Suggestions for a folder

B

BigDaveIndi

Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
27
Hey all,

I need a companion folder to go along with my BK16 whilst camping/hiking. It won't be an EDC per say with the kind of laws around here but I'm looking for something pretty simple. Budget:$50. Good steel mainly for the point of holding the edge better. Made in America preferred but I'm open to performance oriented sh#t from China/Taiwan, if they do make such stuff which I doubt. Comfortable grips for my medium sized hands. Dunno much about locking systems but I would like it if I can open it with one hand(Buck 110) or a button on the handle which flips the blade outside and locks when pressed. Its called assisted If I'm not wrong. I don't have any brands in mind.
All suggestions/advice appreciated.
Thanks,
David
 
BigDaveIndi said:
Hey all,

I need a companion folder to go along with my BK16 whilst camping/hiking. It won't be an EDC per say with the kind of laws around here but I'm looking for something pretty simple. Budget:$50. Good steel mainly for the point of holding the edge better. Made in America preferred but I'm open to performance oriented sh#t from China/Taiwan, if they do make such stuff which I doubt. Comfortable grips for my medium sized hands. Dunno much about locking systems but I would like it if I can open it with one hand(Buck 110) or a button on the handle which flips the blade outside and locks when pressed. Its called assisted If I'm not wrong. I don't have any brands in mind.
All suggestions/advice appreciated.
Thanks,
David
Click to expand...

Fyi What your referring to is a switchblade, an assisted knife requires you to open the knife a little so the spring can fling it out ( not for a button to just release it )

If you want a one hand opening American made knife for under 50$ you can't beat the bucklite max series ( my medium 482 was only 20$ and they come in small medium and large ) bucks 420hc isn't a super steel but it holds an edge fairly well. you could also just get a buck 110 which is a 2 hand opening traditional lockback for around 35$ then order what's called a quick stud which is a brass thumb stud that attaches to the spine of the blade using a grub screw. Kershaw also has some American made knives for under 50$ ( not sure how many or what models though ) but they also don't use any super steels.
 
Well if you want one of the better more wear resistant steels you could go spyderco or cold steel the new models with g10 scales an Cts Xhp steel are surprisingly good. Your getting up in the 65 to 90 buck range depending on size though. Kershaw has a few that are American made and are pretty good as well.

Never thought I'd be recommending a Cold Steel folder but they have really come along way the last couple of years.
 
Hickory n steel: Thanks for correcting me. The 110 is being considered.
Cricketdave: thanks.
I love the Blur but it costs more than I can afford at the moment. Rat 1 is "4 I believe. I'm looking for something in the "3 size.
 
For something other then 420hc, which is pretty much what you'll be limited to in US made under $50:

Real Steel H5 Gerfalcon - one of the best bang for $ in your budget, China made. Sandvik 14c28n

Buck Vantage Pro - slightly above budget, US made, s30v.

Maybe find a good deal on a BDZ1 Blur or Blur Blem at Kershaw guy right around or under budget.
 
Is the buck vantage still a available in Sandvik? Thats in your budget or the vantage in 420hc. Cold steel voyager in aus8, 3 inch blade, can still be found. Rat 2 folder.
 
Nice blades those. Blur, Vantage is considered but I need good steel. I have checked 420hc which Buck uses. Although its good and I like sharpening myself, what the heck...I got the BK16 for about $80 so let me stretch to $100 for the folder. Please help me grab something which I not only will drool over but also beat the crap out of. It will be used for everything.
 
USA made, good steel, one-hand openning, and below $50? I am not sure if you can get such a knife from a dealer. If you are will to consider used, it will be possible (such as a Cold Steel with cts xhp).
 
The Vantage Pro is bos treated s30v and comes in at around $60. Probably the best bargains you'll get considering steel vs. price.

One I forgot about is the Kershaw Whirlwind, assisted with svandik 14c28n blade, cost right about $50.
Also, Kershaw skyline, non assisted can be had under $50 in Sandvik.

Boker+ Patriot (154cm) and Buck Momentum (s30v assisted) is right around $70, worth a look.
 
Another route you could take is the KaBar Dozier for about $20, to pair with you KaBar bk16.
Aus8(a) steel, made in taiwan... save the other cash to start a savings fund toward a nicer knife?

Kizer and Boker+ are 2 more (made in China) brands worth looking at around $50.
 
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Ok, US made, good steel. Jumping to $100 puts you right into some great knives.
Spyderco Manix 2
Benchmade Mini Griptillian
HK 14 716
Benchmade Mini Barrage (assisted)

Cold Steel has quite a few in this price range in Cts XHP.
Spyderco Native

There are quite a few more, but that's what I got off the top of my head.
 
jday2727 said:
Kershaw blur
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. Blur checks off all the boxes.

Another good suggestion would be the Spyderco Delica. Not assisted, but mine can flick open no problem. Very light weight, not threatening looking which is nice in non-life-friendly environments.

All in all, it's a damn good all-around knife. I know you said you don't plan on making it an EDC but a Delica can quickly become an unplanned EDC knife.
 
BigDaveIndi said:
Nice blades those. Blur, Vantage is considered but I need good steel. I have checked 420hc which Buck uses. Although its good and I like sharpening myself, what the heck...I got the BK16 for about $80 so let me stretch to $100 for the folder. Please help me grab something which I not only will drool over but also beat the crap out of. It will be used for everything.
Click to expand...

Now that I see this, I'll double down on my Delica suggestion and add the Endura.
The other side of that is that if you are willing to bump right up to the $100 mark, the Spyderco Manix 2 costs the same as a BM griptillian, except it offers superior steel (S30v), and superior handle scale material (G10).
 
I'd get a Spyderco UK PENKNIFE or a Kershaw Link within your parameters. Both USA made, both with decent steel.

Travelling outside the USA, I'd get either the Spyderco Byrd Crow or Raven in CTS-BD1.
 
Yet another vote for Cold Steel, mainly the Voyager or the AK47 (Older ones)

CAM02917_zpsr76cv9q2.jpg


less than $50, excellently treated AUS8, absurdly tough lock, superb ergos, versatile blade shape

CAM02726_zpsc4i0tg6x.jpg


Hard to go wrong with these!

CAM02711_zpsweecdije.jpg
 
Okay.. Now I see some pretty envious blades names. Delica/Endura, Manix, Griptillian, Native, Blur, Link, Skyline and Vantage in S30v. Lots of choices and as it goes, more confusing. I'm not in for the Voyager because of the bowie blade. I would rather go for a bowie FB instead, which I will for sure someday. I really drool over the Dozier design made by Ka Bar but made in Taiwan!! Are they even worth $20? Just off this topic, what do you guys think or should I say feel about all these premium brands manufacturing models in China/Taiwan? I personally hate it because I know for sure that the quality will take a hit. China or Taiwan, it doesn't matter because they are the same. Only quantity and no quality. F#uck, their soldiers die inside a tank which falls over a 3 meter bridge! I understand the economy but these US brand companies should take notes and read reviews of their products seriously. Okay..
Spyderco Manix, Delica, Benchmade Grip, Kershaw Blur, Skyline, Link and Buck Vantage. Pics would have helped a lot more honestly. I'm really thinking about the Blur and Manix more. Delica is so sexy and I know people just love it. I am looking for some more models just to compare and decide. Please feel free to do so and if possible with pics.
Thank you all for your support and time.
 
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