high end robust left handed folder (<$500)

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misterjuiceman

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Sep 19, 2009
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I've always preferred ambidextrous knives, but it seems like most high end folders are framelocks, so I'm looking for a high end robust left handed folder. right now the only option on the table is an umnumzaan. anyone have any other suggestions?
 
The recent left-hand Spyderco Military is a fairly robust folder. It's a liner-lock though.

I'm curious as well. I See a lot of really cool framelocks like the Yuna models, Striders and so forth that aren't available in left-handed versions despite their semi-custom status.
 
I'd also say Yuna. It's high on my wish list for a left-handed framelock.

A custom Hawk is also on that list. Anything with a Hawk Lock. The new RAZR looks cool and is affordable.
 
Apparently there was a lefty SNG a little while back, but I'm not sure if there's models available now. I'm still considering that, since I'm mostly ambidextrous, but I'd just prefer to have my nicer knife as a lefty.
 
There are a number of customs that are either lefty friendly or ambidextrous for that price. If you check the for sale section on customs, you will find several. I am lefty and I have been selling several that are robust and under $500.

You don't have to get a framelock to be robust. There are several makers who make THICK liner locks that are every bit as robust as a framelock.

Too many to really mention specific makers including several production ones.
 
Other then the pocket clip what makes a folder left or right handed? the only locking system that I have seen that could be an issue for a leftie is the benchmade naclock the button would be in my palm while in use, and disengage the lock. Even then us lefties have become quite good at operating right handed things from years of the lefty versions being crap
 
The clip and the lock is reversed on a lefty making it easier to operate.

I have never had a problem with righty knives as long as there was access to the thumb stud, disc, hole, or slot to open it.

It is nice having the clip on the correct side.
 
thanks for the info, guess I have never noticed it before, but now that I look at my linerlock knives I see it. Oh well guess that if it doesn't bother me I am all good as long as I can get it in the left front pocket properly:D
 
Yeah, I'm mainly just concerned with the clip. It wouldn't be a huge deal to have the clip on the wrong side, but I figure if I'm going to spend that much money, I should be able to clip it on my left side. Optimally I'd love a knife where the clip can be on either side with a right handed lock.
 
tf8s said:
how do Yuna knives compare to say the XM-18 or the Umnumzaan?
Click to expand...

Here's a comparison pic of a Gen 2 3.5" XM-18 next to a Yuna Hard:

1.jpg


As far as which one between the two, the XM-18 might be harder to find under $500 but you can find them if you look on other forums. You might have to be patient and they don't come in lefty. Yun is great to deal with and as far as I know, he's available to take orders. I personally would get a Mini Hard or a Mini Zombie Slayer if I were to order from Yun again, but that's just a matter of my personal taste. Yun's knives are meant for hard use, just as Rick's are. Yuna knives don't have as much of a robust tip but the tips aren't delicate either. There aren't many folders out in the market today that have tips as thick as an XM-18 and some folks might see that thick tip on the XM-18 as a negative.

Just keep in mind that trying to resell any of the knives in it's lefty version will be more difficult to sell and may not demand as high of a price as the righties.
 
tf8s said:
Is there any reason to consider the Sebenza over the Umnumzaan? I'd really prefer having dual thumb studs, so I'm not even sure if the Sebenza would be cheaper.
Click to expand...

A nice thing about Chris Reeve is that you can add some extras to a knife ordered directly from them. They do offer dual thumb lugs on the Sebenza for an extra $35 I think. So, cost-wise, it would seem to be more or less the same as the Umnumzaan. And, occasionally, I've seen the dual thumb lug versions available from other dealers/resellers too.

Here's a link to their price list of 'embellishment' options for the Sebenza (the dual thumb lugs option is listed at the very bottom of that page):

http://www.chrisreeve.com/pricelistsebenza.htm
 
What I meant was, is there any advantage that the Sebenza has, from a usage perspective, when compared to the Umnumzaan. I figured paying the extra $35 for the dual thumb lugs would bump the price into the Umnumzaan's range and wasn't sure if it was worth paying the same for a Sebenza when I could get an Umnumzaan.

I'll definitely have to check out the Yuna, I'd actually prefer a thinner tip, I don't plan on using the knife as a pry bar, and it shouldn't be seeing a lot of heavy use; I just want to know it can hold up when necessary.
 
tf8s said:
What I meant was, is there any advantage that the Sebenza has, from a usage perspective, when compared to the Umnumzaan. I figured paying the extra $35 for the dual thumb lugs would bump the price into the Umnumzaan's range and wasn't sure if it was worth paying the same for a Sebenza when I could get an Umnumzaan.
Click to expand...

Usage-wise, although I've never handled the Umnumzaan (but I do have 3 of the Sebenzas), I would assume they're both first-rate (in this price range, they SHOULD BE). The Sebenzas can be found with LOTS of cosmetic extras, like graphic designs on the handles, exotic inlays, serrations, polished blades, etc. Of course, most of those will cost a bit more too (although you might find a good deal on eBay occasionally). So, I would think it'd just come down to your personal preference. If you like the appearance & style of the Umnumzaan over the 'Sebbie', so be it. I don't think you'll go wrong either way.
 
Kaizen1 said:
As far as which one between the two, the XM-18 might be harder to find under $500 but you can find them if you look on other forums. You might have to be patient and they don't come in lefty. Yun is great to deal with and as far as I know, he's available to take orders. I personally would get a Mini Hard or a Mini Zombie Slayer if I were to order from Yun again, but that's just a matter of my personal taste. Yun's knives are meant for hard use, just as Rick's are. Yuna knives don't have as much of a robust tip but the tips aren't delicate either. There aren't many folders out in the market today that have tips as thick as an XM-18 and some folks might see that thick tip on the XM-18 as a negative.

Just keep in mind that trying to resell any of the knives in it's lefty version will be more difficult to sell and may not demand as high of a price as the righties.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you own both, which do you prefer? how are the ergonomics on each?

edit: does anyone know of any knivesin this price range with a deployment hole, and carved g-10? I guess what I'm really asking is, are there any other folders in this price range that are similar to Jens Anso and readily available? I really like his style, but the 16+ month wait period is a lot.
 
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