Mid Priced Usable Folder

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DAdams

DAdams

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I'm not big into knives like I am into LED lights and firearms. My EDC at this time is a lowly Gerber FAST that was $39 and it has served me well. I would like to go to a slight rev-up.

I'd like an assisted/unassisted folder in the $100-125 range as an edc, so something in the 3-4 ounce range and nominally a 3.5 inch blade.

There seems to be some classics that have been around awhile and stood the test of time what do you think is the best made in USA bang for the buck in that price and criteria range.

What do you think about this SOG?

http://www.bladehq.com/item--SOG-XRay-Vision-ArcLock--5319

I am liking this one too.

http://www.bladehq.com/item--SOG-Visionary-II-Large--4684

What's your favorite?
 
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There seems to be some classics that have been around awhile and stood the test of time what do you think is the best made in USA bang for the buck in that price and criteria range.
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What are your intended uses?

You may want to expand beyond knives made in the U.S. The SOGs you've chosen are good knives, but are made outside the U.S.
 
I had never heard of Russell knives until I flew into NW AR Regional Airport a few weeks ago. They had a big banner ad in the airport. Was going to go their store and got side tracked by a gun shop.

hso, I know that the criteria as stated is rather broad. Personal defense and one week of camping per year. I didn't catch that those two SOG were made outside the US.
 
My money would and has gone to the Benchmade Griptillian line.

Been around a few years now. Well respected. 154c steel is great stuff. Axis lock is smooth and strong. Made in USA. And it'll come in around $80-90 depending on model, color, and where you buy. So it's actually below your budget.

Do a search for reviews on them and you'll see how well respected they are. I LOVE mine.
 
I had never heard of Russell knives until I flew into NW AR Regional Airport a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...

Just as a side...AG Russell was one of the founding fathers of the Knife Maker Guild and is an honorary president of that body. AG along with John Applebaugh, Walter "Blackie" Collins, John Nelson Cooper, Dan Dennehy, T.M. Dowell, Chubby Hueske, Jon Kirk, R.W. Loveless, John Owens, Jim Pugh, and G.W. Stone formed the guild in 1970.
 
Paradigm

Not that I'm biased or anything . . .

. . . I'll second hso's suggestion of the Buck Paradigm.

It's on my "to-buy" list.

Ironically, I live near the factory where they're made (Post Falls), but because of early glitches in manufacturing/QC, they were in short supply, and I have not gotten to fondle one personally.

It would seem to be an upgraded pattern based essentially on the Buck Vantage series. I'm a big fan of the Vantage line. I'm pretty sure I'll be a big fan of the Paradigm.

Gonna have to drop by over there and see if I can handle one.

I'll post pictures if I do.

 
Have to second the griptillian line of knives, actually I did... I bought two. One with the combo blade and one with the plain blade. The Griptillian is very fast to open and the axis lock is as solid as a folder can be. I really like the 154cm steel takes a wicked sharp edge and holds it. The price is good and I believe, if you are sharpening challenged, that you can send your knife to Benchmade and they will sharpen it for you, seems like it was either free or $5, I can't remember... too much school work to let my brain keep "fun" facts, trying to remember how to record a stock dividend... Good Luck!
 
Benchmade Griptilian
Benchmade 15020 if you want to get into a full steel liner and D2 steel
Spyderco Native in s30v
 
I go pretty much everywhere for work with something made by either Benchmade or Spyderco in my pocket, and then a traditional slip-joint in the watch pocket (for apples and what-not).

I'll throw in another vote for the griptillian line, but suggest the mini-grip (blade slightly under 3", a lot less space in the pocket). If you want more "heft" with the same axis mechanism, get a mini-presidio with the aluminum handles. I'd tell you how I like both, but my G.F. liked the mini-grip with the sheepsfoot blade and the hole (vs. stud) so much that she's had it as her daily user for a couple of years.

I have several Spydercos, mostly regular lock-backs in different models. Spyderco has every blade / handle configuration imaginable, and there are plenty of them that are made here in the USA, you just have to poke through the descriptions to mind out which ones.

If you shop around, there are great deals to be had on the USA made models in a few places.
 
Here's another recommendation down for the Benchmade Griptilian. I've got the standard 154CM, non-serrated, thumb-stud model with the black handle. It was ~$85 at REI. There are plenty of other options: thumb hole vs. thumb stud, semi-serrated, tanto blade, other color handles, D2 blade steel (harder, non-stainless tool steel). There's also the Mini Griptilian, a smaller model that's a little cheaper.

Benchmade also makes some nice assisted-opening knives that are a little more, but well within your price range. Check their website. If shipping isn't too much, you can probably buy one online cheaper. I think the Cabela's store, for example, had my same knife for $99 while REI had it online for $84.
 
Thanks. A bunch of good information and research to do.

I can see a few hundred being well invested over the next few months.

Just as a side...AG Russell was one of the founding fathers of the Knife Maker Guild and is an honorary president of that body. AG along with John Applebaugh, Walter "Blackie" Collins, John Nelson Cooper, Dan Dennehy, T.M. Dowell, Chubby Hueske, Jon Kirk, R.W. Loveless, John Owens, Jim Pugh, and G.W. Stone formed the guild in 1970.
Yesterday 10:23 PM
Click to expand...

Now there are few names I recognize.

Related question:

Any of you been to the knife museum in Chattanooga?
 
Made in USA?

In order of least to most expensive ("most expensive" being about $100 shipped):

Spyderco Native. 3 1/8" S30V blade and FRN. At 2.4 oz, light enough to not weigh you down, but heavy enough to tend to stay in your pocket, unlike some "featherweight" folders with clips. Spyderco front lock (what many call a "lockback"). This is a very reasonably priced daily user that's easy to carry, but big enough to really use. I may have more time carrying a Native than all other knives combined, and have used them in Alabama, Georgia, Washington, the DC area, and in the remote mountains of Afghanistan.

Manix II. 3 3/8" 154CM blade and lined G10. Caged ball bearing lock. "Silly strong" knife just small enough that I usually carry this every day now. Ridiculously low price for a knife of this quality. It would be reasonable for this knife to sell for at least twice Cutlery Shoppe's price.

Paramilitary. 3 7/16" S30V steel blade and G10. Extremely strong compression lock, but not lined, so not as incredibly strong overall as the Manix II.

There are several other good knives mentioned, too. With respect to 451, I would suggest not carrying anything that resembles what many law enforcement would see as a boot knife or dagger.

John
 
Spydies

Hey, John,

Are the pocket clips on the Native and Manix removable?

I pretty much carry all my full sized (3"+) folders in a horizontal pouch on belt.

I have removed the clip from my Buck Vantage shortly after getting it, and I'm much happier without it. It didn't really interfere with using the knife, but it was "less than perfectly" comfortable. The Vantage is one of the few knives I'd actually carry in-pocket with clip (like the Leek, Vapor, Cutback) but I prefer the pouch.

When I finally get my Spydies, can I de-clip them?

(BTW, the Manix link above seems to be broken. Try this one here.)

 
Check out Kershaw knives; the Junkyard Dog II in particular. Can be had for $65 online. Every bit as good as my $200 Benchmade auto.
Most SOG's are overpriced pieces of crap.
 
John kind of stole the words from my mouth. I got a Paramilitary 2 in G10 camo scales recently and really like it. It's right in your budget and fits your needs just right. I haven't handled the manix 2 but I like the blade profile of the Para for a lighter user/SD knife a bit more.

Otherwise just get an Endura and a Delica or Native, and you will have 2 different folders that are very similar to use. The brown Delica is really neat looking. I think a Delica is a nice urban/working EDC knife and the Endura can come along for camping, night time, and when clothing allows for comfort.

(I don't find the endura remotely uncomfortable even in gym shorts, but the delica is even more comfortable)
 
Think I'll try a Native first.

Ordered this from Midway for about 60$.

sc41pbk.jpg

I think the 2.8 ounces sounds good.

I may do a Benchmade next.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.
 
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