under $100 good steel non Nylon handle folder exist?

C

curious2003

Joined
Apr 20, 2003
Messages
220
I am new to knives and am only slightly familiar with Spyderco knives. I heave heard of other companies such as Coldsteel, CRKT, Bechmade, etc but no absolutely NOTHING about their line. What I do know from casually looking at tactical folders is that most high-end handles such as G-10 is always fitted with lower steels such as AUS8, AUS6, AUS10, etc

On Spydies, with exceptions such as the SS Police, you either have to choose between crappy handle and good steel (VG-10,etc), or good handle (SS) and crappy steel (AUS6,etc)

I am not familiar with steel but are there any folders out there with decent durable handles with good quality steel? as in equal to or above VG-10? i'm looking for a folder for self desense purposes so it has to be able to not fall apart at hard use.

Now with these criteria is it impossible to find one that's not above $200? i am in Canada and knives are super expensive here...we do not have the fortune to have good online retail pricing.

Thanks.
 
The BM TSEK AXIS is well under US$100.

G-10 scales, 440C blade, and the AXIS lock. Same handle as the BM AFCK, too.
 
although its more of a gents folder than a tactical knife im a longstanding fan of the fallkniven mod p. Reasonably low price, razor sharp VG10 blade, stainless steel hangle with micarta scales. incredibly fast opener too if you get the finger-flick just right!
 
Originally posted by curious2003
thanks but isn't 440C low-grade steel?

is this the same as the 813 mini TSEK?
Click to expand...

440C is a fine steel. Actually, it is my favorite stainless.

You may wish to tale a look at the Camillus EDC. Comes in either D2 or 154CM and has a nice steel handle.

I would recommend Benchmade as well. They have several knives that meet your criteria, and even their Nylon handled folders (except the Ascent series) have a set of steel liners which makes them considerably stronger than an unlined knife such as the Spyderco lightweights. The weight penalty is negligible.

Try looking around some internet knife dealers, I'm sure you will see something you like.
 
taken from FAQ

440C is fairly ubiquitous, and is generally considered the penultimate general-use stainless (with ATS-34 being the ultimate)

if VG-10 is "better" than ATS-34/55 than does that mean 440C is still a tad lesser than VG-10?
 
Curious,

don't worry too much about the steel. 440-C is a great steel. I have made a bunch of knives from it and it performs very well.

I would also recommend the Benchmade TSEK. Thoush shipping is expensive ($18 US), I'd order from www.1sks.com you will still get a better price than in the mall, and the price will still be under $100 US.
 
When you say "crappy" what you really mean is your preference is for a stainless handle? Or Just not FRN (Fiber Reinforced Nylon)? I think it's resonable to say that the durability of FRN is quite good.

In the spyderco line if you want "good" handles (stainless steel or G-10) and "good" blade steel (VG-10 or s30v) then you have the Police, Harpy, Pro-Grip, Cricket, Military, Chinook, Lum Chinese, Gunting, Lil Temperance, Kiwi and Impala.

Also part of the problem may be that "hard use" does not sound like "self defense" use. For example the "good" stainless steel handles will be slippery as !ell when there is any kind of sweat or blood on them, which means that G-10 or FRN may be better suited.

Perhaps we might better help if you where more specific about your intended use.
 
It depends on the standards you use personally. 440c beats the Ats line in corrosion resistance. I've found the edge holding to be about the same. I can't give you an honest opinion on Vg-10 as I have'nt handled a knife made from it.

It all depends on how the knife is going to be used.
 
ok the only things available close to me and within my budget are Spyderco and Benchmade

Spydies available
and price in Canadian dollars:

Delica FRN VG-10 - 66/69
Endua FRN VG-10 - 71/76
Police SS - 127/139

SS Delica and Endura has AUS6 steel I think


Benchmade

814 Mini AFCK $124 website says 154CM but store site says ATS-34. Is 154CM the newer ones?

813 Mini Tsek $105.45 440C but only comboedge =( i hear benchmade serrations cannot be sharpened as easily as Spydies on their Sharpmaker


so basically what shoudl i get? first off are Spydies better value for money? If I choose BM which one is better of the two? I know absolutely NOTHING about BM. What is their quality like? are their warrenty's as good as Spyderco? etc

thanks guys.
 
Look at the, Camillus EDC. Steel handle, frame lock and if you do a search you will find very positive opinions. Versions with 154CM run under $50.00. Want D2, go to AG Russel web site and get it for about $85.00.

Droopy
 
Curious-

If you go with Spyderco or Benchmad you will get a top quality knife. Their serrations both sharpen easily(Cold Steel has an odd pattern that is hard/annoying to sharpen). I personally favor Spyderco's designs a bit more.

Given your choices I'd go with the Police model, or if size is a concern, the Mini AFCK. They are both high quality knives that lend themselves to general outdoor work, etc....

Also, 154cm and Ats are practically the same in terms of using, the only difference I think, is that 154cm is handled domestically.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top