Folder

L

LLFFMM

Joined
Dec 18, 2011
Messages
12
Hey guys!
So, recently, I've been getting into the field of folding knives. I'm finding them more practical and fun to own than fixed blades.
But I still don't know much about them and what are the best high end(ish) brands-I know that Spyderco, Kershaw, etc do some good value knives . Thats when you experts appear! :D
I'm looking to buy a folder with around 3-3.5 inches in blade size. Weight is not an issue, neither is blade steel, shape or thickness. I'll mostly be using it as an EDC knife, so it doesn't need to be a tactical prybar, but it would be nice to trust on her to do some heavy chores (not much though). My budget is around $300. Please tell me if I've missed any detail.
Thanks in advance!

LFM
 
With that nice budget, it would be a long list of suggestions. My "general" favorite of folding knives always seem to be Spyderco in the $150-$200 range in our Exchange forum here. Perhaps the Gayle Bradley would be a good starting point. Good heavy-duty capable blade of CPM-M4 blade-steel which holds a wonderful edge; 3.5" blade, available here in as-new condition for about $125. I always try to keep several of these around, as they are wonderful trade materials. Perhaps a titanium-slabbed Spyderco Sage 2 in a 3" blade, available IIRC, in NEW condition for less than $160 if you shop carefully. Certainly, Kershaw, Zero Tolerance, Benchmade are good names to consider also. Much of this, of course, is personal opinion. Good luck.
 
At your budget my favorite production folder of that size would be the William Henry E10-3, for a heavier use knife I would say the spyderco Gayle Bradely at half your budget or Hinderer design Zero Tolerance.
 
At that budget, you have a LOT of choices in quality brands. Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Benchmade, Emerson, etc. I own knives from all four companies and like them all.
 
Sonnydaze said:
With that nice budget, it would be a long list of suggestions. My "general" favorite of folding knives always seem to be Spyderco in the $150-$200 range in our Exchange forum here. Perhaps the Gayle Bradley would be a good starting point. Good heavy-duty capable blade of CPM-M4 blade-steel which holds a wonderful edge; 3.5" blade, available here in as-new condition for about $125. I always try to keep several of these around, as they are wonderful trade materials. Perhaps a titanium-slabbed Spyderco Sage 2 in a 3" blade, available IIRC, in NEW condition for less than $160 if you shop carefully. Certainly, Kershaw, Zero Tolerance, Benchmade are good names to consider also. Much of this, of course, is personal opinion. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Never heard of the Gayle Bradley, will take a look, I know I've heard some good things about M4 steel.

unbrokenchain33 said:
any of the Spyderco Sage series, Spyderco Domino.. Can't go wrong, just lock and aesthetic preference
Click to expand...
Is the Domino new? It looks pretty nice.

Cereal_killer said:
At your budget my favorite production folder of that size would be the William Henry E10-3, for a heavier use knife I would say the spyderco Gayle Bradely at half your budget or Hinderer design Zero Tolerance.
Click to expand...
Took a look at William Henry knives and they are too pretty, I'll feel sorry to use'em ;) . I actually own a ZT 0566, forgot to mention that, and it really is a good knife

tokerblue said:
At that budget, you have a LOT of choices in quality brands. Spyderco, Zero Tolerance, Benchmade, Emerson, etc. I own knives from all four companies and like them all.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's why is so difficult to pick, soo many options.
 
LLFFMM said:
Took a look at William Henry knives and they are too pretty, I'll feel sorry to use'em ;) . I actually own a ZT 0566, forgot to mention that, and it really is a good knife.
Click to expand...
Nonsence, its a tool, by definition its actually prettier when used and dirty.
 
With your budget, you can get a ZT550 & a Spyderco Gayle Bradley. Both very different knives, yet about equally though.
 
Since you are just getting into folders, may I suggest you split the budget and buy #2 knives at the $150 price point? How about a ZT550 and Spyderco PM2?
 
LLFFMM said:
Yeah, that's why is so difficult to pick, soo many options.
Click to expand...
- Just a warning, it sounds like you're at the beginning stage of folder collecting sickness. You're more than likely going to own multiple folders, so you might as well start with the one that intrigues you the most.
 
mrynecy said:
Since you are just getting into folders, may I suggest you split the budget and buy #2 knives at the $150 price point? How about a ZT550 and Spyderco PM2?
Click to expand...
Yeah this was the first idea, I just wanted to know if there is a knife, at the 300 price point, that is a must have. Now regarding the ZT, since I have the 0566, I think I'll try to get different ones. But the PM2 is one I've been thinking about since when I got into folders.
 
LLFFMM said:
BTW guys, sorry if I misspelled something, I'm not actually a native speaker.
Click to expand...

We don't concern ourselves with that here, sir. Some folks even do it on porpoise.
And I'm not much good in Mandarin, either.
 
With that budget there is a ton of knives without you narrowing it down. If your looking for more high end production look at Microtech, the Hinderer design ZT's (0560 series is my favorite), Brous Blades as well. The mid range Spydercos such as the Domino, Sage 1, Sage 2 are great as well and the Spyderco Southard for their higher end. A lot of great blades to choose, I really am into flippers at the moment, but still love smooth thumb stud and Spydie hole opening knives.
 
If you want something unique, look at the LionSteel SR-1A (aluminum version), Hogue EX-0 series. The Spyderco Gayle Bradley is an excellent knife, and you could get that and another knife or get some custom scales for it. The ZT801 Rexford flipper is a nice knife. Save up another $50-$100 and you could get yourself something from Chris Reeve, Strider, or even a custom.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top