High quality EDC automatic drop-point for $200-$300?

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agoutihead

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May 5, 2007
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So I'm looking for a high quality, EDC drop-point automatic for around $200. I can go to $300 if the materials are excellent.

I really like a lot of the Benchmade automatics. But I'd like to get something with some higher quality steel.

I like this one the best:

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-4300-CLA-Drop-Point--27082

What would be some better alternatives to the Benchmade autos, but with better steel?

Or am I not giving their 154cm steel enough credit?

I really like the look & design of their drop-point autos. Doesn't have to be tacti-cool black, and actually prefer something non-black.

I currently have a DPX HEST/F 1.0 with D2 steel and really love the look, design & quality & durability of all of the materials (D2, titanium, G10). However, it's not an auto and I'm looking to upgrade to one.

Thanks!
 
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I found this other Benchmade Drop-point with S30V:

https://www.benchmade.com/9750bk.html

I like that one a lot too and I think the S30V is tougher & more durable steel than the 154cm

But with a smaller blade than the other one I linked to.

I'm also considering a Strider Protech SnG auto now too.

Are there any autos with 1095 steel?
 
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Spyderco Autonomy 2. $203 MAP. LC200N 3.5" blade. That's about as good as it gets in the $200-300 price range.

iu
 
Something about Sypderco's design, I've never liked any of them. I especially don't like the ones with the big thumb hole

But thanks for the suggestion!
 
Seems 154CM is a staple for autos... but it's a decent steel. I have two BM autos - Presidio and Rift - both in 154cm.
I also have a Microtech (LUDT) and a couple of Protechs; and they open faster/harder than the Benchmades.

The Protech Newport is a nice little auto, if it's in the size range you want. The LUDT has been offered in a few different steels, and is a bit larger
 
IMO , the Benchmade CLA is a good choice. And while it might be considered overpriced, it really isn't.

I've been shopping for another auto too and I've noticed most of the premium brands only offer anodized aluminum frames in their lower priced knives.
Once you start looking at any models with inlays or g10 scales the price shoots up.

So while the BM steel is not the most premium steel you can get, it's more than adequate.
IMO it's durable knife that won't look beat up after using it for a year.
It's on my wish list.
 
I like how Benchmade does 154CM. It's easily one of my favorite steels. It handles knife duty more than adequately in my book.

While premium "super steel" is cool and all, I find that it's far from necessary in my EDC.

I like how easy 154CM is to get really sharp, and that it'll stay that way for as long as I need it to.

The Aflac Duck The Aflac Duck now I see that I need a Piranha auto as well. Damn the luck.
 
Velitrius said:
I like how Benchmade does 154CM. It's easily one of my favorite steels. It handles knife duty more than adequately in my book.

While premium "super steel" is cool and all, I find that it's far from necessary in my EDC.

I like how easy 154CM is to get really sharp, and that it'll stay that way for as long as I need it to.

The Aflac Duck The Aflac Duck now I see that I need a Piranha auto as well. Damn the luck.
Click to expand...

Watch out, he made me buy one and it has rapidly become a favorite. Inexpensive, US made, small and light but just large enough to be comfortable to actually use, and with a full flat grind and a great blade shape that never gets in the way.

Mine is the more boring black version:

QNJIev2.jpg
 
Check out Hogue or Protech, not huge steel upgrades but both have really good build quality.
 
4mer_FMF said:
Protech Newport?
It’s a gentlemanly auto that starts under $200 with S35VN.
It’s been on my list for a while.
Click to expand...

ProTech makes the best side-opening autos. The Newport is a nice, classy knife. The TR5 has a longer and taller blade, and a much more “tactical” handle. Both are S35VN at around $200. There was a 20th Anniversary version of the TR2 in 20CV, but it's going to be hard to find one now.
 
Pro-Tech's TR-3 and TR-5 may both interest you. While Pro-Tech's base steel is 154CM, you would have limited options for S35VN and IIRC, CPM-D2 in periodic smaller runs. There are also some limited runs in Nichols damascus, which is primarily made from AEB-L. Pro-Tech knives tend to have a very good fit and finish and extremely good grinds, and my TR-3 Integrity (a non-auto) has a fit and finish quality approaching my Sebenzas, IMHO.

Kershaw's Launch 1 may also be worth checking out. These are made from CPM-154, and it's a pretty big upgrade from Benchmade's 154CM and most 154CM overall, IMHO. Even though it doesn't get a lot of attention, I think CPM-154 makes a stellar blade steel when treated to around 61 HRC.
 
Another vote for the LUDT from me. They're super thin behind the edge and are great cutters. I think they're also the perfect EDC size. Not too huge and overbuilt like some autos, but not ridiculously small either.

tg5hR6v.jpg
 
familyphotoshoot said:
Another vote for the LUDT from me. They're super thin behind the edge and are great cutters. I think they're also the perfect EDC size. Not too huge and overbuilt like some autos, but not ridiculously small either.

tg5hR6v.jpg
Click to expand...

I'm a big Protech fan and love their 154cm... but the LUDT is the correct choice. Their 204p holds an edge well, they come in a ton of colors and it'll hold up forever.
 
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