High quality folder $100 and less

S

Squashfan

Joined
Jun 6, 2012
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I am going to SMKW Thursday, July 19. While I am there I would like to look at some high quality folders, and I would really like to try some different steels but I don't have a budget bigger than $100. I plan on shopping around the Internet when I get home for the best deals.

Slight bit of background. I have about 8 or 10 USA made Kershaw so I am used to quality. I have mainly 13c27n/14c28n, but I also own a Junkyard Dog with D2 edge. Some Buck and Case 420HC and three Swiss Army knives. So if you have any suggestions of what other steels to look at please feel free to comment.

Here is my current list of knives to look at:

(1) Kershaw
Speedform II (Elmax)
Blur (S30V)*

(2) Spyderco
Delica, Endura (VG10)

(3) Benchmade
Griptilian, Mini-Grip (154CM)
 
Spyderco's standard Para 2 is often a little less than, or right at $100, as is the FRN Stretch in VG10. The ZDP189 D4 is also <$100, IIRC.

A very underrated knife IMAO is Benchmade's small Bone Collector. Don't know about SMKW, but there are a couple of online dealers that discount the small BC to under $100.
 
also keep note that if you see something there you could likely find it drastically cheaper online,:)
also....MANIX 2!!!
 
How about the Buck Vantage Pro. G10, S30V and a great heat treat and plenty of change left from your $100.
 
Really great suggestions! Keep it up!

I already have a Buck Vantage Select so that is something to keep in mind.

Edit again: I already planed to come home and have a look around the web, but thanks anyway.
 
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I really like my Benchmade mini grip 550.
The handles feel kind of cheesy, but it feels good in the hand and overall its a fantastic knife.
Love the steel.
 
JBK2596 said:
also keep note that if you see something there you could likely find it drastically cheaper online,:)
also....MANIX 2!!!
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+1, but for the Manix 2 XL :D I just got mine in the other day and it is BEAUTIFUL... the quality is all there, opens like butter, locks up solid, and the blade is a large hunk of CPM s30V! I also love the fully flat ground feature of both the para 2 and the manix xl... i'm hooked i guess. Both can be had for around $100 as well w/ s30v. good luck!
 
A sure YES on Endura FFG ZDP189. I just used it to cut open a very unripe durian (local fruit). Knife was sharp out of the box, only used lapping film to smooth the finish. Another steel worth thinking about is M390, slight better wear than ZDP.
 
blackie_reg said:
A sure YES on Endura FFG ZDP189. I just used it to cut open a very unripe durian (local fruit). Knife was sharp out of the box, only used lapping film to smooth the finish. Another steel worth thinking about is M390, slight better wear than ZDP.
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A durian's husk is harder than a coconut's outer husk. How much force did you have to exert? Was it an FFG ZDP Endura or an SG? I dunno about durians at your location but we pretty much have to use choppers or bolos to crack durians open here.
 
If you can wait a few weeks, you can always get Buck's Custom Shop to make you a custom Buck 110, like my royal blue Dymondwood/nickel silver bolster/S30V blade version they made for me last year - $86 inc sheath & s/h. Several other scale choices will not get you over $100, too.

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Stainz
 
Stainz said:
If you can wait a few weeks, you can always get Buck's Custom Shop to make you a custom Buck 110, like my royal blue Dymondwood/nickel silver bolster/S30V blade version they made for me last year - $86 inc sheath & s/h. Several other scale choices will not get you over $100, too.

IMG_4578-1.jpg


Stainz
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Wow, a less expensive than I would expect. Nice.
 
That's news to me about the buck! Nice price. As for the folder I would go delica vg10. Great steel that is not too difficult to keep sharp like zdp.
 
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