I have ~$500 to drop on a folder, what would you recommend?

RJ Martin / Three Rivers -Machine flipper.
Brad Southard Tolk

Both are high quality, and a little bit unique.
 
Umnumzaan. Fit and finish a little bit better than mentioned here Shirogorov F95. Frame lock on Zaan is more reliable, on the F95 that I had the lock up was too early (10%). Don't forget about service and warranty realisation. At least, bearings weaker than bronze washers.
 
Rennd said:
3.5"-4" is my preferred blade length. Not a fan of tantos, I usually go for drop points or unexaggerated clip points. Wharncliffes are nice too. Weight isn't too much of a factor, I typically wear jeans. For the handle, any of the usuals at this price point. G10, CF, Ti, etc. just no frn. Famelocks and liner-locks are usually where my money goes. Country isn't all to important to me. Intended use is mostly just general city carry, not much hard use, but intimidation is always a little nice. The 3.5" to 4" length parameters take care of that, however.
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In your situation, I would get two knives. The first would be the Manix 2 LW in Black/BD-1 if you prefer a good edge that resharpens easily, or in Dark Blue/S110V if you prefer an excellent edge that stays sharp for a long time, but takes longer to sharpen. HOWEVER, if you absolutely don't want FRN/FRCP despite the many advantages, you could get either a G10 Manix 2 in Black/S90V or Dark Blue/S110V, though of course this will add about two ounces of weight to the knife.
The second knife I would get is the Manix 2 XL. The M2XL is my first choice in a large, tough folding knife.

Now, if you decide you like the Manix 2, but the extra half-inch of the XL isn't important, you could consider a gentleman's knife like the Pattada instead of the XL.

I will strongly caution you that depending on "intimidation factor" with any weapon is a very bad choice. If you have to use a knife defensively, your attacker should never know it's in play until there is no threat.

John
 
Non-traditional:

Brian Nadeau field grade Typhoon in secondary market (OK, that might set you back $550)

John W. Smith F5 Carbon Flipper in secondary market (also might set you back $550)

Tobin Smith linerlock


Traditional:

Case Bose Collaboration Cattle Knife


Reason is simple. Based on my experience and knowledge, these knives all give you the best bang-for-the-buck at or near your target price.

Good luck!
 
For $500, I'd be looking at:

Southard Tolk
Ferrum Forge Mordax (or even a Ferox for around $400)


But honestly, these guys are right: once you cross the $400-500 mark, you've pretty much crossed a bridge that only leads to deeper waters.

So having said that,

Treat yourself to a used MSC SnG or SMF with the assymetric edge CTS-204p for around $700 and don't look back. The steel, grind, heat treatment, action, no-question warranty coverage for life, and overall quality of the knife is such that you'll be a pretty happy camper...great edge holding and tough enough for just about anything you can throw at it.
 
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