Recommendation? Recommendations for a high end folder

The answers are going to be largely delivered based on personal bias but imho CRK is THE way to go. The Sebenza especially is just an all around practical knife and very comfortable to carry. Also of the so many high end knives that have passed through my hands CRKs tend to be the best built. They show a knife can be super strong without the need of being “overbuilt.” Plus they have excellent warranty/repair service so one CRK could truly last you several lifetimes.

These days there are some other companies that have reached the highly praised CRK build quality. Koenig knives have outstanding build that rivals CRK.

It’s all up to you based on your personal preferences.

 

Honestly I know CRK may seem like somewhat of a boring answer but there is a reason they are so well loved.

 

Here's a random photo of some I've collected over the years. These are all favorites of mine. I like having a variety of different stuff.



In that photo:
Tashi Rowdy HiTech
Ferrum Forge Masterblaster
ADV Pocket Butcher
Benchmade 51
Strider SnG
Spyderco Tusk
Hinderer XM-18 3.5
Microtech Stitch
Spartan Harsey
CRK Small 21 Insingo

I could easily add the Medford Smooth Criminal, Zieba S3, Strider SMF, Olamic Busker, Spartan Pallas, and TRM Machine to that list as well.

 

When I was at that point in my knife quest I decided on a small Sebenza.

 

I just picked this up last week as my first high end knife. I was in the same 120-250 price range with most of my knives so this was definitely a bit more expensive, but people are right about this CRK thing. I chose the Inkosi because I really liked the idea of the non-bushing pivot and ceramic interface. Well worth the price imo. I don't know how the ergos are on the small, but the large fits my hands perfectly.

 

Similar to Skyhorse, "When I was at that point in my knife quest I decided on a small Sebenza.” Going one step beyond that ... as soon as I handled my new small Sebenza, I knew that I needed the large and I ended up buying one less than a month later. I used to be a $120-$250 price range guy, but that’s history. Like others, my interests have evolved into CRKs and Shiros.

 

Keep an eye on the BladeForum's for sale section and I'm sure you can find a great folder that fits your needs. There are tons of knives being listed daily, including some of mine.

 

Hinderer XM-18 3.5" of a grind of your preference.

EDIT: I also echo others' recommendations on buying through the Exchange so that should you not like the knife, your loss of $$ can be minimized. I did so for a large Sebenza, realized it did not fit me well, and was able to make even by selling it (one of the few knives that I did not lose money on trying).

 

My history of stepping up in price range is quite similar to those above and almost identical to that of @Stumpy72 . I started with and went from small Sebenza very quickly to larges (note plural).

CRK makes for great first step into higher end production or mid-tech knives, as they set a strong benchmark for quality, design, f&f, and warranty/lifetime service. While the 21 is being phased out, there are still tons of that model available both new and used, and that one is the quintessential Sebenza with its bushing pivot. You may prefer the adjustable pivot and ceramic interface of the Inkosi--also a great knife.

I would definitely recommend buying your first off the Exchange as you can easily recoup your investment should you wish to move on, though I am always puzzled by those who don't care for CRKs. All my 7 plus the two I sold came thusly. I did find the small was not a good fit for me and moved on from that.

For other makers, Hinderers are very well built, but are also very beefy with thick blades if you like that sort of knife. If you go that way I'd recommend a newer TriWay or later gen model as the action in those seems generally better and more consistent.

Another maker in your mentioned range that I like a lot is Olamic. I love my 247 and Eugene's responsiveness and CS is outstanding.

I'll also put in a recommendation for Cheburkov as they have great variety in their model line-up, super f&f, and great price points for knives of such quality.

All that said, CRK makes for a great entry point into your suggested range. Whatever you do, find some you like, settle in and get comfortable there, then come back and we'll talk Shiros.

 

What I've learned is that buying a high end knife without considering if the knife will be usable for me has lead to disappointment. If you just want a 500.00 knife, then the choices are many. If you want a 500.00 knife that you'll actually use for daily chores, then your choices are narrowed. Whichever knife you chose, read other peoples thoughts on how they feel about it. Also consider the resale value if you decide to try something else. Some knives will hold their value and some won't.
Choose a knife that will bring a smile to your face and you won't be afraid to use it because it's a 500.00 knife.
I look at this thread all the time to get ideas/thoughts on knives I don't have.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/edc-xiii-which-knife-or-knives-are-you-carrying-today.1573161/

 

Off the top of my head in that price range for myself I would be looking at a CRK Mnandi or a Hinderer XM-Slippy.

 

I like button or Axis locks better than frame or liner locks. Here are a William Henry B-15, Benchmade Anthem, and a Benchmade 943.

 

Those are two excellent pieces of advice!

That's one if the best threads here, with a friendly and helpful crew of regulars, and you get to see a broad cross-section of knives old and new that are carried and used. Something for everyone there.

 

You may want to look around on the exchange a make a list of your favorites, and get our opinion on them. There are many fine knives in that price range.
That said the Sebenza or any CRK are quality built knives, easy to maintain and make good EDC's. It's hard to go wrong with a CRK/
Heavier built and I like Hinderers-also very well built. I prefer XM 18 non flippers, but again hard to go wrong
If a front flipper is of any interest-Trevor Burger(custom) LEXK or EXK are very nice. The basic should meet price range.
There are also many mid tech versions from custom makers

 

when i break into the price range, the first will be a Sebenza

 

I was thinking rather seriously about buying my first CRK and visited a local dealer to check them out. I ended up not buying one. I have finally admitted that I like fidgeting with my knives, and they just don't have the fiddle factor. If that's not a thing for you, then I have to say they are damn nice knives, and the sort that you don't have to worry about putting to hard use, they'll definitely take it.

 

Well then, enjoy the occasional user. From the pic, you can guess my recommendation

 

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I expect my Sebbie 21 will outlast me despite regular use.