The “Glock” of folding knives?

I'd say the Spyderco Para 3 lightweight. It's ugly, kind of cheap feeling, uses fewer parts than comparable products, is lightweight, highly functional, stronger than you'd think it would be (compression lock takes a lot of force and frn doesn't crack when dropped), is reasonably priced but still a somewhat upscale option, and has a lot of aftermarket products. Similarly to Glock, Spyderco came on to the scene and did something completely different that seemed like it might not work, but won people over with performance.

IMO, Benchmade Bugout = Smith and Wesson Shield, CRK Sebenza = 1911, Cold Steel Recon 1 = Springfield XD, ZT 0562 = Sig Sauer P226
 
Spyderco's lightweight Seki knives (Delica, Endura, etc).

I don't think CRKs are a very good parallel to Glocks. They're simple and reliable but that's where their similarities end. CRKs are full metal and all about tolerances and fit and finish. Glocks are synonymous with polymer and pretty much any of the parts can just drop in. CRKs are relatively low volume, Glocks get churned out by the thousands. Glocks are pretty affordable, economical, available, and accessible to anyone who wants one. CRKs are anything but as far as knives go. Can you imagine a police department spending tax dollars to outfit everybody with a CRK? That's what I thought.
 
Definitely the RAT 1&2 but the buck 110, Spyderco PM 2 or Benchmade griptillian or 940 all classify as classic, reliable.

The Buck 510 is more like a colt or s&w revolver.
 
Spyderco's lightweight Seki knives (Delica, Endura, etc).

I don't think CRKs are a very good parallel to Glocks. They're simple and reliable but that's where their similarities end. CRKs are full metal and all about tolerances and fit and finish. Glocks are synonymous with polymer and pretty much any of the parts can just drop in. CRKs are relatively low volume, Glocks get churned out by the thousands. Glocks are pretty affordable, economical, available, and accessible to anyone who wants one. CRKs are anything but as far as knives go. Can you imagine a police department spending tax dollars to outfit everybody with a CRK? That's what I thought.
You forgot one, CRK’s cost as much as a glock!
 
Just my opinion.
Glocks weren't considered to be good looking guns when they hit the market, being a function over form design that, arguably, has grown more attractive due to association and excellent reliability and function.

The easy answer to the op question is Buck 110/112, however those were always considered good lookers.

The one knife I have that fits as the answer for me is the excellent Spyderco Paramilitary 2.

Spyderco products have that quirky function over form look, that becomes much more attractive when you use it for cutting things and carrying around.
 
Endura, straight up. No doubt about it.

You got your polymer frame, tough as nails never fails construction, but also the kB factor - fragile tip.
 
All the Sebenza guys - just something to think about…

Glocks are an ~ $500 firearm in a world of $2000+ Les Baers, etc.

Sebenzas are an ~ $500 knife in a world of ~ $90 Enduras.

The Sebenza is much better equated to the custom, tuned up 1911 than a Glock in my equation. Sebenzas are top of the line. Glocks are good, dependable, value guns.
 
I’d never compare my lovely sebenza to some plastic gun! It would only compare to some beautiful gun I’ve never even heard of till I collected them for a few years and then finally came across on some awesome gun forumn!
 
The Colt Single Action Army is leagues apart from a Glock. And that's about how comparable a Sebenza is to a Glock. In a world of $600 handguns, an SAA will run you several times that. All the parts are hand fit at the factory. Even new grips must be fit to an individual gun by a qualified smith.

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FRN handle Spyderco = polymer Glock

Great, reliable designs. Don’t require tight tolerances or fitting. Similar materials. Last a long time. Similar attractive price points relative to their peers.
 
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