what are some folders with big handles (not Cold Steel)?

[Obsessed with Edges]

A friend got the knife bug through me. He's a big burly guy. I was at a loss as to what folders to recommend him because he has huge paws. So...what are some folders with big handles? He likes Emersons, but how big are their handles? His budget is around 200ish.

EDIT: He does not like Spyderco because of looks, nor does he like Cold Steel for mall ninja-ry.

Buck Folding Kalinga Pro. S30V upswept skinner blade, beefy handle (7.7 oz). And half of your friend's allotted budget ($99.95):
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BU419RW

SOG Fat Cat. Massive (in both size and price). VG-10 and titanium w/Kraton grips. It's pricey, but definitely all about BIG:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SOGFC01

The ZT-300/301/302 series are pretty beefy too (8 oz.):
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ZT0300
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ZT0301
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ZT0302

Emerson Super CQC-8. If he likes Emersons anyway, this might be just for him:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=EMCQC8SUPERSF

 

[KLJTech]

Retribution I, exactly what I was going to mention. In fact I have been modifying mine for over 3 weeks, and have it here in front of me still slowly sanding down the grips for pocket carry. This grip/handle was designed by Jerry Hossom, and is the fixed blade version that he builds so it is a handful and a great fit for large hands. Blade is N690Co, and the knife is made in Italy. Great fit/finish, plus it can be had for around $140.

Agreed!
Fantastic folders that never got their due. Jerry Hossom did a terrific job designing these and I believe that the Italian knife company Fox makes these for Ontario.

Both of the Retribution's are great folders with Titanium liners as thick as most frame locks. I've used the larger of the two almost daily since they first came out and it works as well today as the day I bought it. I've used this knife as my main camp folder whenever my sons and I could get away for a weekend for at least a couple years and I couldn't have asked for better performance and reliability. I wear an XL (at least) glove and find the bigger Retribution 1 fits my hand like it was custom made for me.

I just Googled the Retribution Folder and I see that you can get the biggest one for $129 which is an absolute steal.

 

[cutter17]

KJL, that was the website I was speaking of and have emailed hark the link. Heckuva deal at $129!! Ontario never pushed these knives and a lot of folks were/are simply unaware of their existance. Fox Knives has done an excellent job on building them with great fit/finish. As I mentioned earlier, I modified mine for pocket carry and after work and weekends I pack it in my right front pocket, unseen and unnoticed by the masses!

 

[KLJTech]

KJL, that was the website I was speaking of and have emailed hark the link. Heckuva deal at $129!! Ontario never pushed these knives and a lot of folks were/are simply unaware of their existance. Fox Knives has done an excellent job on building them with great fit/finish. As I mentioned earlier, I modified mine for pocket carry and after work and weekends I pack it in my right front pocket, unseen and unnoticed by the masses!

At $129.....you've got that right!
Yeah, I've read that Mr. Hossom says that for whatever reason (I don't get it) those folders were never pushed in fact I'm not sure if they were in in their catalog. It's a shame since as you well know they are great heavy duty knives with incredibly comfortable handles and extremely thick Titanium liners. What's not to love?

Mike Steward of BRKT (great guy) once told me on the phone that these were (at least at that time) the best/or most comfortable folders he'd ever used.

How did your handle mods turn out? I'd love to see a picture of the thinned out handle if you ever get the chance, that's one stout folder to be used as an EDC.
Take care,
Kevin