Titanium framelocks under $300

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
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Two parter: What are your favorite framelocks under $300 and, part two, if you have handled a sebenza, which did you like more?
 
Hmm, I've had a ZT 0301 and 0551, a CRKT Eros(I think that still counts), a BM 755 MPR, a Speedform, and a BM 635 Mini-Skirmish.

Of those, I like the Speedform the most, as the lock wasn't the least bit sticky, and fit and finish was top notch.

I still like my Sebbie best out of all framelocks. It has an unfair advantage in having a unique graphic and cabochan;). But fit and finish is a step up, with even smoother opening and just the right detent strength. There's a uniqueness in the hardened lock interface, and a full S30V blade has more practical use in a do-it-all role, whereas the D2 part of my Speedform blade has proven quite prone to rust when coupled with the bead blasted finish. The hollow ground blade also makes it an excellent slicer.
 
Here are my favorite Ti folders:

IMG_4526.jpg


The only one that sold for >$300 new was the $430 CRK/Wilson Combat 'StarTac' Umnumzaan. I would have my BM 760 in there, but I am not so fond of it's Tanto edge. My BM 790 Subrosa would be there except for it's 'aggressive' assisted opening. The ZT-301 is assisted - but polite - and one heck of a knife. My BM 755 somehow got omitted - it's my favorite EDC. Also, my Christmas goodie - a Boker Titan Worker - is nice - and just barely out of the top running. Most days, the BM 630 Skirmish is my longtime overall favorite of the <$300 Ti folders. I even have a spare!

Stainz
 
The ZT30X line is pretty nice for <$300, but you have to like chunky heavy folders and recurves. There

It's possible to pick up a Sebenza for less then $300, not common but certainly possible especially if you are looking for a Small instead of a Large.
 
I know there's a lot of drama surrounding them, but I just got a HEST folder, an for under $200 it's a hell of a knife( I ordered it before I knew about all of the shenanigans)

I liked my Large regular sebenza, and my buds Umnumzaan better though
 
My answer is not going to help too much because both of my favorites are not being made anymore.

The Camillus Dominator is my favorite Ti Framelock , it originally cost $150, my 2nd favorite is the original Kershaw Ti Bump. IMO both are very well made.

I handled a Seb and an Umnumzaan at a knife show and liked both very much, not as much as my dominator, but I went home with an Umnumzaan.

DSC00663.jpg
 
I'm quite fond of my Bradley Alias II. It's ergonomic, small yet capable, high quality, and has a semi-refined, almost gentlemanly appearance to it. The stonewashed modified spear-point blade is also a plus; as is the going price which is usually in the $150-$200 range.
 
I totally forgot about the old dominator. I loved that knife.

I'd have to say the Bumps and Tyrade. I was using my ti bump earlier and was reflecting on how much nicer it seemed to me than the sebenzas I played with. I guess some things I'll never understand
 
Artfully Martial said:
I totally forgot about the old dominator. I loved that knife.

I'd have to say the Bumps and Tyrade. I was using my ti bump earlier and was reflecting on how much nicer it seemed to me than the sebenzas I played with. I guess some things I'll never understand
Click to expand...

I was lucky enough to pick up a NIB green Ti Bump from a forum dealer at a very reasonable price. IMO it's a very well designed and beautiful knife. It definitely stands out from the other knives I own.

I have a Ti Tyrade too and it doesn't impress me as much as the Bump. It's strange but I like the G10 Tyrade better than the Ti version. Yet my wife likes the Ti version. Still a great knife and a big chunk of Titanium.

About the Sebenza... even before I knew anything about them, I was handed a small Seb and I knew it was expensive. Of course at that time I was not spending more than $30 on a single knife and I didn't know how expensive it was.
 
Today it has to be my ZT 0551 for best $200 Ti frame lock and it is my favorite knife altogether right now.

I have an Umnumzaan coming anytime now so that may throw a curve ball at me even though it is more than $300
 
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