Ready for my first expensive knife....

[col902]

Well, i am finally going to get my first expensive knife. I saved up some money and I think i am ready. I have my kershaws, bucks, sogs, but nothing that is too expensive or amazing quality. I would like a knife with a 3-3.5" blade. could be a little smaller, but no bigger. 3.5" is stretching it so I would like to stay closer to 3". I would like it to be a folder, and i will use it for edc and a bit of a collectible knife. I would like it to be a good looking knife. In this case (not hard use) I would probable take looks over functionality. My budget is $200. Suggestions?

 

[clich]

How bout a Spyderco manix 2 m4 from bento box shop. Blade is 3 3/8 and full flat grind and super strong. Its sold on bento box's website for about $150

 

[the kid]

Mcusta?
http://www.mcustaknives.com/CATALOG.html

Something from Lion steel?
You could get a very pretty knife for way under $200.
http://www.lionsteel.it/fast/k/en/eur/index/mm/default

 

[Gunsnknives]

If you want a durable folder but don't mind having a blade that stains, try the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. Nice steel (but it stains), around 3.5", holds and edge for a long time and quite heavy duty. Look online for prices below $140.

If you want an assisted opening, try the Benchmades...they have several models that will suit your needs.

What is your intended purpose?

 

[the kid]

What's with the Spyderco recommendations
He wrote he wanted a good looking knife

 

[timberweasel]

Mcusta?

Good suggestion... :thumbup:

Mcusta makes some purdy knives and has a couple of nice options around the $200 mark.

 

[thegeek574]

I will second the mcusta recommendation. other than that, i believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so a knife that i think is really nice looking could be the ugliest thing you have ever seen. look through every knife company that you like and see what you like.

 

[clich]

I agree geek, there are so many different styles and looks out there. Find a maker you like the style of of and look into their 200 range lines. styles up to you but BF is an awesome place to get reviews about performance

 

[timberweasel]

Moki is another nice option...

 

[kipzroll]

...try the Benchmades...they have several models that will suit your needs.

For Benchmades, the Mini-Griptilian or the Bone Collector version, Mini-Presidio Ultra, Opportunist, and others. I just went to a knife retail website and browsed to get these (all right about 3 inches of blade).

col902, I would suggest you just do the same, find one you like and see what the forum members have to say. Start with Spyderco/Benchmade and then branch out a bit more. Also, not sure if it's your style, but maybe a nice traditional folder would please you

 

[pjmurs]

I would agree with the possibility of one of the Mcusta models. I have a couple and both are very nicely made, smooth, sharp, and beautiful especially the Damascus blade.

Good suggestion... :thumbup:

Mcusta makes some purdy knives and has a couple of nice options around the $200 mark.

 

[the kid]

For Benchmades, the Mini-Griptilian or the Bone Collector version, Mini-Presidio Ultra, Opportunist, and others. I just went to a knife retail website and browsed to get these (all right about 3 inches of blade).

col902, I would suggest you just do the same, find one you like and see what the forum members have to say. Start with Spyderco/Benchmade and then branch out a bit more. Also, not sure if it's your style, but maybe a nice traditional folder would please you

Hmmm if op really finds looks to be an important factor I suggest he looks at European brands instead of US.
I suggest he starts looking at Dagon (also a member here) videoreviews on Youtube.
coltelleriacollini and couteaux-berthier have a huge amount of European knives for sale.

 

[kipzroll]

Hmmm if op really finds looks to be an important factor I suggest he looks at European brands instead of US.
I suggest he starts looking at Dagon (also a member here) videoreviews on Youtube.
coltelleriacollini and couteaux-berthier have a huge amount of European knives for sale.

I agree that there are some very pretty european knives, but they are admittedly a bit harder to find in brick-and-mortar stores. In my case, I've been wanting to put my hands on some of the Lion Steel models, but I can't find a place near me that carries them...which is annoying.

 

[the kid]

I agree that there are some very pretty european knives, but they are admittedly a bit harder to find in brick-and-mortar stores. In my case, I've been wanting to put my hands on some of the Lion Steel models, but I can't find a place near me that carries them...which is annoying.

I order everything from the interweb.
The trick is to look at pictures and videos and to read user feedback/reviews.

The only knife store nearby that I know of has a very small collection so I can't get my hands on any knife I'm interested in anyway.

 

[eneyman]

how about a Benchmade Dejavoo, high end materials, probably the best bushings/smoothest opening of any knife I own, and a very elegant but functional design. I definitely recommend it if you are right handed (there is no thumb groove cutout for lefties, but you can still open it will the middle finger flick trick)