Got $150-200 to spend on a folder...help me do it

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
I don't know much about production folding knives...and need some guidance. I'm looking for a good EDC folder. I really like the Benchmade Skirmish 630...

What else is there in my price range that fits the following:

No thumbstud
S30V
Framelock
"larger than normal" (7.5"+ overall)

Thanks for any help/suggestions!
 
Spyderco ATR meets 3 of 4 on your list. It's got no thumbstud and is the size you're looking for. Lock is compression but it's integral, part of the frame rather than a liner. Comes in VG10 steel.
 
I would like to recommend my new EDC, just about perfect IMO-
Swamp Rat Rat Trap.
9" OAL
Blade a touch under 4"
S30V
No Studs
G10 with Embedded Liners
Thin as a FRN endura
Low ride Pocket clip
Good lockup, (but its a liner lock)
rattrapsmall.jpg

Light and sturdy, a great slicer :thumbup:

Edit: less than $150, even after shipping.
 
The ATR with Ti handles has S30V steel and the street price is around $200. It was discontinued recently, but I think they can still be found fairly easily. Some other Spyderco's also fit the requirements for the most part. They are liner or compression locks though, not frame locks. The Military and Paramilitary, and the SpyKer all have S30V and are larger folders.

Edit: Couldn't you make your own? :cool: :thumbup:
 
Of course there is always the Camillius Dominator or Max, the Dominator has s30v but the Max has d2, they are both frame locks and open via a flipper. Take a look at the dominator IMO its blade shape is much more useful then the skirmish.
 
Here is another recommendation for a Camillus MAXX. It has D2 instead of S30V blade steel, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
 
good suggestions...keep 'em coming..


Do you have a pic of that SR fully opened?



Perf..First - I have plans to start making folding knives soon....but would like an EDC in the meantime. I'm kinda new to the folding knife arena..didn't get my interest at first, but they're growing on me...:D
 
Daniel Koster said:
good suggestions...keep 'em coming..


Do you have a pic of that SR fully opened?



Perf..First - I have plans to start making folding knives soon....but would like an EDC in the meantime. I'm kinda new to the folding knife arena..didn't get my interest at first, but they're growing on me...:D
Click to expand...

Not my pics, I stole them from Gary007
original.jpg

40454761.jpg

(my trap has a black crinkle coated clip that says swamp rat)
OK, I just took a couple crappy shots of my own with one of the cameras here:
rattrap1.jpg
 
Dan, my recommenations:
1) Camillus Dominator if you like framelocks and assisted opener. Heavy duty.
One of my favorite all time knives.
YES, it has a thumbstud, but you can just use the flipper.
2) Buck Mayo. You cannot be beat for the price. framelock, lightweight and thin, but still strong.
3) Spyderco Manix. Very tough, but not a one handed opener/closer.
There's lots of other choices too. I know it's not a framelock, but is as strong as they are.
 
I would look for a MT SOCOM used. Just saw a pse listed on the KF's I believe for a 100 bucks. It was from 98 or 99 the best years I think. Absolutely a kick ass knife. Look at the SERE 2000 too. Probably imho the best prod. liner locking folder made today. Try to find an MT Amphibian too. Great cutters and extremely well made. I also like the old school MOD Tempest. I have 2 of them and they are great knives. Lets see what else. Save more money and get a Sebbie. The BEST manufactured knife made today no matter what anyone says. Tons of others, have some fun and do the research. Decide what it is gonna primarily be used for and then narrow it down. keepem sharp
 
Any Spyderco that in the size you like
SwampRat Rat Trap
Spend the $$$ and get a Sebbie
...better yet, save to buy a Sebbie, and buy another dozen EDC's. HTH
 
I recommend a Buck Strider 880 in either a spear point blade or the tanto blade. Nothing in the descriptions from Buck or anyone that sells this knife does it justice in telling the buyer what is actually coming in the mail. All you can say when you see it is wow.

The Blade is 5mm thick ATS34 steel, and heat treated by Paul Bos. The liner and lock are like 2.5mm thick. The whole knife is basically a production Strider because on this one, unlike the 882 and some of the other Strider collaboration knives Mick set the standards for this one and Buck made it to his specs. This is probably one of the beefier production folders out there. Its a lot of knife and well worth every penny from newgraham.com

It is nearly 10" long opened and about as good as it gets in a production folder in my opinion. It sports G10 scales that are textured for secure grip, and is akin to a frame lock more than a liner lock really. At $125 plus shipping it ain't half bad. Only thing is it does have a thumb stud.

The other choice for a big folder would be the Buck 882 but I don't think it is half the knife this one is. Even still it is a great knife and certainly hefty enough to get the job done. I like the one I have and have been carrying it lately. Plenty of blade and the knife is everything you can expect from Buck and Paul Bos if you get the ATS34 bladed one.

Heck for the other features the 880 offers pull that thumb stud out and put a bigger thumb hole in the blade. :D



http://www.newgraham.com/buck_strider.htm
 
Of all the really big folders the Skirmish 630 was a GREAT knife...
Swamp Rat Rat Trap is another really fine one. Tho doesn't meet your framelock criteria..
Go with the BM 630. You'll LOVE it!
Tom
 
Dan you would be very happy with the Skirmish. It fits everything you asked for and is very well made. I have one in my pocket right now. The Camillus Dominator is also nice if you don't mind the assisted opening. I switch back and forth between these two with a couple of more thrown in every once in a while just for kicks.
 
Go with the Skirmish. It fits all of your qualifications better than any other. I have one and cannot think of another large folder that I would trade it for. Buy it and enjoy it.....
 
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