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

Since I have little experience on the topic I would hesitate to go with custom knife and would prefer knife that already exists. It is easy to give the maker list of ideas and requirements and even if he makes his best, the result may not be what one expected - in particular because inexperienced usually does not actually know what he/she wants.

On the Insingo Sebenza - I am not sure whether the knife has enough belly for my taste (in particular towards the tip), but it does look interesting.
 
matus said:
Since I have little experience on the topic I would hesitate to go with custom knife and would prefer knife that already exists. It is easy to give the maker list of ideas and requirements and even if he makes his best, the result may not be what one expected - in particular because inexperienced usually does not actually know what he/she wants.

On the Insingo Sebenza - I am not sure whether the knife has enough belly for my taste (in particular towards the tip), but it does look interesting.
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Very good points Matus. The Sebenza is a fine knife and a safe bet. :)
 
The Sebenza would be my 1st choice also, I like the 25 personally. :)
 
Take a look at a Reate Horizon-D.. M390, carbon fiber and titanium handles, 3.75" blade, 5.47oz, $399.

REHORIZONDCFntd.jpg
 
J_kocaj said:
This is what I would buy. A fellow blade forums member is selling this Sebenza 21 Raindrop Damascus

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Raindrop-Damascus?highlight=damascus+sebenza
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That is a lovely looking Sebenza, but given the weak € and cca 29% fees&taxes it would be cheaper (the knife can be had for 650€ here) to buy the same model new in Germany. This is general is a reason that makes little sense (unfortunately) for me to buy used knife here on the forum if it can be found in EU.

But I have one more general question about the damascus Sebenzas that have the steel forged by Devin Thomas - have you guys any idea what steels it is made from and how it was heat treated?
 
Hey Matus, you might also have a look at the Spyderco Slysz Bowie. It is very highly regarded for its build quality and I prefer its blade and ergonomics to the Sebenza. It does not carry quite the same level of "prestige" as the Sebenza but I much prefer it as an actual knife.
 
matus said:
But I have one more general question about the damascus Sebenzas that have the steel forged by Devin Thomas - have you guys any idea what steels it is made from and how it was heat treated?
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Looks to be constructed of AEB - L and 304. The heat treatment is also mentioned on his website. Google: Devin Thomas Damascus
 
Thanks. Just checked out the Slysz bovie - costs nearly as much as Sebenza. May I expect also comparable level of craftsmanship and reliability? Once we talk spyderco - I also like the blade shape of the Hungarian folder, but I think that the handle shape would somehow limit the usage of the knife.

The Benchmade 761 is also rather close to sebenza price-wise (some 60€ cheaper here in DE) - would that still be a good choice at that price?

The damascus sebenza looks really cool, but if I were to get one it would also look expensive and I would rather keep this one a little 'under radar' at home :)
 
You might want to take a look at Lionsteel. The SR series of knives certainly have plenty of belly towards the tip.
 
I did check out the Lionsteel - the SR1 looks really interesting (and nice) even if the blade may be a bit too wide and the handle a bit too tall, but that is just based on looking at the photos. The price is really attractive and D2 steel can be really excellent with proper heat treat (my experience with Yoshikane kitchen knives). I just have hard time to learn more about the and find some feedback.
 
Contact Alan Davis here on the forums and tell him what you want and just how you want it done. You design the knife and he will make it. Let him quote you a price. You can get it done the way you want it. You can pick the steel you want, handle you want , ect. He will do it. Good Luck. Kevin
 
Mr.efg said:
Wow, thats funny, , sub 400 dollars to cut cheese and salami
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Well, many use their high end folders to cut cardboard boxes :) The reason I mentioned that is that I want to be able to cut also salami and cheese in a reasonable manner. Sure I can do that with $50 knife (I am being generous here), but the same is true for cardboard boxes or electrical wires ;)

BTW, I use $1200 knife from Andy Billipp to cut vegetables and meat, so $400 folder should do just fine on cheese :p
 
You are also describing many of the newer Zero Tolerance products such as the 0452cf, 0454, and others. I can say first hand the production precision and material choices in both blade steel and production have become second to none in the production world.

The prices are also much lower than other good options for their regular production models like the 0452cf at $220, and still within reason for limited production models.

I love many of the other suggestions here as well, Alan Davis in particular.
 
I have invested a lot of time reading around (something that needs to be done, but should probably not get over-done) and came with short list of candidates. These are basically in 2 price categories - at around the Sebenza and than at around $200-$300.

So my candidates are the following:

(A) At around $500:

Sebenza large 21
Q: Nothing left to ask :)

Spartan Blades Akribis
Q: Interesting knife, but is it worth as much as the Sebenza?

Benchmade 761 Ti
- M390, relatively lightweight
Q: Again, interesting knife, but 'just' 80€ cheaper from Sebenza.


(B) At around $200 - $300:

Zero Tolerance 0452CF
- slim long blade, lightweight for the size

Reate Hills
- made in China (this always seems to come up), but seems very well made, interesting blade shape, anodised versions look really nice
Q:Is there anything I should worry about? This seem to be a rather high spec knife for the price.

LionSteel SR-1 Aluminium
- robust and strong knife, Aluminium , apparently very good value, but no ball bearings, D2, I love the anodised handles (green and orange).
Q: Should I care about the 'missing' ball bearings?
Q: The blade is rather thick (4.5mm). Even though it is wide - how does the knife slice?

I plan on ordering 2-3 knives and keep the one that fits best, but I have still too many candidates ...
 
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