Folder around $400

Matteo Escobar

Matteo Escobar

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Feb 26, 2002
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What are your opinions on a folder in the $400 range?

I ask here because there are like-minded folk, and I trust your opinion.

I really like the Sebenza, but I wonder what else is out there at this price point.
 
Join your local fire department and then get a XM18 at dealer cost.

Seriously if you haven't had one get a sebenza. They are wondeful.
 
Hinderer... There is no substitute. (JMO) Mine see the most pocket time out of all the different folders I have. A true workhorse folder in 3 sizes...XM-18 3" and 3.5", and the 4" XM-24.
...But I do also like my small Sebenza. What a slicer!
The Lionsteel SR-1 is a very decent folder also. Single piece titanium frame, can be double locked in the open position. Good strong folder.
A little over half of $400 brings you to the ZT 05xx series Hinderer design Kershaw models, and they are decent as well.
 
The Lionsteel SR-1 IS awesome.....;) Award winner. Feels great in hand.....but to have a Hinderer would be a dream.
 
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Lionsteel SR-1 ,all day long.have lg. and sm. sebenza's which are Beautiful blades, but the Lionsteel SR-1 will take more abuse,feels great in the hand and is a looker ,as for the Hinderer... dont own one feel their a little too pricey for what they are but do have a awesome reputation for being a well built blade,,, Personal opionion,,,,2 cents please:D
 
I have the following folders in my rotation

- large Sebenza
- Hinderer XM-18 (non-flipper)
- Strider SNG
- Strider SMF
- Lionsteel SR-1 (titanium handle)
- Rockstead Kou
- Rockstead Shin

My favorite for urban use is the sebenza (great hollow ground slicer, tip is not meant to tighten screws though)
My favorite for outdoor activities is the Strider SMF (tough, rugged and easy to operate with gloves, not a good slicer)
The XM-18 is possibly the best cross over (Choil could be a tad bigger for my index finger)

However, there's a reason why I rotate them... they are all well worth the money and great to work with. Can't go wrong with any of those.

Let us know what you ended up with!
 
I have the poor man's Lion Steel, it's aluminum frame with a D2 blade, and it's been a strong folder. I haven't damaged it at all chopping with it or slamming the blade open. Locks up good, and fits well. Just a thought if you want to save $150 for INFI.

Grayman Satu and whatever their smaller folder is called are beasts.
 
Thanks guys, seems you can't go wrong with a Sebenza. The Hinderer's look awesome but a tad pricey.
 
Keep an eye out for a Les George VECP. This is a variant of his Rockeye folder. Here's a comparable shot with the other knives mentioned on this thread.

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+1 VECP, I carry mine in my back pocket without a clip (it's flat). Action is smooth as silk and lockup is early and bank vault tight. It's super comfy in all grips.
 
I really like my Stars and Stripes Large Sebenza. It is a bank vault lock up and one of the toughest folders I have found. And I have tried a lot of the cheaper ones - partially lined or not even....why waist the money for a dozen little buggers when ya just do not trust the quality.

I carry it in my front pocket - does not show (I work at a good sized corporation and that's important if I want to carry) and nothing to snag when taking it out. I like it -simple and effective. Like my Glocks :)

Good folders cost money - but if you have $400 to spend then a Sebenza can be had.
 
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Get a ZT300 (300, 301, 302, whichever color G-10 scale you like best), you can find them hardly used or new for under $200. They are tough and easy to clean, plus it is a flipper! Other choices are production Emersons, there are many sizes and blade shapes, plus a great warranty.

.
 
I'd get two of the ZT0550/0551 (non-flipper) OR ZT0560/0561 (flipper). I find I carry my 0551 more than the seven Sebenzas or two Hinderers.

∞
 
I carry a ZT0350 everywhere.....but I'm waiting for my ZT0560 to show up. February release was last I heard.
looks like a Hinderer because it's designed by him at about 1/2 the cost.

or maybe a Kershaw Cryo- which was just announced and is kinda the same deal....but smaller.
 
Check out Fällkniven PXL with 3G steel. I tend to choose that knife over my XM-18 and my SNG :eek:
I also carry the Lionsteel SR-1 a lot.
 
The xm18 is my favorite folder that I have ever had the oppertunity of owning. Unfortunately if you are not a leo you will get charged an arm an a leg for one.

I prefer strider to sebenza. The strider feels like you got a real tough lasting knife whereas the sebenza is more of a gentalmans folder. Sebenza just feels more delicate and dainty to me even though its not.
 
I just picked up a Hinderer and its a fine POA (Piece of A$$) Jaxx is right on the money with it...solid and sweet and smooth!
 
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