Knife suggestions?

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Polkie

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Mar 5, 2019
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Kinda new (ish) to knife game. Been a long time lover but never dug in this deep, now hooked. I've got a small handful of CRKT, couple of your standard Spydies, Rat1, ZT 0562CF, and a Skaha II CF. Got a little bit of money burning a hole and looking to go a little bigger now.. Who's got a suggestion on next progression? Maybe up to $500 if strikes my fancy
 
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Whoops, new to the forum, I appreciate the help already! Now how do I delete this one haha
 
Also mention these preferences: blade length, blade profile ( clip point, tanto, spear, wharncliffe), handle material, fixed or folder, handle length, and lock system.
I can't really help with a 500$ knife but the guys here are great. I'm sure Cris Reeves will be heavily mentioned. They're very popular but I've never handled one.
 
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At that price point, certainly a Sebenza 21, small or large...clip, insingo, tanto...take your pick.
 
Yep yep, more info the better totally agree. So definitely a folder, and definitely over 3 but under 4 inch I'm not a fan of teeny tiny knives. And the sebenza just doesnt tickle me at this point in time. As far as blades, not a fan of clip points, but all others are fair game. You guys are great thanks for the direction on the thread so far
 
Reate. That is all. :D:thumbsup:
The K2 or Valhalla are excellent choices and considerably under your budget.
 
I'm sure Hinderer will get some nods as well - disclaimer: I don't own any.

They don't cost anywhere near $500, but two of my favorite folders are the Spyderco Vallottons. I do have both of those.

Lionsteel is one of the finest production makers in my book, too. I have several Lionsteel knives, traditionals as well as moderns. The fit and finish is awesome, as are the high end Spydercos.
 
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Holt blade works. Sign up and Submit when the lottery pops up. You could get lucky and be able to get a new one from maker. 2nd hand they usually go for more.
 
Thanks guys, great info so far. I've looked at a few hinderers and I do like that option. Also I really want a spector so I'm definitely gonna try and get in on those books.

Last thing then I'll let the comments flow in more. Worth noting that I do like to buy a used knife, good way to get a more expensive knife at lower cost. And I dont put knives in a safe they go in my pocket to use so I dont need untouched collector pieces. Any good ones to specifically look for that are good values in that regard?
 
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You've got $500. Imagine a world in which you are not limited to the question of, "what are my available options?" GO CUSTOM!!!!!

You can contact a custom knife maker (we have great ones here on the forum) and have one made to your specs.

Let's say you want a 6" fixed blade, with a high saber grind, in AEB-L, a finger choil, thumb-ramp with jimping, Red C-tek scales with black G10 liners and hollow tube bolts. Guess what? Someone can make that for you.

I mean, $500 is not limitless money so you may need to make certain compromises on materials, but that would be the case with production too. $500 will go far with customs though. My point is that if you buy production knives, you're limited to the options others have picked and built for you. If you buy custom, doors open up in terms of you getting exactly the thing you want. YOUR knife made the way YOU want it.

Knifemaker's market for fixed blades

Knifemaker's market for folders
 
I'd recommend looking closely at Hinderer, Les George, and maybe Protech's TR-4. Hinderer and George have good variety in size. Hinderer will offer some variety in blade profile as well. The TR-4 is available as a manual or an auto, if you're into that. Another option is to scout around in the custom makers' sub-forum. Your budget is enough to get something from one of them if you want.
 
19-3ben said:
You've got $500. Imagine a world in which you are not limited to the question of, "what are my available options?" GO CUSTOM!!!!!

You can contact a custom knife maker (we have great ones here on the forum) and have one made to your specs.

Let's say you want a 6" fixed blade, with a high saber grind, in AEB-L, a finger choil, thumb-ramp with jimping, Red C-tek scales with black G10 liners and hollow tube bolts. Guess what? Someone can make that for you.

I mean, $500 is not limitless money so you may need to make certain compromises on materials, but that would be the case with production too. $500 will go far with customs though. My point is that if you buy production knives, you're limited to the options others have picked and built for you. If you buy custom, doors open up in terms of you getting exactly the thing you want. YOUR knife made the way YOU want it.

Knifemaker's market for fixed blades

Knifemaker's market for folders
Click to expand...

Ok so I never even thought that I could think about custom in that price range, so thank you so much to opening my eyes! I went through the knife maker market and wow theres a lot of knives out there, some interest me and most not. Lots of stuff.

That brings me back here since you guys are clearly well versed in this. I think I've decided I'd really like to look into getting a custom done then. Being said, finding the right maker who's great to deal with and reputable, and makes the type of knife I'm looking for... any suggestions on who to look towards?

I'd like a 3.25" - 3.5" blade, with thumb deployment (no flipper) that is just super smooth deployment and dropping shut. Something to be used and well built, but not a tank and a brick in the pocket. Could go up to $500(ish). I really liked the PFB by Bailey knives, that looked almost perfect I think if it were bigger. I messaged him about making one and if could be made bigger but no response.

Anything jump out at you guys that I should look into? Sorry for long winded, I'm willing to shell out some money for something quality and perfect for what I want, but I dont want to waste my money so I'd love your Expert opinions. Thanks!
 
Polkie said:
Ok so I never even thought that I could think about custom in that price range, so thank you so much to opening my eyes! I went through the knife maker market and wow theres a lot of knives out there, some interest me and most not. Lots of stuff.

That brings me back here since you guys are clearly well versed in this. I think I've decided I'd really like to look into getting a custom done then. Being said, finding the right maker who's great to deal with and reputable, and makes the type of knife I'm looking for... any suggestions on who to look towards?

I'd like a 3.25" - 3.5" blade, with thumb deployment (no flipper) that is just super smooth deployment and dropping shut. Something to be used and well built, but not a tank and a brick in the pocket. Could go up to $500(ish). I really liked the PFB by Bailey knives, that looked almost perfect I think if it were bigger. I messaged him about making one and if could be made bigger but no response.

Anything jump out at you guys that I should look into? Sorry for long winded, I'm willing to shell out some money for something quality and perfect for what I want, but I dont want to waste my money so I'd love your Expert opinions. Thanks!
Click to expand...

What would be perfect for you based on what you describe is the Spyderco Slysz Bowie. Unfortunately, it is discontinued. But you can buy it with your budget on the second hand market.
 
I like the Southern Grind Spider Monkey myself.

Several configurations of it are available, tanto, black coated, etc. etc.

I'll bet one of their offerings could find a place in your choices.
 
rogatsby and his reco of Slysz Bowie is right on target. I've had several and you can't tell a used one from a new one unless it's been sharpened. CTS-XHP blade-steel, and Spyderco's Taiwan plant which is outstanding quality control and finish. My FAVORITE Spyderco folder and I'm a fanboy.
 
If you’re lucky enough to win one of Holt’s Monday lotteries, you can get a Specter for as little as $500. For that style of knife, I don’t think you can beat it for the price.

Also elusive but definitely easier to find from
retailers is the Koenig Arius, probably starting a little higher than $500 new now. The design is more polarizing than the Specter’s more conservative but beautiful aesthetic. The construction quality and attention to detail equal those of the Specter, which is to say they’re truly outstanding. The Arius takes up more space in the pocket, but the blade may be more versatile, and the handle may be more comfortable, depending on your hand.

I think you may have to spend quite a bit more to exceed the quality of these these two knives.
 
The Koenig Arius looks like a great knife, just doesnt do it for me. Thinks it's the shape/size, just not what I'm looking for. And yes I would love to own a Slysz Bowie and would definitely buy one if they were in production, at the normal price. I'm fine paying for quality tools but to me I dont see the value in that knife for the prices it goes for on the secondary. Not something I'm interested in for those prices even though I can afford it.
 
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