Looking for $300 Range Folder

Zombie Zeke · Jan 11, 2008

Looking at the Stider RC, CRK Sebenza, ZT0300, Wilson RRF and what else?

I want something to EDC that has some flair to it and is for the most part Bulletproof.

Please give me some ideas, pros and cons and maybe some 1st hand experience with pics too.

*My current EDC is a Manix, so size isn't really a concern. My jobs are in and around the kitchens between Front Of House and Back Of House so its not like I am prying open doors with the knife, but its nice to know you could in a pinch.

THanks in advance guys!

Lycosa · Jan 11, 2008

Sebenza----come over to the Chris Reeve Forum. You'll get lots of help.

fleetparadox · Jan 11, 2008

If you're working both Front of the House and in the Kitchen I would definitely recommend the Sebenza.

It's flawless and very elegant in its design. Even a bit sheeple friendly compared to the Striders. If you get one with an inlay, it can even be a conversation piece much less a weapon. The Sebenza works great for me as a box opener/destroyer and certainly feels sturdy enough that it can handle anything I throw at it. At the same time, it really feels sophisticated and well put together in a way that doesn't scream tactical.

theonew · Jan 11, 2008

I would think for Front of the House a Mnandi would be perfect. I've seen a few here on the exchange for really nice prices lately. I don't own any $300 folders and my only CRK is a Mountaineer II, but from what I've seen of the basic Sebenza, while being made like a tank, its not particularly elegant. Perhaps some Mnandi owners could speak more about their sturdiness.

So-Lo · Jan 11, 2008

If you have $300 bones to spend, you should look at a large Sebbie. They really are not large IMHO. They can go from your work, to your back yard drinking a beer.... to camping......then also go to a five star dinner date, and feel "just right" while doing all these things. And, being tough as nails to boot!

So-Lo · Jan 11, 2008

I have a rain drop damascus blade ordered for the combo edge Sebbie.

A few of these will be over your $300 mark but IMHO well worth it. YMMV

The ZT 300s are very well made, and very tough...........well worth every bit of the cost. I sadly sold both of mine, as AO is not really my thing.

As for Striders, been there done that....................also sold/traded them. To tact-e-cool for me.

Go with a large Sebbie

Its hard to lose money on them if you get a used one.

oldfogey · Jan 11, 2008

If you are looking for "bullet-proof"......I just got myself a Bradley "Alias I", and it's GREAT!! Titanium frame, bronze bushings, S30V blade that's "sharp as a tack", and the thing locks like a car door. I'm VERY pleased. Runs about $215 w/ shipping from "NGK", and I don't think you could do better for the $$$ IMO.

iamsmiling · Jan 11, 2008

My first suggestion is the Sebenza but it may not have all the "flair" you're looking for. As a matter of fact, the Sebenza is almost anti-flair in it's clean, elegant simplicity. No dramatic recurve to the blade, no deep cut finger grooves on the handle, nothing that many people call "flair," just a deceptively plain knife built to standards most other knifemakers won't touch.

T.K.C. · Jan 11, 2008

I would also suggest the Sebenza as well. I would also suggest that you also check out Mike Obenauf as well.

cutter17 · Jan 11, 2008

There is a Obernauf large framelock mdl 4 over at AZCK for around $395.00. Looks like a goodun' to me!

:thumbup:

So-Lo · Jan 11, 2008

T.K.C. said:
I would also suggest the Sebenza as well. I would also suggest that you also check out Mike Obenauf as well.

Yes, Mike's work is great.

Lots of bang for the buck :thumbup: I just wish he would do tip up carry more.

beastie362 · Jan 11, 2008

If you're a fan of the Manix, you'll love the ZT300. Its a big impressive knife. plus it has the assisted opening feature which is awesome.

Mr. Sogetsu · Jan 11, 2008

Looks like the ZT300 definitely meets your qualification for bulletproof. If you don't have a Sebenza yet, I'd think maybe a Sebenza since they are quite popular.

So-Lo what is the top knife in your top picture?

tgiannes · Jan 12, 2008

first pic second knife from the top what is that?? looks realy nice

So-Lo said:
I have a rain drop damascus blade ordered for the combo edge Sebbie. A few of these will be over your $300 mark but IMHO well worth it. YMMV

The ZT 300s are very well made, and very tough...........well worth every bit of the cost. I sadly sold both of mine, as AO is not really my thing.

As for Striders, been there done that....................also sold/traded them. To tact-e-cool for me.

Go with a large Sebbie Its hard to lose money on them if you get a used one.

So-Lo · Jan 12, 2008

Thanks

Both are made by Kirby Lambert. I love his style, fit and finish is also top notch. He does a few flippers too.

tgiannes · Jan 12, 2008

Thanks alot so-lo :grumpy:

now i am going to HAVE to sell my 2 new striders well after i play with them. to buy one of his Whar's. Wow his knives look GREAT

stronzza · Jan 12, 2008

I would suggest a Sebenza with some grahics for the "flair"...the Sebbies are built like tanks, rock solid...zero blade play....pictures can't do them justice...you have to handle them and then you'll be hooked.

Stainz · Jan 12, 2008

How about a Buck 110? Seriously - the Cabela's only 'Alaskan Guide 110' (Top - below) is in Al-Ti-N coated S30V steel - and hard to beat - especially at $65. The Buck 'Custom Shop' can make you a quite decent variant in BG-42 steel and orange Fuji wood for $85 - or, if available, raindrop/teardrop Damascus with flaming Koa wood scales for $170. Both 'Custom Shop' pieces also have nickel silver bolsters. You could get all three for just over your limit.

Of course, for kitchen duties, I use a $26 from Wally World basic 110 in 420HC - all are well made - and made in the USA. Now, if you want a little different folder, there is the new Buck #419 Folding Kalinga Pro in S30V (MSRP $150), brass, and rosewood. I got mine in time to pocket carry to a Christmas party last fall - drew stares when I pulled it from my pocket, but I was able to trim my slice of ham nicely - without cutting the paper plate. The #408 fixed Kalinga Pro is at top, the folder next, and a $30 polished 110 from a pre-Christmas tin at the bottom.

Stainz

Zombie Zeke · Jan 12, 2008

So far the Sebenza and ZT0300 seem to be carrying the most weight in my mind, after looking at the Sebbies especially Stronzza's they are quite the goergeous pieces and kind of make the other knives look too tactical for my taste.

As to the Buck 110 idea, I love them, god bless them, my wife got me a BG42, nickel bolster with Buffalo Horn for xmas but...I need something with a clip that is going to ride tip down, ambi or lefty.

so lo-tell me more about that Obenauf you got at the top, it looks really nice and almost Gunhammerish. How does it carry?

737Ng · Jan 12, 2008

The Chef said:
So far the Sebenza and ZT0300 seem to be carrying the most weight in my mind, after looking at the Sebbies especially Stronzza's they are quite the goergeous pieces and kind of make the other knives look too tactical for my taste.

As to the Buck 110 idea, I love them, god bless them, my wife got me a BG42, nickel bolster with Buffalo Horn for xmas but...I need something with a clip that is going to ride tip down, ambi or lefty.

so lo-tell me more about that Obenauf you got at the top, it looks really nice and almost Gunhammerish. How does it carry?

You can't go wrong with either the Sebenza or the ZT..both are solid..