Folder, $30 - $90

MplsAtty said:
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!
Click to expand...

There are many good suggestions here. But if there were one knife that I would recommend over all others as state of the art in a knife in the price range, size, and secondary parameters you provided, it would be the Griptilian.

The blade is 3 1/2 inches long and I find it really delightful as an EDC. Does everything well. And the nice smooth lines provide for a blade that is easily sharpened, not that it needs sharpening frequently.

154CM steel holds an edge really well. Better than anything short of D2 or S30V. (VG10 is as good. I'm not sure that it is better.) Better edge holding than the Blur alloys, except for the S30V model.

The Axis lock is state-of-the-art in a folding knife. Can't wobble when lin the open position and very secure.

The handle is plastic, but it has steel liners. Very solid and provides a good balanced knife IMO. (If you want a heavier handle, one of the guys discovered that you can remove the plastic and add lead weights using epoxy to hold it in. He says it works like a champ, but I like mine with the weight distribution it came with.)
 
ok, not really in your range but look at the ZT 0200. I have found them for $100-$120. A few bucks out of your range but one of the beefiest, best-knife-for-the-money knives out there! I have had mine for about a year and it has always been faithful. It is really easy to clean, has the steel liners and the lock has yet to fail on me:thumbup:

I also find that IMO, ZT knives has some of the best heat-treatments out there!
 
The Griptillians -the Mini have full steel liners and the full size have partial liners. I don't think that strength is going to be an issue with the partial liners.
 
Excellent -- keep those suggestions coming!

Hadn't yet considered a Leatherman, I'll look into those.

Big fan of Kershaws, they're just so eronomic & smooth. I'm not necessarily looking for steel liners AND an aluminum handle, just coincidental that Kershaws happen to have both often enough. Thanks for the Cyclone suggestion, too, I have'nt seen one of those yet... And I get the feeling I should look into Buck knives a little closer (though I must say I am looking for something with more than a thumbnail-sized crescent at the top of the blade for opening); I want classic durability with more contemporary features (definitely not looking for any canoes).

Anyway, this is exactly why I posted -- I knew I'd get some suggestions for brands or styles I'd never considered -- so keep those ideas coming!

And thanks everyone!
 
Oh wow, hadn't even considered the Zero Tolerance knives, didn't realie there would be something in the $120 range, I'll look into that too...
 
As rugershooter said, the ZT0200 can be found around the $ 120 range. I didn't mention it because of your price parameters. It is a horse of a knife, and I'm very pleased with mine. It has a 154CM recurve Tungsten DLC coated blade, and G-10 scales. Tapped for left/right tip up/down, it's a big folder. 3/8ths inch pivot nut for easy adjustment. The size of the liner lock is bigger than most frame locks. Info from Kershaw's site is here. This thing is a beast!
 
Last edited:
If you like Kershaw blades (I love'em) They are great knives w/ good service & warrenty:thumbup: Check out the speedbump !
Speedbump.jpg
[/IMG]
I love mine ! It's fast for a large knife !
 
I'll second everyone's input on the BM grip. It can take a real beating, and it has the axis lock, which is the best locking system on the market IMO. But if you just can't take the handles then look at the BM 520. Those can be had for a little over $120. But, if you don’t want a BM then look at the Kershaw Cyclone and Blur.
 
Stainz said it before I could....

The Alaskan Guide Buck 110, from Cabelas, is one of the best knives I've ever had the pleasure of using.
The S30V (heat treat by the legendary Mr. Bos) combined with the high hollow-grind of the classic Buck 110 makes this a fantastic cutter.

And it looks beautiful too!

knives220.jpg


Good luck,
Allen.
 
Kershaw
Cyclone
JunkYard Dog 2
Storm 2 (Probably the best deal)
Lahar
Blur


Spyderco
Endura
Delica
Native

Cold Steel
Voyagers
AK47 (My sons has taken a beating)


Some CRKTs are OK


I am biased to Kershaw stuff though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top