[Crawfish141]

Who makes a good folding knife for around $100-$150?

I want a ~4" blade
High carbon stainless
Double bevel
Serration

I was looking at the Spyderco Endura, but wanted to see what other options there were.
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=233

[conwict]

You're in the sweet spot for choosing a knife pricewise, $40-150...all the Spydercos are great.

Lots of people will give suggestions...can you give more detail though? Preferred steel, preferred handle material, typical role?

I personally would get 3-4 knives totalling $150 rather than one expensive knife.

Kershaw Composite Junkyard Dog (CPM-D2/Sandvik) ($80)
Spyderco Endura ($50)
Ontario RAT-1 ($25)
=~$150

http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/edged%20tools/images%20for%20pages/ker-junkyard-dog-II-1725CB-d1-650.jpg

(That's the JYD2 composite)

That way you get to experience 2 premium blade materials in VERY different configurations, CPM-D2 and VG10 (or S30V or whatever they make the Spydies out of now), and you get a very well designed beater knife (or, to be more accurate, a high quality less-expensive knife) in the bargain.

[ashtxsniper]

Second for the Endura 4

[22-rimfire]

My Enduras are VG10 steel. Takes a great edge. Harder to sharpen, but once sharp it stays sharp during reasonable use. I have both the fully serrated version and the plain edge version. I prefer the plain edge except for some specialized uses relating to work. No complaints about either knife.

Why do you want a folder that is partially serrated?

[conwict]

Yeah, what he said...if you know how to sharpen serrations are relatively useless except on maybe a rope ONLY knife (they don't really cut it better, but it does last longer) or Civilian type knife (SD only, slashing).

Just get a full-serrated, like the Tasman Salt, and a plain edge only, and carry both or whichever you need.

[Sunray]

"...High carbon stainless..." That'd be an oxymoron. You want austenitic stainless steel.

[Snowdog]

I agree that you have many quality knives available to you in your price range.

I'm not much into knives and I'm sure my knowledge of them isn't up-to-snuff with many here. However, I do have some preferences due to previous experiences.
I'm on my 2nd Benchmade 910 Stryker. My first was purchased when they were first introduceds in the 90's. It featured a G10 scales (not as common back then as they appear now) and teflon-coated blade of ATS-34 steel. I was well served by this knife and replaced it with a Stryker 910D2 when I thought I had lost the first (that turned up under a seat cushion months later).
This 910D2 is what I currently use. IMO, It's very well made using D2 tool steel for the blade and G10 scales. It's a simple knife with no frills but will keep an edge seemingly forever. I'll probably still carry the knife 10 years from now.

www.sheffield.rgr.jp
http://sheffield.rgr.jp/benchmade/image/910D2-2.jpg

I purchased a Kershaw Onion for my wife for about half what I paid for the Stryker and it appears quite nice as well.
I have a CRKT Point Guard kept with some camping gear that also seems quite nice for about a third the price of the 910D2).

I'm sure you'll get a

[usmc1371]

I just got an endura full SE with ZDP-189 steel and its scary sharp and so far has been a great knife. IIRC ZDP-189 has alot of carbon for a stainless steel.

For the last ten years I have been EDC a Benchmade modle 720, G10 scales and ats-34 combo edge. Love it.

[hso]

If you like the Endura you'll find many knives that fit the bill in Spyderco's product line.

What are you going to use it for?

[Sav .250]

Lots of good folding knives out there that will fit your needs. I`m thinking
A Buck folding 110 wouild do just that. :)

[peyton]

benchmade have been good for me.

[Crawfish141]

If you like the Endura you'll find many knives that fit the bill in Spyderco's product line.

What are you going to use it for?

I plan on using it for every day carry.

[gga357]

I really like my 950 Rift by Benchmade.

[conwict]

I plan on using it for every day carry.

Are you an assassin? A correctional officer? Do you like to eat apples with a knife? Do you open boxes for a living? Are you a paramedic? Christ man, you just made the question even more vague. We know nothing about you.

:neener:

[Crawfish141]

Quote:
I plan on using it for every day carry.
Are you an assassin? A correctional officer? Do you like to eat apples with a knife? Do you open boxes for a living? Are you a paramedic? Christ man, you just made the question even more vague. We know nothing about you.


Well I'm actually a commercial fisherman, but I already have knifes for that. This one would manly be for opening stuff (Plastic, and paper), slicing food on occasion, or SD if it really came down to it.


Also what is up with that really angular blade Snowdog; does it have any uses, or is it purely aesthetic? Either way I think it looks cool.

[Snowdog]

They call that a "modified tanto" design or somesuch, but I don't know if it has any particular function. When opening a box such as one from UPS, FedEx, etc, the point where the two angles comes together tends to fuction like a box cutter, which is nice. Sharpening does take an extra step with the two angles but I don't find it inconvenient.
They're tough knives.

[conwict]

In that case I would say it comes down to personal preference.

Some people like Emerson Wave openers, which snag on your pants to open quickly, for self-defense.

I find that a knife with a good cutting belly works well for every day tasks. You know, when you find a knife that's perfect for you it's like an extension of your hand. That's why I'd suggest trying a few styles out and deciding on your preference...

[tomh1426]

Benchmade 710 3.9" blade D2 steel axis lock, I dunno about serrations http://www.benchmade.com/products/710
Anything from Benchmade will serve you well http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_list.aspx?length=3-4&lock=AXIS&class=Blue

[Crawfish141]

After doing a bit of research I found this, a Benchmade 912SBKD2. Any one know about the laws in Ca regarding assisted oppening knifes?


http://www.benchmade.com/products/912

[conwict]

I would do more research and someone here should have an answer...but, I wouldn't be that surprised if they got banned fairly soon if they aren't already in CA. Something to keep in mind if you end up getting an expensive knife and want to use it a long time.

[hso]

I wouldn't be that surprised if they got banned fairly soon if they aren't already in CA.

You'd be surprised. (http://www.ninehundred.com/~equalccw/knifelaw.html)

[3pairs12]

http://sogknives.com/store/AE-04.html

It's 3.5" but I realy like my SOG.

[Crawfish141]

Anyone know how well those blacked blades hold up?

[ashtxsniper]

If you work in salt water I think I would get one of the Spyderco Salt knives that is the same size as the Endura.

[conwict]

I don't care for black coatings, but was reading something recently about how nitride coatings are the only ones worth buying. Buck is known for bad ones, Ka-bar it depends on the year and perhaps whether the summer solstice falls on an even day of the month, and Benchmade is known for good coatings.

Ash is talking about spyderco's "salt" series with H1 steel, which uses nitrogen instead of carbon.

[Snowdog]

The PTFE/Teflon finish didn't hold up well on my first 910 which is one reason why my next 910 had a plain finish.

[Crawfish141]

I don't care for black coatings, but was reading something recently about how nitride coatings are the only ones worth buying. Buck is known for bad ones, Ka-bar it depends on the year and perhaps whether the summer solstice falls on an even day of the month, and Benchmade is known for good coatings.

Ash is talking about spyderco's "salt" series with H1 steel, which uses nitrogen instead of carbon.

How do those hold an edge?

[ashtxsniper]

Supposedly quite well. I have been told it is a work hardened steel. It wont rust on you though. I cant remember thr RC but I believe it is around 55-58.

[Crawfish141]

What are some reputable online dealers for the knives?

[conwict]

KnifeCenter, KnivesShipFree, NewGraham

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-4snfsvWSSA/SZwfY6f7UfI/AAAAAAAAAj8/h8P4I6LSbQg/s320/91174851.jpg

:neener:

[Crawfish141]

Hey, this is easier than Google searching ;). Also, I'm more worried about spending money at a place that only deals in Chinese knockoffs!

[conwict]

Also Smokey Mtn Knife Works, aka SMKW.

[conwict]

Review of pacific salt on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Ti9lL-LyU

[maroast]

Ash is talking about spyderco's "salt" series with H1 steel, which uses nitrogen instead of carbon.

Thats a common misconception thats not true. It's a low carbon, high chromium steel with a nitrogen content that is actually less than the carbon content (as per Spydercos blade steel table). Apparently they use Plasma Source Ion Implantation to coat the blade steel with nitrogen to enhance its anti-corrosive properties.

I just purchased a fully serrated Atlantic Salt last week and its a great knife. I have several Spyderco's and I got this one to be my beater/ camping/ fishing knife....I'll see how it does over the next several weeks.

[Black Toe Knives]

I just finished up this hunter.
http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr105/ke4ozo/HPIM0914-2.jpg

[Crawfish141]

What kind of coating is that on the blade? It looks very nice btw.

[conwict]

Not a coating, it's Damascus steel.


(A very nice looking carbon steel. Having never owned one I can tell you from my reading that some people say the "sandwiched" construction makes for better slice cuts due to a more toothy edge [that's a good thing!], while others (e.g. hso) say the difference is negligible)

If you're looking for a folder with the Damascus look, Kershaw has the cheapest I'm aware of.

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/images/KS1760DAM.jpg

They make a Leek in dam too.

Now remember, Damascus is NOT stainless...to me this is a good thing for a knife that you will be using frequently, as it's still relatively low maintenance but is easier to sharpen than a stainless of comparable toughness and hardness.

Skyline review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz8ZAnendfQ&feature=fvw

A couple friends have one, GREAT knife for $30 from Walmart. Probably can't beat it for the price.

[ArfinGreebly]

From the OP:
Who makes a good folding knife for around $100-$150?

Y'know, Jim, that's a gorgeous knife.

How did you manage to hide the pivot so well?

:neener:

[auschip]

From the OP:
Quote:
Who makes a good folding knife for around $100-$150?
Y'know, Jim, that's a gorgeous knife.

How did you manage to hide the pivot so well?


Folded knife, folding knife. Close enough. :evil:

[Old Jimmy]

http://www.sogknives.com/store/PE14.html

I have 2 of these I have carried for the last 10 years, serrated and non serrated and use them to cut everything from boxes and bags to tree roots and have never had a problem with either one. I got my last one at Gander Mountain and it was $100.00 out the door, the serrated one my wife bought me for a wedding present.

[Dee]

I have a Sperderco delicia 3" partially serrated blade that I have been toting around for around 10 years and I really like it, they hold up great if you take care of it. That Kershaw damascus knife looks awesome, I may have to look into one of those at some point.

[BushyGuy]

i want a cold steel folding tanto if they have it .

[tomh1426]

Cold Steel makes (sells) a pretty good folder and it does come in tanto if thats your thing.
http://www.coldsteel.com/voyagerseries.html
If I had to get a tanto Id get this one http://www.gpknives.com/item/benchmade-760-lfti.html
I prefer plain edge knives with a deep belly for general use.

[conwict]

I used to want a tanto, but the more I use the type of knife tomh is talking about, the less I see a need. I can only see it if you primarily used the knife for punching/stabbing through hard materials. even then it wouldn't be that much better than a good reinforced modified drop point.