looking for a good "Tactical Folder" in the $40-$80.00 range

Check here
knifeworks.com
knifecenter.com
bladehq.com
newgraham.com
1sks.com
amazon.com
they should all have them, and all you need to do is see who has it cheapest, and what style you want.
 
Another vote for the Spyderco Resilience. I just got one in the mail today and I'm impressed. Best $40 I've ever spent.
 
Kershaw RAM, JYD, Skyline, the flippers are fun and the price is good.
Although a waved Endura or Delica wouldn't hurt. Maybe even the waveless ones.
All of these open quickly and firmly.
Haven't seen the Resiliance yet, so I can't judge it.
 
I have a Kershaw Lahar that is really nice and would fit in your budget. It has VG-10 blade that stays really sharp. I've had mine for a couple months and use it everyday and have yet to sharpen it.
 
I've got the 556 mini grip. My number one edc knife. I've used the full sized 551 extensively. Smooth opening, positive handle grip, and the jimping on the spine is like superglue to my finger. Its available in many options; Tanto, drop point, sheepsfoot, thumbhole, thumbstud, black blade finish, satin finish, semiserrated, plain edge, not to mention the handle color. The 154cm steel sharpens easily, and holds an excellent edge. Plus you've got the Benchmade warranty behind it to back it up. In my experience there customer service is excellent. only real gripe is the clip. the standard black benchmade clip doesn't have the best purchase on my pocket. If you can snag a split arrow clip and install it, that should serve you well. Another option you might want to consider is the Tops tom brown scout knife, or c.a.t. #200. They are the same knife under different names. they both sport a 3 inch 1095 hc blade. Although they are fixed blade, the package is compact enough to be carried easily thanks to its small size and excellent kydex sheath with horizontal or vertical carry options. Also, the tops wolf pup is a good slightly smaller and cheaper midget fixed blade with a similar sheath. The scout and c.a.t. sport a 3 inch 1095 hc blade, and the wolf pup a 2.5 incher. The benchmade should run you about $90, and the two Tops pieces should be $70 and $50 respectively. Although you said folding knife, the utility, and overall strength of the two fixed blades will outshine the abilities of even the mighty griptillian in a tactical situation. But for edc, a folding knife rules. Your choice.
 
I feel like Cold Steel is beating Spyderco out here so I'll just contribute my last cents on Sal's behalf

Here's what I consider a hardcore tactical folder next to the resilience:
ZTResilience.jpg

(Tactical folder? Blade length, blade length, blade length)
 
The Spyderco Native was my first better knife (other than a multitude of VIC SAKs)
I really like it.
It's small, lights, versatile, and it has S30V.
 
This is just a question, but why are you spending ~60 bucks to get a knife for a class that is going to teach you, i assume, defense with a knife. i would assume that you would want to buy something for EDC and take that to the class so that you will be practicing with what you will be using. just my, let's see, about $.06 cents so far :D
 
GlockLobster said:
Why do I feel like I'm the only one really looking out for your price range here? ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks, I owe you one. ;)

Here the quick info I found: (Im sure I can find better prices on most of this)


RECON 1
DISCONTINUED
Weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade Thick: 9/64" (3.5mm)
Blade Length: 4"
Handle: 5 1/3" long. G-10
Steel: AUS 8A Stainless
Overall Length: 9 1/3" Black Teflon¨ Finish
Sheath: Ultra Lock™ with Ambidextrous Stainless Pocket Clip
$119.99


American Lawman
blade: 3 1/2"
overall: 8 1/8"
thick: 3.5mm
weight: 4.5 oz.
steel: Japanese AUS 8A stainless
$89.99


AK-47
Blade Length: 3 1/2"
Blade Thickness: 3.5 mm
Overall Length: 9"
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless w/ Black Teflon® Coating
Weight: 5.5 oz
Handle: 5 1/2" Long G-10
Pocket Clip: Stainless Pocket / Belt Clip
$119.99

SPARTAN
Weight: 7.5 oz.
Blade Thickness: 4 mm
Blade Length: 4 1/2"
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless
Overall: 10 1/2"
Handle: 6" Long. Grivory w/ Steel Liners
Stainless Pocket/Belt Clip Battle Gear™
$94.99

Endura 4
length overall 8.75
length closed 5
hole diameter .5"
blade length 3.75
cutting edge 3 7/16
blade thickness 1/8"
blade steel VG-10
weight 3.6 oz
handle material FRN
MSRP $99.95

MANIX II
length overall 8"
length closed 4 5/8"
hole diameter 9/16"
blade length 3 3/8"
cutting edge 2 7/8"
blade thickness 1/8"
blade steel 154CM
weight 5 oz
handle material G-10
MSRP $129.95


SPYDERCO RESILIENCE G-10 HANDLE ~ C142G
VALUE FOLDER
length overall 9 3/8"
length closed 5 1/4"
hole diameter 1/2"
blade length 4 1/4"
cutting edge 4 1/4"
blade thickness 1/8"
blade steel 8Cr13MoV
weight 5.4oz
handle material G-10
MSRP $64.95

Meyerco Kirby Lambert ShockWave Folding Knife w/ Carbon Fiber - G-10 (PLN)
Overall Length: 8.5"
Blade Length: 3.625"
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
Handle Material: Carbon Fiber / G-10
Locking Type: Liner Lock
Weight: 6.4 oz.
Our Price: $49.95


Kershaw Ram Knife
Sandvik 13C26 stainless steel blade
Black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle with G-10 overlay
Blade Length: 3 1/8 inches (7.9 cm)
Closed Length: 4 3/8 inches (11.1 cm)
$59.99

Kershaw Blur - Black Handle - Part Serrated Edge
Blade 14c28n
black anodized aluminum handle
3 3/8 inch blade
4.5 inch closed length
weighs 4.2 oz
$64.97 SALE PRICE!

Junkyard Dog II
Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel
Handle: G-10
Blade Length: 3 3/4"
Closed Length: 4 7/8"
Weight: 5.2oz

CRKT® Hissatsu™ Assisted Opening - (CL-2903)
Type Assisted Opening Folder
Blade Samurai
Blade Length 3-3/4″
Finish Black Teflon
Steel AUS-8
Rockwell 56-58
Lock Walker Lock
Liners 420J2
Handle Zytel
Closed Length 5″
Clip Reversible/Removable
Weight 5.8 oz
Origin Taiwan
$64.95

Columbia River Knife and Tool: CRKT Desert Big Dog Knife, CR-M1614D
Open Overall Length 8.25 "
Closed Length 4.75"
Weight 3.5oz
Blade
Length 3.5"
Thickness .1"
Material AUS4
Blade-HRC 55-57
$62.97 SALE PRICE!

CRKT Ripple
Open Overall Length 7.5"
Closed Length 4.375"
Weight 2.9oz
Blade
Length 3.125"
Thickness .1"
Material Acoto+
Blade-HRC 59-60
$79.99


Benchmade Griptilian
Handle: Zytel
Blade: 154CM
Overall Length: 8.07"
Blade Length: 3.45"
Handle Length: 4.62"
Weight: 3.25oz
$102.00


Ontario Knives: Ontario RAT Model 1 Knife, Part Serrated Black Blade
Overall Length (inches): 8.625
Blade Length (inches): 3.60
Blade Material: AUS8, Black
Blade Detail: Combo Edge
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Lock Style: Liner Lock
Carry System: Pocket Clip
$29.97 SALE PRICE!


Blackhawk Hornet II
Specifications:
• Blade length: 3.100”/79 mm
• Overall length: 7.200”/183 mm
• Blade material: AUS8A stainless steel
• Blade finish: Black PVD coating
• Edge type: Plain or partially serrated
• Handle: 420J stainless steel liners nested in textured G-10 scales
• Pocket clip: Right- or left-side, tip-up or tip-down carry

Kershaw Zero Tolerance 0200 (ZT)
Specifications:
Steel: 154CM stainless-steel with Tungsten DLC coating
Handle: 3D machined, G-10 in matte black
Blade Length: 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
Closed Length: 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
Overall Length: N/A
Weight: 7.7 oz.
Features:
Ambidextrous Opening
Locking Liner
Coating
Thumb Stud
Pocket Clip
G10
$128.00
 
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thegeek574 said:
This is just a question, but why are you spending ~60 bucks to get a knife for a class that is going to teach you, i assume, defense with a knife. i would assume that you would want to buy something for EDC and take that to the class so that you will be practicing with what you will be using. just my, let's see, about $.06 cents so far :D
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I'm looking for here. An EDC that I will take to the class. Hence a folder and not fixed blade.
 
I have my fair share of pricey knives but I have to tell ya there are a lot of decent knives with some backbone coming out of Tiawan and not to mention The good old USA for $50 to $100 dollars. I have this Ka-bar phat bob model this is a stout little piece (not tactical) super tight with great fit and finish and if I lost it no biggy.Good luck there is lots to choose from..It's always good to purchase from several companies and not just a one brand only type of guy.
 
I have heard that knifecenter gives you free bonus stuff if your order is over a certain amount..can anyone confirm this?
 
Rocca said:
That is exactly what I'm looking for here. An EDC that I will take to the class. Hence a folder and not fixed blade.
Click to expand...

If that is the case, then i do not think the recon 1 is your best bet. they are a bit on the heavy side, look bulky, and there have been many reports that the blade coating is not the best for stickability. if you want an EDC, then the manix 2 has gotten nothing but praise, and the kershaw ram is very, very well loved around here. i think the blur could be the ticket, though. light, unobtrusive clip, good blade steel (they are not 440A, as your sheet mentions. they are 14c28n for the cheap model), very nice handle, and they sharpen up nice. if you want something a little smaller, then the skyline is awesome.....
 
Thanks Geek. I edited the blur with the correct info.
Just to clarify. I'm planning on this knife being my EDC. Backup to my Concealed Carry Firearm.
I DO plan to carry it every day. I DONT plan to ever use it except for SD.
If I started needing a knife for everyday use I'd just strap on my Leatherman. ;)
If I feel the need to lop off an arm I'll grab my Blackjack Reinhardt Combat Kukri.

Secure versatile grip, Ease of deployment, Sturdy, not too small but not too big/bulky. Basicaly in that order I think.
I am new to the whole SD knife situation so if Im overlooking something in features I should be considering let me know.

Also, all the advice so far is very much apreciated.
 
I will tell you that the longer you wear a knife, the more often you will find yourself using it for tasks that you think would be covered by a leatherman. if you really feel the need for a self defence knife, get a 6 inch ti-lite. my fond name for it is the pocket katana. not optimal for everyday use, but much longer reach for SD. it's primary method of deployment is waving it, the grip is acceptable, not to mention huge, it is not incredibly sturdy, but alright, and i can basically guarantee it is big enough. if it isn't, then a rajah 2 might be just your knife. that is a freaky knife.
 
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The hissatsu folder is one of the only "tactical" knives in this thread.Thick but thin(not broad) blade, nearly 4" blade, super needle like point,quick opening assissted , and a strong lock. If we are just talking self-defense I don't see how it can be over looked.It would penetrate with the slightest stab.
 
even though i already suggested the spyderco manix 2 and kershaw junkyard dog 2. if i wanted a knife for defense in the $30-$40 range, my first choices would be in the spyderco tenacious/persistence family.

another knife to look at is the buck vantage line. i was so impressed that i bought 2 (both the select and pro).
 
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