The best for under $150.

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beretta40ss

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Dec 22, 2004
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I won't be using this knife for skinning, because I take my deer directly to the butcher. I will do a lot of reading about knives before I buy one, but I want some personal opinions from guys who know a lot and use a lot of knives. I have been reading that the Spyderco military is a good choice. Does this have a good locking system and how is it when it comes to holding an edge and durability? How is Spyderco compared to Benchmade? Is a S30V blade good, if so why? What is better than this blade? Thanks for your time and patience guys. Lots of questions before I spend my hard earned cash.
 
best folder for under $150?

what do you want out of the knife? size, lock, too many variables...

maybe a Buck Mayo

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If you want a large folder, the Benchmade 630 Skirmish is a great buy. A little smaller, but just as good, is the Camillus CUDA Dominator. Both of these knives have the S30V steel, and Titanium framelocks. S30V is touted as the best, currently, but you couldn't go wrong with D2, 154CM, ATS-34, BG-42, or even 440C, if you aren't too picky. Currently my favorites are BG-42, and S30V, although I don't have enough experience with them to tell the difference between them and the others.

You don't want to leave out the Benchmade Axis locks. There are several models that I like, 710, 730, 806, and the 940, if you like a more gentlemanly knife.

Al Mar SERE 2000 is a sturdy working knife, with a liner-lock.

Spyderco has lots of knives with lower price tags. I own a Native with S30V.

Another thing you might want to consider is an auto, aka Switchblade. There are plenty of modern autos that make great EDCs, including Benchmade, Protech, and Microtech. Each of these companies has knives in your price range.

Good luck,
DD
 
IMO the Spydie military is one of the best hard use practical folders out there. The g10 handles are large and comfortable, they give a lot of option as far as grip but the knife is totally carriable even in light dress slacks. The blade is a well designed piece of s30v, which is the current "best" in the world of stainless steels. Its tough, sharp and well shaped. The lock is excellent. If you are looking for something moderately large and emminetly practical the mili is a great choice.
If you are looking for a smaller urban/office pocket knife Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw and MT all have a variety of options with great steel. Another steel that is worth considering is vg10, its a stainless with a great reputation.
I just started carrying a Microtech amphibian (mine isn't a switchblade) and I am liking it very much. Very comfy handle, carries well, 3.5 or so blade of 154cm with a nice recurve shape.

In regards to the BM Skirmish IMO its a nice show piece but not what I think of as a practical daily use knife. It does have a very pretty handle though and the lock is certainly strong.

The more you can narrow down your search the more specific options we can offer for your consideration.
 
Many general utility users consider the Military the best. The Chinook and Stretch are purpose built huntings knives, however. I also think the new Manix, which is full flat ground like the Military, may give the Military some serious competition as a utility knife, it also has a bit more belly than the Military, I think.
 
In the $150 range I would recomend either a Buck Mayo, BM 630, Cuda Dominator or a Kershaw Bump.
 
I'd have to say the BM 905S for it's size, tanto blade and double thick Ti liners, If you want to go with an Axis lock my go to knife is always the 806SD2 it always seems to handle every task I put before it.
 
Here's another vote for the Buck Mayo. It's an excellent value and can be found in or very near your price range on eBay. ;)
 
If you can, try the Buck Mayo before you buy. I found the horns to be extremely annoying.
 
I say without a doubt the Blade-tech professional hunter. I know a lot of people don't give it a second look because it has "hunter" in the name. I have found the design transcends the original purpose. It makes one heckuva utility/tactical knife. Very versatile.

It is constructed like the military, but the Blade-tech has two liners instead of one like the military.

The production engineer for Blade-tech used to work for Spyderco.

These are available in G-10 or carbon fiber. They have S30V blades.

www.blade-tech.com
 
I would have to say for a good price point on a very good design, try the MOD Tempest. Vicotornox in Danbury CT. is selling them for 50% off. Well actually the whole MOD line. I picked one up and it is just what I have been looking for in an edc it seems all these years. Very high quality of fit and finish. Good heft and size too. Not to sheeple scary either. At least for the Tempest. If that does't float your boat for a heavy duty folding knife try the Buck/Strider 880 in the large version. You won't find a more heavy duty folder made today bar none. Comes with a Strider warranty. Can't beat that and the Bos heat treat is second to none. Keepem sharp
 
Okay, I will rock the boat here and say that in my opinion, a Doug Ritter Griptilian , whether small or large, is a great deal under $150! The S30V blade and awesome blade geometry, combined with the Axis Lock and Benchmade's superb quality, make this knife a serious consideration! :)

There are numerous other great knives under $150, but the Ritter Grip gets my vote for the winner!
 
Ritter is great - but for 30 bucks less you can get a D2 griptillian that is 95% as good.
 
Fool4Blades said:
Okay, I will rock the boat here and say that in my opinion, a Doug Ritter Griptilian , whether small or large, is a great deal under $150! The S30V blade and awesome blade geometry, combined with the Axis Lock and Benchmade's superb quality, make this knife a serious consideration! :)

There are numerous other great knives under $150, but the Ritter Grip gets my vote for the winner!
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I love the design. I just cant make myself spend that much on a knife with FRN handles. Make one with G-10 and I'm there.
 
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