Overbuilt folders <$200

ZT 0700 if you like a tanto blade, Kershaw Lahar is a beefy folder and Boker Kalashnikof is another sturdy folder
 
0550 as mentioned or if you're patient the 0566, which is a slightly smaller SpeedSafe version of the 0560. Around $145.
 
There are quite a few ZT's under $200 and would be a good place to start. Check out KershawGuy as mentioned above. He has great deals on Blems that usually you can not even find the Blem plus amazing customer service and fast shipping. The 275 Adamas is another great one by Benchmade and the classic Paramilitary 2 is a heavy duty knife.
 
Ruzster said:
No expert but I'd have to encourage a look at a Spyderco Chinook. I have the original version in CPM440v and cannot imagine what you'd have to do to stop this thing. I'm sure someone around here could tell you, though. :)
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Ruzster, that is beautiful Yellow Lab you have there. If I didn't know better I would swear that it was a picture of my George. He is no longer with us, and has moved on to an after life that he undoubtedly deserves.
 
how about a hogue, that have very nice line up at 3.5 inches. the ex o1 (the 3.5") with al handles and button lock are really nice :)
 
ZT 550 is crazy strong. HK Enigma is a close second. I have heard a lot of good things about the ZT 566 too. I cannot say I recommend any liner lock aside from ZT (they use overly thick liners, damn near frame locks). I have had a few Emersons and each one had a decent lockup %, but felt dainty next to something like the 550. I have also seen many a story (with evidence) of Emerson liner failures. I don't trust a liner lock more than I would a slip joint with a weaker spring.
 
At just slightly over 3.5" is the Dendra line of knives. Built like tanks with 3.75" D2 and .215 thick blade.
 
If you can handle the size/weight/thickness, BM275 Adamas is the way to go for a budget knife that can handle a lot.

[video=youtube_share;LWz_JLXgIL0]http://youtu.be/LWz_JLXgIL0[/video]
 
These have all been mentioned but I'll throw in my vote for them too:
BM 275 Adamas
ZT 0200
Spyderco Manix 2 XL

And I'll add the BM 810 Contego
 
Another vote for the mighty..........Adamas!
BMA011_zps43ed4c9d.jpg
 
FYI, you're being limited more by your request for <3.5" blades and no flipper than you are by your $200 budget. As great as the Adamas is I believe it's 3.8" and I think the ZT 0550 is 3.5" exactly? So I'm not sure if your request for a smaller blade is a personal preference or due to local knife laws.
 
Lion Steel SR-1A is around that size, is very well built and you can usually find them under $200. One piece solid aluminum handle, frame lock with rotoblock reinforcement, thick 3.70" D2 blade. As mentioned, the Spyderco Gayle Bradley is an excellent blade as well. I'm carrying mine right now. The Adamas is a great knife too, as well as the ZT's mentioned. I have a ZT0350TS and its a beast.
 
I was going to post my suggestion, but it is not under 3.5". It seems most suggestions are over 3.5", so, what the heck...

I really love my Hogue EX-01 Al with a 3.5" drop point blade. You can get them for $140-160, depending on the configuration. Nice, thick 154CM blade, rock solid button lock, smooth and overbuilt pivot, great ergonomics, and an outstanding edge.
 
Benchmade 275 is a beast and only around $130, one of the most well priced Benchmades imo. The ZT 0200 is also really cool especially without the blade coating, I have and love both.

Also op if you're at all interested I will sell you a brand new in box ZT 0300, never used or carried for $200 shipped (if you're in the CONUS). Its only like 2 months old, I got it from Kershaw Guy but I don't care for it, not my style knife.
 
Here's one: The Kershaw Cryo. Costs about $30 and is a beast. The steel won't appeal to steel snobs, but it's a fine medium sized knife.

I'm not sure what we are calling "overbuilt" these days. Today I have my ZT0600 in my back pocket. Vastly, vastly overbuilt for anything I'll be doing. Seriously. In all honesty, that little Rough Rider Congress will do everything that I have to do with a knife these days. But, I've turned into a "knifie", so I have to have a broad selection of more or less fine knives. It makes me happy. :)
 
Acesn8s said:
Ruzster, that is beautiful Yellow Lab you have there. If I didn't know better I would swear that it was a picture of my George. He is no longer with us, and has moved on to an after life that he undoubtedly deserves.
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Thanks, Aces! That's my hunting buddy, Draco. He was in his prime then. I lost him a year ago last August and miss him every day. I'm sure he and George are waiting impatiently where ever it is all good dogs go to wait for their dads to catch up.
 
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