Looking for a solid, hard-working folding knife!

[FTR-14c]

If you could get your hands on a Spyderco Gayle Bradley to fondle you might be surprised for under $150.
Top notch materials, great feeling, solid all the way around without unnecessary overkill.

 

[SChief454]

For hard use my vote is for the SnG. Right size, lots of options. Can't beat the warrantee. You bust it they will fix it or replace it simple as that.

 

[rexromic]

If you could get your hands on a Spyderco Gayle Bradley to fondle you might be surprised for under $150.
Top notch materials, great feeling, solid all the way around without unnecessary overkill.

:thumbup:

 

[AddictedToGear]

Hinderer or the ZT's, I prefer the blade style of the Hinderer but you pay for it. Also check out some of the HTM knives like the Gunhammer and the Kirby Lambert Snap.

 

[Ichop]

More replies, best community ever, thanks! Headed towards Hinderer, but I've got a steady eye on the marketplace for now.

A lot of you are wondering why I've budgeted that amount on a knife I'd probably beat on for tougher tasks. Simply put, it's what I have available for what I'm looking for - a quality, hard working knife. And hey, the "bling" factor might just be worth it. I'd like to be able to admire my knife in between tough tasks.

Now if there was a great chance that my knife would be lost or stolen in a high risk environment, then yes, I'd be a lot more comfortable carrying an expendable, lower-priced option. Even at work, I EDC a mini-grip everyday; if lost, I won't lose sleep over it.

But the knife I'm looking for is one for mostly outdoor civilian work. (just good ol ranchwork, backyards, prying every now and then, opening up a bottle like those Strider-core guys....) Tasks that I wouldn't want to put my thin-ground Para2 or safe-queen shiny customs to. Chances are my knife won't be lost and therefore, I'm willing to throw down that amount for my tool.

Again thanks for all the replies, take care!

 

[cards94]

A good portion (not all) of $500 knives are designed to perform. You kind of have to see for yourself, to be honest. For me it's reassuring using a SnG or SMF. However I have felt reassured by $50-70 knives eg Enduras, so it's just what you feel comfortable using at that price point. Ymmv.

lets cut to the chase. it's how deep one's pockets are that determine's what knife direction to take. if you got it spend it.

 

[tubz]

What he said !

XM-18, and if you don't like it you can sell it for double (which Hinderer seems to endorse so don't feel bad). Then you could get one of your other knives on the list for cheap and go out for food and drinks to celebrate!