I got $300 to spend...

[Kireelip]

Looking for a new knife to replace my 556-1 mini grip. Used that for everything through multiple jobs and many years of abuse. Think first car level of abuse. A lot has changed in the knife world in the past 5-6 years, so I come to the forums to see if I missed something with my Google Fu.

Looking for 'around' 20cv steel. Well aware that modern steel is insane, 20cv is simply what I oddly have the most experience with. Preferably stay in the rust less than more category.

The G10 got a bit slick over time, so was looking for something with canvas micarta.

Framelock, exposed, or shrouded, but not a liner lock. With deployment being a traditional flipper. If exposed the micarta on the show side is more than fine.

Concerning clip, either deep carry or I'll just take it off to grandpa carry it, not a deal breaker at all.

Jokes about first post aside, if this post is out of line or a problem, I will delete or a mod surely can. Asking for some advice, not trying to make a vast community instantly mad. I figured more detail would be better than less.

 

[el gigantor]

You know, I’ve read through your message probably 5 times now, followed by a fairly thorough Google session, and I have no suggestions for you.

My two favourite knives check a few of your boxes, but the Hinderer is above your price point and the Spartan Harsey isn’t a flipper. Neither come with a deep carry clip or Micarta from the factory either.

I wish you luck friend!

 

[TreesNoDummy]

The ZT0308 comes in micarta and is close to your range. Seems to hit basically everything.

 

[K.O.D.]

Micarta, flipper, no liner lock. Hmm, that's a difficult one, other than a Hinderer, which is over your $300 limit.

 

[pholder]

Why not a custom shop Benchmade with upgraded everything.

 

[Vlade]

This is a very tough question. Every time I come up with something. It doesn't meet the criteria listed. However if I had $300 to blow I get a zero tolerance.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

How about the WE Knife Nitro Mini in black ti and micarta?

 

[fishface5]

The WE Nitro Mini might fit the bill?
Hah, InsipidMonicker got there first while I was looking it up!

 

[Insipid Moniker]

The WE Nitro Mini might fit the bill?
Hah, InsipidMonicker got there first while I was looking it up!

The thought of it tickled my brain, as I thought it was a pretty darn handsome little knife when it dropped.

 

[el gigantor]

This is a very tough question. Every time I come up with something. It doesn't meet the criteria listed. However if I had $300 to blow I get a zero tolerance.

Oh hell yes. This one specifically!

 

[TreesNoDummy]

Just a plug for bladeforums - don't look past the marketplace here. You can get some seriously stellar deals.
If you're willing to be patient, you can find some extremely solid flippers that fall from the $400 range down to your limit. The basic membership is worth the $10 because then you can haggle with people through their inbox lol. Don't haggle for prices within a thread - sellers aren't fans of that.

 

[ScarFoot]

Giantmouse Ace Riv checks most of your boxes but the blade is Elmax. Do you have any blade/overall length limitations?

 

[gooeytek]

I got a Kizer Swayback in 4V from the exchange here. Buttonlock Flipper in Micarta. Not sure if Wharncliffe blades are on your radar though.

You could also keep your eyes peeled for a Hogue Ritter in Magnacut w/ G10 slabs.

 

[sadmin]

if it was my 300- Gayle Bradley 2 from Lynch w/ SDK Micarta scales... I know you said no liner but its like a liner on trenbolone; one of the GOAT folding knifes imo.

 

[Dadpool]

The G10 got a bit slick over time, so was looking for something with canvas micarta.

In my experience micarta will get pretty slick over time as well. I'd go for something with some serious texture to it.

I wish I had a suggestion that meets all of your criteria, but my vote is to go over budget and get a Hinderer XM-18 3.5. Hinderer's handle texture is my all-time favorite, and their knives are phenomenal.

 

[Kireelip]

Ok, sorry for the delay, at work and honestly thought this was gonna get buried. With that said...

Concerning blade styles, I am not partial to any specifically. However I am looking for a 'full size' knife, so I think that eliminates the WE.

I am intrigued with the ZT, and while looking at the Hinderer website I am definitely enjoying what I see.

Now, in regards to price, I was given that number as a present budget, and I am sure that I could simply put it towards a knife. I am not in need of a knife, I simply really want one.

If I am told something is above the listed budget, but if it falls into the category of 'shut up buy it be happy use it for life and then give it to your grandkids on your deathbed', then I will definitely consider saving and waiting. Definitely in the group of buy once cry once.

With that said, we got the ZT0308, and is the Hinderer worth the price to be part of the argument here, and if so, which one.

 

[Kireelip]

Gotta love that reply without seeing the latest reply delay...

 

[Jacques Mi]

Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0562CF. 3.5" Drop Point blade in CPM-20CV. Flipper.
It is 100% available with carbon fiber handle (titanium back) but you can probably find it with micarta..

I'd advice you to read up on the current "does it all" steal, Magnacut.

 

[fishface5]

If you could tolerate s35vn the Kizer clutch is $100 and worth a look - 4.5" handle and 3.39" blade, clip is pretty deep

 

[Hackenslash]

I can’t find a picture of it, but the Tactile Maverick is coming soon in Natural micarta. Not a flipper, but thumbstub with sliding bar lock. Hits your budget at $249 too.