[ed dixon]

I'm no connoisseur; own Shrade, Case and Gerber, but I've been tinkering with the idea of getting a "good" knife for its own sake. Is there a value blade out there that I don't have to pay the price of a gun for? I don't use the knives I have hard, but I'm looking for a worker, not a presentation piece. Something with a 3" or 4" blade that could gut a deer if it had to. Best regards. Ed

[Dave Markowitz]

I have a Benchmade Griptilian #550 with their Axis lock. I love it!

$66.50 at The Cutlery Shoppe.

http://store.cutleryshoppe.com/cs/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Product_ID=59&CATID=5

[hso]

Nothing wrong with the brands already mentioned. Each company makes fine knives in a wide price range and I know plenty of folks that have used Case and Uncle Henry folders to break whitetail down to the tastey parts. Schrade has even started making fancy pieces based on famous knife makers' designs. The only thing I would advise is getting a locking blade folder. While you may have gone years with slip joints and never had a mishap there's no point waiting for the odds to catch up to you;) .

[coldshot03/04]

ColdSteel.

[Jim March]

In the 4" class, if you can spring for $120, the BM AFCK/Axis in either D2 or M2 steel can make a credible claim to the title of "best 4-inch class production folder".

[VaughnT]

Like Frodo, I just picked up a BM Grippie 550 for $70 and it's plenty good. I'm honestly amazed at how sharp that 440c blade is!

As for skinning deer and such, I think she would do admirably. The handle fits the hand wonderfully, much better than the flat scales seen on most folders, and provides excellent traction. The deep finger choil also insures that you don't slide up on the blade....which I've done more than once when skinning a deer.

I won't hesitate to recommend any of the Benchmade designs. Find one that fits your hand and your needs, and your good to go.

[George Hill]

Two very under rated knives...
The Kershaw VAPOR and the VAPOR II.
Under 40 bucks for either and are very fine knives.

[45R]

I would go with the AFCK. The Grippy is made of 440C not a bad steel but the AFCK would stay sharper esp with the D2 or M2 Steel.

Either way your a winner with Benchmade!!!!

[JShirley]

Also have the Griptillian 550. Good knife, hell for leather strong. You looking at a fixed or folder? Spyderco's been known to make some good, reasonably priced fixed blades.

[ed dixon]

Saw the AFCK in-person today. It's huge! Didn't realize it was quite that big.

[gryphon]

Benchmade has a lot of quality knives for under $100. I recommend the Stryker line. I carry one of these every day.

[Min]

I love my Al Mar Sere 2000. It is as functional as it is a work of art.

[ed dixon]

Ordered 551 Griptilian with gray handle from Knife Center for $70. Didn't realize the gray was a "limited edition" and would disappear from Knife Works, where it was selling for 10 bucks less. Oh, well. By the time I decided the gray's what I wanted, that's all I wanted. Still psyched.

[ed dixon]

Gray Griptilian got here already. It's a beaut! I like the size better than the AFCK I saw and the design, heft and ergonomics all seem right for me. Thanks for the help. (It is marked 71/100 on the blade, but I have no idea what's "limited edition" about it since New Graham Knives lists a "pewter gray"-handled Griptilian that looks the same ... at 10 clams cheaper too. :p to me. But I'm still pleased.:cool: )

[mtnbkr]

Go to http://www.buckknives.com/pcks and build your own Buck 110 Folding hunter. Your choice of steel, handle material, fingergrooves or not, etc.

Here's mine: http://home.mindspring.com/~mtnbkr/110.jpg

Chris