What to do with my money?

sph3ric pyramid

sph3ric pyramid

Joined
Jul 24, 2002
Messages
861
Well, I've finally come to that point where I've started lusting after custom folders which I really shouldn't be able to afford. Crazy how far this has come over the past two years, two years ago I though spending $40 on a knife was madness.

I have around $350 or so saved up, and I'm wondering if I should just go for a custom/semi-custom that I've wanted, or pick up a few high-end production folders.

Considerations are that I can somewhat afford to beat on a production folder and replace it with no great difficulty, but can't afford to break/lose a custom. Also have become very critical of fit and finish over time, so buying a semi-custom/custom will get me a knife that's impeccably finished.

On the other hand, the lines between production and custom are starting to blur, especially with knives like the ATR, Buck/Mayo, and so on. Production knives will be very consistent, with a large company to back up the knife. The usual debate about customs/productions.

What do you think? Practically speaking, a Spyderco Military takes care of almost 100% of my needs, but I guess I'm looking for something more now.
 
Dude, I feel you on your custom vs. semi-custom/production. Two words: Extrema Ratio. The MPC or Nemesis. :)
 
I would go for one nice, high end folder. Custom or not. So far all the suggestions are good ones, just depends on what you prefer and what you need out of a knife. I personally would much rather have just one really nice knife then a bunch of middle of the road stuff.

My favorite EDC is something in the 3" blade range that wont scare the sheeple too badly because I use it in front of customers at work all the time. I'm currently carrying a small classic wood inlay Sebenza and I love it. I would rather have that one knife any day then a bunch of less expensive production peices (I know CRK is production too, but they are far beyond most).

The Strider and Extrema Ratio knives are outstanding as well, though in a different catagory then the CRK's. I would love to have both and have been lusting after the Strider AR for years, but when it comes down to it I don't have a whole lot of need for knives like that. I'll stick to my Sebenza for now, I can't imagine a better EDC for me.

There are also some great, truly custom knives in that price range. Check them out, you may find something you really like, especially of none of these suggestions suits you.
 
I would recomend diversifying your collection with a good solid fancy Gent's folder, like a William Henry. Then, get a high quality work knife, like said ATR or Buck/Mayo, and possibly a smaller fixed blade, like a Dozier handmade. That's the goal I have for my next big bonus (tax return) I know the total for the knives I've mentioned will be more than your $350, but a similar configuration is the ideal EDC set-up, IMHO.

Or, just combine all the things into the ever-popular Sebenza. Classy enough for a Gent's knife, sturdy enough for EDC, and strong enough to do the work of a fixed blade.

DD
 
far as folders go, check out the brad duncan aftershock. it's the most exciting custom folder i've come across (& own) in years, & certainly the best designed flipper. others i'd look into are the crawford perfigo, martin avenger, & anything by kit carson, rick hinderer, bob terzuola, scott cook, & greg lightfoot. you may need at least $450 to get anything from those guys though.

i'm also softening up to the idea of getting a sebenza, but it might be relegated to being a gift for my dad, whose taste is a bit more reserved than mine.
 
Originally posted by EasEWryder
:eek: :eek: That's some knife! What is the size of the blade?
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four inches of S30V heaven :D - well mine is, anyway. you can specify to brad either 154CM or S30V. he also does wood handles upon request, but he mostly uses either G10, carbon fiber, canvas micarta, or a combination.
 
Boy, so many knives but the Extrema Ratio folders are a good pick! :) Paul
 
Originally posted by knifemeister
In my opinion microtech and chris reeves are the best knife for your money.
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I think that Microtech and Chris Reeve are the best knives for any money. The fit and finish, design, and materials are excellent. Buying a custom knife will not guarantee you a knife that is impeccably finished. Almost all of the custom knives I’ve looked at have had flaws. They aren’t much better than production knives, but they do have more character. The only custom knife I couldn’t find fault with was one made by Rick Hinderer. If you are really fussy, don’t buy a knife unless you can inspect it first. If you order a knife, made sure you can return it if you don’t like it. Life is fraught with disappointment. Good luck! :)
 
You're not going to find a better built knife than the Sebenza.
The Spyderco ATR looks very interesting.:cool:

Paul
 
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