What Folder or Auto would You Buy with $350?

Any CRK on the exchange!!!!!! There was 1 Hinderer XM-18 listed 1-2 days ago for $350 but I would still lean towards any CRK. Few others you may want to look into.

1. Sharp by Design Mini Tempest or Typhoon
2. Quiet Carry Drift
3. Spartan Blades Harsey
4. DPX Hest F/Urban Titanium (opens automatically when drawing out of your pocket like an Emerson or other knives with the Emerson wave, so it’s getting that “auto” quickness without the downside of auto blade play)
 
Does it have to be available now???

For $350 or under, I have owned everything from RHKs to an Olamic, and even a CRK, but I have to say the best knife I have in that price range…

The Reate Torrent. Amazing free dropping action , amazing detent. This things feels like a harpoon spanto XM-18, but full ti, more milling, and some classy touches like a ball bearings pocket clip that just works.

Yeah, it’s basically a Chinese XM-18 3.5”

I found one used on the exchange for $225

The Vero Synapse XL was also a close second. Kinda hard to find in your range but very possible.
 
Leo Greer said:
Does it have to be available now???

For $350 or under, I have owned everything from RHKs to an Olamic, and even a CRK, but I have to say the best knife I have in that price range…

The Reate Torrent. Amazing free dropping action , amazing detent. This things feels like a harpoon spanto XM-18, but full ti, more milling, and some classy touches like a ball bearings pocket clip that just works.

Yeah, it’s basically a Chinese XM-18 3.5”

I found one used on the exchange for $225

The Vero Synapse XL was also a close second. Kinda hard to find in your range but very possible.
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I’ve found myself veering away from Chinese made knives. I completely agree with you that the action is incredible and the quality seems to be really high. I just don’t like the idea of shipping it back to China if I need something done, replaced, repaired, etc. Forgot about Vero, great recommendation!!!
 
John Phillips said:
I’ve found myself veering away from Chinese made knives. I completely agree with you that the action is incredible and the quality seems to be really high. I just don’t like the idea of shipping it back to China if I need something done, replaced, repaired, etc. Forgot about Vero, great recommendation!!!
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That’s absolutely true.

In my case, however, I immediately voided whatever warranty the knife may have had by disassembling it, cleaning the whole thing a few times, and giving it a custom ano job. 😁

Reate is kinda nice in that they send a little bag of extra parts along with the knife, and even washers if you want to run it on washers.

I can’t remember if they did it for the Torrent I have, but on a T3000, they included a full hardware set.
 
Used Sebenza 21 off the Exchange, if one could be found that I liked for under $400, and I just happened to be lucky enough to be logged in and looking there within a minute or two of it being posted. :)

Other than that, I don't like most current production knives in the $300 - $400 range. That's just me, though. There are a ton of choices out there.

So, I'd likely buy two cheaper knives in the less than $200 range; most likely a more discrete 3" EDC fixed blade of some sort, and a mid-sized SAK or Leatherman.
 
OP: There's a MT Bravo for sale right now on the Exchange for $525 (if you're willing to pay that price or if you can get the seller to accept a lower offer).

SOLD!!!Microtech Socom Bravo Tanto Partially Serrated and Signed by Anthony Marfione

Never carried but played with and flicked Socom Bravo tanto partially serrated by Anthony this has the blue pivot collar. Smooth smooth action Rock Solid lock up. SOLD!!!! Shipped and insured to your door PayPal FF
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
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Thanks all.
Loads of beautiful knives shown and mentioned here. I need to familiarize myself with them.

On the amount, I first put $350 and as I wrote I figured that I should just go to $400. I forgot to change the title.


How is the MT SOCOM ELITE different from the MT BRAVO other than where they’re made?😆

I like big blades, ones near 4 inches and slightly more. I just enjoy the heft of these in my hand. I also carry another shorter folder too just in case someone asks me to cut something and if I get out the 4 inch, people might frown on it.

I admit, I like some of the premium and everyday Chinese folders. I’ve not had a chance to see a premium in person yet though.

I really like the ZT 0452 as it comes with a 4.1” blade.
I also really like the simple looks of the large Sebenza. I wish they’d make it with a 4” or close blade. I think the Large Sebenza is around 3.6 inches. I do love the look of it though. I also wish it had a flipper.
 
Nalapombu said:
How is the MT SOCOM ELITE different from the MT BRAVO other than where they’re made?😆
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I don't know where they're made but, from what I've seen, the design of the Bravo is based on the Socom.

Nalapombu said:
I like big blades, ones near 4 inches and slightly more. I just enjoy the heft of these in my hand. I also carry another shorter folder too just in case someone asks me to cut something and if I get out the 4 inch, people might frown on it.
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I also like knives w/4" blades and own a lot of them. That's a criteria that you didn't mention before. It narrows things down a bit.

Nalapombu said:
I admit, I like some of the premium and everyday Chinese folders. I’ve not had a chance to see a premium in person yet though.
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If you like 4" blades and "everyday Chinese folders, take a look at Artisan Cutlery. Their basic line includes knives w/4" blades made w/D2 steel.

I owned 5 of them before and still own 2 now -- the Waistline and Shark -- which still cost less than $50-60@.

Nalapombu said:
I really like the ZT 0452 as it comes with a 4.1” blade.
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I like the ZT0452 too. I own 5 variations of the knife.

If you want to go more "upscale," you should also consider an Olamic Rainmaker which likewise has a 4" blade. Pricing for an Olamics is generally over $400 but not that much more if you're a good shopper. I only own 2 Olamics: a Rainmaker and a Wayfarer.

On the other hand, you can buy a current retail version of a Spyderco Police or Military (both w/4" blades) for less than $300. I own 5 variations of the Police and 7 variations of the Military.

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As I said previously, there are a lot of options in the $350-400 range.
 
If I just had to buy ‘a’ knife I’d get a Vic Farmer X in red and spend the rest on something other than a knife. If all the money had to be spent on a knife I’d probably add to it and get a Combat Troodon.
 
Olamic Wayfarer 247 with the flamed finish.
The heat of a torch darkens the anodization
 
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