Need help choosing high end folder < $500 (500€)

matus

matus

Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
662
Hi all,

it seems that this is my very first post here, even though I registered a long time ago. I guess a short introduction is in place :)

I have came here first when I "discovered" outdoor knives - I ended up with Finish IIsaki Aito (which I still have and use as work knife when I need a short robust blade) and also got a very nice knife from Jukka Hakala for a friend. But before it got really serious I turned towards high end kitchen knives (Carter, Yoshikane Shigefusa, Kato, Andy Billipp) - that is still an ongoing project. Then I turned to pocket knives and got a few Spydercos - Dragonfly in sper blue, Calypso Jr. (ZDP and burgundy handle) and Caly 3.5 in super blue. I since sold the Caly 3.5 and lost the Dragonfly which I really miss.

However (I am getting there, please be patient) I realised I am looking for different style of pocket knife - larger, not too thick blade that would also slice well (food like salami or cheese) and so I have re-discovered Sebenza 21 and many others.

Before posting this thread I have read quite around here and know that Sebenza became something like "industry standard" even if often called 'overpriced' (I have no intention to start discussion on that topic, I am just aware of that)

I like the shape of the blade of large Sebenza and its puristic look, but I would love to learn what other knives in that sub $500 price category would be worth considering quality-wise.

I would like to mention that I am not a collector (and sell what I do not use) and I plan to get one really nice high quality folder. This knife will be mostly for vacation and outdoor activities - I will carry the Dragonfly (when the HAP 40 version gets out) daily as it is great little utility knife.

I am quite good in free-hand sharpening on japanese waterstones (probably not ideal for folding knives because of all the mud and dirt) and also have Spyderco Sharpmaker.

I am more looking towards production or some sort of semi-custom knives as true customs seem to go well over $500 and most makers I have browsed either have very long waiting times, or do not accept orders at all.

My preferences are as following:
- Blade length at least 3.5"
- Blade should slice well (so not too thick behind the edge)
- Blade should have some belly towards the tip
- Not too "tactical" in design
- Not unnecessarily heavy
- Decent edge retention
- Good looks are OK, but not necessary - I prefer function to looks
- Tasks for the knife - pretty much everything from slicing and apple or salami, to opening/cutting boxes.
- The knife will gets used - I do not mind usage marks. Nor am I afraid of staining (most my kitchen knives are from carbon steel of some sort)
- $500 max (less is OK too if the quality is there)

Just to give you an idea which knives I find interesting design-wise (blade shape, etc): Sebenza 21, RJ Martin Q-36, Tim Britton Tango, Lambert Knives Inferno, Galyean Pro Series

Thank you (and sorry for a long post)
 
 
Les George VECP if you can find one. I just bought a Protech Rockeye and the ergos are amazing. The VECP is just a midtech version of the custom on which the Protech is based.
 
Not necessarily 'high-end' but the Spyderco Bradley Folder would be okay according to that criteria. Although the blade (M4) is 3.47" rather than 3.5"
There is also the Spyderco Starmate.. I would pick those because I know they will stay in my pocket and be used rather than becoming safe queens.
 
I would just tell you to stay with the Large Sebenza.

If you don't like the look of a tactical blade (which eliminates a slew of options out there, cuz everyone wants to be bad ass right?) I think the Sebby is your best bet. It is nearly perfect in almost every way.

Get it. You will adore it. It feels so damn gooooood in your hand and the beauty will mesmerize you.

Oh yeah, and it cuts pretty good too. But I don't use mine for that, I just pet it, flick it and look at it. Oh and I brag to friends by showing them how it slices thru telephone book paper.
 
I am not a Sebenza guy but I keep one (my last and only one) in a drawer.

I would advise you buy the Sebenza.

First, the specs you wrote in your post are the Sebenza.

The Sebenza being the benchmark of folders, I tell people asking your question to buy it first as a high end folder. If you are that into knives you will probably never be truly comfortable unless you own a Sebenza of some kind.
Plus, once you have the Sebenza everything else is pretty much downhill after that price-wise....unless you intend to venture into the exotics.

It's probably the "best" folder on the planet, by acclamation if nothing else. If you have the budget now, you should buy it. Get it out of the way.
 
Hi Matus, I have a Gayle Bradley custom being made right now. It is a Titanium flipper (but will also have a functional opening hole) with a 3.5" blade. The handle is quite slim and the knife is amazingly light. I got to handle one at the Blade show and just fell in love with it. I have some of Mr. Bradley's production knives and they are pretty amazing. I am very excited about this custom and plan to make this one my primary daily carry knife. I do not have a picture of this model but here is a pic of the Tac-1 which is very similar though a bit larger.
 
The spyderco military in satin with black g10 will excel at all of the tasks you mentioned, i dont think it looks tactical(unless u get the camo g10 lol). it is a production knife but it will preform amazingly well. It is not overly heavy at 4.5 oz. sorry if it is not what you are looking for, but thats my recommendation. If you want something more custom than i recommend the doc shiffer field grade recon or the bastinelli creation dragotec xl.
 
I have carried large Sebenzas and Unmumzaans. Great knives, but just a tiny bit too large for my hand.
For the last six months, I've carried a Brad Southard AVO (a midtech). This is a better fit for my hand size, and handles my EDC needs very well. I'm happy.

Here is a pic of my AVO with my large Sebenza, and another of the AVO with my Zaan. All excellent folders.


 
I'd keep an eye out for a used Shirogorov. It'll take a bit, but you see them in that range on occasion.
 
I second the Darrel Ralph EDC posted in the links above. Also look into his Dominator.
 
I just woke up and - vow - thanks for all your answers and suggestions, they are very much appreciated. I will check them out.

I did not mention that explicitly, but yes, I would also consider used knives (as long as they are working properly and are not abused).
 
Microtech Socom
Les George VECP
One of the Axis locked Shirogorovs (cheaper and matches your price range better)
Jason Clark customs
 
Thanks, let's see what do we have here :)

First of all - the Sebenza is high on my list (and has the advantage that can be bought in Germany and in the case I do not like it simply returned). There are so many users praising its qualities, so I guess that it makes a safe choice. But there are others, right? :)

From the knives you mentioned I really like the following ones:
- Cruz Flipper
Darrel Ralph EDC Linerlock
- George VECP (sweet, but probably hard to get, the blade is a little too thick though),
- Custom knife from Gayle Bradley looks lovely too, but it is probably not going to be easy to find one.
- Southhard knives look really nice - I have check out his webpage and pre-orders on his Performance series (the photos show really great looking knives) are out of stock.
- Spyderco Southard is a little bit on the short side, but does look interesting - I will have a closer look.
- Shirogorov knives look really interesting, but I guess it will be hard to find one in sub $500 category. I need to have a closer look on these.

The following would not quite fit (for one reason or another)
- Spyderco Gayle Bradley is bit too short and not quite mine cup of tea design,
- Military has different blade shape than I am looking for and too large handle.
- Microtech Socom does seem a bit too tactical.

I have also come across the following knife from RauK - would it be worth considering? http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/lockback-folder-by-rauk-160939.aspx?ReturnUrl=rauk.aspx?Page=
 
Hi Matus, regarding the Gayle Bradley custom, the way to get one of those is to call (or email) Mr. Bradley and speak with him and order one. I know that he just got some big orders so it might take a little while to get one, but on the positive side, its a lot of fun having a custom knife made. You can choose your blade steel (I went with m4) and ask for different handle styles, materials or embellishments. The waiting and anticipation is part of the fun too. :)

That said, I would agree with you that it might make sense to get a Sebenza if there is a dealer over there, that way you could return it if there was any issue. Of course a respected custom maker isn't going to send you a knife that is less than perfection anyway. Meh, get em both. haha. You can carry the Sebenza now and enjoy the pain/pleasure anticipation of waiting on your custom. haha :D
 
I'd also suggest the Sebenza 21, but with micarta inlays and an Insingo blade. It's a knife that was meant to be used and maintained/sharpened easily.

Lately, I've been preferring my 21 over the customs I own. I typically carry my large 21 and a small custom slip-joint for fine cutting tasks. Sometimes a large blade isn't proper for fine work imo. You could probably fit a plain-Jane Sebenza and a good traditional in your budget for around $500.
 
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