Sights finally set high

dkb45

dkb45

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2012
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4,458
I am finally looking for a higher end knife, and I need some suggestions. I will preface with saying that I am NOT looking to break $200. DO NOT suggest something like a Sebenza.

That said, I want something with a blade between 3-4", with a lefty clip, and a nicer steel (above 440C, preferably not S30V), preferably not one with a lot of belly.

What I was eying was a Lionsteel SR1A, and I can't think of anything else. I don't really know the higher end knives.
 
How about a ZT 0560/0561? Kershawguy sells them new for just a few dollars more than $200
 
Not sure if you are ok with a right handed liner lock but you would be hard pressed to beat a spyderco Gayle Bradley for the money. You could easily get one brand new for $140-$150. It has CPM-M4 steel which isn't stainless but has great edge retention. It is a hard use knife with gentleman folder looks. Check it out!
 
The ZT 550 can be found for exactly 200 in most places, but may have too much belly for you and is S35. I'm not a fan of blades with a lot of belly, but I like mine. There's also the Benchmade 940, but I don't know about the clip
 
Mcusta Tactility. ~$120. Clip can be adjusted to left or right side, tip up only. VG-10 blade with optional damascus san-mai blade.
 
Benchmade 710 D2.
it was the first one with an Axis lock, its a classic... there are lots of reviews for it...
if you get a chance to handle one, you will be convinced ;)
fits your budget.

BM 710 D2 & Griptilian 553
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Lionsteel sr-1a is an awesome knife. I love the entire design, blade shape is great, 1 piece aluminum handle is extremely well machined, and the roto-lock just adds to its strength. I got the coated blade so I don't have to worry about the D2 getting rust spots. but if you maintain the uncoated blade its not an issue anyways.

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I have a Mini Grip and a full Grip. Had a Gayle Bradley (hated the liner, it was too hard to disengage). Had a ZT 550. Had an Mcusta katana (and HATE their weird Torx screws).

I will restate that I am only interested in something that is normally available with lefty clip drilling. I also am not *super* interested in Benchmade because I want to be able to do general maintenance, like a full breakdown and cleaning myself (took an axis apart once and wouldn't wish that on anybody). I don't mind and actually like a "right handed" liner or frame lock, once you get used to doing it supposedly backwards it becomes second nature.

I don't mean to sound like I am not listening to suggestions, because a few of these are already on my list. I am just looking for that special something that I don't yet have. Another knife I am thinking about is a DPx HEST (folder).
 
Al Mar SERE 2000. Feels awesome in hand, VG-10 steel, great reputation, not too much belly, 3-4" range, under $200, comes in many colors, and the clip is reversible as well as deep carry. The liner lock is very smooth and you stated that you are used to them being right handed. You're welcome.
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That Al Mar is pretty nice. Might be a hair too much for the materials, though. Maybe I can look at it when I get a decent amount saved up.

I will say that Emerson knives are not very interesting to me. The ergos are amazing, and I love the wave, but they really are just too expensive. The only Emerson I will need is my BM/Emerson CQC7 (I managed to get a lefty version).

Any other suggestions? I feel like I have slipped through the cracks. That is not meaning that the suggestions are bad, and many are very nice and warrant further investigation (like getting one in hand). Keep the suggestions coming. Also feedback, either good or bad, about the knives being suggested is welcome.

I will also add that I DO NOT want a recurve. The blades are too bloody hard to sharpen and strop.
 
ZT 0560/1, way different than the 0550. Great knife. Flipper, KVT Bearings, Elmax steel.
Spyderco Tuff can be had around your price range if you look. 3V steel, ti frame lock, overall a sweet blade.
Spyderco Caly 3 or 3.5 CF/ZDP-189
 
Oh I know the 560 is sweet. That was actually the knife that turned me on to ZT. I will be getting one at some point.

The Tuff is cool, but I kind of hate Schempp designs. He just makes knives too weird for me. Shame, because the materials are great for the price.

I'm not too sure on the Caly. I just can't get past the pinned design. I want to be able to take my knives apart, hence my shying away from Benchmade (took an axis apart once, I would prefer to be punched in the face).
 
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