Which affordable, reliable folder?

[m16a]

Hey guys, I'm here to try and get a recommendation for my friend. He loved my mini griptilian, but he doesn't have the money to get one. So what he wants, is a knife similar to it. Here is the list of criterion he has.

-Thumbstud opener
-Very smooth opening(similar to the mini grip)
-straight edge blade
-Preferably a reputable brand
-black coated blade if possible, regular steel color is fine if this doesn't fit the criteria
-$20-$40, no more at all.

Thanks for the help guys,
m16a

 

[karnavor]

Have him save up $15 and get the mini-grip.

 

[m16a]

Have him save up $15 and get the mini-grip.

And if he didn't have the $20 yet and wanted to get a good blade as fast as he can for $20-$30?

 

[jp101]

boker trance IMO

 

[m16a]

boker trance IMO

Don't mind my friend, he's picky. He wants one thats less stubby looking if possible.

 

[tomcrx]

Benchmade Mini-ambush.

 

[m16a]

Benchmade Mini-ambush.

Thanks for the idea. My friend really likes the knife.

 

[mongomondo]

And if he didn't have the $20 yet and wanted to get a good blade as fast as he can for $20-$30?

Then he's got bigger problems.

 

[Halbie]

boker trance IMO

Great recommendation, but it does have that "stubby" look.

 

[Bob W]

Given the price range, he's going to have to compromise ~something~. Lots of great knives in the $20-$40 range, but maybe not with the exact same features as the Griptilian.

Here are some that come to mind:
AG Russell Featherlite, $35 (hole instead of stud)
Ka-Bar Dozier, $20
Chinese Spyderco, various prices, most within range.

Good Luck shopping!

 

[Rat Finkenstein]

I got a couple SigTac folders from the Sig Sauer Proshop for $40 apiece. Smooth and Sharp. These: http://www.sigsauer.com/SigStore/ShowProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=0&productid=182

Googling the same knife finds prices over $100. Quality materials and undoubtedly made by Fox Cutlery.

 

[enderwiggin]

And if he didn't have the $20 yet and wanted to get a good blade as fast as he can for $20-$30?

Why didn't you just say it was a gift?

 

[m16a]

Why didn't you just say it was a gift?

Woulda been a good idea. yes its basically a knife. Classic shopping before the money is given because the money is pledged(by me)

He really likes the mini ambush, so I think thats what I'll get him, but I'll look at some others see if he likes any of them better. Thanks for the help:thumbup:

 

[knarfeng]

Benchmade Monochrome can be obtained in black. Framelock. A bit over 3" on N690 steel. Excellent edge retention. Opens quite smoothly.
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=45353
I've seen it for less at other dealers.