What folders match these specs?

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maximus83

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Nov 7, 2011
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Can folks suggest the best folders you know that match these specs? Not finding a lot. The Kershaw Link I just bought for $79 comes close, quite good at its price point. BM has a couple of grips that are close, but are not flippers.

  • Under $200
  • Under 5oz
  • Flipper with frame lock.
  • M390 steel
 
Any that you've tried and would recommend, though?

ETA: it's not even close to 50 knives on BladeHq that meet these specs. Vast majority over $200, some of the remainder are 5oz+. Hence the OP, not much available in these specs.
 
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Lionsteel TRE or Viper Fortis is the way I'd go.
Lionsteel would have the edge though with "generally" better fit and finish than the Viper lately.
 
Barman1 said:
Lionsteel TRE or Viper Fortis is the way I'd go.
Lionsteel would have the edge though with "generally" better fit and finish than the Viper lately.
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Great tip, hadn't heard of Viper, the Fortis meets the specs. Quite surprised Spyderco hasn't come out with something widely available recently (vs a limited sprint) in M390 in the sub $200 range. Or if they have it, I've missed it. Wish they'd do the Domino folder in M390.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Viper-Knives-Vox-Fortis-Flipper--49479
 
maximus83 said:
Great tip, hadn't heard of Viper, the Fortis meets the specs. Quite surprised Spyderco hasn't come out with something widely available recently (vs a limited sprint) in M390 in the sub $200 range. Or if they have it, I've missed it. Wish they'd do the Domino folder in M390.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Viper-Knives-Vox-Fortis-Flipper--49479
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There is a Domino out there in CTS-204P, which is nearly identical only made by Carpenter Steel Vs Bohler for M390. M390, 204P and 20cv are all very similar if not the same.
 
Seneca18 said:
There is a Domino out there in CTS-204P, which is nearly identical only made by Carpenter Steel Vs Bohler for M390. M390, 204P and 20cv are all very similar if not the same.
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I see one of these on Bento Box Shop. Never heard of this place, are they a reputable dealer?
 
Also while it doesn’t quite match your requirements, the Kershaw Link and Dividend in M390 are great deals. Assisted flipper liner locks for around $80.
 
Just viewing BHQ and including CTS-204P doesn't really add anything I would list as options but the ones I would list are: Maserin AM3, Viper Fortis, & LionSteel TRE with the TRE being my top pick personally.
 
maximus83 said:
^Meaning, don't order from them because they're douches? Or what?
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No, no, go ahead and order from them. I mean, they have the knife you want and as long as you don't live in NY they will send it to you.

They are well known among SpyderFans for making cool exclusives but a lot of people find their pricing/bundling/NY shipping policies a bit unpleasant. Of course, it's their right.
 
Thanks all, super helpful. The Viper Fortis, the Lionsteel Tre, and the Spyderco Domino in 204P were EXACTLY what I was looking for. Especially the Spyderco, I liked the grind and full-sized handle, plus the RIL. Ordered from Bento, will post back later with review.

A silly question, but I still wonder: Why wouldn't Spyderco make more knives in this medium range available in this more desirable steel, versus the CTS-XHP that it's mostly offered in now for around $190? I have no beef with CTS-XHP at all, like it in fact, have two CS folders in it that are excellent. But I like M390 and derivatives even better. You'd think Spyderco would be all over that.
 
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It's probably not that profitable. M390, 204p, and 20CV aren't exactly cheap steels. Add American/Taiwanese labor costs and it becomes tougher to stay within that area.

I'm all for more M390(and the likes), my favorite stainless steel, but I know I probably won't be getting it without spending $150+. For now at least, sooner or later a brand new super steel will take the lead.
 
maximus83 said:
Thanks all, super helpful. The Viper Fortis, the Lionsteel Tre, and the Spyderco Domino in 204P were EXACTLY what I was looking for. Especially the Spyderco, I liked the grind and full-sized handle, plus the RIL. Ordered from Bento, will post back later with review.

A silly question, but I still wonder: Why wouldn't Spyderco make more knives in this medium range available in this more desirable steel, versus the CTS-XHP that it's mostly offered in now for around $190? I have no beef with CTS-XHP at all, like it in fact, have two CS folders in it that are excellent. But I like M390 and derivatives even better. You'd think Spyderco would be all over that.
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My guess would be that XHP is easier/cheaper to work with than M390 and its counterparts. It's still a pretty desirable steel though so they can charge more and have higher profit margins.
 
tomhosang said:
My guess would be that XHP is easier/cheaper to work with than M390 and its counterparts. It's still a pretty desirable steel though so they can charge more and have higher profit margins.
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I suspect you guys are right, it's almost certainly influenced by price point, cost, profit margin, etc. For example: just on price point alone, they can get the retail price of the CTS-XHP version to sub $200, which is kind of a big psychological barrier for a lot of people (including me, note my "specs" in the OP :-) ). Yet, the Bento price was close enough at $208.95, I swallowed my objections and went for it. But if they could get a popular Spyderco model like the Para 2 into M390 and some good color options for sub $200, or this Domino flipper, man I'd think they could sell a boatload of them.
 
maximus83 said:
I suspect you guys are right, it's almost certainly influenced by price point, cost, profit margin, etc. For example: just on price point alone, they can get the retail price of the CTS-XHP version to sub $200, which is kind of a big psychological barrier for a lot of people (including me, note my "specs" in the OP :) ). Yet, the Bento price was close enough at $208.95, I swallowed my objections and went for it. But if they could get a popular Spyderco model like the Para 2 into M390 and some good color options for sub $200, or this Domino flipper, man I'd think they could sell a boatload of them.
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They actually are, haha. The new M390 Paramilitary 2 in dark red G10 will be coming out some time. It was just announced last week, I believe. $155.00 is the price I recall(it may be a few bucks off).
 
McFeeli said:
They actually are, haha. The new M390 Paramilitary 2 in dark red G10 will be coming out some time. It was just announced last week, I believe. $155.00 is the price I recall(it may be a few bucks off).
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Nice. If they add the Domino in M390/20cv/204P and make it widely available, I will be a happy camper! And quite a bit poorer. :D
 
I have ordered from Bento without issue. They are disliked because they price gouge, have an all sales are final policy and only have email for contact info. They have commissioned some cool knives, they have a lot of discontinued models and they ship fast. I would always go elsewhere if I could but if they are the ones who have what I want I will order from them. I hope you enjoy your new Domino!!!!!

DLT offered a discount on the recent red M390 Para2 if you bought more than one. I expect to see these pop up on the exchange quite a bit due to folks buying duplicates. The price was very reasonable. If you want one keep your eyes peeled and it shouldn't be too hard.
 
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