I'm ready to buy high end....which one?

[comis]

So I'm ready to try a high end expensive folder. My most expensive to date are my PM2, BM 940, ZT 0450 all around $180. I was thinking a CRK sebenza 21 large, or maybe a Hinderer or Medford? Which would you buy if you were in the market for one of these "Grail" knives?

I don't own a Medford, but do own a few from CRK and Hinderer, so I can only speak from experience.

In terms of appearance, CRK, as you probably know, is more down to earth than Hinderer. CRK is well known for its precision and the 'hydraulic' feel of closing/opening. But in this days and age, the industry has really advanced as a whole, so that kind of precision is more widely available than back in the days.

If you are looking for a flipper with a choil, I think the new gen 6 Hinderer XM 3.5 is a pretty solid choice. One cool thing about Hinderer is the availability of different anodized parts, so you could semi-customized your knife to your liking.

Is there anyway you can go to brick and mortar and try them so that you can get the one perfect for you.

That's really sound advice. Sometimes the 'hype' of seeing and reading things on internet could cloud your judgement, the best thing to do is to do more research on these knives(to see there is any potential issue/problem) and to handle the knife in person before purchase.

 

[Cowboyfromhell666]

Thanks guys for the insight and recommendations! I have made the decision to order the CRK! I plan on the Hinderer next at some point but I had to get the sebenza first before they're all gone.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I think you'll be well pleased. It would be great to get your hands on one first if possible as the thumb studs can be polarizing. I'm lucky to only be a couple hours drive from Spark's shop in a town I frequent to visit family. It's tough plunking down 4+ bills sight unseen, for me. Still, once I handle it, I knew I was buying right.

I think when you buy higher end it is important to remember that you aren't buying magic. It will still be a milled piece of steel with various quirks and levels of imperfection, minute as they may be. Just remember that different brands do different things....er, differently. It took me some time to get used to the methodical opening of the Inkosi over the lightening fast flipping action of many of my ZTs. However, the difference in feel is night and day. Where I would fidget with a ZT snapping it open and closed fast and loud, I find myself slowly thumbing open my Inkosi at my desk. Relishing the smooth and effortless glide before the solid thunk of the lock bar and ceramic engaging with the tang of the blade. Thumbing it closed and listening to that nearly glass-break sound of the detent securing the blade shut. Helps me think