Help me spend $500 on folders

B

Bionic589

Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
17
Well I'm selling off a bunch of stuff from hobbies that I don't do as much anymore, or no longer take part in. I should be able to come up with about $500 over the next month or so. I'm going to take that money and get some nice folders. Right now my only decent folder is a Delica 4, that I EDC. I have been trying to do as much research as possible to figure out what I want to get. I would like to get two or more nice folders.

Some knives that I am interested in are:

Spyderco PM2
Spyderco Manix 2
Spyderco Endura
Microtech Socom
CRK Sebenza Large or maybe Small
ZT 350
ZT 0651
Lionsteel SR1


I guess my question is if you were in my position, what would you spend your first $500 on?
 
I'd definitely get a Chris Reeve, either a Sebenza or an Umnum. They're fantastic knives that will last you a lifetime, and they come up for sale in the Exchange all the time. Depending on what size knife you like, I'd also take a look at the Strider PT or the Strider SNG. But of course as many forum members will tell you, the PM2 is a solid knife as well.

You've got a lot of options in that price range, you could even go after a single, nice custom folder from someone like Ray Laconico.
 
Easy Question, get the Production knife that all are measured against, go for the Sebenza, either the 21 or the newer 25.

If you want to spend less, and get some high value knives by all means, basically anything from Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw/ZT, Microtech are all great choices, but I think every knife enthusiast should try out Chris Reeve quality, if you don't like it it's not that tuff to unload in the exchange or Ebay
 
I just received a sebenza 25, and I could not be happier with it.
It's the perfect edc for me. The umnumzaan is looking really good for a next option in that price range. I do not own the umnumzaan but from what I have been reading you can't go wrong with a Chris reeve knife and the customer support, life time warranty on his knives. Good luck with your search and keep us updated.
 
Production, go for the CRK! However if it were my 500$ I would go custom and get exactly what you want
 
Ernie1980 said:
Production, go for the CRK! However if it were my 500$ I would go custom and get exactly what you want
Click to expand...

Only problem is I don't know exactly what I want. I am still a new to the wonderful world of quality knives. Maybe down the road a bit I will get something custom.
 
check out kershaw guy, you could always get a way cheap blem to use use the rest on somethin nice
 
Well, I'd be very reluctant to part with any serious amount of money for a knife I've not handled... I'm considering buying a BM 710, but first have to find a way to lay my greasy paws on one so I can get the feel and to see whether it feels in my hand as good as it looks (and it's not even half the price of Sebenza). I'm no expert on knives, so my opinion might not be very relevant...
 
After a decade of being a chef and a few years of folder knife hobby, id say chris reeve makes very good knjves despite price.

You wont regret it.

ive returned my zero tolerance.
 
Akribis
– Greek for Sharp and Precise, is a fitting name for this finely crafted folding knife. This titanium and S35VN folder is the fruition of intense development and refinement. Spartan set out to create a knife that embodied all that is right in a modern folding knife. Form, function, and craftsmanship are all words that come to mind when you hold this knife. During the development of Akribis, Spartan reached out to the best and brightest in the industry for guidance and technical insight that is very evident when holding this knife. The Akribis was put through a series of refinements, engineering reviews and changes that culminated in this precision cutting tool. The craftsmanship of this folder is self-evident, from the chamfers on the frame to the intricate machining of the blades jimping.

The Akribis is light weight and is created using only the best of modern materials; such as, titanium, double deep cryogenically treated and tempered S35VN blades, and ceramic bearings in the locking bar to ensure positive closing bias for tip up carry. All surfaces are coated with the best PVD coatings available to protect the working surfaces of the blade and frame.

The Akribis is meant to break convention by serving not only as a “tactical” knife but as a blade that can just as easily be carried in business attire. You should be comfortable carrying an Akribis on the battlefield, the boardroom or any of your daily adventures.

Specifications:

Knife Name: Akribis

Designer(s): Iovito/Carey

Blade Length: 3.5"

Overall Length: 8.50"

Blade Thickness: 1/8 - .1250"

Blade Steel: S35VN

Blade Hardness: 58-60 HRC

Blade Style: Drop Point

Coating: Frame - ZrN (Flat Dark Earth) and Blade - Tungsten DLC (Flat Black) PVD

Handle Material: Black G10 or Carbon Fiber

Weight: 5.248 OZ

Lock Bar Stabilizer: Spartan Blades is proud to credit Rick Hinderer for Lock Bar Stabilizer used in this knife .Spartan Blades is authorized and licensed user of this technology
 
Problem with a CRK is will you carry it? I have finally got to the point where I'm comfortable carrying a sub 100 dollar blade, but I can't imagine I'd be comfortable carrying much more than that.

Some knives that I am interested in are:

Spyderco PM2
Spyderco Manix 2
Spyderco Endura
Microtech Socom
CRK Sebenza Large or maybe Small
ZT 350
ZT 0651
Lionsteel SR1
Click to expand...

Out of your list, in my experience go with the Spyderco Manix2, Endura (but go with an FFG version), and Para2. That spends around 300 of your budget. With the remaining cash go with a Benchmade Bone Collector 15020 and Griptilian. Those 5 blades are a great start to a decent collection.
 
This is an easy one for me.

My ZT0561 blem and my William Henry E10 probably see the most pocket time out of my current collection and they add up to exactly $500.

or

ZT0600 and then whatever you want with what you have left.
 
Don't rush into it. Look around.

My first folder in that price range was a full custom, only one in the world, pattern and blade shape, and handle materials and color all made specifically for me. (it is a custom slip joint by J. Oesser).

I have spent significantly more on production knives that have moved on.


No rush. Spend some time thinking about what you are really going to do with the knife, and what your cutting needs are.

Honestly, with the nice knives I have had in my hands (Hinderer, Chris Reeve, Busse, and customs), a lot of my absolute favorite knives are the least expensive. I like production folders from many makers, including traditional and one hand openers.

GEC slipjoints, a few Queen, and S&M get a lot of pocket time.

My most carried and used folder right now is a $12 dollar Opinel. Just can't be beat at cutting. I want more sizes, and more handle wood choices. That is the top knife on my mind right now! It gets carried with my custom, and a one handed folder.
 
My suggestion would be to go to a knife shop if you can and try some out. You might find one high end knife you love, or even get three or four really nice ones from different companies to check out.
 
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