Getting Serious with Folders

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sphill77

Joined
Feb 22, 2013
Messages
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Hey guys,

First post as a member, but long time guest viewer and fan of the discussions on this forum. I recently had the pleasure of viewing/handling a variety of Benchmade and Protech blades and decided it was time for me to invest in a high quality folder. College student here so I'll be operating on a budget of around $150, so I'll most likely be looking for something used in order to broaden my options a bit more. The Benchmade 710 and their new flipper seem excellent, but I've been really intrigued by Microtech models and Bradley Alias's lately. Since there are no shops in my area that carry these blades I was hoping someone with experience handling/using a variety of these blades could offer opinions on particular models that may serve as an excellent EDC option. Any opinions would be appreciated as I'd like to make my first step into more serious blades an informed decision that I'll be satisfied with!
 
I'm at the same point as you actually. My budget for the knife I am saving up for, the Benchmade Rift, is in the same $150 range, but I just found out about a company doing an inventory clean up. They didn't have any of the knives I was interested in left, but later I checked to see what else they had, and they had a great price on a Griptilian, so I figured I'd order that. Missed business hours that day, checked their spreadsheet before bed to make sure they had one left. They didn't, but they were no longer sold out of the 710!

So I ordered that, and I'm pleasantly surprised to find myself with an Axis-locking knife on the way for under a hundred. I guess what I'm saying is, keep an eye on sales and specials. You may find one of the knives you're willing to spend $125-175 on for well under that, if you take the time to look for these things.
 
Bradley Alias II might be a good one for you...a college student. Note that your school likely has some type of restrictions of pocket knives. I just bought my gd-kid, at Penn State, a Bradley Alias II in blue(anodized) titanium. Blade length is less than 3" and has a good rep for smoothness. The S30v blade-steel should be a good choice.
If 3.5" blade is allowed in a folder, I would go after the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 in S30V bladesteel. They are found all over this Exchange here in ANIB condition for $100-$220, depending upon blade-steel variation. 3.3" blade serves very well at a variety of semi-casual duties.
Good luck.
 
Can't never go wrong with BM Axis lock. Life
Sharp service available $5....blade replacement for $25-$35...strong resell value.
 
You are starting out and are looking at Benchmades? You can't go wrong with either the 710 or 707 starting out depending on the size you want. Also the 940. I highly recommend them.

I'm not into Microtechs at all whatsoever and Ive never owned a Benchmade/Bradley Alias so I cant speak on those. I did want an Alias also when I was starting out but opted for shall I say "other" titanium knives instead. Im sure its nice though, but I'd go with the 710 as a gateway drug. Can be had for around 100 if you know where to go. Save the other 50 for the next knife hehe. I dont own a 300sn as I am very satisfied with axis locks on thumbstuds, I find it unnecesary and have read others experiences with it. Its cool but I can do without it.
 
The Benchmade Rift is my favorite knife design. I'm also loving my new Contego. Both in your price range, excellent knives for the money.
 
My first good knife was a BM mini-Barrage. Still love it.

I also have been attracted to the looks of the Microtech whaleshark, but given some comments on Youtube videos, I would want to handle one first, and can't do it in my area.
 
I have yet to spend $150 on a single knife. Shop around and you'll be surprise at of great deals, when seller willing to sell. Also, don't be shy on Pre-owned like new...many times a buyer buys a knife but not their likely...so they resell it for cheaper.

Stick with a few good models & go hunting. I listed a few brand and model that I want, then when a deal presents itself I pull the trigger.
 
Welcome to the Forum! There are too many options to choose from for me to recommend a particular knife or brand but you likely won't go wrong with any of he suggestions so far. Trouble is, to paraphrase the chip ad,you can't have just one...
Welcome to the asylum for knife addiction ;)
 
In my opinion you can never go wrong with a Benchmade, at any level.

I own a bunch of them and I'd recommend.....

940 Osborne Axis
950 Rift
710
707 Sequel
550 Griptilian

Those right there are all great choices, but there are plenty of others that are just as great.

My most recent BM pick up is a 550HG Grip and its an amazing EDC blade.
 
Benchmade makes very nice knives, their Osborne Axis (942 I think) has been my favorite by far. As far as Protech (I assume you mean an Auto), I'd go with Dave Wattenberg over any of the other auto knives. His knives are very well made, fire like they're mad at someone and the man just plain takes care of his customers. I own several autos from BM, Microtech, Spyderco and a couple of others. the protechs I own equal or exceed the quality in all of them. I did a review recently on a Protech TR-2 here: http://centavogear.blogspot.com/2012/07/protech-tr-2-automatic-knife-review.html. If you wan to remain in the manual knife category at your stated price range, there are several great knives from BM and Spyderco (Paramilitary 2, Sage series, Gayle Bradley, etc.)..good luck
 
Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate the experienced input. It looks like I'll probably start searching for a 707/710 or a Bradley and see if I can find something for the right price
 
I own a bradley alias 2 auto and a regular with titanium handles and they are beyond amazing but at 150-180 pretty steep for low budget... I own many benchmade's, kershaw's,spyderco's, and sog's. I'd recommend to you in your price range the benchmade 470-1 super light aluminum handles, deep pocket clip, S30V steel, assisted opening axis lock. Really can't beat it plus found one shipped for 135.
 
matttalkslots said:
I own a bradley alias 2 auto and a regular with titanium handles and they are beyond amazing but at 150-180 pretty steep for low budget... I own many benchmade's, kershaw's,spyderco's, and sog's. I'd recommend to you in your price range the benchmade 470-1 super light aluminum handles, deep pocket clip, S30V steel, assisted opening axis lock. Really can't beat it plus found one shipped for 135.
Click to expand...

How are the bradley alias 2 auto's? ive seen them for $120 and they're small enough to be legal in my state
 
Ohhhh man the auto's are fantastic great ergo super fast amazing lock up and extremely light! It's a little heavier and thicker than the 470-1 just matters what your priorities are.
 
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Para 2 was my first "serious" knife. It all went downhill from there. Five ZT's later, and now thinking about my first Strider.
 
Check Knife Emporium out, they've got 710s for $105ish.

Lots of other Benchmades as well, and other companies.
 
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