tactical/edc folding knife for around $200

[Spydermade86]

Don’t count out the cold steel recon just because it’s made in Taiwan it’s fit and finish is excellence and price is great for what you get

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Mini-Adamas is for sale on the Sale forum NOW: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/benchmade-mini-adamas-carbon-fiber-magnacut-273-03.1995357/

 

[jstn]

I’d recommend a Dead Reckon Knives Ridgeback. Magnacut steel (stainless 4V essentially), a beefed-up button lock, American made, and black washed blade. Really thick blade stock too. They are over your price range new but pop up on the forums under $200. I have one I would sell well below if you’re interested.

 

[fuyume]

I am very much of the opinion that there is no such thing as a tactical folding knife. A folding knife is not a thing you use in tactical situations, because the lock is potential point of failure. No locking folding knife is ever going to be as strong as a fixed blade, and the point of the lock is to prevent accidental closure, only. Folding knives are for utility use, only.

That being said, if I were in the market for a reasonably priced, well-designed, and well-made folding knife, I'd strongly consider the Spartan Talos. I'm a big fan of Bill Harsey designs, and my EDC folder is a vintage Gerber Harsey AirFrame, plus I own the spiritual ancestor of the Talos, the first generation Gerber International Harsey Air Ranger. But it's made in Taiwan and doesn't have a black blade.

TALOS Liner Lock - Black G-10

Introducing the TALOS Folder, a masterfully designed and lightweight companion crafted in collaboration with William W. Harsey Jr. Boasting a premium CTS-XHP blade, deep carry pocket clip, and innovative Oil Infused Bronze Bushing System, this folder is perfect for everyday tasks. Elevate your...

spartanbladesusa.com

 

[Monofletch]

Tactical….. it’s over used in the knife world.

 

[Delta-v]

I think you'll be happy with the Mini Adamas. It's a very robust design but still very pocket friendly in its dimensions and 4.6oz weight. Cruwear is an excellent tough steel. And the cutting geometry is still pretty good with the .14in blade stock. It's one of my favorites.

 

[ShaiHulud]

Tactical….. it’s over used in the knife world.

Somewhere out there in the ebay wilderness, you can shop for "swiss army tactical knife"
And generate a result of almost everything they made. Most definitely a marketing key term at this point, luckily not used by victorinox, just everyone else who's trying to sell a uh, "tactical spartan"

 

[Hashishiin]

Demko AD20.5

It feels so rock solid, and I trust the locks. It feels like if Cold Steel made a compression lock. I have a Sheepsfoot version, but want to try a clip point version too. My AUS-10 is robust but it comes in K110 (D2 by Bohler) and 3V as well.

Would rec any of the Cold Steel folders, too. Maybe Spyderco Shaman used. Just sold mine for $210, so it's possible I assume to find it cheaper.

 

[DMG]

How about a Gayle Bradley 2 and a bottle of cold blue? M4 steel

 

[Sticky]

Spyderco Native Chief. It's one of the cuttin'est, stabbiest knifes made.

 

[Kwon Kwang]

Spyderco PM2 or Military. You've probably already considered it, might already have one of them, but they're iconic for a reason.

 

[AusLoX]

That's a great knife. But 350 is way too much for me. I'd get the m16 anyday, if it wasn't $140...

"use"? I'm not gonna stab somebody, it's just the looks that catch my eyes. I like to play with knives and just stare at them and enjoy the craftsmanship. Most of my knives I don't use at all. The m16 sure looks awesome, but the specs and the price don't meet..

So what did you end up buying?

 

[nikshichu]

Having owned more than one of these, I would stay away from the CRKT M16 if it’s craftsmanship you

I am very much of the opinion that there is no such thing as a tactical folding knife. A folding knife is not a thing you use in tactical situations, because the lock is potential point of failure. No locking folding knife is ever going to be as strong as a fixed blade, and the point of the lock is to prevent accidental closure, only. Folding knives are for utility use, only.

That being said, if I were in the market for a reasonably priced, well-designed, and well-made folding knife, I'd strongly consider the Spartan Talos. I'm a big fan of Bill Harsey designs, and my EDC folder is a vintage Gerber Harsey AirFrame, plus I own the spiritual ancestor of the Talos, the first generation Gerber International Harsey Air Ranger. But it's made in Taiwan and doesn't have a black blade.

TALOS Liner Lock - Black G-10

Introducing the TALOS Folder, a masterfully designed and lightweight companion crafted in collaboration with William W. Harsey Jr. Boasting a premium CTS-XHP blade, deep carry pocket clip, and innovative Oil Infused Bronze Bushing System, this folder is perfect for everyday tasks. Elevate your...

spartanbladesusa.com

So what did you end up buying?

Mini Adamas

 

[nikshichu]

Having owned more than one of these, I would stay away from the CRKT M16 if it’s craftsmanship you like.

You're right. I had one before and I thought I'd give the new deadbolt a shot. Returned it the same day..

 

[nikshichu]

I am very much of the opinion that there is no such thing as a tactical folding knife. A folding knife is not a thing you use in tactical situations, because the lock is potential point of failure. No locking folding knife is ever going to be as strong as a fixed blade, and the point of the lock is to prevent accidental closure, only. Folding knives are for utility use, only.

That being said, if I were in the market for a reasonably priced, well-designed, and well-made folding knife, I'd strongly consider the Spartan Talos. I'm a big fan of Bill Harsey designs, and my EDC folder is a vintage Gerber Harsey AirFrame, plus I own the spiritual ancestor of the Talos, the first generation Gerber International Harsey Air Ranger. But it's made in Taiwan and doesn't have a black blade.

TALOS Liner Lock - Black G-10

Introducing the TALOS Folder, a masterfully designed and lightweight companion crafted in collaboration with William W. Harsey Jr. Boasting a premium CTS-XHP blade, deep carry pocket clip, and innovative Oil Infused Bronze Bushing System, this folder is perfect for everyday tasks. Elevate your...

spartanbladesusa.com

100% ! The thing with fixed blades is that I never find them easy to carry, especially in public places where I happen to be in a lot.. and for a fixed blade I'd want the blade to be over 4 inches. Anyway, I bought both the Para 3 and Mini Adamas as well as a DPX Heat for for those public scenarios

 

[Stringjam7]

But how do you really feel!

To the OP, I think you need a ZT0801BW. It's a nearly perfect knife!

OP already bought his knife, but have to agree here. The 0801 is classic.

I would have to throw the 0095 tony281sc2 mentioned in there as well, and maybe my favorite of the group, the 0804. I just have to love a big 4" Rexford flipper. I don't even like DLCs and it's one of my favorite folders in life.

 

[norcalAF]

OP already bought his knife, but have to agree here. The 0801 is classic.

I would have to throw the 0095 tony281sc2 mentioned in there as well, and maybe my favorite of the group, the 0804. I just have to love a big 4" Rexford flipper. I don't even like DLCs and it's one of my favorite folders in life.

I'll have to track one of these down!

 

[Stringjam7]

I'll have to track one of these down!

I don't think you'll regret it if you find one. They were pretty cheap when I was looking and got this one - don't seem to get much attention from ZT collectors. It's an absolute gem from ZT, IMO.

 

[norcalAF]

I don't think you'll regret it if you find one. They were pretty cheap when I was looking and got this one - don't seem to get much attention from ZT collectors. It's an absolute gem from ZT, IMO.

Good to know, I love my ZT0095, so if you are mentioning both in one post that's a good sign that I'll dig it!

 

[Stringjam7]

Good to know, I love my ZT0095, so if you are mentioning both in one post that's a good sign that I'll dig it!

It's right there with my 0095 and 0801 - just bigger. Mine had never been used so I cleaned it and gave it a drop of oil - the action and "thwack" are totally different than those two, but just addicting in its own way. ZT really needs to get Todd to come back and do a few more collabs - his designs are choice.