Suggest a modern folder

Maverick299

Maverick299

Joined
Apr 12, 2014
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I just got a text message from my buddies wife and she is wanting to get him a knife for his birthday. I have some suggestions, but modern folders are not my niche so I thought I would post it up here for more ideas.

Stipulations are these:

1. Budget of $150-200
2. One hand open. Assisted open is probably ok but no auto's or flippers.
3. Blade length is not an issue because he has a weapons permit that covers knives as well
4. Just because blade length is not an issue, please no 6" bladed beasts. 2 3/4"- 3 3/4" preferred
5. Straight edge, no serrations
6. This is mainly for edc use, not a dedicated defense knife


What have you all got? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

***edit*** I'll add that he does not always care for his knives in the best manner so steel that will take some abuse would be a plus.
 
Without more specifics I'm partial to:

Spyderco Manix 2 (any flavor steel)
Benchmade 300 (if you want flipper)
Buck Marksman (also a flipper)
Brown Spyderco Southard (top of the price range, but an amazing blade)

edit: forgot add Spyderco Paramilitary 2 to this list!
 
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I'll throw out some standards:
Spyderco Para2
Spyderco Military
Spyderco Endura
Spyderco Delica (smaller)
Spyderco Caly series
Spyderco Sage series
Benchmade 940
Benchmade 710
Benchmade Griptillian (Mini if he likes a smaller knife)
Emerson Commander (mini versions available, but not really mini)
Emerson CQC-15 (mini versions available, but not really mini)
Emerson CQC-7
ZT 560/561 (on sale now)
ZT 550 (on sale now)
ZT 566
ZT 801

There are a ton more, but these are all that pop in my head w/o looking online.
 
For EDC take a look at a Benchmade 707 Sequel, Spyderco Sage 3 Carbon Fiber, Sage 2 Titanium. If you want a slimmer knife look at the Spyderco Chaparral.
 
If he's not up on maintenance, sharpening etc. I would not advise you buying him any super steel, stick to VG10, 154CM and the like.
 
That's a wide gap.

ZT look at the 0550 At least check out the 0200 and 0300 they have been discontinued and can get a killer deal on them right now.
Kershaw Blur a few others but they are flippers
Spyderco has several models that fit the bill
Kizer cutlery has some that are good
Benchmade Contego Probably has the Best steel out of anything that will get mentioned. Come to think of it, get this one.
 
I recommend;

ZT0770CF
Spyderco Gayle Bradley
Spyderco Southard (That South American river site has them for $202!!!!)
ZT0561 (mine will be here today (same site as above has them for $195)
Brous Bionic
ZT0801

There's also a TSF Beast on the exchange right now for $225 is she wants something unique, or a Southern Grind Bad Monkey, USA Made Blade has them for $212~(depending on the model) with the code GRIND15 entered at checkout.
 
Gayle Bradley. Show him how to put a patina on it and get him a nice deep carry clip. On paper it's like a custom.
 
If it's a gift then I would suggest something that looks nice and fancy. While the Para2 is a very good knife, it doesn't look fancy to someone that first sees it.

I'm thinking something like the Benchmade 581, Spyderco Sage 2, Benchmade 908, ZT 0566 or maybe 0562.

Other than that there could easily be 20 knives that could be recommended.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley. I just got mine yesterday and it's the nicest knife I've ever laid hands on. Built like a tank and insanely sharp. Not stainless though but he can force a patina or put tuff glide on it if he doesn't want to take care of it for some reason. The CPM-M4 steel is amazing to say the least and it's performance more than makes up for not being stainless. Not that I prefer stainless necessarily anyway. Beauty of a Gentleman's folder but can take a ridiculous beating without blinking. I don't think I'll EDC anything else...ever. Seriously. This knife could cost $400 and it would be worth every penny. How it's only ~$150 is beyond me. Do some research, watch some videos, fall in love, buy it, hold it, use it, fall head over heels madly in love.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley
FhHsqyT.jpg


If stainless is a must and blade length not an issue, the Benchmade 810-1401 Contego in M390 steel is a great knife as well and under $200. I just gave mine to my friend as a homecoming gift from Iraq. I gave it to him yesterday, the same day I got the Gayle Bradley. That's no coincidence. The GB will never leave my side and I LOVED my Contego too, but so does my friend and it's by far the nicest knife he owns. I highly recommend either of these. The BM has the Axis lock, which is my favorite type of lock. The GB has the beefiest, strongest, liner lock I've ever seen and it's amazing as well.

BM 810-1401 Contego
ImMYrrx.jpg


Whatever you decide, do him a huge favor and show him the basics of simple maintenance and sharpening. If he can't be bothered to do the simplest maintenance and touch ups every so often, he shouldn't own a blade in this price range. Buy him a bucket of Jarbenzas in 3Cr that he can throw away when they dull after cutting up a cardboard box.
 
For ease of carry, durability, edge holding and just all around handy size the zt566 is pretty hard to beat. Tough enough for almost any task but not so big that its a pain in the rump in your pocket.
 
Head over to Japanese Knives Direct and check out the Bob Lum "encounter" series. Mr. Lum passed away not too long ago, but in his time with us he made a huge impact on modern folders. They are quite striking and available in a variety of handle materials and sizes. The damascus, as featured below, is optional.

Img1099.jpg
 
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I can vouch for the Seki Cut Bob Lum Encounters. They have a flawless fit and finish and very smooth, they also have thin grinds so mine is an amazing slicer.
 
Benchmade 940 would get my vote.
It's a medium sized knife which folds up nice and sleek, so you hardly notice you have it in your pocket. It's got a strong tip, primarily straight edge, comes out and goes away fast, 3-1/4in blade, excellent warranty, made in USA. There is a reason it's been around for a long time. Perfect EDC knife.
 
BM 710. It's a modern day classic for a reason. You can choose to go cheap or go expensive and get a great knife either way.
 
Benchmade Contego, 710, or the 940/943, are very nice knives with a unique locking system that is fun to play with. I will also second the Southern Grind Bad Monkey.
 
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