Looking for a Folder. HELP!

Joined
Dec 2, 2004
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27
Hi, I am looking for a new folder. I guess I should start with the price. I would like it to be around $100 not much more and of course I can go less. I would like the blade to be around 3.5 inches in length with a plain edge or partial serrations, but definitely not fully serrated. I would like it to have a very strong lock and if possible one hand opening capabilities(while not being an automatic). Of course I would like the knife as a whole to be as durable as possible. This will be the knife that I use for pretty much everything. It will also be my EDC. I would like the blade to retain an edge relatively well but not take an outrageous amount of time to re-sharpen. If the blade is prone to corrosion or rust that is fine I have no problem oiling it regularly. I would like it to be comfortable to hold for a short period of time(I know this is a personal preference but I would still like your opinion) and be grippey but not so much that it sticks inside your pocket. Now I am sure there isn't a knife that fits all of my criteria and if there is that is great, but in the extremely likely case there isn't I would like the closest thing to it. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to your opinions and/or information.

JamEs
 
Spyderco paramility can be found for about 100.00
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=34
VERY strong (Compression) lock and a tad over 3" of S30V steel, with G10 grip. G10 is rough enough for good grip, but not 'sticky'.
S30V is quite stainless and requires a bit more effort to sharpen, but holds the edge very well.
http://www.newgraham.com/paramilitary.htm

Numerous benchmades fit the bill as well (Griptillian or Ritter grip etc.). I'm sure you will get many more suggestions, this is just the first to come to my mind.
 
There are SO many knives out there that fit this criteria. I would say you should be more specific. The first brand that leaps to mind is Spyderco with its phenomenal VG10 steel (stainless). I would say browse their site until something floors you. The model I'm partial to is the Centofonte III. The handle is FRN and the over all profile of the knife is thin, yet comfortable. Very light weight! The blade is a touch shorter than 3.5''. How much does this cost?
MSRP=$66!!!!!! Find it online for around $40. This thing is amazing!
-KC
 
Another very well respected knife is Benchmade or if you are new to carrying a pocketknife I would reccomend something a little less expensive. The Kabar Dozier models are great and the Victorinox Swiss Army Knives (SAK's) are great for every day carry but don't have a lock
 
kamkazmoto said:
...and the Victorinox Swiss Army Knives (SAK's) are great for every day carry but don't have a lock

Indeed, these great knives seem to be the exact opposite of what he is looking for.
 
OK here come some recommendations by use:

INDESTRUCTIBLE:

Buck Strider Spear Point or Tanto Point, not much over 100 dollars and although they can be out cut, they can't be out toughed by anything less than a real Strider or a tough fixed blade.

Well over 100 dollars but Strider's SNG and Chris Reeve's Sebenzas are awesome.




_____________________
Good EDC, still very tough but not as invincible, and under or just slightly over 100USD:

Spyderco: Delica, Endura, Native, Police, Military, Calypso Jr., 79mm Rescue, Vesuvius, Paramilitary, ATR(just kidding, though with one of these you'd put everything else away), Harpy. And the new Byrd line of inexpensive folders.

Benchmade: Griptillian and mini-griptillian, 806 D2 is the bomb. 940 Osbourne, 705, 710, 690, and the Strykers. The new Pika series is inexpensive but good.

Boker: Heckler and Koch P2000, Walter Brend Tactical. Gemini series (lower cost option but good knife), AK 47.

Camillus: Cuda Dominator, (Sierras, Heat, Sizzle, all inexpensive but good), EDC framelock.

Buck: Tarani police or ATS 34 Oddessy.

Kershaw: Blackout, Whirlwind, Boa.

CRKT: any M16 model

Cold Steel: Voyagers and Scimitar

Microtech: Socom and mini Socom

Al Mar: Sere 2K

Swamp Rat: Rat Trap

These are all good-great knives with the more expensive ones tending to be better of course. ;)
I honestly can't think of a GREAT folder within the specs provided that is not in this lineup. Check out each of the knives and pick the one that is BEST suited to what you want. I'd go with a Spyderco, Benchmade, or Boker personally (love that Walter Brend) but I prefer Spyderco overall.

Also keep in mind that while the more expensive knives will tend to be better, by choosing some of the lower cost knives mentioned here you may be able to buy between 3-5 very good knives instead of 1 great knife. If you go that route I'd start with a combo edge Boker Gemini (should be around 40 USD) , pick up a Byrd (under 30usd), and a Camillus Sierra or two (Available under 25USD).
 
I'm sure the other members are sick of hearing me say this but...

The Benchmade 551 Griptilian!

According to your post, this knife will suit your needs to a "T".

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Spyderco Ti ATR or Chris Reeve Large Sebenza, round 200-300 price range, but with either of these you'd never need another folder :) Though my ATR hasn't stopped me from buying ;)
 
The first thing that came to my mind was the Buck 110- I have seen them advertised at Academy Sports for $18 and some change.
Spyderco-Calypso Jr.-Around $35-$45
Benchmade-Griptilian-Around $50-$70
Camillus EDC-around $50
 
The first knife that came to my mind is the Benchmade Griptillian, which several other people have recommended. I own the 551 model - it has a thumb stud instead of a thumb hole. My Griptillian is from Cabela's and has d2 tool steel. This version costs $80. The regular Griptillian comes with 440C stainless; I hear that Benchmade does an excellent job heat-treating their 440C. You can get a Griptillian in this steel in any blade configuration and available handle color from New Graham knives for $55-$65. They are at: http://www.newgraham.com

Happy unting and let us know what you choose :)
 
I'd suggest the Spyderco Delica or Endura, depending on which size you find most comfortable.

Have you seen the AG Russell FeatherLite knives? It's a lightweight version of the One-Hand Knife, available in ATS-34 for $49, and two blade choices.

Happy shopping,
Bob
 
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