Help me spend some $

arnoldglee

arnoldglee

Joined
Mar 6, 2003
Messages
201
After bustin my butt working 14 hour days for the past few months I'm figuring, dammit I deserve a reward. So instead of a long weekend like any sane person I'm going to get some really nice cutlery.

Trouble is I've always been a Benchmade/Spyderco person and beating them to heck. I've never owned a custom or high end piece. Could someone point me in the right direction? Okay here's the specifics.
Folder, 4" (or more :D ). Framelock or a really solid liner lock. Looking to spend 400 or so, more for something really spicy. And yes I'm going to use it not just let it be a safe queen. I'm keeping an open mind so let the suggestions roll in.

To forestall a bunch of youse I've recently looked handled and ooohed and aahhed over a large Sebenza. And I agree...a really nice piece of kit, I may grab one. However I can't make it to the blade shows and haven't had the chance to handle stuff by people that I hear about like Lightfoot, Martin, Dozier et al who make blades with perhaps even better tolerances or fit. I'm sure there are a TON of custom makers but they haven't been on my radar until now. I've been trying to lurk around and do some homework but I'd appreciate it if someone could point out some little known makers who make exceptional stuff. Thanks in advance!
 
Thread on favorite large folders:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=272671&highlight=q40

If you can narrow down your criteria some, you'll get better responses.
Blade shape
handle material
blade steel
tactical/self defense


Don't expect the custom makers to exceed the Sebbie's rock solid construction or tolerances. Few do.

My favs who make 4" blades:
===========================
JW Smith
Kit Carson
RJ Martin
all for slightly different reasons
 
2 words, Mike Obenauf. :)

He makes a Lg. Model 2 framelock, yes, the blade is just shy of 4", but you won't mind, this thing is built like a tank and smooth as silk. He also makes some very stout liner locks, the Lg. M1 is 4". Best part is, they are amazingly cheap for the quality, around $375.

A very different alternative is of course the Strider AR/GB series. Also very overbuilt, though not as smooth and refined as the Obenaufs, which doesnt necessarily mean its a lesser knife, but if you appreciate the refinement and F&F of the Sebenza, you'll be blown away by the Obenaufs, whereas with the Strider, its well made, but lacks the refinement and attention to detail of the Obenauf.

Finally, the best framelock money can buy IMO is the TnT. Theyre more $$$, but worth it if you can afford to spend it. I think that people misunderstand the TnT, if you look at a picture of one, it doesnt have that overbuilt look of the Strider, nor the Carsonish good looks of the Obenaufs, but in reality, they are built like tanks and more than capable of heavy duty use. And they are smoooooth, tight, beautifully made, and ultra refined, and the only way you can really appreciate what makes it such a great knife is to handle one in person, they are amazingly precise folders that work extremely well. Once you do handle on in person, I think you'll see what im talking about. I love the Obenaufs, Striders, JW Smiths etc, but I'ts the TnT i keep coming back to, they are amazing knives and more affordable now than they once were.
 
Thanks for the suggestions and the link. I purposefully left it a little vague since I don't really know what's out there. I suppose a non-tanto shape with some belly since I'm going to have it as my primary folding EDC and will do a lot of cutting. I'll probably prefer something that can be pressed into self defense use instead of a purely gentleman's folder with mother of pearl handles. Um blade steel...Oh boy I'd imagine S30V or some high end steel. And handle material titanium, micarta, carbon fiber.

Yeah I figured the Sebenza garnered a good following because of superb fit & finish but didn't know if there was someone out there who did even better. Thank you.
 
Another solid custom folder maker who is affordable, is David Mosier (DMKnives). I have his Instigator 2. Very solid, excellent lock. Darrel Ralph also makes affordable folders. Check out his custom EDC.
It's hard to go wrong with a Sebenza. I find mine taking over my folder rotation every week.
 
I just picked up a Strider SLCC and I love it. I know its not a folder, but I bet the Strider folders are just as nice as this knife is.

The Buck/Mayo TnT was my other choice.
 
Originally posted by arnoldglee
Folder, 4" (or more :D ). Framelock or a really solid liner lock. Looking to spend 400 or so, more for something really spicy.
Click to expand...

You could be describing the Camillus Aftermath. :D

If you're willing to consider a high-end production knife you can't do much better than that.

--Bob Q
 
I second the Aftermath, or the Cuda Maxx 5.5, you are going to love these knives!!!!
 
JW Smith, Aaron Fredrick or Brian Tighe or if you are in a dressy mood, one of the William Henry Customs. Love them all.
 
Actually, I'd like to recommend Matt Cuccharia's folders.
Do a search, it will be worth it to you.
 
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