Recommend liner-lock folder with 3.5" blade or better

[Bartholomew Roberts]

In the past, I've had a Benchmade (forget the model but very slim) and a MoD Trident. Both were great knives but lost both. Also I was always reluctant to use them as tools due to the cost.

I'm looking for a slim, good quality folder in the $50-$100 range with at least a 3.5" blade. About 90% of the use is pretty mundane, opening packages, cutting line around boats, and I use it to pry a fair amount too.

I am used to a liner lock with thumb stud, so I'd prefer to stick with what I know; but I can learn new tricks if they aren't too hard to master.

Also someone suggested a Kershaw Groove? Any thoughts?

 

[hso]

I use it to pry a fair amount too.

Could you refine that a bit to help me understand what you pry?

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Fishing things out of cracks, prying out stiff push pins on ARs, even used the former knives as the occasional stuck case extractor around the range. The Trident is right at the limit of both blade thickness and overall thickness. Pretty much if I need to wedge something open and the blade will fit in there, I'm probably going to try it.

 

[22-rimfire]

The ringed razel might be a consideration. It is a fixed blade, but would serve after you learn that it has two sharp edges versus one. http://newgraham.com/store/product/5088/Ringed-Razel-CRKT2012/ or this folder http://newgraham.com/store/product/6547/Folding-Razel-PE/

 

[hso]

Not a good fit for prying casings out with that broad tip.

 

[sniper5]

I have a Kershaw Blur and haven't found anything about it I don't like yet.

 

[TimboKhan]

It mighty be a little broad for case prying, but the Griptilian 550 is pretty nice. I have one, and the modified sheepsfoot blade seems like it would stand up to prying a little better than a spear point or something, while being more useful than a tanto. Plus, the nice AXIS lock! I also always pimp the Spyderco Endura, but I feel obligated to do so as a Spyderco fanboy. Both are in your price range as well.

 

[JShirley]

Spyderco Tenacious. You can buy one, and the smaller Persistence, and still be towards the lower end of your price range.

I would just suggest a Spyderco Endura, but it's not a linerlock.

 

[sidheshooter]

Emerson production CQC-7?

 

[Armored farmer]

If you do lots of pushing, prying, pulling, etc as well as cutting...maybe consider a multi-tool. They are better suited for those types of chores.
I carry a Gerber Diesel multitool and a Gerber folding utility knife(replaceable Stanley blade)
The little utility blade is good for slashing boxes and sacks as well as precision work like making gaskets.
The multi-tool has saved many steps across the barnlot to the toolchest.

 

[22-rimfire]

Not quite what you asked for, but I use a 111mm Vic Swiss Army knife for the purposes you mention short of severe prying. If I break it, I buy another. (I've never broke one, but I sense their limits.) I keep spares. Some are liner locks. My SAK is the single most used knife I own.

 

[M-Cameron]

ive got a Gerber profile and its been great.

3.5" blade
smooth opening with tight lockup
its got a fairly robust tip so ide imagine itll hold up decent to prying
and theyre only about $20

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The Benchmade was the 875 Sentinel. It was about perfect for what I needed to do ( except for the price and my tendency to lose it). If I could find something similar I could afford, that would be great.

 

[desidog]

I use Columbia River Knife & Tool's M16-10z. Tanto partially serrated SS blade, liner lock, pocket clip, and 20-25 bucks (since i tend to lose them once or twice a year).

They make bigger and smaller versions, but i like the +/- 3" blade for utility. I've dressed out a deer with one, and many trout; along with opening up many letters and boxes, and slicing limes for mixed drinks.

 

[conw]

Get a knife that is nice enough you don't WANT to pry with it, and one of these for your keychain

http://countycomm.com/picopry.htm

 

[lloveless]

I have a S&W Extreme Ops 3.5 inch blade that I paid $10.00 for and I have had it now for 3 years. Before that I had a Fury with a 3 inch blade that I bought at the local gas station for $5.00. I still have it , but the pocket clip tore off so it is my back up. Yeah yeah I know they are cheap. They work for me and I don't lose my shirt if they break(I don't pry with knives)or get misplaced.
ll

 

[BRad704]

Get a knife that is nice enough you don't WANT to pry with it, and one of these for your keychain

http://countycomm.com/picopry.htm

That's pretty awesome...