Recommendation? Frame locks that won't break the bank...

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Feb 7, 2016
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I know there are tons of great options out there (e.g. CRK, etc.), but what would you guys recommend as a decent frame lock that won't break the bank? Thinking $150.00 or less.

For some extra info, I was looking at the discontinued Spydercos for this year and the Domino really caught my eye (appears I was too late to decide on that one, because I see all of the entry level models are sold out). Got me to thinking that I have yet to try a frame lock since really getting into knives over the past couple years. So, whatcha got? :)
 
There are plenty of frame locks under $150, but I don't happen to have one other than a Kershaw Cryo, which is a pretty cheap knife so I don't know I'd recommend that to you. :D

You can get a ZT 0450 for right around your price range, maybe a smidge higher. Lots of WE and Kizer framelocks under $150.

Under $100, there's some interesting Ruike, Kizer, and Real Steel models. The ESEE Avispa or Zancudo. Seems like a lot of frame locks in this price range are made in China, if that bothers you. ETA: Kershaw Knockout is a US made frame lock under $100, just ordered one for a family member for Christmas. Also FWIW, I just ordered a Lionsteel Tre for $190 on recommendation of folks in the forum here. A bit above your spec price, but I was looking for similar to you, an affordable framelock, and also wanted the M390 steel.
 
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Real steel megalodon 2017 in m390. Can't beat it for the cost.

Edit nevermind. They were on sale earlier in the year between 125-160 but now there back to regular price. Still worth the regular price but above your budget.

I did get a Kizer t1 which you should look up reviews cause it's a good knife for the price. They go for 175 give or take but can find them for below 150 if you look.

ZT has some amazing framelocks.they are not the greatest slicers tho.
 
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27EB137D-BBD8-412E-8747-CCFEF81868EA.jpeg B52D70DD-2DDB-4A21-B247-8874EB992C38.jpeg Great recommendation Vel!
I’ve had one for quite a while now and have no complaints!
The lock is an interesting one, think they call it a sub frame lock.
Really good all around knife. Wish it had better steel, but for the price, great deal.
Joe
Kershaw Knockout fits the bill. I like the version with the olive handles and black blade.
 

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ZT would be my first recommendation ... model just depending what you want. The ZT 0909 being discontinued if you can still find them are about $150.00 and are great big sturdy knives. The ZT 566 or 562 G10 model would others I'd recommend within your price range depending on your uses ... And there are several other models especially if you look on the exchange here you can get some good deals. Think for materials and quality it's hard to beat ZT in your price range.

Kershaw has several far under your $150.00 ... the knockout as mentioned is a great knife for the price.
 
Check out Viper. The Ten is a very cool framelock flipper that hits your budget, and the Fortis nets you M390, though it's a bit more expensive (though it can be found for around $150 if you know where to look).
 
Ontario Robert Carter Prime. Fabulous action and build quality on a titanium frame lock flipper right at $100. If you like wharncliffes.
 
You're right, Joe... it's not a true "frame lock" as we tend to think of it.

I'm glad you are enjoying that model... it's my personal favorite.
 
You can find zt 0566 and 0450g10. You can occasionally find 0562 and 0620 for around your price. Those are the ones I know off the top of my head.
 
Kershaw leek dfinitely wont break the bank. They make a nice special version with cpm154 steel and carbon fiber scales for 100 dollars.
 
8242E340-702C-4253-8775-1BBFFB9904E1.jpeg 389D84D2-C2C2-4B61-87D9-2F654466D06B.jpeg Great recommendation Vel!
I’ve had one for quite a while now and have no complaints!
The lock is an interesting one, think they call it a sub frame lock.
Really good all around knife. Wish it had better steel, but for the price, great deal.
Joe
Kershaw Knockout fits the bill. I like the version with the olive handles and black blade.
 
The Spyderco Myrtle is on sale right now and is a great knife. Unconventional blade shape, but super useful and I think a very attractive knife.

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Full size Ti and marbled carbon fiber framelock at this price point is hard to beat.
 
Real steel megalodon 2017 in m390. Can't beat it for the cost.

Edit nevermind. They were on sale earlier in the year between 125-160 but now there back to regular price. Still worth the regular price but above your budget.

I did get a Kizer t1 which you should look up reviews cause it's a good knife for the price. They go for 175 give or take but can find them for below 150 if you look.

ZT has some amazing framelocks.they are not the greatest slicers tho.

Totally agree with the Kiizer T1. an awesome knife!
 
Real steel megalodon 2017 in m390. Can't beat it for the cost.

Edit nevermind. They were on sale earlier in the year between 125-160 but now there back to regular price. Still worth the regular price but above your budget.

I did get a Kizer t1 which you should look up reviews cause it's a good knife for the price. They go for 175 give or take but can find them for below 150 if you look.

ZT has some amazing framelocks.they are not the greatest slicers tho.


[a store] had the 2018 Megalodons for $159 last wekk, might still be available, it's a one-man shop so you could probably get it by asking if the deal is over.
 
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might still be available, it's a one-man shop so you could probably get it by asking if the deal is over.
its sold out. btw, you may want to edit your post, you may get an infraction for deal spotting if they arnt a vendor here.

as for the 2018 version its on bearings and not needle bearings like the 2017 is. not a fan of the newer blade profile either.
 
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