Please suggest the best $50 folder for SD and EDC ...

M

Mulliga

Joined
Jan 6, 2004
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10
Well, my Gerber Yari never showed up (they were out of stock and refunded my money):mad: and I need a decent folder. Primarily interested in self-defense, but I can't afford even a $100 knife now because I've spent most of my money on guns :) .

Anyone have any suggestions? Remember, cash is very tight. I've heard people praise the BM Griptilian, but is there something that provides better value for the money? I can get it from New Graham for 60 bucks...is that the best option?

Thanks in advance.
 
Its hard to beat the griptillian for the $$$.

I would like to handle one of the full sized Benchmade Ambushes to see how they are.
 
Yeah, Dennis beat me to the suggestion for the Ambush, its a great knife for the $
 
you might check out the SOG Petagon Elite

It has more robust liners than the Griptillian. A very similar locking mechanism and is certainly more designed towards defence. It has a dagger-shaped blade with one sharp edge and both sides sharp at the last 1/4" of the tip. It comes in 2 sizes...big and "whoa!!! thats BIG!!"

pentel_lg.jpg


it has comperable steel to the grip AUS8 is the designation for 440C in Japan.

it carries well and is quick, very quick to deploy.
 
The Pentagon Elite may also not be legal in your neck of the woods due to the double edged tip.
Matt
 
You can get a 4" Voyager for $50, I have a med voyager clip and an El Hombre, both nice zytel handled knives with a good lockback design. Also CRKT has the M16, KFF, and more in the price range with AUS6 blades and liner locks. The Ambush is also a ~4" blade with aluminum handle, I don't know of the quality of the lock yet. I like the Axis lock the most, but you may want the extra 1/2" you can get from some other knives, YMMV.
 
If you're wanting a large folder, definately check out the Benchmade Ambush. Then again, there are always classics like the Spyderco Endura or Delica depending on the size you want. You might also want to look at CRKT's stuff like the Point Guard, M16-03Z, Ryan model 7, or the Crawford Falcon which you can find under $50.00.
 
I also like the Crawford-Casper model that CRKT has....about the right price, nice defensive folder, couple of size and handle options.....I like the lock on the Grip n SOG better though.

cr6773k
 
Here's another vote for either the Delica or the Endura. Either one can be found in that price range.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

The Delica looks a bit small for my use (though I know anything above an inch can be deadly - but I'm not that good :p). I'd like to have at LEAST a ~3.5-4" blade (like a Spyderco Police or the Ambush), and more if possible.

The lock on the Ambush is a rolling lock. How strong/weak is this compared to the AXIS lock? I know the AXIS lock can be flipped open fairly easily - can you do the same with an Ambush/Mini-Ambush?
 
You cant flick open the Ambush, it has something called the indraft system that holds the blade in to prevent that. The rolling lock is a strong one, I dont know the numbers on it though.
 
Get the FRN Endura...With that one you get Spyderco quality, and VG-10 steel.
 
I'll second the vote on the CRKT Crawford/Kasper folder. I carry the large one. It seems like a good choice for SD, but you have to be able to tolerate the 6 ounce weight and the bulk.
 
Originally posted by Jazzman
The Pentagon Elite may also not be legal in your neck of the woods due to the double edged tip.
Matt
Click to expand...

Jazzman - are you aware of any states that would consider this a problem? I live in NJ and I have been trying to find out whether or not the tip is an issue.

Regards,
cds1
 
The Benchmade Ambush is not one that will flip open easily by inertia. My sample won't do it without some serious effort and you can forget about the Min-Ambush. I actually like the Mini Ambush better as an EDC over the large one, and the locking mechanism is strong. Benchmade owns the patent on the Rolling Lock, but it was first made available in production knives by REKAT (Round Eye Knife And Tool). They no longer exist, but you can search the archives for a plethora of info on the Rolling Lock. There were a few QC issues with the lock on some REKAT models, but Benchmade seems to have executed the locking mechanism quite well on the Ambush models.
 
I recently just purchased a 102100 Mini-Ambush. It is a badass little knife. You get a LOT of knife for the money! Excellent blade, no bladeplay at all, a very smooth and solid lock, and a very solid handle. I definitley recommend it.
 
There's a great selection of suitable knives available for under $60. The Spyderco Delica and Endura are always a solid choice. I own several CRKT folders that are in my EDC rotation; the Ryan M7, Lightfoot M1, and Crawford/Kasper. All are under $50 and great for SD and daily chores. Tme Timberline Worden Tactical is a personal favorite, available in two sizes, two handle materials, and under $40 for the FRN models.

Dayuhan
 
Another vote for the Spyderco Endura, though if you can put a little more $$ in it, go for a Police model, it's slim and fast to deploy for its size. The Crawford-Kasper is nice too, tough blade for hard use, but I find it way too bulky for a long civilian carry :rolleyes: .
 
Money tight?

Well for 16.99 you can get a CRKT Ryan folder from.

eknifeworks.com

aka smokey mountain knife works.
 
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