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

I like the large Seb 21, the Spyderco Slysz Bowie, the Brad Southard AVO. A wise friend loves his Spartan Akribis. The ZT 452 is also a folder that I would like to have.
Here is a pic of some of my favorite folders...
AVO, large Sebbie, Slysz Bowie, Umnumzaan by CRK


Here is the Slysz Bowie in my large hand. I prefer a folder that has a closed length of about 4.4" - 4.8". The Bowie's grip at the far end curves back and fits snugly into my hand. It also uses CTS-XHP...a very good steel with great edge-holding properties... Note that the grip-length is just as important as the blade-length, in order to insure a comfortable, secure fit in your hand.
 
One other thing to keep in mind since you mentioned the "missing bearings". CRK products (Sebenza, Umnumzaan and the rest) do not run on bearings, but they are Very smooth. I wouldn't be too concerned as long as it is known that the manufacturer is of a high level of quality, and that They wouldn't want to put out a low quality product.

In this price bracket, you are likely dealing with companies that value what their customers think of their knives. In the regards that they, very likely, want one to "feel" that they have a quality product in hand.

I have a Large 21 Sebenza and my next higher dollar purchase will either be a Small Sebenza, a ZT 452, or a custom folder.

Any craftsman on here worth his salt will not just take what he thinks you want and cobble something up for your coin. In all likelihood, if you don't have a sketch, dimensions, materials in mind, and opening mechanism stated in your first message, it will likely lead to a rather thorough conversation over a period of time to make sure that you get "Your Knife".

While it may seem a bit daunting, there aren't many feelings like a knife knut holding a knife that He/She designed for themselves.
 
Thanks for the photos and good word for the Spartan Blades (makes my decision harder ;) ) I did have a look at the Slysz Bowie (and also its bigger brother the K2) and while it does look interesting I think I want a little longer blade.

Whoops - you got me there. No ball bearings in the sebenza. Does that mean that it is not a 'must have' feature in that price category? I guess that a question like this just shows my lack of knowledge in the field.

I do hear you about the custom blades. But as I said - I think I have too little experience to really know what I want (need) and so the chance for a 'miss' would be too high. I do not intend to get too deep into folding knives (I know I know :) ), but should that happen than I would certainly get a custom at some point. But I would rather start with some really nice and dependable production blade. On top of that - most of custom makers are booked out for 1+ year and I am already on a long waiting list at Bloodroot blades (when I checked in it was 22 months).
 
Well, I have a little update. After long search, considerations, checking fora, reviews, youtube videos (repeatedly) I came out with two candidates that should be delivered mid next week - Large Sebenza 21 and Lionstees SR-1 Alu (orange handle, non coated blade).

But that is not all that has happened. I kinda realised that I also need a smaller blade (you know, I lost my super blue Dragonfly and the HAP40 will probably take a while to arrive). Anyhow - the large knives this thread is about would not be carried in a city (a bit too large for that). I currently have Spyderco Calypso Jr. in ZDP-198 with burgundy handle - a great medium sized knife, but the handle does not quite fit my palm and once I have decided that I will let it go I got an excuse to buy some other knife :) And since it it just so happened that I was really impressed by the looks of the Spyderco Worker and though that it would be a shame not to compare it to some different knife ... so ... yesterday a Spyderco Worker and small Sebenza 21 made it to our doorsteps. I am checking them from all sides - after all I can only keep one :)

Here are they. Each of them has its own charm and strong points. Choosing one is not easy :)







 
So - the large Sebenza and LionSteel SR-1 arrived today. Both knives are very impressive. The SR-1 has a substantial, but lightweight handle. Together with the large blade it has pretty much perfect balance - the center of mass is where your index finger sits in full grip. I love the fit and finish, but I would wish the knife would have less belly towards the tip. Also - looking closely the area on which the blade is resting against the handle (the washers) is rather small. I have seen video where the guy puts the SR-1 through is paces with not ill effects, but I still would prefer more robust (larger) pivot are. Lovely knife but it will go back. Little less belly and it would be much harder decision (hard to ignore the price).

The large Sebenza is ... big :) I mean really. When the small Sebenza arrived a couple of days ago I was surprised that it is not quite as small - sits very well in hand - pretty much a perfect EDC (not for a suit though). The large Sebenza has quite a large handle - still fits fine my not too large hands (as you can see above). The weight makes it feel very substantial. The blade is about as large as I would ever go with a folder. The shape of the blade is pretty much perfect. I need to play with it to make sure it is not too large for my hands. But I think it will stay. It is growing on me fast.

To complicate things even more - an Elder Box burl Mnandi should arrive tomorrow. It is a knife that I could carry in my pocket even at work and in the city without making people around feel threatened. I am very curios how well it will sit in hand. Still - I may end up with two CRK knives ... this exercise is going to be costly :)

PS. Yes, the large Sebenza arrived as "sharp" as the small one did. In contrast the SR-1 is shaving sharp out of the box.
 
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