Folder in the $40-50 range

19-3ben

19-3ben

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
4,666
I’m starting to think about getting another folder, but only looking to spend $40-50ish and want to maximize on the whole price/performance ratio. It will be carried in pocket, in the EDC rotation.

Deal breakers/must have:
- One handed opening/closing without having to change hand position too much. i love how easy open/close my BM grip is.
- Nothing too "tactical" looking. It doesn't have to have the innocence of a SAK or old timey slip joint, but subdued is a good thing.
- No serrations. Nothing against them, I just don't want them on this knife.

Preference:
- I prefer to avoid liner locks and frame locks, but if a knife comes along that checks off all the other boxes, I could probably live with it.
- Blade in the 3"-3.5" territory with a decent belly. This is going to be primarily a slicer so blade shapes that fit that parameter are a good thing.
- Nice looking handle material. If I can avoid a nylon handle, and get something with G10 or wood or metal all the better.
- Slim. Going to be a pocket carry, 'nuf said. But that shouldn’t sacrifics a good grip. I need something more to hang onto than, let’s say, a Leek.
- 'Murican made, because... 'Murica!

I’m thinking along the lines of something that falls into the grey territory between the delicacy of my Kershaw Leek, and the indestructability of my Griptillian. I'm in no rush, and this purchase is a few weeks or even months out, but you guys know how it goes. The hunt is half the fun.:D

My top contender right now is the Buck Vantage Avid, with the Dymondwood scales. Seems to be just about right, and I could live with the liner lock since it meets the rest of my specs.

Any others you guys can think of?
 
19-3ben said:
My top contender right now is the Buck Vantage Avid, with the Dymondwood scales. Seems to be just about right, and I could live with the liner lock since it meets the rest of my specs.
Click to expand...

That was about what I was thinking as I read your post, "other than the linerlock he should get a Buck 346".

The dymondwood/Sandvik 13c26 version of the Vantage is my favorite one, to the point that I sold off my S30V version.
 
Buck Vantage of Kershaw Skyline are probably your two best options, also don't sleep on the Buck Bantam; the Thermoplastic is super Lightweight, lots of optipns, and a lot stronger then it feels... Finish isn't the best, but it is one of the best values on the market for a cheap - USA made - edc option. You could buy 2... It has a nice mid-lock also which is convenient for one hand closing.
 
evilgreg said:
That was about what I was thinking as I read your post, "other than the linerlock he should get a Buck 346".

The dymondwood/Sandvik 13c26 version of the Vantage is my favorite one, to the point that I sold off my S30V version.
Click to expand...

I was under the impression it was Buck's 420HC with Bos heat treat. Am I wrong?
 
Just got the aluminum scaled Kershaw Link and I'm pretty damn impressed considering it only cost me $39. Fit, finish, and lock-up are outstanding. My only complaint so far has been the end of the pocketclip can rub me wrong in certain grips.
 
Go with the Buck Vantage, really nice knife, but liner lock, everything else its a great knife, love mine
Or a kershaw blur
 
Don't know if he has any left, but got a Kershaw Dimension from kershawguy last week for $25 shipped. (it's not slim though)
 
Sounds like the Buck 110 (along with its smaller variants) is right up your alley. You can get a Kwik thumb stud for it and still keep it in your price range.
 
19-3ben said:
I was under the impression it was Buck's 420HC with Bos heat treat. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...

Quick cellphone photo for you:

efCXRIr.jpg
 
Definitely check out the Kershaw Link. It just fits about everything you asked for except it is a liner lock. We have sold a ton of these and all our customers have been very happy with them!
 
+1 on the Link 1776 for a USA made blade in your price range. The blade geometry makes it a born slicer with its consistent sweep. I actually recommend the less expensive version with the black glass filled nylon handle. Its lighter and more comfy in the hand than the aluminum version. Kershaw's stonewashed finish is nice and you come in UNDER budget. If you were it get the aluminum version, It's very similar to a ZT 0770 (minus the ELMAX and jimping)
 
Last edited:
GlockandBalls said:
+1 on the Link 1776 for a USA made blade in your price range. The blade geometry makes it a born slicer with its consistent sweep. I actually recommend the less expensive version with the black glass filled nylon handle. Its lighter and more comfy in the hand than the aluminum version. Kershaws stonewashed finish is nice and you come in UNDER budget.
Click to expand...

Pic to show what we are talking about!

https://flic.kr/p/svLvgz https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/
 
19-3ben said:
I was under the impression it was Buck's 420HC with Bos heat treat. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...

Buck has three levels in the Vantage line. The Select is the lowest price point and has the 420HC blade steel. The Avid is the mid priced model with the Sandvik steel and the Pro is the highest price and has the S30v blade steel. The handle scales differ at each price point too.

I have both a Select and a Pro in the Vantage Force line and they are both excellent knives.
 
I have one of these on the trading block
[video=youtube;JKPlD0KfnRo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKPlD0KfnRo[/video]

19-3ben said:
I’m starting to think about getting another folder, but only looking to spend $40-50ish and want to maximize on the whole price/performance ratio. It will be carried in pocket, in the EDC rotation.

Deal breakers/must have:
- One handed opening/closing without having to change hand position too much. i love how easy open/close my BM grip is.
- Nothing too "tactical" looking. It doesn't have to have the innocence of a SAK or old timey slip joint, but subdued is a good thing.
- No serrations. Nothing against them, I just don't want them on this knife.

Preference:
- I prefer to avoid liner locks and frame locks, but if a knife comes along that checks off all the other boxes, I could probably live with it.
- Blade in the 3"-3.5" territory with a decent belly. This is going to be primarily a slicer so blade shapes that fit that parameter are a good thing.
- Nice looking handle material. If I can avoid a nylon handle, and get something with G10 or wood or metal all the better.
- Slim. Going to be a pocket carry, 'nuf said. But that shouldn’t sacrifics a good grip. I need something more to hang onto than, let’s say, a Leek.
- 'Murican made, because... 'Murica!

I’m thinking along the lines of something that falls into the grey territory between the delicacy of my Kershaw Leek, and the indestructability of my Griptillian. I'm in no rush, and this purchase is a few weeks or even months out, but you guys know how it goes. The hunt is half the fun.:D

My top contender right now is the Buck Vantage Avid, with the Dymondwood scales. Seems to be just about right, and I could live with the liner lock since it meets the rest of my specs.

Any others you guys can think of?
Click to expand...
 
I have 2 of the Buck Vantage Models, the Select and Avid

I also have the Kershaw Link

To choose just one.........Kershaw Link all the way. And I love Buck, and have many of their offerings. The Kershaw is also made in the USA, uses the 420hc, but the speedsafe is amazing on this model, and the aluminum handles are solid.
 
19-3ben said:
I was under the impression it was Buck's 420HC with Bos heat treat. Am I wrong?
Click to expand...

The Vantage 'Select' has 420HC steel. Then a step up is the Avid. Then the Pro w/ S30V steel. A good choice. A lot for your money. DM
 
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