Real Steel Metamorph S5, Bestech Shogun, Something Else?

[JAB]

Okay, so lately I’ve been doing a lot of late nite beer fueled blade browsing and keep coming back to these two. I don’t have a lot of experience with all the Chinese brands out there but from what I gather these seem to be pretty similar as far as quality, f&f, etc. I’m also open to other similarly styled frame lock flippers but am leaning away from those that are more “kwaikeny” at the moment. Let’s try to keep the street price under $200.




I’m leaning more toward the Metamorph due to the sleeker design and I know everyone raves about the Megaladons but there’s something about the Shogun that does it for me - especially the blue and blue/silver handled variants.

And yes before anyone says “Get both!” I know, I know but for the purpose of this exercise let’s focus on just getting one at this time - plus I want to see what else is out there before pulling the trigger.

 

[gazz98]

I know Bestech and Real Steel make good bargain stuff, so I would guess the high end stuff is also good. Of the two, I like the Shogun. I admittedly have a big hand and like a wider, thicker handle. If you are going to go Ti handle, I'd go for some color. I have no personal experience with either brand but have handled a few (cheaper then your budget) that friends have owned.

When I saw your price range, my first thought was Kizer or WE. Most WEs are north of $200 but I did find one that looks good. You probably saw these but I'll list them anyways. Linked from BHQ for easy reference.

Hard to tell what the grind is like on the WE tho. Deal breaker? Some nifty colors tho.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--WE-Knife-Co-606A-Frame-Lock-Knife--49793
https://www.bladehq.com/item--WE-Knife-Co-606D-Frame-Lock-Knife--49796

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Artisan-Cutlery-Tradition-Frame--84983
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Artisan-Cutlery-Tradition-Frame--84984

 

[JAB]

^^ Speaking of Kizer I keep checking out a Feist but it’s a little plain and utilitarian looking (nothing wrong with that just not exactly what I’m in the market for at the moment)

I do like the We Syncro even if it’s got more of that kwaiken/tanto look but not sure I really want to stretch the price limit that high on this particular knife. Same goes with some of the Liong Mah designs.

And, yeah, colors are definitely a plus.

 

[Barman1]

I had the S35vn Metamorph and wound up giving it away.
Nice enough knife but had a couple of bothersome features.
Clip screws weren't countersunk so it would just hang up everytime it went into the pocket.
In fact the screws were really domed.
I bought some tapered head screws and drilled the clip for a countersink fix.
Blade grind is THICK!
I spent a lot of time reprofiling the edge and it came out alright but it certainly wouldn't hold up to the scrutiny of a knife person.
Ergo my reasoning for gifting.

 

[JAB]

^^ Ah, good to know - Thanks!