In search of a framelock...

K

kennyj

Joined
Feb 24, 2006
Messages
139
Some time ago I was forced to part with my Sebenza, and now I'm in the market for a nice new knife (my Leatherman just isn't doing it for me anymore.) I don't have a Sebenza budget now, but I don't see why I can't grab a nice knife anyway in spite of that.

I'm trying to find a knife that uses a framelock, is well-made, AND is aesthetically pleasing. I particularly like wood inlays/scales (if I could afford a Mnandi, I'd get one in a heartbeat) but elegant designs using other materials are fine too. For instance, I'm not really a big fan of the aesthetics of most Spyderco knives, but I'm fine with many Kershaws.

Can anyone suggest a few decent, reasonably-priced framelocks that would, say, look at home in a suit pocket, but can still hold up well with everyday use?
 
The Bradley/Benchmade Alias I or II are very well made and are obviously riffs on the Sebenza. The Benchmade Skirmish is also a nice framelock knife.

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benchmadeskirmishnetan3.jpg
 
Maybe a Kershaw Leek, or one of the newer, frame-locked Scallions? I'd whole-heartedly suggest the Junkyard Dog (the I, not the II, as the I is a frame-lock), but you (KennyJ) mentioned "at home in a suit pocket," and the clip on the JYD might be a little "out there" for a suit.

Regards,
3G
 
The Fallkniven Model P with 3G steel and Cocobolo or colored bone scales should meet all of your requirements. Mine sees as much pocket time as my small Sebbies.
The only down side I can see for some people is that it comes with a pocket or belt pouch and not a pocket clip.
 
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I second the vote for a Bradley Alias I or II. I carry an Alias II often. You could also look for the production model of the Burke Rockstar.
 
Since I'm such a big fan of the Skirmish, I'll vote mini Skimish!

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know the Shallot was a frame lock. That's a nice looking little knife!
 
DRider said:
Since I'm such a big fan of the Skirmish, I'll vote mini Skimish!

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know the Shallot was a frame lock. That's a nice looking little knife!
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The mini Slirmish, like the mini Griptilian, is a big knife masquerading as a little brother of a very big knife. :p

I may have to get a Shallot if only because the blade reminds me of my Dozier Arkansas Toothpick, which I find the best personal knife he makes, a real classic. But it's a fixed blade, so it doesn't help the OP!
 
mongomondo said:
The Bradley/Benchmade Alias I or II are very well made and are obviously riffs on the Sebenza. The Benchmade Skirmish is also a nice framelock knife.

bccaliasialiasiily9.jpg


benchmadeskirmishnetan3.jpg
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Agreed!

After debating the BM Ruckus and Skirmish, I've decided to go with the Skirmish. There's a plain handle offered, which is nice, too. I have the Mission MPF-1 A2, which is a great knife with a very good frame-lock, but it doesn't have the cosmetic appeal of either BM, and will come with an A2 or beta-titanium blade. Still, if simple is more your thing and you want a very reliable frame-lock, it's also a good choice.
 
mongomondo said:
The Bradley/Benchmade Alias I or II are very well made and are obviously riffs on the Sebenza. The Benchmade Skirmish is also a nice framelock knife.

bccaliasialiasiily9.jpg


benchmadeskirmishnetan3.jpg
Click to expand...

I am all for the bradley. ive got i and its one heck of a knife. i did a review on it a while ago...

also if dress up knife, a nice one and a bit cheaper... go look at the buck/mayo 172 TNT. s30v(paul bos HT) titanium, teflon washers though compared tot eh bradleys bronze ones. cant go either way witht he bradley or the buck/mayo.
 
A Spyderco Volpe seems like it would be right up your alley. They're not scarce yet, but they are discontinued.
 
How about a Boker Trance or if you want larger the M Type? The Kershaw Scallion framelock is also nice. GOOD LUCK! Kevin :D
 
jvan said:
Isn't the Model P a liner lock?
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The Cocobolo or bone on the steel frame of the Model P are more like decorative onlays that add some grip to the handle. The lock bar is indeed the frame.

Also, +1:thumbup: on the Spyderco Volpe

Dave
 
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kennyj said:
Some time ago I was forced to part with my Sebenza, and now I'm in the market for a nice new knife (my Leatherman just isn't doing it for me anymore.) I don't have a Sebenza budget now, but I don't see why I can't grab a nice knife anyway in spite of that.

I'm trying to find a knife that uses a framelock, is well-made, AND is aesthetically pleasing. I particularly like wood inlays/scales (if I could afford a Mnandi, I'd get one in a heartbeat) but elegant designs using other materials are fine too. For instance, I'm not really a big fan of the aesthetics of most Spyderco knives, but I'm fine with many Kershaws.

Can anyone suggest a few decent, reasonably-priced framelocks that would, say, look at home in a suit pocket, but can still hold up well with everyday use?
Click to expand...

Define "reasonably priced". Are we talking less than $150, or less than $50.
You will get better targeted answers.
 
My Knives on my Leatherman Wave are great, but I have had some people who hate them. Have you tried removing the factory edge? This usually helps. If you decide to get a frame lock, avoid Gerber!!! I bought a Gerber Para-frame about a year ago, and it took an edge and held it. Only problem was after 3 weeks, the frame lock broke, and I sent it back, and they sent me a replacement. The framelock was fine, but the knife itself wouldn't hold an edge for anything. I could have it so sharp i could shave with it, and by the end of the day, only cutting the tape off of boxes, it wouldn't even peel an apple!! After a week, I bought a new one, thinking maybe it was just a lemon. I was wrong, new knife, same problem. If you wanna get a good knife, I have heard Bradleys are good, I have also heard that SOG is thinking about getting in the business of frame locks, if they haven't already. If they have, I will be picking me up one!!
 
I probably should've mentioned my price range earlier... I'm trying to keep closer to the near-$50 range for now, but believe me, I am taking notes for when I have a little more burning a hole in my pocket. :D Just a little extra motivation to save up, I guess.

I've been spending a lot of time looking at Kershaws... I'd love to get my hands on a plain-edge s30v random leek, but from what I can find, it seems that it's only available either in 440C or in part-serrated form (and I keep a serrated Spyderco Jester on my keychain anyway...) I'm also really liking the composite Leek with the D2 edge, though. Does anyone know what the RC hardness on that blade is? If it hits 60-62, I'm probably going to jump all over it, but even at a lower level, it's still a nice little knife. Google can't seem to provide a straight answer on this one, unfortunately.

I also liked the Fallkniven Model P a lot for a less-expensive knife, but unfortunately getting one with wood scales is a bit much right now (2x what I can spend.) Looks like a great knife to keep an eye on though - it suits my tastes very well from what I can see of it.

Thank you all for the suggestions so far, it's been a huge help!

Also, regarding the Leatherman - a Charge XTi in my case - I don't have any problem with the edge itself per se (and I had no trouble improving on the profile) but rather, the feel of it as a whole. It makes for a decent pair of pliers, and an acceptable screwdriver or knife... but as I find myself using the blade more frequently, I find that it's just not the same as having a real knife in my hands. Not as comfortable, and there are far better blades to use. The clip-point 154CM blade isn't shabby by any means, but I'm left wanting more anytime I try to do serious work with it.
 
well if ur looking for 50ish then the kershaw storm, shallot, boker trance, adn model m(i think), or how about the axis lock. griptilians rock. just my .02
 
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