Recommendation? Small S30V and M390 folders in 2021?

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onionsninja

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Jan 30, 2021
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Hi gents, I'm looking for a small (discreet to carry with a discreet pocket clip) folding knife. I've narrowed down to S30V and M390, something with good toughness, not so chippy, and has good edge retention (a touch up or a strop every other week), relatively easy to sharpen. Low maintenance, not a rust magnet (hopefully in satin/stonewashed finish).

I'm willing to fork out around $200 for it.
 
Easy answer - Mini Bugout CF-Elite (I know not stonewashed/satin, but so good)
Difficult answer - so many options in these two steels. I feel like a better of idea of the blade shape, scale material, etc, would help.
 
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you’ll get many suggestions for the usual suspects - Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT, etc.

Here are some suggestions from lesser known but excellent companies.

Viper - they have several models that fit your description. M390
Stonewashed & satin blades available. Under $200

View attachment 1508907 View attachment 1508908

Enzo Birk 75. This is a handmade knife ftom Finland. S30V. Very smooth & discreet. 3” blade. Under $200

Ironwood & Curly Birch

View attachment 1508912 View attachment 1508911
 
jmgruber said:
I feel like a better of idea of the blade shape, scale material, etc, would help.
Click to expand...

Jmgruber, prefer drop Point, spear point type shapes. Full flat, saber, convex, scandi. I don't plan to split tough wood with it and would prefer low drag. I'll be using it to cut soft rubber, cardboard, plastic bottles, ties and cables, etc.

I have an Endura in VG10, I have to sharpen it almost every second day lol.
 
onionsninja said:
Jmgruber, prefer drop Point, spear point type shapes. Full flat, saber, convex, scandi. I don't plan to split tough wood with it and would prefer low drag. I'll be using it to cut soft rubber, cardboard, plastic bottles, ties and cables, etc.

I have an Endura in VG10, I have to sharpen it almost every second day lol.
Click to expand...
Hopefully onions too! :cool:
 
onionsninja said:
Jmgruber, prefer drop Point, spear point type shapes. Full flat, saber, convex, scandi. I don't plan to split tough wood with it and would prefer low drag. I'll be using it to cut soft rubber, cardboard, plastic bottles, ties and cables, etc.

I have an Endura in VG10, I have to sharpen it almost every second day lol.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you need an Endura in K390!
 
Ron Sabbagh said:
you’ll get many suggestions for the usual suspects - Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT, etc.

Here are some suggestions from lesser known but excellent companies.

Viper - they have several models that fit your description. M390
Stonewashed & satin blades available. Under $200

View attachment 1508907 View attachment 1508908

Enzo Birk 75. This is a handmade knife ftom Finland. S30V. Very smooth & discreet. 3” blade. Under $200

Ironwood & Curly Birch

View attachment 1508912 View attachment 1508911
Click to expand...
Yep, I always keep meaning to get hold of a Birk 75. Very nice knife by a great maker.

OP, if you like modern traditionals, Lionsteel has some offerings in M390.

dbtteDm.jpg
 
lieferung said:
Sounds like you need an Endura in K390!
Click to expand...

Haha I wish, but the clip isn't a deep carry. I am not a fan of their wire clip neither because of they way their screw and the clip sit on the FRN isn't very robust.

The Mini Bugout in blade is only currently avails me in bright orange.
 
Usual suspects from Spyderco - Native, Lil' Native, Endela in S30V, Rex45, or K390

Upscale from there ...

Benchmade Valet 2.94", M390, deep carry clip - $175
valet_1000x1000.jpg


Hogue Doug Ritter RSK MK1 3.44", CPM-20CV, deep carry clip - $160
Hogue Doug Ritter Mini-RSK MK1 2.9", CPM-20CV, deep carry clip - $140~$150
RSK MK1.jpg
https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-rsk-mk1-g2-knifeworks-exclusive-pre-order/
https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-mini-rsk-mk1-g2-knifeworks-exclusive-black-stonewashed/
https://knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-...s-exclusive-mascus-puple-g-10-tumbled-finish/

CPM-20CV is essentially Crucible's version of M390.
 
Definitely a mini Bugout, plus grab some new scales. IMO the mini bugout has the better ergos.

81A0D924-8A50-4E5C-B30E-CB1FBC69A197.jpeg
 
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jjg6319 said:
How about a Delica in K390?
Click to expand...

The scale on the Delica in K390 looks awesome. But I'm not a fan of their pocket clip.

I am leaning towards the Benchmade Bugout, and its little brother the Mini Bugout. The look of the Birk 75 is also very appealing.. Would love their S30V if it comes in a scandi grind.
 
loon#r said:
Definitely a mini Bugout, plus grab some new scales. IMO the mini bugout has the better ergos.
Click to expand...

loon#r loon#r , how do you feel about the cutting performance differences between the Bugout in S30v and the M390 on the Valet? Also, their edge retention/toughness and which one do you find easier to sharpen? Thanks :)
 
O onionsninja

Over the years I’ve been pretty critical of BM, but they’re improving some things and I think these models exemplify those strides.

Anyway, to this day the cutting performance is excellent on both. Whether these BM models or others I have no concerns with their m390 and s30v.

The valet m390 came extremely sharp, compared to the s30v. I find the s30v easier to sharpen but by a thin margin, almost negligible. I use a spyderco triangle sharpmaker. I lean towards the mini bugout for the ergos, guard, plus the blade profile is better for me. However the added bonus goes to the valet blade for having nearly the same handle length but a qtr inch more cutting edge. You seem focused more on steel than these particular models. Either way, thumbs are up.
 
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