New here with $150 to spend

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oxman198

Joined
Jun 17, 2013
Messages
1,509
Hi all,
First time posting and I need some help from some more knowledgeable folks such as yourselves. Looking to spend about $100-$150 on a good "edc/defensive" folder. The perfect knife (right now anyway) would have a 3.5" tanto blade, aluminum scales, made in USA, decent quality steel, and a slimmish profile. I am narrowing it down to a few that fit most of the criteria: Benchmade Barrage with satin finish tanto, Gerber Propel downrange, and Hogue ex01 3.5. Anyone have experience with these? Searched and couldn't really find any comparison posts..Also open to other suggestions. I don't really have this kind of money to spend on knives often so Id like to make an informed decision before pulling the trigger. Im not really flexible on the tanto and USA thing. Thanks a lot.
 
First post here also, so sorry in advance if i mess something up. I would recommend a benchmade 523 presidio, which is the tanto point, and also has aluminum scales. It is a little heavy, and not very slim but i like the heft to it, and it fits my hands. You can find it for around 150 in some places.
 
I think youd be very happy with the hogue ex01, but out of the ones you posted the gerber would be the most tactical/ "defensive"..
 
Thanks a lot. I have eyed the presidio as well but I am not really fond of the style of tanto. I am leaning toward the Hogue, but have always wanted to own a benchmade and there is something interesting about a US made gerber that's got potential as well, but havnt met too many people who own one. On one review it was stated as having a little blade wobble, which I have zero tolerance for.
 
Are you adamant about the aluminum scales?

If not, my suggestion would be the Emerson CQC-7(B).

Ernie teaches combat defense too...
 
oxman198 said:
Thanks a lot. I have eyed the presidio as well but I am not really fond of the style of tanto. I am leaning toward the Hogue, but have always wanted to own a benchmade and there is something interesting about a US made gerber that's got potential as well, but havnt met too many people who own one. On one review it was stated as having a little blade wobble, which I have zero tolerance for.
Click to expand...

My hogue is solid no blade play and its buttery smooth. Also I have a benchmade cqc7 "970" and I love it... its very plain and basic but lock up is tight and very smoth as well. Just love the feel of it!
 
Stay away from Gerber...far away...

Out of those, I'd go with the Barrage. I have a (limited edition blue version) Barrage and it's a great knife. I do not have a Hogue; I can't judge them.
 
If you get a barrage, i suggest de-assisting it so that you can get the full experience of an axis lock. With the spring assist you cannot close it one handed easyily, and that ruins the awsomeness of the axis lock for me. Removing the spring will probably void the warranty though. But that is my opinion, you may love the spring assist, if you get it.
 
Not adamant about the aluminum, but Id prefer it. I have looked at the emersons as well but not too sure about the chisel grind. Also, I should also have stated that Im not too into liner locks. I have however seen the CQC-7V and like it. And yes I generally agree with the statement about Gerber, just hoping the US versions could be decent knives. Wishful thinking?
 
Benchmade 940 - meets every spec you mentioned except blade is a bit over 3.5" I think. Probably one of the best EDC knives ever made.
 
The Hogue EX-01 is an absolutely great knife for its price. The button lock is very very strong yet easy to operate. It is super smooth to open and close while stille being tight enough for no play what so ever. Its hard to beat the EX-01 in almost any price range let alone $150 range. I have the 3.5" drop point and love it and the tanto model is the only tanto I would consider buying.
 
My number one pick would be a Spyderco Military, if you haven't have one already.
From your list I would pick the Hogue EX01. Although I personally would go with the drop point.
 
If you are not 100% set on aluminum scales I will recommend a ZT 0700. It has a very nice G-10 grippy scales and the eurgo's are amazing. I'm sure you can even make your own scales out of aluminum if you really wanted to. The flipper is super silky smooth and deployment is as fast as you want. It's USA made with a S30v blade of around 3.5 inches. It is currently discontinued from the ZT lineup and have seen them as cheep as $85 on sale.

edit: this knife has also been part of my EDC kit since purchase. (pictured below)

WP_000923_zpscf588cc1.jpg
 
Talking about it just made me want it... lol so I just pre-ordered the 909 satin plain edge from bladehq. I own the 9100 and like it and im sure ill like the 909 even more.
 
I have a BM mini-barrage.. drop point, I personally LOVE the spring assist and the silky smooth and super fast action.. One of my favorites easily, I can close it one handed but no experience with the full size
 
Many great suggestions here to make things more difficult ha! I checked out a 940 yesterday locally and almost walked out with it. Although that knife is creeping around the $200 mark after taxes/shipping, but its definitely a viable option. And the 909 stryker was actually my first choice but I don't feel like waiting 6 months for it to become available.
 
I'll throw my hat into the ring here and also recommend the Hogue EX-01. It has all the quality of a mid-tech, in my experience. Smooth, solid, great fit and finish, mirrored edge, great blade shape and stonewash. The heat-treatment on the steel is fantastic as well.
 
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