In your opinion, best sub $100 folding knife? (more)

C

c_meisenzahl

Joined
Dec 27, 2001
Messages
51
Thanks very much in advance guys, I've really been learning a lot here. Reading the FAQs and old threads are a great source of info.

happy new year,

Christopher

p.s. What's everyone's take on Boker ceramic folders?
 
It might be the second generation Benchmade AFCK. It is a very popular knife, and I have seen internet prices as low as $75 for the ATS-34 version. The prices have fallen recently because Benchmade has switched the locking mechanism from liner lock to their axis lock, and has just come out with this third generation model.
 
I was very happy with my Benchmade 812, mini-AFCK...but I think Kershaw's knives represent a hellofalota value. I've been using a Kershaw Vapor for a little while now and it performs as well as any other sub$100 knife I've carried (and the Vapor is only $25 from the net dealers). If you want to spend a little over $100, the Kershaw Boa is a great knife with primo blade steel and the fun factor of Speed-Safe.

I guess it really depends on what you're looking for in a knife. :)

~Mitch
 
S&W flipper folding knife.

Flippers safeguard against standard liner lock problems. Not too big, not too small.
 
Camillus EDC in 154CM or BM Griptillian. I guess it depends on what you're going to use it for, but the above are great everyday utility knives.
 
Christopher,
Here is more than dozen of thousands knife enthusiasts and you might get a huge lot of different advises. The reason is quite simple - it is no the best knife at all, the rest is the question of individual preferences. For example, for myself I can't to point the knife I like the best.
In your specified price range I would take a long look onto:
  • BENCHMADE Griptilian
  • CRKT M18 - full sized or compact, what do you like better
  • GERBER Air Ranger or Air Ranger 2
  • KATZ KNIVES Black Cat Lightweight series knives
  • SPYDERCO Vesuvius, Delica, Calypso Jr. Ltw.
Welcome to the Forums!
 
imho, as stated many times before, is the BM 800S AFCK from newgraham.com for $67.50 - the M2HSS AFCK is only $90 or so, again a helluva lot of knife for the $ imho, as few will argue.....


sifu
 
Not looking for anything in particular, just trying to get a feel fpr people's preferences and different values that are out there.

Thanks again for the insight,

Christopher
 
Originally posted by c_meisenzahl
Not looking for anything in particular, just trying to get a feel fpr people's preferences and different values that are out there.

Thanks again for the insight,

Christopher
Click to expand...

If you are in a basic learn mode, try using the search engine to turn up similar older threads ... search for words like:

best folder
favorite folder

The one that continues to boil up to the top for me all around is still the Benchmade 710 Axis lock, either in:
1. ATS-34 (good quality stainless)
2. M2 (high performance carbon steel w/ black coated blade, takes a bit more care after using on wet stuff (plants, food), takes a slightly better edge and is a bit tougher and arguably retains it's edge a bit better than ATS-34)

I also like these knives, very roughly in descending order from the 710 on down:

1. BM AFCK 800 or 812 (liner lock ... but the axis locks should be every bit as good if not better)
2. Spyderco Starmate
3. Microtech LCC
3b. Spyderco Wegner (large and small)
4. Spyderco Military
5. Spyderco Calypso Jr and Jess Horn
6. Kershaw Avalanche and Random Task
7. Microtech SOCOM

The following knives I don't own but would look at:
Spyderco Vesuvius (no ugly inlay!)
Benchmade (BM) Griptilian
BM 804
 
If you're going to get the flipper, please get the original licensed versions from CRKT in their M16 models - do not get the ripoff POS S&W posers!
 
It's hard to beat the Spyderco Native for utility, FRN or SS.
Also check out Spyderco Delica or Endura, FRN or SS. I have an old Delica, which has the clip integrated into the frame of the knife, not screwed on, like the new ones. It just keeps on going...
Also check out the CRKT line. They produce some very good folders, for only about half that limit ($100)!.
 
The previous suggestions are great. The Camillus EDC in 154CM or D2 from AG Russells are great choices. Also the Spyderco Calypso Jr. or Native would be great choices. Any version of the AFCK are good values and good choices. A very good traditional style folder in your price range are the Buck 110 "custom" knives available on the Buck website. You can choose your bolster, handle and blade material and include rivits or finger grooves etc. These are definitely not tactical knives, but they are very sturdy and handsome knives and offer alot of knife made to your selection for a very good price.
 
Gentleman's Folder:
-Buck 532
-WH s05g

Small Utility:
-Gerber Air Ranger
-BM Mini-Griptilian
-CRKT m18
-Camillus EDC 154cm

Large Utility:
-Gerber Air Ranger II
-CRKT M18-Large
-BM Griptilian

All in my opinion and off the top of my head!!
And like Sergiusz said, "There is no RIGHT answer!":D ;) :D
 
c_ , since you are here learning you might want to study the differance
in all the knives mentioned here to see what makes each of them unique.

My spin is .....
Buck / Camillus 4 1/4" stockman
Buck 110 & 112
Calypso jr. lwt.
Outdoor edge Magna

All are well know and all have a well documented history of safe
dependable use. Each is special within their class.

And yes, There is NO right answer or "perfect" knife. It just does not
exist.
 
A number of folks are recommending the Benchmade AFCK, which also interests me. Can anyone shed light on the difference between the model 800 and model 804? I know that Benchmade has made some revisions to the knife, and is now changing the locking mechanism to their axis lock. I have also read that the 804 is a "second generation" AFCK, but I don't know what was changed between the 800 and 804.
 
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