Help - I can't find a suitable folder

[sawman]

I've been looking on Ebay, various knife websites and I just can't seem to find a folder suitable to my needs.  To help you help me:  I basically have Sebenza taste on a Buck knife budget.  I already have all the SpyderCo knives I desire.  I'm open to Benchmade but have looked with no success.  I'm looking for a locking folder with clip point or similar style blade - with reversable clip, lanyard hole and blade anywhere between 3-4+".  I like G10 or titanium scales - zytel or similar but no wood.  Budget around $150.

Thanks in advance 

[jim guy]

Have you tried a griptilian? They're not much to look at but they sure work good. The axis lock is about the best there is, and they come in various blade styles and steel. I didn't like them the first time I seen them but that ends when you use one.

[sawman]

I'm looking at them right now.  The axis lock is very desirable and I like the availability of colors and blade styles.

[sawman]

I was sort of settled on the griptilian but have a problem with the price.  It's not that I can't afford it, I just think it costs too much for what it is.  No offense to Benchmade fans.   

[Zack]

I recently got a bm 522 presidio ultra and have been very happy with it. If you want to try it out I can send it to you and we can work out a trade if you like it. Still has box bag and papers.

[jekostas]

You should be able to dig up a Bradley Alias for close to the price you're looking for - very good knife and fulfills a lot of what you're looking for.  There is in fact a very nice Bradley Alias in half-serrated S30V with a titanium framelock up on eBay right now for $150 + shipping.

There are many other nice options from Benchmade, including the 530 Pardue (which is a personal favourite and an awesome, awesome knife), the Presidio/Mini-Presidio Ultra, the Barrage/Mini-Barrage and the Bone Collector series.  There's also Kershaw's Zero Tolerance line, including a very nice Strider design (though it's quite heavy at 7.7 OZ).

You could also go off the beaten path and look at something from Extrema Ratio - the BF1 in clip point is a very nice knife, and built like a brick sh*thouse.

[Benner]

The only thing with the Alias is that you will always know it is a cheaper version of something better and that it isn't as good as it could be.  That would bug me. 

[jekostas]

The only thing with the Alias is that you will always know it is a cheaper version of something better and that it isn't as good as it could be.  That would bug me. 

Well, if the OP's desire is "CRK at Buck pricing", it's not something you can really get away from, is it?

[sawman]

I dont care for the looks of the alias, I'm kind of set on a Benchmade of some sort just a matter of finding the right price/trade 

[jim guy]

benchamdes? you say benchmades and trades! I may be able to help.

[David Bowen]

The only thing with the Alias is that you will always know it is a cheaper version of something better and that it isn't as good as it could be.  That would bug me. 

your right, I got mine earlier this year around tax time and don't get me wrong, its an awesome knife but not as nice as a sebenza. In some regards its just a cheaper copy of A popular design. Does that mean its better executed with very high tolerances? Its good but its no sebenza. I do like it though, the opening trend to bug me though.

[skidoosh]

I recently got a Benchmade Mini-presidio ultra 527 and I'm very pleased with it.  I wasn't sure about 440c but I really like it.  The blade profile is awesome.  My only complaint was that it was not really sharp out of the box but GP knives did a great job sharpening it up.  I would recommend it. 

[sergemaster]

Sawman,
Since you're on Buck knife budget, why not a Buck? I'm not plugging the 110 since I'm sure you have one already, but how about the new Buck CSR-T which was developed by Buck working alongside the the folks over at TOPS of Tom Brown Tracker knife fame..

It's a one hander, G-10 scales with Rocky Mountain tread, modified tanto blade in ATS-34, pocket clip, hex driver adapter, molle type cordora sheath, plus it's a whopping 5" closed..

This one is easily on the top of my list of "gotta get gear" in the near future..

Cheers,
Serge

[Benner]

The only thing with the Alias is that you will always know it is a cheaper version of something better and that it isn't as good as it could be.  That would bug me. 

Well, if the OP's desire is "CRK at Buck pricing", it's not something you can really get away from, is it?

Yep, by simply not getting an Alias.

The Alias is a cheap(ish) copy of a Sebbie and it always will be and will always leave you wanting the real deal.  Better off just buying a decent knife that is good because of it's own design and in it's own right.

[parnass]

The only thing with the Alias is that you will always know it is a cheaper version of something better and that it isn't as good as it could be.  That would bug me. 

 "Comparison is the thief of all joy."

[sawman]

I've looked at a bunch of Benchmades and other brands and almost bought a griptilian but I didnt like the prices.  I think I've decided to save for the Sebenza, as it sounds like you get what you pay for.  I can't recall anyone ever regretting buying one and anytime one goes up for sale it seems to retain its purchase value and that's a damn rare thing.  Thanks for all your comments - it will be a large Sebenza of which blade style I'm not sure yet (that's the easy part). 

[Benner]

You won't regret it and will get more satisfaction out of having the real deal I bet. 

[WhichDawg]

What has been a very popular for awhile is Benchmade's  "710"

D2 steel and G10 scales, it fits your hand wonderfully, it opens and closes smooth and fast (Axis) and it looks nice!

I have both the Grip and a 710 and while I don't carry it as much as a SAK now a days,
it is still my fav.

Griptilian and 710 for comparison

[jzmtl]

I was just looking at the 710 earlier today, very good looking, but a bit on the expensive side. Eventually decided against as the recurve will be a major pain in the butt to reprofile.

[sawman]

I've admired the 710 for years but I don't care for its tool steel.  If they offered it in 154cm I'd definitely be interested 

[Smitty44]

I've looked at a bunch of Benchmades and other brands and almost bought a griptilian but I didnt like the prices.  I think I've decided to save for the Sebenza, as it sounds like you get what you pay for.  I can't recall anyone ever regretting buying one and anytime one goes up for sale it seems to retain its purchase value and that's a damn rare thing.  Thanks for all your comments - it will be a large Sebenza of which blade style I'm not sure yet (that's the easy part). 

Wise decision.

[WhichDawg]

I've admired the 710 for years but I don't care for its tool steel.  If they offered it in 154cm I'd definitely be interested 

I like it because it holds it's edge a long time, and it's not very difficult to sharpen when I do have too,
I just don't let it get bad!

[eodtech]

You should be able to dig up a Bradley Alias for close to the price you're looking for - very good knife and fulfills a lot of what you're looking for.  There is in fact a very nice Bradley Alias in half-serrated S30V with a titanium framelock up on eBay right now for $150 + shipping.

Just got a plain edge Bradley Alias I for $150 at a knife show.  I also have 4 Chris Reeve knives. The Alias I or II is a real nice substitute for a Reeve .