What folder would you get if you had 300-500 to spend?

slimshaneee said:
I've dabbled in customs some lately. Anso, Dozier, to name a couple of them. NONE have had the fit and finish, perfect lock up and manufacturing of the Sebenza.

Which really bums me out. :( When I am spending $600 for a brand new dozier folder and the lockup isn't tight it just plain sucks. I have had about 7 sebenzas in my hand at one time or another. I couldn't find a flaw on one of them.

For the money I say Sebenza.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but Chris Reeve knives are only semi-custom. Most of the work is still done by machining. Depending on the quality and type of CNC machine, I can definitely understand how a machined piece can have better fit and finish than some custom knife made by hand.

Of course, you have to consider both extremes. Machine's can't do everything better just like human hands can't do certain things as well as machines can.
 
I am leaning towards a Umnumzaan (still) but there's still a week or so before my funds are released. So, I will carefully consider what everyone has offered here.
I just don't know enough about true customs to feel like I can purchase one sight unseen. The CR folders I know will be nearly flawless (which I love in anything) and I can probably sell it down the road fairly easy, if I should ever want to.
Thanks everybody, some great knives to consider and I will be looking them over carefully today!:thumbup:
 
I Love this knife!
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Even though I 'could' spend the loot and I do own a sebenza - I like and use my Benchmades.Such as the Doug Ritter large or the skirmish [ my EDC ] but a bit large for some.I like the locking of the BM's and the blades appeal to me,and IF they made a larger [ 4" or 5" blade ] Doug Ritter - that would be my EDC ,period.
 
J85909266 said:
Large 21 Micarta or an Umnumzaan. I'd have to think about it.
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I have had a TON of high end knives and I have to say if I "had" to choose one to keep and use my large 21 micarta double lug would be it!

Hands down

It is tough, looks great, fits in anywhere from church to skinning a deer, also cuts great due to the high hollow grind, is super easy to strip and clean, pocket clip is perfect, CRK's S30V will take a super sharp edge much like VG-10... With no chipping because of the heat treat is a tad softer than most S30Vs. Stropping is about all you need for upkeep. ;)

The micarta inlays add just enough for grip, while not being a pain to carry in your pocket. The blade is "just the right" size for most food prep... but not so big it is hard to cut a loose string safely.. Or open a box ect...

The action is perfect, lockup is perfect! The pocket clip is perfect, that extra hump really holds the knife well. I could go on and on...

CRK can refurb at anytime, it is about $20 for the handle and about $20 for the blade and whe you get it back it will look brand new! :eek:

If you ever decide you don't like it... Five year down the road you can still sell for retail - about 20% or maybe less. That's a heck of a deal... Renting a knife of this quality for a few bucks a year...

I would bet that you would never sell it and she would become your EDC for a loooong time. Your Spydies will only come out now and then... Because they are great knives! Just not "high end" knives and it's very hard to go back ;)
 
A CGG Sebenza or this one by Grant & Gavin Hawk(ok,so it's a little more than $500)
 
I've got high end Benchmades, Spydercos and I've owned all sorts of other brands, in the up to 250 or so discounted price range. Now it's time to get something a bit more.
So one thing I'm not doing is buying 2 or 3 more of the type I've been getting and adding to my collection for the past several years. That is getting a bit boring, so it's blow the entire amount on 1 knife time!:)
 
jill jackson said:
I've got high end Benchmades, Spydercos and I've owned all sorts of other brands, in the up to 250 or so discounted price range. Now it's time to get something a bit more.
So one thing I'm not doing is buying 2 or 3 more of the type I've been getting and adding to my collection for the past several years. That is getting a bit boring, so it's blow the entire amount on 1 knife time!:)
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Inlaid Sebenza or customized (Damascus, whatever) Strider. :D

You could also go over and get a really nice folder from one of the custom makers for under $500.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=665119
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=666006
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If I were *you* I'd get a Sebenza. Until you have one, there is nothing else to consider.

If I were me, I'd get a regular production XM-18, probably orange/large/flipper. Then all I need is a 0300, and I'll be able to afford to buy some cheap folders.
 
My 300-500 dollars would go for 3-5 100 dollar knives, past 100 bucks for a folder to me is paying more for fluff than for fodder.
 
jill jackson said:
I've got high end Benchmades, Spydercos and I've owned all sorts of other brands, in the up to 250 or so discounted price range. Now it's time to get something a bit more.
So one thing I'm not doing is buying 2 or 3 more of the type I've been getting and adding to my collection for the past several years. That is getting a bit boring, so it's blow the entire amount on 1 knife time!:)
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$300-500 opens up a ton of great options. I would go with something from CRK. Aside from the fact that they’re great knives I think that as a knife collector they make up an important part of the scene. Something you’ve at least got to try if only so you know first hand what people are talking about when they talk about the fit and finish.

As for which knife? Wow that’s a hard question. But I do admire your determination to go with one knife that’s unlike anything you’ve got now instead of a 2 or 3 knives that are like the50+ knives you’ve got now.

I don’t think that a CRK will relegate your other knives to non use. I’ve got a Sebenza, but I still rotate my EDC between it and to Spyderco’s that I love. That being said if I were forced to pick one…
 
I have a large Sebenza with unique graphics and an Umnumzaan. I haven't had either that long, but the Umnun is a better knife IMHO. It opens and closes smoother and faster. It is grippier and the blade cuts better. The frame seems as strong or (perhaps stonger) than the Seb. The Seb is nicer looking, though. Simpler lines and less over-designed looking.

Neither is going to make you get rid of your Spydies, but I think you would like either.

jill jackson said:
I am leaning towards a Umnumzaan (still) but there's still a week or so before my funds are released. So, I will carefully consider what everyone has offered here.
I just don't know enough about true customs to feel like I can purchase one sight unseen. The CR folders I know will be nearly flawless (which I love in anything) and I can probably sell it down the road fairly easy, if I should ever want to.
Thanks everybody, some great knives to consider and I will be looking them over carefully today!:thumbup:
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I'd go to the Tim Galyean section in the Manufacturers Forum and I'd order a Large Pro-Series Junkyard Dog.
 
A few choices:

- If they are within your budget, do check out Rockstead. A small japanese semi-custom brand with impeccable finish and amazing blades using a rare Hitachi blade material with 64HRC. There is a video of the CEO cutting an enormous amount of rope with a Rockstead without sharpening.

- a nice custom has a more personal feel - check them out at a knife trade fair so you know fit & finish

- and, really thinking out of the box, a $100 knife and with the $400 change take wifey for a nice romantic weekend trip !
 
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