reccomendations for a 100 dollar knife

R

rocker786

Joined
May 10, 2012
Messages
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hey guys, I'm fairly new to bladeforums, but not to knives. I'm a teenager, so I don't have alot of cash to through around. but I also understand the need to dish out more cash for a better knife. my most expensive knife is the kershaw skyline, so if that doesn't say poor teenager I don't know what does. so I've saved up about 100 bucks, and an looking into some semi higher end knives. but I'm way out of my depth now because my entire knife collecting history has been focused on cheep knives, so I don't really know much about the 50+ dollar knives. I'd really appreciate any suggestions you guys may have.

requirements-
approx $100 or less if possible.
folding knife preferable, but possibly fixed
approx 3-3.5 inch blade leangth (I'm not really a stickler on this one)
reasonably light (I'm not nutnfancy, but it should be carry able)
able to perform under harder use (don't worry, I'm reasonable in my expectations)
looks pretty cool (just not really bland)

right now I'm looking into a spyderco gayle Bradley, a para 2 or a chokwe. griptillian is on the list, but towards the bottom. hope that helps.
 
I say the Para 2 or the Gayle Bradley would both be great choices. I was actually typing those two knives before I read the last line.

I think the M4 on the GB cuts more aggressively, but the S30V (considering your price range, I'm assuming you don't want a sprint run) on the Para 2 would be tougher and more corrosion resistant. Given a realistic role of an EDC knife and basic cutting tasks, I'd probably lean more towards the Para 2, but definitely pick up a GB when you gather more funds because they're both excellent knives and must-have Spydercos in my book.
 
Para 2 all the way. You won't be sorry. Grip is a good knife, but mine gets no pocket time compared to the Spyderco. Order it now, it'll get to you quicker :wink:
 
My first high-end was my Spyderco Sage 1. Got it for like $99 and some change with shipping brand spanking new! Really great knife for the money. Or you could go a little bigger and go for a manix 2 xl which is also for around $100

My Sage 1 CF

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Manix 2 XL

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I think the handle of the Manx is awesome, but the blade is a little weird to me. it seems practical, but I just don't connect with it the way you may. I guess it's the modified sherpsfoot that turns me off. cool knife though
 
Don't know very many folders but I would say you could get the Double Agents by Cold Steel. Or if you could get around 30$ more you could get the Steel Tiger. I like both but that's just my opinion.
 
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to me, the double agents and the steel tiger both seem very gimicky. mabey it's just the vibe that cold steel puts out. but I don't think I'd be able to carry that, ever. firstly because im a teenager, and secondly, I'd never be able to use the because they're so inherently threatening. and I'm not lookin to defend myself with this knife. heck, I edc a slipjoint buck solo. and I couldn't relegate them to outdoorsy camp tasks because the rings on the double agents would just be useless and cumbersome. I bet it'd be a wicked sd blade though. whip that out and the guy holding the AR will wet his pants
 
Might want to also look at the Benchmade 707 and 710. I've been considering getting one of those myself and they are around the same price range.
 
I would go for the Para2, one of the best knives around and you would have to look long and hard to find a knife that slices better, the GB is also a great blade but a little more $
 
the kerhsaw blur is worth looking at, also the benchmade griptillian is a great knife both are less than $100. if you can pay just a little more id go para 2 though
 
Kershawguy had ZT 0350 blems for $95 until very recently. His page is a good place to watch for deals on user knives.
 
Right at $100 or so to spend? You won't go wrong with either a Spydie Sage 1 or a PM2, IMO. Great choices...I have both, and both are excellent. Slightly different looks, though, so go with what your tastes prefer. Good luck, man. Whatever you choose, you'll be grinning when you have your first $100 folder in your hand :)
 
I'm a Para fan, but you should also consider the Kershaw Rake or JYD as well as the Cold Steel American Lawman.

For fixed, just sit around and pounce on the next Mule-team and either make your own scales or buy some. Also, the ESEE Izula or Izula 2 would be good choices.

You probably can't go wrong with the Benchmade BoneCollector series either. I don't know if you can get a mini-barrage or full-size for ~$100, but it's another good choice.
 
In your price range, my recommendations are as follows in order of my perception of their value

Kershaw Junkyard Dog II composite
Kershaw Rake Composite
Zero Tolerance 350 Blem
Spyderco Sage 1
 
I side with alot of others here in getting the Para2 an awesome all around knife in your price range, you can't go wrong with that purchase. However, others have given some very good alternatives too. 'Be Prepared' mentioned the Kershaw rake and the ZT 0350 which are excellent knives and can be bought within your price point. Also don't be put off by Cold Steel's tacky marketing as they do offer some good knives at good prices as another poster mentioned the 'American Lawman', a very good knife IMO...
 
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