Looking or the perfect folder

K

kirch

Joined
Dec 19, 1999
Messages
260
Well, I'm back after a 2-year hiatus. Nice to see some of the old regulars still kicking around. Having been 'out' of the knife market for a while, I'm not too up on what's hot and what's not these days. This has always been the place to get my knife questions answered, so I figured you all could give me some advice.

I'll skip the long-winded reasoning behind my need and simply spell it out. I am looking for a folder with the following attributes:

3"-4" blade
Opening device (thumbstud, hole, etc.) located on obverse side
Pocket clip attached near the butt on face side
$50-$70 price range

I would appreciate any suggestions.
 
For and EDC in that price range and blade length I would recommend a Benchmade Griptilian 550 or 551 depending on whether you want a hole opener or a thumb stud.
 
Obligitory Spyderco Delica (3") or Endura (4") reccomendation.
 
Planterz said:
Obligitory Spyderco Delica (3") or Endura (4") reccomendation.
Click to expand...

LMAO :D

Ok, since that has been said I'll give a vote for the Spyderco Calypso Jr. if you don't want a Delica or Endura. :p
-Kevin
 
Calypso doesn't work: Doesn't carry tip up ("clip near the butt end of face side", was condition).
So I second the Endura/Delica.
Or why not a Salt/Salt Pacific? Haven't held on yet but handle is the same as Endura/Delica. Like the blade shape, edge retention of H1 is supposed to be very good, and the entire package is totally and utterly rustproof...yes even in salt water :eek: .
 
Forget the rest, get the best...Benchmade 551 Griptilian.:cool:.
 
Hi Kirch:

I would have suggested the Endura, too. However, I just got a pair of Spyderco sprint-run Goddards (PE) from KnifeCenter. I think I prefer them to my Enduras, both in-hand and for blade-shape.

If you're even tempted, I'd go for it before they're all gone.

Best regards.
 
HoB said:
Calypso doesn't work: Doesn't carry tip up ("clip near the butt end of face side", was condition).
So I second the Endura/Delica.
Or why not a Salt/Salt Pacific? Haven't held on yet but handle is the same as Endura/Delica. Like the blade shape, edge retention of H1 is supposed to be very good, and the entire package is totally and utterly rustproof...yes even in salt water :eek: .
Click to expand...

Ok, if tip down is a no go Delica/Endura all the way. :cool:

I think the Salt is a good idea too. The edge holding isn't that bad as stated: It's kind of like Victorinox stainless in edge holding except MORE rustproof. :eek:
-Kevin
 
Thanks for all the replies so far. Very interesting because:

A) My current EDC is a Spyderco Delica and I've carried one for about 10 years. My first was the plain-edge version with the molded pocket clip. It got replaced when I caught the clip on a door jamb and snapped it off :grumpy: . Replaced it with the half plain-edge, half serrated model with the metal reversible pocket clip. Why not just carry that as my on-duty knife? Good question. The answer is that I've always carried my EDC on my right (strong) side. I need to carry my duty knife on my left side so that it's accessible to my left hand if my right is 'preoccupied'. If I switch my current Delica to my left pocket without switching the clip, it's held in the wrong position for easy deployment. And it makes no sense to switch the clip back and forth constantly between everyday and on-duty carry. Maybe I should just get another Delica? I mean, if it ain't broke, why fix it, right?

B) My solution was to switch the clip for left-side carry, relenquishing the Delica to my duty knife. I started carrying a Spyderco BRK I got a while ago for a steal as my EDC knife. I really like the looks of the BRK but noticed it was really stiff to open. A little research here has shown why and now I'm not sure I want that low-rent bastard child of Spyderco and Camillus as my EDC. So the Native III suggestions are right on track.

C) On the other hand, I've never owned a Benchmade, maybe it's time to give them a shot. I've always seen them lumped in with Spyderco and CRKT as the best buys for the money.

Decisions, decisions. It's so hard sometimes. Whatever, all I know is that, pretty soon I'll get to buy a new knife. :D And I'm still willing to consider other options, so keep 'em coming.
 
You can't go wrong with a Griptilian, or for that matter an Endura or another Delica. I've had all three and they're all great, each with its own advantages/disadvantages. If you've never had a BM, by all means get a Grip.
 
The Endura and the Griptillian are both good knives, but I like the Griptillian better. Although the Endura blade is made from better steel (VG-10 versus 440C for the Benchmade), the handle of the Griptillian is vastly superior to that of the Spyderco Endura, in my opinion.
 
If you decide to buy a Griptillian, you might want to take a look at www.cabelas.com . They are setting the mini-Griptillians in D2 steel for about $70. (Full size is about $80).

Regards,
bls
 
You can't go wrong with any of these options, but I'd rate the main contenders like this:

1) Spyderco Native III: Best grip ergonomics. Best steel (tied with Delica).
2) Benchmade Griptillian: Best lock.
3) Spyderco Delica: Slimmest carry. Best steel (tied with Native III).

Guess which one I'd buy? :D

--Bob Q
 
bquinlan said:
You can't go wrong with any of these options, but I'd rate the main contenders like this:

1) Spyderco Native III: Best grip ergonomics. Best steel (tied with Delica).
2) Benchmade Griptillian: Best lock.
3) Spyderco Delica: Slimmest carry. Best steel (tied with Native III).

Guess which one I'd buy? :D

--Bob Q
Click to expand...

And if tip-up tip-down wasn't a concern the Calypso Jr. would read as follows:
Calypso Jr: Slimmest Carry(tied with Delica), Best steel(tied with delica/nativeIII), BEST CUTTER :p
-Kevin
 
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