MOST durable, quality gentleman folder UNDER $150.00?

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waterford

Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
156
Hi,

List about 2 or 3 HIGH quality, durable and well built gentleman type folders that will easily last a good 10-15 years of light/moderate use? The two the come to my mind at least, are the
Spyderco Chaparral and the Benchmade 707 Sequel.

List some others that are at or just under $125.00!

Thanks
 
It doesn't get up to your price range, but I like the Enzo Birk 75 at about $100. That is the only knife I own that classifies as a gentlemen's folder. I'm not sure of the price, but how about the Benchmade 940/943?
 
Spyderco Vallotton is just above your range. I just ordered myself one. There's a video on YouTube of a guy hammering it into a piece of a stump, then standing on it with no issues. It's a very solid and classy gentlemens knife.
 
Spyderco Sage 1 satisfies your requirements. Don t know about the durability, having had mine only about 5 years. The fit and finish is great and it is an excellent edc knife for moderately heavy use.
 
Caly CF, Sage Carbon Fibre, Benchmade Torrent, Spyderco Centofante, Spyderco Air, Spyderco Des Horn, Spyderco Chokwe (could be too big but it is an incredible value and really slim and light. That my .02
 
Chapparal 1 is a very sleek gentlemen's folder. For about $115 its great. Lightweight. The lockback is snappy and good. The liner to back on mine Was awesomely done. Almost invisible. Great steel too. Also think the bemchmade 484 Nakamura fits the bill too. Bout $40 over your budget though.
 
Chaparral came to mind as soon as I read the thread title. I would also recommend the spyderco Caly 3 and the Spyderco Bradley Air.
 
Thanks, guys! Im gonna order the Chaparral this morning from the Cutlery Shoppe. I love their customer service and prices. Although, the Made in Taiwan is a real turn off to me. LOVE the price of ownership and
supporting USA made knives.
 
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Another vote for the Sage1
Sage2_zps6345016d.jpg


Often underestimated, the Victorinox Alox Cadet.
IMG_2509_zps70c15361.jpg
 
waterford said:
Hi,

List about 2 or 3 HIGH quality, durable and well built gentleman type folders that will easily last a good 10-15 years of light/moderate use? The two the come to my mind at least, are the
Spyderco Chaparral and the Benchmade 707 Sequel.

List some others that are at or just under $125.00!

Thanks
Click to expand...

Could you say more about the distinction you're making between quality and durability? By quality, do you mean excellence in fit and finish primarily?

An inexpensive Opinel will certainly last for that long, depending on how often and how aggressively you sharpen it. Same for about any Case slip joint.

Fit and finish is almost entirely tied up with what you like looks wise. Forge de Laguiole? GEC? All depends on hwat you like.

My suggestion, buy the knife that looks the nicest to your eyes. I wouldn't worry about durability for light to moderate use.
 
ManOfMisery said:
Spyderco Vallotton is just above your range. I just ordered myself one. There's a video on YouTube of a guy hammering it into a piece of a stump, then standing on it with no issues. It's a very solid and classy gentlemens knife.
Click to expand...

I like the Vallotton, but despite the great fit and finish and great looks I would NOT call it a gentleman's knife, it's intended as a folding fighter. Way too heavy and long to pull out at say, an office, and for that matter the blade is very thick, nor suited for everyday light duties IMO.

I agree the Chap or Sage are both great choices. The CF or especially titanium versions of either should last a very long time.
 
I absolutely love the Benchmade 707 and 705. Not far past $150, you can even get the 707 in M390 steel. Historically, LEs in these models have been affordable through dealers (although not through secondary sales as demand is high and supply is generally low). Sage2ti is also a spectacular folder.
 
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