What Folder or Auto would You Buy with $350?

N

Nalapombu

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
303
Hey all.

I find myself looking at knife retailers sites all the time. I want to see what all is available and what I might want to buy. Some of them though are really beautiful and start me thinking about “if I really need a knife with that price.”

In the couple months that I have gotten back into knives, I haven’t given into the strong urge to buy some of these really nice knives. Don’t know how much longer I can hold off though. 😎

Ok, I’d like to see what you all think. If you were given $400 to buy a folder or auto to actually carry, which knife would you choose and why?

If you’ve already done this and have your “grail” knife, please post what you picked. Pics are always welcomed.

For those that are able to have several or lots of “grail” type knives in that price range, please show off your beauties. This can include fixed blades too.

Right now I find myself really wanting a Microtech Bravo.

Let’s hear your most wanted expensive knives.
 
Ultratech, maybe a used one, if they are around for that price? I think those are cool.
 
I’d add some of my own cash to the 400 some nice person gave me and buy another Mnandi.
 
Heretic Manticore X for me. I'd snag a Bowie blade this time (okay, I'd probably scrape together a bit more and get one of their offering with carbon fiber and the fancy ball bearing pocket clip).
PXL_20220412_003108654.PORTRAIT.jpg
 
I would also get a CRK or the Spyderco S110V Military or the S90V/CF Native Chief new. My latest "grail level" folder is the S90V/CF Native 5. I used it for over a month for everything before being able to switch to something else.
My favorite smaller fixed blades are the Bark River ULB, PSK, Gunny Hunter, and Mini Tundra.
 
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I’d get a Spyderco Vallotton Sub-Hilt for $275 new and maybe a small traditional with the remaining $125.
 
Brian Tighe and friends large Twist Tighe OTF.
 
Another Benchmade 940-1! Then I could keep one stock, and use the leftover money to customize one of them.
 
The last knife I bought in that price range would be the ZT 308.
It's everything I like and want in a ZT and feel more apt to beat it up over other options without regret or worry.

uIFOgDe.jpg
 
Nothing too special on my list. I'm more comfortable spending $350 on a few knives vs just one.

Knifejoy Delica 20CV $110 : The Delica is my favorite sub 3" carry. All I have are VG10, here is a steel upgrade for me.
KW Ritter RSK Purple G Mascus $180 : Been wanting to try one of these. I heard nothing but great things.
Condor Terrasaur $46 : I haven't owned a Condor in years. I'd like to try their 1095 out (I know most are/were 1075).
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$336
 
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Lots to choose from in the $350-400 price range Really too many to mention.

Focusing just on the knife the OP mentioned . . .

Why wait the buy a MT Bravo when you can get a MT Socom Elite now for about that price? The Socom Elite is a long established MT line that's very popular and easily resold if you find it doesn't suit you.

I owned a Socom Elite Auto that cost me less than $400 but sold it because the spring action was too strong for my taste. However, it's also available as a non-auto and it always sells quick when it's offered for sale on the Exchange.

If you (the OP) like the looks of the Bravo then there's no reason not to consider the Socom Elite too, since the design of the Bravo is apparently based on the SE.
 
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Out of the recommended ones, I have/had zt308, Chris reeve sebenza 21/31, spyderco military s90v cf/ti, socom bravo. Out of these I would recommend the zt308. Throw in some aftermarket bearings, it’s pretty nice and actually cuts very well.
 
Nalapombu said:
Hey all.

I find myself looking at knife retailers sites all the time. I want to see what all is available and what I might want to buy. Some of them though are really beautiful and start me thinking about “if I really need a knife with that price.”

In the couple months that I have gotten back into knives, I haven’t given into the strong urge to buy some of these really nice knives. Don’t know how much longer I can hold off though. 😎

Ok, I’d like to see what you all think. If you were given $400 to buy a folder or auto to actually carry, which knife would you choose and why?

If you’ve already done this and have your “grail” knife, please post what you picked. Pics are always welcomed.

For those that are able to have several or lots of “grail” type knives in that price range, please show off your beauties. This can include fixed blades too.

Right now I find myself really wanting a Microtech Bravo.

Let’s hear your most wanted expensive knives.
Click to expand...

I really love my Kershaw Launch 1. I think I paid $100 for it a while back. I use it for most cutting chores that I used to use my Buck 301 for. It feels great in my hands and the CPM154 steel is pretty good steel.
Plus, I'll save a bunch of money.

KL1-3a.jpg
 
The Bravo is beautiful and I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

I owned (and subsequently gave my wife) a Microtech Mini Socom and it came with the best/thinnest edge of any folder I’ve owned.
6FBACA0B-8E18-4C41-872D-E3BD3BADEDF1.jpeg
However for a harder-use/emergency use tool, I decided on the ZT 0560. I preordered this one (and one for a buddy) and got one of the first to ship out. I waved it and have carried it on weekends for many years. My favorite feature of the knife is the wrap-around guard.
5AFA0F9D-D362-4EA7-86B4-588C510DFAD7.jpeg
They don’t make this model now but the 0562cf is very similar and even lighter.
29471FE9-A2F3-4770-81D4-22FFA7778366.jpeg
I got my grail folder on pre-order too. It’s occasionally seen for sale on eBay etc. Likely out of your price range but worth looking for.
133AEC72-FFFB-4FC8-9818-E50703EBC44E.jpeg
 
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