Recommendation: 3.5+" Blade High-End Folder - $400 or Under

LightGuy

LightGuy

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I'm looking for recommendations on a large, high-end folder for around $400 or under. It doesn't need to be able to stand up to actual abuse, but It needs to be robust for sure. If this is all I have on me when hiking, it needs to be able to stand up to some carving/whittling/de-limbing, or general light woods use. I do not abuse my knives.

It needs to have a 3.5" or larger cutting edge, and titanium handles are a plus. So, I am basically looking for alternatives to the CRK Umnumzaan. I had one and loved it, but I would have preferred a non-hollow ground blade (such as a full flat grind, saber grind, etc.) on this size blade.

BTW - I already have an S30V Paramilitary 2 and love it. I just can't justify spending triple on one to get the S90V sprint version.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
 
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The ZT knives are very strong, but as far as I know they don't have make use of a whole lot of titanium. There's a lot of really good cheaper options out there. Maybe try to snag a ZT 0550 or Strider?
 
ZT 560/1, Para2 in CTS-20CP or M390, or a Lionsteel SR-1 which is one-piece titanium and solid as a tank.
 
The best by far is a Les George VECP. If you are alert you can pick one of from Les directly or through his retail sellers for under $400. Once you hold it you will know the magic.
 
tomsch said:
The best by far is a Les George VECP. If you are alert you can pick one of from Les directly or through his retail sellers for under $400. Once you hold it you will know the magic.
Click to expand...

My money is on the VECP as well..smoothness of the action, super ergonomic handle, blade shape, overall fit/finish and build quality, just can't be beat for the price. I'm absolutely loving mine.
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Thanks for all the great suggestions so far! The zt 560 looks very tempting...if it was available I might just have to consider that one. I never really got into the looks of the 0550, but the 560 reminds me much more of a Hinderer (which is well out of my price range...)

The Lionsteel is another one that just never did anything for me, although I'm sure it is a very nice blade.

I've also had and sold 2 Strider SNGs. Very rugged, but for me it had too short of a cutting edge for the size of knife and it was only comfortable to hold in the chocked-up grip.

Now, that Les George VECP is looking like it fits the bill perfectly...how hard are they to get a hold of??
 
Might be a little difficult, at the moment he's not taking orders on it..they pop up on in the exchange forum every once in a while
 
Try a ZT 300 series and see if you like it. If you don't you can resell it and try something else. I bet you'll love it.
 
Yep - they are very nice, I bought two. I just couldn't get comfortable with the grip - the choke-up grip using the choil was great, but there was tons of unnecessary handle in the back. But the further back grip wasn't comfortable at all because the top corner of the handle dug into my palm. Plus, in the further back grip their was only a 3" portion of cutting edge way at the front. Just didn't seem to be a very efficient use of the length of the knife as a whole. I'm sure for prying, digging, etc. it would do very good, but I personally would never do that with a $400 knife.
 
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