Mid-priced folder?

[Kettch42]

I'm looking for a mid-priced folder to use as an edc and to replace my Gerber AR 3.5. I've got the possibilities narrowed down to these 4:

Spyderco Military
Camillus EDC
Benchmade Griptilian
Benchmade AFCK

I'm leaning towards the Griptilian, as I've read a lot of good things about it, and the price is certainly better than the AFCK. However, I'm a relative newbie to the world of knives, and would appreciate any advice anybody has to offer.

 

[Tok]

Ever considered SOG X-42 Mini Autoclip? It's my EDC and I won't mind using it often at all because of its price. A reasonably priced, quality folder made of nice steel as well. I would say this blade surely did not compromise its quality for the cost at all. Not so many people like Zytel but you can have my word on this: the pics of this knife just won't do it any justice, you really have to see and feel it in real to decide. From your choices I would prefer the Griptillian as well. Then again in that respect, I would be happier to consider the X-42 Mini Autoclip since essentially both of them have the same kind of feel and style in their outlook, only the SOG is made of a better kind of steel to my taste... and yes, its tanto blade is just soooo cool.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[glockman99]

Of those 4, I'd pick the Military (if I wasn't a "lefty").

 

[ReconTech]

If you like Gerber, I've found the Gerber Applegate-Fairburn Mini Covert to be a well priced folder, very solid...good steel.

 

[Roadrunner]

Those choices definitely cover a wide spectrum of knives. What sort of things do you plan to use it for? I carry an EDC every day, but I'm looking at getting a Military or maybe an ATR. The EDC gets the job done, and is very well constructed, but the edge is just too thick for my tastes. I've done some major reprofiling with my Edge Pro and it's still a lot thicker than I'd like. Spyderco is the king of factory edges in my book, they're one of the only production companies who puts a good thin edge on their knives.

I don't have a Griptilian, but I have handled it at stores. I like the design a lot, but I hate Zytel handles. That's my personal peeve, so if you don't have a problem with them, I'd say the Griptilian is an excellent choice. Personally I would take the AFCK or the Military over the Griptilian, because of my Zytel prejudice.

 

[jhokie]

The 806D2 AFCK is a great knife and I feel that it is a higher quality knife than all of the others listed. It is a HUGE bargain at the 106$ www.newgraham.com charges (1sks.com is more expensive but they'll match supposedly). Anyway, this knife is a great value for what you pay, I've carried mine as an edc for half a year and I love it. It definitely is a bigger knife than all the others you listed except for the military, but I think it has a more ergonomic grip than the military, (it's great for the saber grip) has better steel, and of course the axis lock is better than any liner lock. The 806D2 is made to utilize a saber grip (AFCK did originally stand for Advanced Folding Combat Knife after all), so you need to realize that. The griptillian is a good knife, but it's definitely too small for my tastes. Ditto for the Camillus EDC (though I got my CUDA MAXX in the mail today and it's awesome). I'm just a fan of big knives. If you want a great smaller knife, I would probably say go with the EDC over the griptillian, mainly because of the sharp looks.

 

[Bongus33]

Hello,

This is my third post here in the forums and I am also relitively new to the knife world. Although I have carried all my life I was never introduced to the specifics. However thanks to a couple of co-workers I am being educated.

However one of my pals is a Benchmade man and the other is a Cold Steel. I'm looking for an EDC and each one recommends the brand they like. I am currently torn between:

Benchmade D2 Griptilian
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto or Spear Blade
SOG FLASH 2 SAT Knife (My choice)

Any Ideas or comments?? My budget is low say $100 and under,

 

[jhokie]

To be honest Bongus, cold steel knives really don't have the same level of quality of benchmades or even Sogs. They're not bad knives, but I think the griptillian would be a better choice. Don't really know too much about the Sog though, but I'm pretty sure it probably won't be as nice as the benchmade, though the assisted action would be cool. I have used a kershaw avalanche with assisted action, and it was a great knife.

 

[jhokie]

Actually I just went to cold steel's web site and the Recons did look kinda cool... I wish more manufacturers would offer tanto blades. And I do admit that the locking system of the recons looks interesting. Even still, if I were you, I would add 10 bucks to your price and get the 806D2. I can assure you that you would be getting a very quality knife at a great price.

 

[storm clouds]

I like the AFCK the bestest.

 

[Sean Hawkins]

Just received a SERE 2000 from a trade and it's going to be rotated between my Endura and Buck/Strider as my EDC.

It opens great with no blade play in either opened or closed position. The construction's tough and the finishing is the best I've ever seen in a production folder.

On top of that, it's very very fast. My co-workers actually though it's an auto.

It's a fine knife for a EDC.

My $0.02

 

[boonhtan]

Bongus - Get the Griptilian D2
Axis lock - provide smooth opening
D2 - hold edge very well, bad point not stainless steel, but with coating should be Ok if you dont mind skretch on the coating once you use the knife ( though the coating will still protect the blade)- just not good looking then.
If you are willing to pay abt 100 then above look for S30V knive - Bladetech have one for abt 120 with S30V which has good edge retention and good stain resistence


my 2 cents

 

[Bongus33]

Thanks for the response people. After much constant debate with myself, and from what I've seen here, it hasn't been an easy decision. But I've decided to get the Cold Steel Recon Full Tanto.

From the debate that I've seen here and in other threads the favorite is Benchmade. However I prefer the Tanto Blade of the Recon 1 over the Griptilian. Also cost is a factor, being that I'm in Canada I get paid (unfortunately) in cdn dollars and the exchange rate isn't all that great anymore. I've also decided to purchase the SOG SEAL 2000 as my new full size field knife, and I've limited myself to one expensive knife a month. Being that the Recon 1 is a wee bit easier on the bank acct. I'll get it. Perhaps Santa will bring me the D2 for x-mas. I'm certainly not above having 2 or more. It'll also be nice to compare the two together.

 

[dullone]

The Military is an awesome knive. Light weight, strong, solid, smooth, S30V steel, G-10 handles, wears well in pocket and BIG! Can be had for less than $100 new at a couple of web stores.

But the Griptilian in D2 is an excellant value at it's price point. And an excellant knife to boot. Axis lock is great.

Both are in my rotation.

I've found chisel ground blades not too practical for EDC uses, unless self defense is an everyday need for you.

 

[Simple Man]

Of those four and many others, I would and did pick the S30V Military. I have EDC'd it for about 6 months and cannot find anything that even tempts me. (for EDC that is)

 

[shivey]

I've owned the knives you mentioned, except for the 806D2 - and that will be my next knife purchase. If I lost my S30V Millie, I'd immediately buy another. I sold my Anniversary Ed. EDC and my Griptilian 'cause I just did'nt like 'em...but maybe you would. So I guess I have'nt helped you one darn bit (why did I post?).:footinmou

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Cold Steel tantos are v-grind, not chisel.

 

[brownie0486]

The millie in s30v [ my present edc in RF pocket ] is outstanding.

No blade play, quick into action, solid lockup so far [ but I check it daily with a spine whack or two ]and cuts like hell on most materials.

I really am disliking linerlocks more now than in the past, have stopped carrying linerlocks for the most part, but I can't seem to get away from the Millie in s30v.

Brownie

 

[allenC]

Kettch42,
Here's my advice for what it's worth:

If you want a large folder, then I would recommend the Benchmade AFCK over the Military.
As good as the Military is, it's still a liner lock with only one steel liner.
The AFCK has dual steel liners and also has the Axis-lock.

And if you don't trust the Axis-lock (maybe you're worried about the omega springs or something), then I would recommend a Spyderco G-10 Police or the Carbon Fiber Police (these may not really be mid-priced).
But remember, the AFCK and the Military and the Police are all very large folders--especially when compared to the EDC and the Griptillian.


Now if you want a smaller folder to carry, then I would go with the Camillus EDC over the Griptillian.
I have a Benchmade 555 and , although it cuts very well, I really don't like the plastic handles (even though they are steel lined).
This may not be an issue with you, but after carrying steel and G-10 knives, it's hard to go back to FRN or Zytel. They just look and feel so cheap to me.

The Camillus EDC has alot going for it: steel construction, 154CM blade, very comfortable and well designed, and a strong frame-lock.

Good luck,
Allen.

 

[glockman99]

Originally posted by Sean Hawkins
Just received a SERE 2000 from a trade and it's going to be rotated between my Endura and Buck/Strider as my EDC.

It opens great with no blade play in either opened or closed position. The construction's tough and the finishing is the best I've ever seen in a production folder.

On top of that, it's very very fast. My co-workers actually thought it's an auto.

It's a fine knife for a EDC.

My $0.02

Ok...I DIDN'T want to suggest a folder that wasn't on the list, but since it has already been breached, I will also have to suggest an Al Mar SERE 2000. I have one (that I've customized), and I also have another one on the way from a trade that I will receive today (I've checked the "tracking" number ).

The Al Mar SERE 2000 is one EXCELLENT, STOUT folder, and I really can't see ANYTHING better!