Good high end steel folders for under $250?

I

ipwn3r456

Joined
Sep 2, 2013
Messages
92
Hey guys/gals,

I am looking for my second knife as my high end EDC knife, I have looked into a few knives but I would like your opinions.

Here's my preferences:
Steel: M390, CPM 20CV, S110V and/or similar very high end steels
Handle material: Titanium, maybe carbon fiber and/or G10
Blade length: 3 - 3.5 inches ideal, <= 4 inches max
Overall length: 7 - 8 inches ideal, <= 8.5 max
Price: $250 maximum, $200 ideal (don't really want to spend overly too much)

I am coming from a Spyderco Native 5 FRN, which has a blade length of 3 inches and overall length of almost 7 inches, so I want a something little bit bigger than that (maybe looks a little cooler, but looks are subjective I know).

I have looked at a couple knives, such as the ZT 0609 (fits my size preferences perfectly), ZT 0393 (a little bigger compare to 0609, but I like the design), the Spyderco PM2 S110V, and some other knives such as from Factor Equipment, Kizer and Viper knives. Any specific models do you guys recommend? Am I expecting too much at this price range for my requirements? Thanks.
 
Can't go wrong with the ZT's really. There is a whole lot out there and I wouldn't dismiss S35VN, like looking at a ZT 0450 for example either CF or Ti. It's below your budget, fits your size requirements and has a track record of being well liked. And you can always customize the Ti version if you don't want the all gray-ish look.
 
Spyderco, ZT, and Benchmade all offer high quality folding knives with top steels. Each company has a different philosophy embodied in their products. Unless your mind is already made up, it is worthwhile to try something from each of them to get the flavor of how they roll. There are many other companies, but I consider these the “Big Three” American makers of locking folders with broad steel choices.
 
The Benchmade Barrage/Mini-Barrage comes to mind. You can find those in M390. The ZT 0562 comes in 20CV. Same with all 3 of the new ZT this year. The 0620 came out in elmax. When it comes to Spydercos, I personally like the Manix over the PM2. If you don't mind a weird design and an LC200N blade under 3", the Spyderco Tusk is one of my favorites.
 
The ZT 0609 is a compelling choice. It feels great in the hand for such a svelte handle and packs a lot of blade for the handle size.

You didn’t mention it among your steel choices, but LC200N is a unique option. Excellent retention of a very fine edge and practically rustproof. With that in mind I recommend the SpydieChef, the best slicer I know in its size and price range.

Both the 0609 and the SpydieChef are easy to carry and have great action.

kHyE6Wn.jpg
 
The knifeworks exclusive military with s90v and Ti/cf scales is $199.99.
 
Military may be a bit too big for OP. How about knifeworks M4 carbon fiber PM2?
 
I would suggest you take a look at the Steel Will Cutjack in M390 and G-10 scales (flipper). I carry the Mini-Cutjack daily and love it and assume the larger size would be excellent too. I prefer the Spyderco Native size for regular carry.
 
ZT0562CF is pretty much a perfect match: Ti/CF, CPM-20CV or CTS-204P, just under 8.5" OAL, under $250. Really a fantastic knife overall, too.

The Knifeworks exclusive Ti/CF Spyderco Military in S90V also comes to mind, particularly while it's on sale for $200 -- but its 9.5" OAL is about an inch over your max.
 
ZT0562/CF, BM 940-1, Spydie PM variant. Lots to choose from.
 
Southern Grind Spider Monkey.

Steel is great, as is the carbon fiber over titanium construction. The carbon fiber is very well done.

Easy to carry and very ergonomic.
 
ipwn3r456 said:
Hey guys/gals,

I am looking for my second knife as my high end EDC knife, I have looked into a few knives but I would like your opinions.

Here's my preferences:
Steel: M390, CPM 20CV, S110V and/or similar very high end steels
Handle material: Titanium, maybe carbon fiber and/or G10
Blade length: 3 - 3.5 inches ideal, <= 4 inches max
Overall length: 7 - 8 inches ideal, <= 8.5 max
Price: $250 maximum, $200 ideal (don't really want to spend overly too much)

I am coming from a Spyderco Native 5 FRN, which has a blade length of 3 inches and overall length of almost 7 inches, so I want a something little bit bigger than that (maybe looks a little cooler, but looks are subjective I know).

I have looked at a couple knives, such as the ZT 0609 (fits my size preferences perfectly), ZT 0393 (a little bigger compare to 0609, but I like the design), the Spyderco PM2 S110V, and some other knives such as from Factor Equipment, Kizer and Viper knives. Any specific models do you guys recommend? Am I expecting too much at this price range for my requirements? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you should try that 609. Other good suggestions above too. What are the qualities you’re looking for in a very high end steel?
 
If you can find a used Reate mini Horizon D, that should work too. I have the full size Horizon D CF/TI with M390 steel. Man, it is definitely one level up than all the ZTs that I have/had.

QeoIrHb.jpg
 
The 0562 is a nice knife, so is the manix and so is the pm2. Basically there are a ton of great options in the range you’re looking at.
 
I would say that the best knives that are high-end folders would be something that is a Spyderco, Benchmade or the Kershaw clash but I would say for a good EDC knife the Benchmade bugout is the way to go!
 
My suggestion would be a ZT 0609. I'm loving the size of this knife and weight. Closed length is the same as your Spyderco Native 5 FRN (4") and it only weighs about an ounce more than the Native 5 FRN with a blade that is 3.4" and handle is made out of titanium. If you want a larger handled knife the ZT0562CF is a good choice. The blade is .1" longer than the 0609 and it adds about 2 oz. of weight. Another one you might consider is the Real Steel Megalodon Eclipse 2018. This is bit longer than your max (at 8.74") but is has a carbon fiber/titanium handle, 3.94" M390 blade, and only weighs 3.6 oz.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top