I'm ready to spend $400 to $500 on a knife that's worth it - ideas?

Since I recently got one, I am going to say to give a look to some of John W Smith's knives. The SD-3 I have is definately heavy-duty, with .080" thick ti liners, and a .157" thick blade that measures 4.5" in length.

Look over at knifeart, or maybe Robertson custom cutlery. Though all of the SD-3's are sold, there are a couple F-5's that have a 4" blade, are very nice, and built heavy.

Hard to describe the quality, feel, and the build of one of John's folders without having it in your hand. Once in your hand, you'll see why many put him in the top 5 of all the custom folder makers in the world!

Prices are in your range also.
 
Kingofthellamas said:
Also, i think the smf is a better bang for your buck than the sng. The sng is phenomenal don't get me wrong, but the smf is just like bam. I can see how some people question if an sng is worth it or not, but not an smf. An smf is like so overbuilt and bulky, you will never destroy it. I have heard of people breaking the blade on an sng, but i have yet to hear of someone breaking a smf.
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I would like to add to this point. The SMF, especially a CC or GG is contoured for EDC. It is so light that you cant believe a knife that big can be so solid and light at the same time. I could carry mine in old sweat pants and not feel it. Its almost unreal the first time you handle one. The SMF is not that much heavier than the SnG but it is bigger and the finger choil on that big blade lets that knife sit perfectly balanced in the hand.
 
If you're wanting a tank of a knife go with the SMF or XM18, unless you want to go custom then I would go with Demko. I have been eyeballing Les George customs lately but I'm not sure where they would rank at in the toughness category. My humble opinion from ones I have owned.
 
Thanks, everyone. This is exactly the kind of back and forth I was hoping for. All your comments are interesting and helpful. Please keep the opinions and comments coming.
 
mystro said:
I would like to add to this point. The SMF, especially a CC or GG is contoured for EDC. It is so light that you cant believe a knife that big can be so solid and light at the same time. I could carry mine in old sweat pants and not feel it. Its almost unreal the first time you handle one. The SMF is not that much heavier than the SnG but it is bigger and the finger choil on that big blade lets that knife sit perfectly balanced in the hand.
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Completely agree. It is exceptionally light for its size and durability. The balance is phenomenal. Speaking of balance i went to go pick mine up to tell you more specifically where the balance point is on one. I have a CC SMF and the balance point sits on the handle side of the pivot. If you look at the screws on the smf, the one closest to the blade, between that screw and the pivot is the balancing point. I took my paracord/starlingear bead off to double check this.

If you want a folder. For your price range, in my opinion this is the best hard use production folder in the industry.
 
Oh i would like to make a point about strider folders. When you open them, they are loud. Drives my wife crazy. The sound they make is best described like cracking a knuckle. For some people this is a serious drawback. If it is, then I would definitely look more into the umnumzaan. The umnum can be opened 100% silently if conscious of it. It isn't loud regardless, but if you want to you can go covert opening it.
 
Reeek said:
Does anyone have any opinions between the SMF CC and the GG grip?
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CC is easier on clothing and more comfy for use. The GG will destroy your pants, and might create some uncomfy spots in teh hand for nongloved use.
 
OK - Here is another one to consider - Joe Caswell, in line EDC! They are really well done. Every one that I have or had were great knives. A real bargain in my opinion. Lots of options to choose from. It may not have the military look, but it is a great size, and rugged!

removed link per rules - sorry about that.
 
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I prefer the CC grip to the GG, it rides slimmer in your pocket and feels better in the hand IMO. Personally I would go with a Chris Reeve instead of a Strider, I first bought an SNG and was quite underwelmed with it. The blade had a tiny bit of wiggle that grew after a year of use and was unbalanced. I find that I use my Sebenza harder than my SNG because it's a better made knife IMO.
 
Reeek said:
... I'd love to get a Strider SMF CC stonewashed or a GG stonewashed
... What else is out there in the $350 to $550 price range I should look at?
... I'm looking for a heavy duty, apt knife for this purchase.
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Benchmade Pardue Griptilian (Gold Class)
CPM-M4 Steel,
Carbon Fiber,
Black Plain Edge

BM551101.jpg
 
Reeek said:
Does anyone have any opinions between the SMF CC and the GG grip?
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Unless you are going to put it through some real hard use in a military or para military type of setting I would go with the CC. I think both look good but prefer the CC for edc in a casual environment (especially in slacks).
 
My vote goes to the XM-18,with the Umnumzaan following close behind.You really can't go wrong with either.The Zaans are easier to get & quite a bit less money.
 
Just keep in mind the SMF has almost the same cutting edge as a SnG, your only really getting a thicker blade and a larger handle.

Sounds crazy, but if some one has both the SnG and the SMF maybe we could see a picture of them lined up. For that very reason I like the SnG much better, the handle is plenty long enough with that big finger choil, and the cutting edge is damn near the same. Plus the SnG cuts better because it's not as thick, plus it's lighter because of the blade stock. The SnG also has a smaller foot print in your pocket so it carries better as well. :)

I like the XM-18 as well, but it's a brick and doesn't really cut that well :(
 
The SMF GG and SMF CC are the same thickness. The GG is 1/2 oz lighter at 5 1/4 oz than the CC 5 3/4 oz from the G10 and Ti dimpling.


These are some stock pics courtesy of Plaza Cutlery


Strider0830026PICTURES.jpg

Strider0830018FRONT.jpg
 
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