria. ;)

That said, any of the Cylones would be a great choice also!

Ray :)
 
Ain't bustin yer chops Ray! :D Just had a different idea.;)

Besides, you know I'm a Blur guy!
 
Not the most sexiest looking knives, but the more upmarked Leatherman knives definitely are truly very rugged, have good 154cm steel, good lockbacks and strong nylon handles. I think they merit your attention. Not cheap but then quality rarely is!

For a small partly serrated blade, have a look at the e305x . Official specs here .
It comes with a handy clip/bottle opener (it is in extended form on the picture but it can be pushed into the handle).

31XfOBqC7fL._SS400_.jpg

41Gu3c5-UVL._SS400_.jpg


There is also a e307x with more screwdriver like tools, if you care.

There are bigger blades as well. I have the k502x, a non-serrated model with more tools, and it IS built like a tank. The blade-only version k501x may be all that you need. Official specs here .

31Xtb5F1%2BgL._SS400_.jpg
 
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How about a heavy duty 3.75" classic lockback? Yeah, a Buck 110. Heavy brass construction - I cannot immagine twisting one to the point it wouldn't close. Besides, with the money you saved, get a small pry bar. Want serrations? Get a Vic Farmer SAK - it has a 'serrated' blade - a saw! And... you will still have money left over from that $90 - the 110 runs ~$26 at Wally World. Seriously - one stout pocket knife. My idea of a camping knife for some time.

I have EDC-ed an older 440A Kershaw Blur for years... needs periodic edge attention, but it has never failed - and it is also a moose - opened/broke down a lot of boxes with it. For sheer strength - and a better edge - I still like the 110 better. Cabela's has it in S30V ('Alaskan Guide' version) for $68 + s/h. You can get the Blur in S30V for ~$85 +s/h. Long term edge - but a bit harder than anything else I have to re-edge. Buck's 420HC is legendary - in edge strength and re-edge ability.

Stainz
 
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