Made in USA, Wood Handled Folding Knife

K

KnifeN00b

Joined
Apr 25, 2016
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Hi all!

I'm new here and fairly new to knives in general. My main interest is in kitchen knives, but right now I'm looking for a recommendation for a folding knife for my husband.

He mainly wants a good quality folding knife with a wood handle that's made in USA. He would prefer a blade with no serration. I'm thinking I'd like to spend $100-200, but if there's a significantly better knife at $250 or so, I wouldn't rule it out.

He's always been fond of Benchmade knives, but he's never really researched, so I thought I'd see whether anyone here might suggest something better. He does have one of the Griptilians, but he prefers a real wood handle. I looked at the North Fork style, but I don't think he'd care for the Dymondwood for the same reason.

So what do you think, knife pros? Is there something you absolutely love that fits the criteria?

Thanks in advance!
 
Howdy and welcome to BF!

If your husband is truly a 'knife guy' I would suggest getting a list of knives that are on his want list! From there, contact a custom scale maker here on BF! there are plenty to chose from! Buy him a knife and custom scales! then he'll get the knife he wants, with a wood handle!

Good luck in your search!
 
Here are a few from Benchmade, arranged from large to small.
Crooked River
Grizzly creek
North Fork
Summit Lake
 
Benchmade 690? Rosewood, with CF bolster.
Out of production, but still a couple around.
 
The Benchmade Crooked River 15080 is the answer to your question. It's made by Benchmade, which you say he likes. It has wood handles, their awesome Axis lock, S30V steel, and it's a good size. It costs about $180. It's a beautiful knife that I will be purchasing soon.

Edit: I just saw your comments about Dymondwood. I know the Crooked River was initially said to have Dymondwood handles, but I think they may have changed that to a stabilized wood. Every one I've seen in person looks to be real wood. Either way, Dymondwood is real wood, it's just similar to plywood, and stabilized.
 
Just get a custom.shop buck 110.

Even though bucks 420hc is great, for your price range you'll probably want to get it in s30v.
 
Might still be able to find a nice Benchmade Bone Collector folding axis knife on that auction site....the one version with walnut scales/handles. Benchmade had large and small version of this folding knife.

They've been discontinued for a bit now. So, I can't point you towards a bladeforums sponsor/knife dealer who would have them available for purchase as brand new.

Good luck in your search!
 
Check out Queen knives. Top quality; variety of styles; USA made; in your price range.
Rich
 
Like others have said, the Benchmade Crooked River.

BM-7119__85303.1459191309.1280.1280.jpg
 
I realize that you may want to buy him a larger knife or a locking knife but I can't pass up a chance to recommend this knife . . . see the top knife in the photo bellow. It is a Bear and Sons C218 Heritage Walnut Medium size stockman. It is an anniversary model marking Bear and Son's 50 years in business ? Maybe it was 100 years I tried to look it up but didn't find it. Anyway a nice knife and I'm picky.

Who knows, you may want to get it for him in addition to a larger knife. This medium stockman would make an admirable dress knife or going to church knife and it is pretty inexpensive for a darned great product at about $50
They did an exceptionally fine job making mine. USA made.

 
The Northwoods (Knives Ship Free) and Great Eastern Cutlery traditional knives are all made in the US as an option. Wood is one of their common handle materials. Just a suggestion..... The Queen Mountain Man is another.... nice folder. I have one in curly maple. Very pretty.
 
First off.. Welcome! That is awesome you want to get your husband a knife. I remember when my wife surprised me for the first time. Something I'll never forget. Tools are never a bad gift, especially when they come from someone who loves you.

Lots of good options recommended in modern and traditional styles. I love my Great Eastern Cutlery knives if you think he would like a traditional. They are limited productions so each one is a little special.

In modern folders you have the new Benchmade Crooked River, which is a BIG knife. A scroll through one of the online seller sights should show a few more options. You may even be able to find some of the discontinued models still hanging around in wood handle (sorry I don't recall all the names). I know their Hunter series has several wood handles.

Buck has several knives in wood. The 110 is iconic, but it is a heavy knife that should be worn in a belt sheath. I've had mine since I was a kid, but it gets zero carry time.

I'll also throw out a few other options a bit out of your price range, because we always creep in maxing out, but I think it's worth it if the resources are available. Chris Reeve knives (CRK) has just about every model in various wood inlays. Mnandi (smallest), Small Sebenza (small), Large Sebenza 21 or 25 (full size). Chris has his own forum in the Manufacturer section. Go over and check out some of the photo threads.. you just may be willing to drop the extra cash on such a high quality knife if you are only going to have one.
 
Great eastern cutlery (Tidioute, Northfield) makes a wide range of traditional pattern folding knives with wood scales. Ranging from about $75 to $180 - depending on model.

e.g. an ebony handled trapper (#23 pattern)
GEC_3505__77698.1450190672.730.500.jpg


or a Kingwood 3 blade cattleknife... (#98)
GEC-98-7856__57656.1461616753.1280.1280.jpg


Lots of different sizes patterns, locks (or lack thereof).
 
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