So I'm looking for a good folding knife around the $100 price range. The most important thing to me is the steel. I had a SOG trident before and was less than impressed with it. I think it had an AUS 8 blade. Is it possible to get a knife with significantly better steel than AUS 8/440C/etc. in that price range? If I have to pay a little more for a jump in quality, I will. Thanks.
Sidearms & Scatterguns Looking for a good folder around $100
- Thread starter lennyo3034
- Start date
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
Zero Tolerance 0350, SV30 steel.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/zero-tolerance-0350-knife.html
Zero Tolerance 0350, SV30 steel.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/zero-tolerance-0350-knife.html
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I did a bit of research, it seems S30V is the right steel for me. Any particularly good companies, or are they all basically the same if made with S30V?
I did a bit of research, it seems S30V is the right steel for me. Any particularly good companies, or are they all basically the same if made with S30V?
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I've liked the mini grips from Benchmade. 154CM steel isn't too bad
I've liked the mini grips from Benchmade. 154CM steel isn't too bad
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I got one of these two months ago, when they came out.
http://sogknives.com/store/SE-01.html
It gets around all the local knife laws, like Seattle, with a 3" blade.
Retails $140
Available on line $90 delivered
I paid $100 at a gun show.
Other than opening packages of food, what I usually do with knives, I have done a few more manly things with this knife:
a) I whittled sharp pointed sticks, that I pounded into the ground on top of a 30 foot high hill, and duck taped a 4' cardboard target, and target practiced at 600 yards. This is the best whittling knife I have ever had in my hands. The work gets close to the hand, reducing leverage from the stick. It is sharp.
b) I gutted at an antelope in a few minutes with this knife. There is no gut hook, but that did not slow me down even one minute.
I went right through the chest bone with the little knife.
I got one of these two months ago, when they came out.
http://sogknives.com/store/SE-01.html
It gets around all the local knife laws, like Seattle, with a 3" blade.
Retails $140
Available on line $90 delivered
I paid $100 at a gun show.
Other than opening packages of food, what I usually do with knives, I have done a few more manly things with this knife:
a) I whittled sharp pointed sticks, that I pounded into the ground on top of a 30 foot high hill, and duck taped a 4' cardboard target, and target practiced at 600 yards. This is the best whittling knife I have ever had in my hands. The work gets close to the hand, reducing leverage from the stick. It is sharp.
b) I gutted at an antelope in a few minutes with this knife. There is no gut hook, but that did not slow me down even one minute.
I went right through the chest bone with the little knife.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I picked up a ZT350 a few weeks ago and I'm pleased with the purchase.
I picked up a ZT350 a few weeks ago and I'm pleased with the purchase.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I'd recommend a Spyderco Military in CPM S30V for your budget. They're excellent knives. I have this model:
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=362
I'd stay away from Zero Tolerance although CPM S30V is great steel, their heat treating process isn't the best. I've seen more than one ZT chip or break. No disrespect to ZT... I'm just stating what I've seen.
Hope this helps.
I'd recommend a Spyderco Military in CPM S30V for your budget. They're excellent knives. I have this model:
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=362
I'd stay away from Zero Tolerance although CPM S30V is great steel, their heat treating process isn't the best. I've seen more than one ZT chip or break. No disrespect to ZT... I'm just stating what I've seen.
Hope this helps.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It gets around all the local knife laws, like Seattle, with a 3" blade.
</div></div>
That only matters to people who live in liberal faggot jurisdictions. My 11 year old boy regularly carries a 16" bayonet, in sheath, and no one ever says a peep because we do not live in a commie panty waist state ruled by butt pirates.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It gets around all the local knife laws, like Seattle, with a 3" blade.
</div></div>
That only matters to people who live in liberal faggot jurisdictions. My 11 year old boy regularly carries a 16" bayonet, in sheath, and no one ever says a peep because we do not live in a commie panty waist state ruled by butt pirates.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
Spyderco Caly3 with carbon fiber handle. ZDP189 steel. The 3.0% carbon content means it will hold an edge with the best. I got mine for $115 delivered on Ebay.
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=298
Spyderco Caly3 with carbon fiber handle. ZDP189 steel. The 3.0% carbon content means it will hold an edge with the best. I got mine for $115 delivered on Ebay.
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=298
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I'd buy my Benchmade Barrage again, and the mini-barrage looks nice too.
I'd buy my Benchmade Barrage again, and the mini-barrage looks nice too.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I've done lots of makes models.. lots.. and always come back to Spyderco. I think they are the best bang for buck around. My favorites are the Military PE, Para2 PE and Stretch SE. They all fit different bills, so choose based on size/need. I have my eye on a Caly 3/3.5 at some point too probably. The Sage series is fantastic also.. the Sage1 is a known great EDC. Most are right at $100 but all can be had for under $120 if you shop around.
Military and Para 2
Stretch SE - Love a full spyder-edge..
Sage Series (Sage 1) This is a series.. each year they do a different lock mechanism
I've done lots of makes models.. lots.. and always come back to Spyderco. I think they are the best bang for buck around. My favorites are the Military PE, Para2 PE and Stretch SE. They all fit different bills, so choose based on size/need. I have my eye on a Caly 3/3.5 at some point too probably. The Sage series is fantastic also.. the Sage1 is a known great EDC. Most are right at $100 but all can be had for under $120 if you shop around.
Military and Para 2
Stretch SE - Love a full spyder-edge..
Sage Series (Sage 1) This is a series.. each year they do a different lock mechanism
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
Still an number of excellent choices from CRKT. I just got one of the new Shenanigans models and it's awesome!
George P.
Still an number of excellent choices from CRKT. I just got one of the new Shenanigans models and it's awesome!
George P.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
Ha Ha, buy a Buck 110 or 112, half of Germany use em for everything under the sun..great knives..can't go wrong, guess you can go glitzeyer..ElDee
This is NOT SPAM, just a REPLY
Ha Ha, buy a Buck 110 or 112, half of Germany use em for everything under the sun..great knives..can't go wrong, guess you can go glitzeyer..ElDee
This is NOT SPAM, just a REPLY
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I really like my Spyderco para2 s30v and it fits just right in the pocket.
Dustin
I really like my Spyderco para2 s30v and it fits just right in the pocket.
Dustin
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I like the the Spyderco Military I just wish they would use the paramilitary2 ugrades on it.
Dustin
I like the the Spyderco Military I just wish they would use the paramilitary2 ugrades on it.
Dustin
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
Hawk 45 is right on the money with the Spyderco Sage recommendation. The quality and steel you can get for around $100 is amazing. I went with a Sage 2 which is now my most carried knife but the others are great too. The more I carry it the more I appreciate the subtle genius behind the blade and handle design.
Hawk 45 is right on the money with the Spyderco Sage recommendation. The quality and steel you can get for around $100 is amazing. I went with a Sage 2 which is now my most carried knife but the others are great too. The more I carry it the more I appreciate the subtle genius behind the blade and handle design.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
What are the advantages to the G10 and paramilitary2 models compared to say...the native? I see that it uses the same steel but is half the price.
What are the advantages to the G10 and paramilitary2 models compared to say...the native? I see that it uses the same steel but is half the price.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
The Para2 has a bigger handle, flow-design and compression lock (supposedly a very sturdy lock). The Native is a basic lock back folder and has a closed back design.
Comparison:
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51823
This is of a Native 4 (far left) and the original Para (two on far right). The Para2 is head and shoulders above the Para1 in ergos.
The Para2 has a bigger handle, flow-design and compression lock (supposedly a very sturdy lock). The Native is a basic lock back folder and has a closed back design.
Comparison:
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51823
This is of a Native 4 (far left) and the original Para (two on far right). The Para2 is head and shoulders above the Para1 in ergos.
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
The new Native 5 is nice but its price has gone up but so has the quality with the S35vn steel and G10. I picked one up and I am very impressed but its just a tad small for me. One of the best up and coming spydercos is the S35vn/brown G10 sprint run of the Para2 I just wish they would offer a DLC blade. I really like the s35 steel its crazy sharp and holds a great edge.
Dustin
The new Native 5 is nice but its price has gone up but so has the quality with the S35vn steel and G10. I picked one up and I am very impressed but its just a tad small for me. One of the best up and coming spydercos is the S35vn/brown G10 sprint run of the Para2 I just wish they would offer a DLC blade. I really like the s35 steel its crazy sharp and holds a great edge.
Dustin
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got one of these two months ago, when they came out.
http://sogknives.com/store/SE-01.html
It gets around all the local knife laws, like Seattle, with a 3" blade.
</div></div>
Can you cite the municipal code for Seattle that says 3"? I'm genuinely asking.
OP,
Benchmade makes a lot of stuff that can be had in the neighborhood of that price. I've carried a 710 with a D2 tool steel blade for years. Not as corrosion resistant as stainless, but it resists alright. And holds an edge like you can't believe. Now, some might flame me, but, Spyderco has a chinese made knife called the Tenacious and I've been impressed. And the price is damn hard to beat.
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=294
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got one of these two months ago, when they came out.
http://sogknives.com/store/SE-01.html
It gets around all the local knife laws, like Seattle, with a 3" blade.
</div></div>
Can you cite the municipal code for Seattle that says 3"? I'm genuinely asking.
OP,
Benchmade makes a lot of stuff that can be had in the neighborhood of that price. I've carried a 710 with a D2 tool steel blade for years. Not as corrosion resistant as stainless, but it resists alright. And holds an edge like you can't believe. Now, some might flame me, but, Spyderco has a chinese made knife called the Tenacious and I've been impressed. And the price is damn hard to beat.
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=294
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
No flame.. I have a Tenacious and it is a great little knife for the $30 odd bucks they sell. I have a Byrd FRN Cara Cara 1 ($20) PE I like so much I sold my Endura. There are lots of great value knives out there, just depends on the quality, features, steel, look, feel. I have knives that range in price from $5 gas station blades to $200+ beasts.. but the ones I have found that give you the best bang for buck and get carried daily are in the $60-$120 range.
Side note on Benchmade (and not a flame): I used to be a big Benchmade guy, but over the years they have gone downhill on quality control. I probably tried 4-5 in the past 3years and each time they went back b/c of flaws but mostly b/c they weren't even close to sharp from the factory (and I hate their grind angle). Anyway, just my experiences. YMMV
No flame.. I have a Tenacious and it is a great little knife for the $30 odd bucks they sell. I have a Byrd FRN Cara Cara 1 ($20) PE I like so much I sold my Endura. There are lots of great value knives out there, just depends on the quality, features, steel, look, feel. I have knives that range in price from $5 gas station blades to $200+ beasts.. but the ones I have found that give you the best bang for buck and get carried daily are in the $60-$120 range.
Side note on Benchmade (and not a flame): I used to be a big Benchmade guy, but over the years they have gone downhill on quality control. I probably tried 4-5 in the past 3years and each time they went back b/c of flaws but mostly b/c they weren't even close to sharp from the factory (and I hate their grind angle). Anyway, just my experiences. YMMV
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No flame.. I have a Tenacious and it is a great little knife for the $30 odd bucks they sell. I have a Byrd FRN Cara Cara 1 ($20) PE I like so much I sold my Endura. There are lots of great value knives out there, just depends on the quality, features, steel, look, feel. I have knives that range in price from $5 gas station blades to $200+ beasts.. but the ones I have found that give you the best bang for buck and get carried daily are in the $60-$120 range.
Side note on Benchmade (and not a flame): I used to be a big Benchmade guy, but over the years they have gone downhill on quality control. I probably tried 4-5 in the past 3years and each time they went back b/c of flaws but mostly b/c they weren't even close to sharp from the factory (and I hate their grind angle). Anyway, just my experiences. YMMV </div></div>
I have noticed something of a decline in the quality of some of the Benchmades. that said, I've never gotten a dull one. Just sent my 710 in a while back for some work and it came back sharp. The only complaint I have is the obvious signs of some grinder chatter near the choil.
Their grind angle too shallow or too steep for you? Just curious. I've always sharpened my Swiss Army knives with a shallow angle on the long blade and a steep angle on the short blade (cutting copper wire occasionally and other bad-for-blades kinds of things)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No flame.. I have a Tenacious and it is a great little knife for the $30 odd bucks they sell. I have a Byrd FRN Cara Cara 1 ($20) PE I like so much I sold my Endura. There are lots of great value knives out there, just depends on the quality, features, steel, look, feel. I have knives that range in price from $5 gas station blades to $200+ beasts.. but the ones I have found that give you the best bang for buck and get carried daily are in the $60-$120 range.
Side note on Benchmade (and not a flame): I used to be a big Benchmade guy, but over the years they have gone downhill on quality control. I probably tried 4-5 in the past 3years and each time they went back b/c of flaws but mostly b/c they weren't even close to sharp from the factory (and I hate their grind angle). Anyway, just my experiences. YMMV </div></div>
I have noticed something of a decline in the quality of some of the Benchmades. that said, I've never gotten a dull one. Just sent my 710 in a while back for some work and it came back sharp. The only complaint I have is the obvious signs of some grinder chatter near the choil.
Their grind angle too shallow or too steep for you? Just curious. I've always sharpened my Swiss Army knives with a shallow angle on the long blade and a steep angle on the short blade (cutting copper wire occasionally and other bad-for-blades kinds of things)
Re: Looking for a good folder around $100
I have the Benchmade barrage (as seen in the pic Hawk45 shared) except mine has the black serrated blade...I use the piss out of mine everyday and had only 1 issue over the past several years. The screws that hold the clip in place loosened and one fell out. I sent it back for servicing and they replaced and tightened the screws, cleaned and lubed the spring assist mechanism, sharpened the blade, and sent me a new set of screws and additional clip. Great CS and I haven't had an issue since.
Also, i'm a big fan of the spring assist mechanism as well (it's terribly convenient). That being said, it certainly isn't my sharpest or prettiest knife but it is the one I use most.
I have the Benchmade barrage (as seen in the pic Hawk45 shared) except mine has the black serrated blade...I use the piss out of mine everyday and had only 1 issue over the past several years. The screws that hold the clip in place loosened and one fell out. I sent it back for servicing and they replaced and tightened the screws, cleaned and lubed the spring assist mechanism, sharpened the blade, and sent me a new set of screws and additional clip. Great CS and I haven't had an issue since.
Also, i'm a big fan of the spring assist mechanism as well (it's terribly convenient). That being said, it certainly isn't my sharpest or prettiest knife but it is the one I use most.
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