Quality folding knife recommendations?

[dougb1946]

An observation-- the more expensive the knife, the greater the odds of losing it. The bigger the knife, the more time it will spend in a drawer

 

[growr]

I lost interest in Benchmade products when they willingly destroyed evidence firearms.

Too many other excellent choices out there.

Randy

 

[smithra_66]

Though I carry a gerber folding pocket knife every day (as a utility tool), I admit to not knowing much about knives. When I took my concealed carry class the instructor recommended getting a "quality knife", like benchmade, but I couldn't justify the price.

Now, many years later, and seeing how some knives lose their edge quickly while others aren't as durable, I would like to know 'what determines a quality knife? Which maintain their sharpness the best, and - not anticipating needing it as a fighting tool...which do you recommend?
Price has become much less a factor for me.
Thanks everyone!

If you want a knife that you'll be proud to own, will be extremely easy to maintain and take apart, will have fantastic edge durability, and has a great customer support system behind it, I can recommend two. These will run you a bit over $400 apiece, but they will last the rest of your life and your kids' lives.

Chris Reeve Sebenza (This particular one is S35VN blade steel and the "Insingo" grind)

Rick Hinderer XM-18 (This one is S45VN and the "spanto" grind.)

You can't go wrong with either one. They are ultra smooth, have great actions, and extremely fine fit, finish, and tolerances, just like a vintage S&W revolver:

 

[BearBio]

CRKT=after years of trial and error.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Chris Reeve Sebenza (This particular one is S35VN blade steel and the "Insingo" grind)

A CRK Insingo is on my "if I win the lottery" wishlist.

 

[American1776]

Spyderco! A delica or an endura are reasonably priced, sharp as the dickens, and will last forever.

 

[terry_tr6]

An observation-- the more expensive the knife, the greater the odds of losing it. The bigger the knife, the more time it will spend in a drawer

as far as the losing, the same goes for sun glasses

 

[LCC]

Being tools I regularly maltreat, a quartet of Spyderco Delicas and Kershaw flippers serve all my needs, no biggie if they go through the wash with the various pants they live in. And not fussy edges, few minutes with the Spyderco Tri keeps them slicing and dicing.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Buck 110,great company and product support.

 

[mrrick]

Chris Reeves, pricey, but when only the best will do.
I have three, two of them with Damascus blades.
Check them out at their website.

 

[C Islander]

I just bought a CRKT M4-02S so far so good and a beautiful knife.

 

[Stevens]

I like the Buck 112 "light" less bulky and more rounded edges than the 112 Ranger but equipped with thumbstuds for easy one handed opening. Easy to keep sharp and a good lock to keep it from closing on your finger.
Steve W

 

[smoothshooter]

Benchmade.

Griptilian Model, in particular.
Multiple blade styles, two different sizes.

 

[mrchick]

I have lots of knives. Benchmade, Buck, Kershaws, etc. I’ve become a big fan of Kershaw. My EDC is a Kershaw Launch 7 auto. It keeps a great edge.

 

[Onomea]

Fun thread. Truth is, there are many wonderful, high quality pocket knives. Why stop at one? Treat yourself, now and then, to a new one.

I have several of the knives mentioned here. Like 'em all. Few of us here stop at one gun. Why stop at one EDC knife?

As others have noted, "quality knife" can mean different things to different people, but here is one of my favorite quality knives, made by the famous Swiss Army knife company, Victorinox. This model is called the Waiter:



A great example of everything ya need and nothing ya don't. So light and thin, can't even feel it in your pocket until your fingers search for it. $17 bucks. Blade is big enough to be useful for most tasks. Along with Opinel, the best bargain in a quality knife I have come across. I like 'em so much I buy extras in case I lose one to TSA or carelessness, or just feel like giving one away.

 

[CA Escapee]

At the moment my box of knives still fits in my holster drawer.

Great thread.

You're just not doing it right, hairy.

 

[CA Escapee]

Lots of good suggestions here.

I've got mainly Spyderco's, Benchmade's, Case, and a few SOG knives. Of these manufacturers I'd say Spyderco has the the most models with different steel. I think a good middle of the road steel is CPM S30V; lots of makers use it.

Before you make a decision, check out knife laws where you live/go, figure out what you'll use the knife for, whether rust or corrosion will be a problem where you live, (or whether you sweat battery acid,) whether you want to buy a sharpener and keep it sharpened yourself, etc.

Folks here have mentioned many brands that can be just what you're looking for. The possibilities are endless.

 

[ContinentalOp]

The possibilities are endless.

Trying them all is part of the fun.

 

[CA Escapee]

I see you’re a fellow Michigander, which means you can now legally carry certain automatic knives (switchblades). Benchmade, Spyderco, ProTech, Microtech, Rat Worx, Gerber and Kershaw all make quality autos in various price ranges. My EDC is a Benchmade CLA, which has a 154CM blade and a G10 handle. It’s tough to beat for around $200.

Benchmade may have discontinued the CLA. I picked one up just like yours last month when they suddenly went on sale for 30% off at a local brick and mortar store. I've looked around on the Internet to see if they've really been discontinued, but I'm finding mixed info.

 

[Protected One]

Thank you everyone for all of the excellent suggestions!
After looking into the makers that I wasn't familiar with, just to be thorough, I have decided to buy a Benchmade Bugout for edc, and a Buck 110 to carry when the edc is out for sharpening.

Who knows....in time I could get the "bug" like some of you have, and expand my purchases. Only time will tell.