Less Expensive 806 Alternatives

R

redtail

Joined
Nov 10, 2004
Messages
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I just can't bring myself to spend more than about $50.00 on a knife I will use and carry. I handled a Benchmade 805 at the local knife shop and liked it. I was just about to pop for the extra cash when I learned that this model was discontinued. I know they are still available, but they either have combination edges (I prefer plain) or are expensive.

I have heard good things about the 806, but I don't like black blades, prefer stainless steel, and don't want to pop that much money.

So, what more economical alternatives would you suggest? I know someone will recommend Spyderco's Endura, so a comparison / contrast of the FRN and Stainless Steel models would be helpful.
 
I do recommend the Endura, I have the FRN version, cant tell you much about the SS version, just that I think the (VG 10) steel is better on the FRN version.
 
Spyderco Endura it is a great choice. 50 dlls

I have the Waved Endura, I think that it has the same quality it just has the Emmerson wave on it´s blade. 79 dlls

50 Vs 79
Quick oppened method Vs Faster oppened method
 
I really love the build quality of these knives from Benchmade. I too hesitated to spend that much.

A local store was clearancing out its knives and I picked up an 813 for a song. I prefer a 4in knife but thought I'd give this as a gift. Long story short it just grew and grew on me and eventually I absolutely had to spring for the 803(Liner lock and GIN-1 Steel)... which I love. The 805 is the same shape with the Axis lock and 440C. I want one of those too, but I'll never regret spending $90 or so on my 803.

There are a ton of knives around $50 that are great too, but the TSEK/AFCK are just awesome to me... Take a look at the CRKT M21-04 or -03... great build, reasonable steel, perfect price.
 
FRN Endura is grippier, lighter, and has better blade steel (VG-10) than the SS version (AUS 6 or 8, I forget which). For the money it is probably the closest you will come to a 806
 
ya can get a griptillian for about $50 IIRC, has the axis lock, diff steel, not as long though.

the handle shape is similar to a spyderco police imho, ya might look for a slightly used police model.

NGK had AFCKs on close out a few yrs back, i got a 800S for like $59 or so, a great knife for the $$ imho, ya might try to find an old 800, they usually lock up very well.

imho ya outta look for a slightly used AFCK 800 or 800S, quite a bit like the 806 just liner vs axis lock, liners on the old AFCKs were pretty good, i have had 6 or 7 AFCKs and never had any liner probs, i would get an AFCK.
 
Speaking of liner locks, you may want to look at the Kershaw Avalanche (440v).
Thick titanium liners, it has been a real workhorse for me, and shows no sign that it won't continue to do so.
I bought mine a couple of years ago, used.

Alittle smaller blade than mentioned above, but it is an ergonomic, tough, scary sharp, edge holding little monster.
IMHO the best med. sized folder Kershaw ever made.
Mine is a factory satin (not black) plainedge.
All my other expensive Kershaw folders have found new homes since I found the Avalanche.

You can find them for around $50 (I gave $24/shipped used).
 
Thanks for the great ideas. As usual, I want one of each. Well, one of the advantages of buying less expensive knives is that I can buy more of them! (Dear, dear, put down that frying pan-I know I promised not to buy any more knives! KA-BANG!)

I have a couple of questions based on your suggestions. The Benchmade Pica has a Zytel handle, and the Spyderco Endura has an FRN handle. Are these materials the same? Do these knives have liners (I couldn't tell from the respective company websites)? Are they sturdy?

I found a couple of places that have Benchmade 803s for around $70.00. I am seriously thinking of popping for one. Does anyone else have an opinion on 803s?
 
I don't know if the handle materials are the same but they look and feel very similar. Neither knife has a liner. Dont own the BM but have used Spydercos for years, unless you need a prybar they are plenty tough enough. The Spydercos DO have better blade steel than that model BM and better than the Griptillian. Both that model BM and the Endura are Lockbacks. The AFCK IS worth the money though esp if that is what you want, may also want to consider BM 710HS, GREAT knife. If you like linerlocks check out the Al Mar Sere 2000.
 
I just placed an order for a Benchmade 803 from Cumberland Knives for $64.94. According to some forum members, Cumberland's website is not updated frequently, so they may not have the knife any longer, but I'm hoping it is in stock. If not, a couple of other places advertise them as well. We'll see what happens.

Thanks again for the input.
 
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