Good Multipurpose (EDC) Folder Under $200

mathman

mathman

Joined
Jul 1, 2005
Messages
186
Well, first of all let me say that I am hesitant to post another thread after the Sebenza thread debacle...but here goes.

I don't think I'm going to buy a Sebenza afterall...just too much money (for me) for an EDC that is going to be used a lot. I have a Ritter RSK1 and I like it, but don't really like the feel of the plastic handle.

So, I'm looking for reccomendations for a folder under $200 with a sturdier (aluminum, etc...) handle. I like the blade style on the Ritter...I think that the drop point style blades are very practical.

I do like benchmades, but I am also open to new ideas.

Thanks...

;)
 
Do you have an objections to G10? Aluminum isn't very grippy, so I think G10 would be your best bet as it's not cheap feeling but still light and durable. I'd reccommend the Spyderco Manix at about $110 or so. If I had the money/desire for a single blade locking folder, it's the one I'd get. I've never had a CPM S30V knife before, so I can't say much about the steel, but I do like flat grinds and overall blade geometry of the knife, and I consider lock backs to be extremely secure. If you like tip down carry (I personally don't) then it could be right for you.
 
new ideas eh?

Well, I'm already assuming you want a pocket clip and don't want to sheath your knife? Here's a plug for one of my favorites anyway, a Buck 112. No plastic on this thing, feels great in my hands, and love the leather smell, ..the smell seems to get on the knife, ..yes sometimes I smell my 112, and 110's, haha. ;)

34539219.jpg


34539221.jpg



mathman said:
Well, first of all let me say that I am hesitant to post another thread after the Sebenza thread debacle...but here goes.

I don't think I'm going to buy a Sebenza afterall...just too much money (for me) for an EDC that is going to be used a lot. I have a Ritter RSK1 and I like it, but don't really like the feel of the plastic handle.

So, I'm looking for reccomendations for a folder under $200 with a sturdier (aluminum, etc...) handle. I like the blade style on the Ritter...I think that the drop point style blades are very practical.

I do like benchmades, but I am also open to new ideas.

Thanks...

;)
Click to expand...
 
Mathman,

Since you said you were open to ideas I'll throw one at you that you will not find very often in the forums. I like the Sebies but agree they are a little steep for my budget and I think there are alternatives. Here are some.

Here are two series of knives that I think are very good EDC's. Both can be obtained with manual or automatic opening. You said you liked aluminum handles. Both series of knives here have aluminum handles but I think you can also get them with some very good reinforced nylon (I forgot the tradename) handles if you want:

The Protech TR series.
http://www.protechknives.com/products.asp?productID=3

and manual

http://www.protechknives.com/products.asp?productID=9



The Microtech MSE series.
http://www.1sks.com/store/microtech-mini-socom-elite-automatic-seatbelt-cutter.html

http://www.microtechknives.com/MSE.htm



These are bit on the pricey side but I have never met anyone who purchased one that was disappointed with either of them. They are both very reliable and very tough and will last until you give them to you great-great-great grandchildren.

Are these of any interest to you?
 
Mike from Newgraham said they should be in within a week. Don't know the price for the ZDP version. Limited run, new supersteel, expect to pay more. You can get one for $40+ in VG-10 right now. It's my next knife.

Kref
 
My BenchMade 420 has hefty cast aluminum handles and it is one strong looking knife. I think it is one of the two smoothest knives I've ever had. The other being and Ares by BenchMade.

After putting the Wave mod on my 420 I have not been able to stop carrying it. It is a joy to carry and use. I highly recommend it.
 
I have a Buck 110 and for me it is too heavy for EDC in the pocket. It is my garage knife and serves its purpose very well.

The Protech and Microtech knives are also interesting...and you're right, I've never even heard of them.

The BM 420 is nice...I like the thick blade and 154CM.

I suppose for EDC it probably doesn't make much of a difference if I go with 154CM, S30V or VG-10...eh?

Thanks for the responses...
 
Krefcenz said:
Mike from Newgraham said they should be in within a week. Don't know the price for the ZDP version. Limited run, new supersteel, expect to pay more. You can get one for $40+ in VG-10 right now. It's my next knife.

Kref
Click to expand...
The ZDP version can be found for around the $65-70 mark but might not be right for mathman as the FRN definitely has a 'cheapy' feel to it and it only comes in burgundy :barf:.
 
Buck Mayo would be my reccomendation. a very good all around knife for around $150 or so.
 
The Buck Mayo is different...what type of steel do they use? (I couldn't find it on their website.)

Another knife that I have heard a lot about is the Spyderco Manix...I went to their website and I must say that I really like it! And newgraham offers it for well under $200. Boy, the blade sure is thick on that one.
 
The Buck Mayo is a good suggestion.

I'd also recommend that you look at one made by Camillus, actually called the "EDC." It's quite inexpensive, and is a nice knife. It's a framelock, which is exceptionally strong (Chris Reeve makes his Sebenza using a frame lock, and I believe the Buck/Mayo is a framelock as well).

Next, I'd suggest looking at some Kershaw knives. I just got a Leek (speedsafe opening mechanism, frame lock) and love it. If you want something larger, check out the Boa. They also have another one of comparable size to the Boa, but I forget what it's called now... just saw it in the local knife shop the other day.

Hope this helps.
Peace.
 
Probably 95% of production folders sell for less than $200. So this is kind of like asking "what's a good car for less than $70,000?" The answers you'll get will basically be answers to "Hey, what do you like right now?"
 
Well, after my last thread, I didn't want to use the term 'best'...

So yeah, basically I am asking for ideas on sturdy folders for EDC...the plastic handle on the RSK1 is just not a 'sturdy feeling' knife handle...IMO.

I am curious if the G10 feels similar to plastic.
 
mathman said:
Well, after my last thread, I didn't want to use the term 'best'...

So yeah, basically I am asking for ideas on sturdy folders for EDC...the plastic handle on the RSK1 is just not a 'sturdy feeling' knife handle...IMO.

I am curious if the G10 feels similar to plastic.
Click to expand...

G10 is very different than plastic or FRN. And it also depends on how it is finished. Check some out in a local shop to see what it is like before you decide.
 
mathman wrote - QUOTE: Well, after my last thread, I didn't want to use the term 'best'...
So yeah, basically I am asking for ideas on sturdy folders for EDC...the plastic handle on the RSK1 is just not a 'sturdy feeling' knife handle...IMO. UNQUOTE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK..........
whatever you end up getting -
also get one of these:
vm_53929_sol_a02.jpg

yes, it's a SAK (Swiss Army Knife)
but the military issue Victorinox Soldier - with sturdy thick Alox (aluminum) handles.

This will allow - within reason -
PRYING (with the screwdriver)
SCRAPING (with the sharpened awl/reamer)
Opening Cans (can-opener)
Opening Bottle-Caps (bottle-cap lifter)
Screws (two screwdriver tips including the ability to use on #1 & #2 Phillips)

and many other functions that one shouldn't really do with a knife blade....

Yet it's slim enough to ride easily in one's pocket -
so it will always be there for you :)

If your pockets have more room and depending on your needs - the Victorinox Farmer adds the amazing woodsaw and a keyring for attaching lanyards to the Soldier's functions - without adding much thickness -
vm_53964_sol_a02.jpg


The Soldier can be found as low as about $17, and the Farmer about $21... bargains.......

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
 
Here are a few possibles:

Benchmades:

Skirmish
Mini-Skirmish
720
710
805
806
520

Spydercos:

Stretch
Military
Manix
D'Allara


CRKT:

Carson M18
Carson M21
Carson M16 1* series
Carson M16 aluminum series
Carson M16 titanium series
Hammond Cascade Tactical
Hammond Desert Cruiser

All of these CRKT's have AUS-8 blade-steel.
Avoid the AUS-6 versions.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Maybe there's someone you could send your Ritter RSK1 to and have custom grips put on it? If you like it that much just keep it and upgrade it. I would think the cost would be less than a new knife. Just an idea.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top