Recommendation? Sub 200$ knife recommendations

S

Sunog

Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
62
Hey! It's another one of those posts! I need a recommendation.
I've been pretty good at being distracted by life and using what I have, but while being stuck at home during COVID times, I've been bitten again, and now I'm itching for a new knife!

I'm looking for a locking folder that is under 200$.

I've been eyeing the:
Benchmade Bugout, 940, Freek
Civivi Elementum (too bad it's a linerlock )
Spyderco Para 2/3
Kizer Laconico Gemini


Note: No stainless steel handles, No autos/semi-assisted/etc., and I don't care for liner locks and lockbacks.
Also Note: I have small hands so small knives are not a problem!
Also Also Note: "Made in ___" doesn't play a factor for me. I'm open to all countries of origin.

Of course, you can recommend knives that do not include these things. I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed and open to all suggestions.
So, please recommend away~!


And, I know, I know, there's a whole bunch in this category, but hurray for distractions in the midst of this chaos?

Also Also Also Note:
For those in the US: Happy 4th of July eve!
Please stay safe and healthy!
 
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Both the 940 and the pm2 are all time favorites of mine.
I haven’t tried the para3, but it may be the better choice if your hands are smaller.
If you don’t like stainless steel scales, you may not love the 940s aluminum ones.
You could scoop either on the exchange to try, and resell without much of a loss if it wasn’t your style.

So pm2 or 940 is my vote
 
For that budget I would grab something nice off the classifieds forum here.
 
Viper Ten is still one of my favorite frame locks in that sub <$200 range...
 
Para3 is a great knife. If you have smaller hands it’s perfect. It wasn’t too small in my hands but I preferred the pm2
 
I’ve been carrying a Benchmade Presidio lately and it’s an excellent knife. They make a mini version. The latest version is light in weight and should still be a winner with great ergonomics. Axis lock makes it fun to mess with.

upload_2020-7-3_21-44-24.jpeg
 
Spyderco has so many. I'm partial to the Manix 2, Yojimbo 2, PM2.
 
Dcdavis said:
Para3 is a great knife. If you have smaller hands it’s perfect. It wasn’t too small in my hands but I preferred the pm2
Click to expand...

I agree! The Para 3 is a knockdown design. And with a budget of $200 or less, they could do a Para 3 in S110V, M390, or even K390 if they had the bug for some exotic steel.

I also love the Hogue Ritter (formally Benchmade Ritter Grip).
 
You have identified great knives in your list.

i had a BM 943 and a BM 940-1. The y are great light blades. IMO some of the best urban EDC. Ask BM for a deep carry clip and they will disappear in your pocket. Even if I think they are better for urban EDC they are clearly made to be used in any kind of environnement and you will be fine with them even if you take them as a backpack knife.
great light all around knives

My preferences are still for the PM2 and Para3 (G10)
They can really do everything.
The Para3 may be even more versatile than the PM2 as it is smaller but you will have to pay for a deep carry clip on this one... really ;)
The basic s30v versions are great and come with many colour options.
Spyderco does a great job with DLC so if you like black blades you can go for it without any hesitations.

you can also have a look at the Bugout.
It is very light.
The scales may have some flex but if you don’t want to abuse your knife that if really not problem. I have the grey version but the new black version can be a “compromise” between the 940 and the Para 3.

if you like the Freek, upgrade to the super freek. Looks better and better materials. One of the best deal for experimenting M4 on the market without most of the non-stainless problems (thanks to the coating)

Browse Drop and look for the Ferrum Forge Gent.
It can be a smaller alternative for the 940 if you work in an office. The flipping action of great and the ergonomics with M size hands are great.

Because it is new and can you very fun to fidget, I would recommend the Pro Tech Malibu.
Flipper ans button lock.
You may have to wait to get it but it can be very cool
 
I'm fortunate to own all of the knives you listed. I commend you for your astute choices :).
Of those mentioned I'd have to choose the Super Freek. Great steel, attractive, comfortable, well built and fun to fidget with. In addition, it's been my experience that Benchmade stands behind their products/warranties should the need arise. Good luck & have a Safe & Happy Fourth!

(Let us know of your final decision in this thread if you don't mind.)
 
For me, the Para 3 LW is a winner. Inexpensive knife that cuts above its price point, but don’t tell Spyderco that. Mine has butter smooth deployment, solid lockup, and excellent fit and finish.
 
Sunog said:
Hey! It's another one of those posts! I need a recommendation.
I've been pretty good at being distracted by life and using what I have, but while being stuck at home during COVID times, but I've been bitten again, and now I'm itching for a new knife!

I'm looking for a locking folder that is under 200$.

I've been eyeing the:
Benchmade Bugout, 940, Freek
Civivi Elementum (too bad it's a linerlock )
Spyderco Para 2/3
Kizer Laconico Gemini


Note: No stainless steel handles, No autos/semi-assisted/etc., and I don't care for liner locks and lockbacks.
Also Note: I have small hands so small knives are not a problem!
Also Also Note: "Made in ___" doesn't play a factor for me. I'm open to all countries of origin.

Of course, you can recommend knives that do not include these things. I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed and open to all suggestions.
So, please recommend away~!


And, I know, I know, there's a whole bunch in this category, but hurray for distractions in the midst of this chaos?

Also Also Also Note:
For those in the US: Happy 4th of July eve!
Please stay safe and healthy!
Click to expand...

I think you have some fantastic knives on your shortlist so I’ll just add some minor suggestions.

If you like the Elementum, but don’t like the liner lock, I would suggest checking out the Drop/Ferrum Forge Gent. It’s very, very similar to the Elementum except it is a titanium frame lock and uses s35vn steel instead of D2.

If you like the Griptilian and Freek, I would also check out the Houge Ritter RSK MK1.
 
Rusty_shackelford Rusty_shackelford
Good point about the 940. I'll cross that off the list. :thumbsup:

rizza32 rizza32
I think I want to buy "new". (I guess it might be akin to wanting to buy a new car rather than a used car.) Also. I hate returning things, so whatever I get, I get. :cool:

strategy9 strategy9
Thanks for the suggestion! But the Viper Ten seems too aggressive + square-ish-looking to me, so I'll have to pass on it. :poop:

Dcdavis Dcdavis
I go back and forth on the Para 2/3. The only thing that keeps me at the edge is... its looks. I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but why does it have to be so ugly... :(

AntDog AntDog
Dang it. That looks good. You're supposed to help me, not make this harder...
Also, I really like how the Benchmades looks, but I'm worried about quality control as I've heard some negative stuff about Benchmade more recently. o_O

K.O.D. K.O.D.
Yeah, Spyderco has great knives, but the only ones that call out to me are over that 200$ mark...
Mann... I sound like Princess... so particular... :oops:

P pnsxyr
Dang it... that Hogue Ritter looks so good...
Why are you making this more difficult... :mad:

Therom Therom
If the Bugout had different scales, I probably would have picked it up already... :rolleyes:
I've never heard of Drop or Ferrum Forge Gent... looks so good... :eek:
Stawp making this harder than it already is.... :thumbsdown::thumbsdown::(o_O:cool:

elde66 elde66
Ooohhh! That's good you had good experience with Benchmade. I'm kind of worried about it's quality control... :confused:

D DangerZone98
Sshhhh! We gotta keep it on the DL! ;)
Yeah, Spydercos are so great. I've only had good experience with them. Only thing is the looks dang it.
"butter smooth deployment" sounds so good :oops:

Fixall Fixall
Yeah that Drop/Ferrum Forge Gent looks so good...
Ugh. I feel like I'm back at square one... :thumbsdown::confused:

Thank you guys for all the suggestions! And try not to pay attention to all the emojis! I got a little carried away with them...
After all your suggestions, I started looking at customs and knives I shouldn't buy, like Gareth Bull Shamwari...
Was this a mistake? Will I be able to turn back around? I hear the knife-dark hole calling out once more...
This is so horrible... and yet so exciting... :confused:
I'll have to sit on this and my credit card during camping this weekend (I don't want to hear the "swipe" just yet!). :eek:
 
Fixall said:
I think you have some fantastic knives on your shortlist so I’ll just add some minor suggestions.

If you like the Elementum, but don’t like the liner lock, I would suggest checking out the Drop/Ferrum Forge Gent. It’s very, very similar to the Elementum except it is a titanium frame lock and uses s35vn steel instead of D2.
.
Click to expand...

It's a bit confusing where the 'liner lock' line is drawn. The gent and elementum have the exact same lock design. I'd call them Bolster/frame locks i guess.
 
jp9mm said:
It's a bit confusing where the 'liner lock' line is drawn. The gent and elementum have the exact same lock design. I'd call them Bolster/frame locks i guess.
Click to expand...

I don’t know the exact definition of what makes a knife a liner lock or frame lock to be honest. In my eyes, a frame lock is thicker than a liner lock (and easier on the thumb to disengage). I got rid of my Elementum, so I don’t have it here to measure, but the titanium frame lock on the Gent is much thicker than the steel liner lock used on the Elementum.
 
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Doug Ritter RSK-MK1 from knifeworks


Basically a benchmade with a hogue handles and upgraded springs... and a portion goes to support kniferights, a pretty good cause of you ask me...
 
Sunog said:
Rusty_shackelford Rusty_shackelford
Good point about the 940. I'll cross that off the list. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Something to consider, the stainless is only on 940-0 but also available on CF for 940-1 or g10 on 940-2 & 940 REI.

I have both Bugout bk2 and Para3 LW, based on ergos, the bk2 feels a bit more lightweight while the Para3 LW feels a bit more knife.
 
Para 2 ! :):thumbsup:
oNrKj9a.jpg
 
I'd vote for a Paramilitary 2. I don't think I've ever had a more versatile and durable knife. I think S30V is more than enough, but you could even get an upgraded steel with your budget. It definitely looks different, but once you start carrying it and using it I think you'd realize the design just works.

The Manix 2 is awful nice, too.

If you wanted to wait for it to come up on the exchange used, I would vote for a ZT 0562 in carbon fiber as well. It's somewhat compact, VERY well made, carries well, and has top notch materials.
 
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