I have recently gotten back into knife collection/EDC'ing and was wondering if anyone on here had any suggestions for what I have always called a premium or higher end knife that's between like $100 and $175? I have a small collection of the more budget ($50-$90) dollar knifes and would like to get some higher quality material handle/blade and designed knives. I enjoy discovering new brands and manufacturers and not the biggest frame lock fan but definitely not against them (I of course have some).
Thanks for any advise or guidance!
Any Advice?
- 1967redrider
- Gold Tier

- Posts: 21496
- Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:23 pm
- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Contact:
Re: Any Advice?
First, if your looking at Traditional old folding knives, do your research first. There's tons of counterfeits out there, especially on eBay. Some have been repaired, while others are just flat out scams. My advice is pick up some good reference books with pictures and measurements. This website is a great resource too, we love knife talk and pictures.
Secondly, figure out what you like. Maybe you're into modern tactical knives, fixed blades, old hardware store knives, etc. When I started collecting I was like a kid in a candy store, buying whatever ai could afford. Then I settled down and figured out what I really liked.
Enjoy the ride, ask questions, and we're glad to have you aboard.
-John
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!
You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
CHRIST IS KING
You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
CHRIST IS KING
-
Ncmike150
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2025 12:02 pm
Re: Any Advice?
Thanks for the advice! I like modern folders and fixed blades right now. I totally relate to the kid in a candy store phase LOL! But I'm assuming like you, I have been slowing down and being more selective and picky with what I'm looking for but do not know much about the nicer, more premium, ones so thought getting on here would be a good start. Can you recommend any particular reference books?1967redrider wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2025 1:41 pmto AAPK!
First, if your looking at Traditional old folding knives, do your research first. There's tons of counterfeits out there, especially on eBay. Some have been repaired, while others are just flat out scams. My advice is pick up some good reference books with pictures and measurements. This website is a great resource too, we love knife talk and pictures.
Secondly, figure out what you like. Maybe you're into modern tactical knives, fixed blades, old hardware store knives, etc. When I started collecting I was like a kid in a candy store, buying whatever ai could afford. Then I settled down and figured out what I really liked.
Enjoy the ride, ask questions, and we're glad to have you aboard.![]()
-John
- Railsplitter
- Gold Tier

- Posts: 4203
- Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:43 pm
Re: Any Advice?
There are tons of modern knives available in the $100-$175 range with all types of locks, blade steels, opening mechanisms, etc. The list is rather large but here are a few of the popular brands in no particular order.
Buck
Spyderco
Cold Steel
Benchmade
Hogue
CRKT
Kershaw
There are many more. I suggest going to a website like BladeHQ or similar and then click on Brands. From there you can narrow your search by selecting blade type, size, price, and so on.
Buck
Spyderco
Cold Steel
Benchmade
Hogue
CRKT
Kershaw
There are many more. I suggest going to a website like BladeHQ or similar and then click on Brands. From there you can narrow your search by selecting blade type, size, price, and so on.
Rick T.
"What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound.
It’s got wires that vibrate and give music.
What can this thing be that I’ve found?”
Proud member of the Buck Collectors Club Inc.
"What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound.
It’s got wires that vibrate and give music.
What can this thing be that I’ve found?”
Proud member of the Buck Collectors Club Inc.
- Mumbleypeg
- Gold Tier

- Posts: 15700
- Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:28 am
- Location: Republic of Texas
Re: Any Advice?
There are some great knives fitting your description right here in the AAPK stores. Just click on Shop AAPK Stores, and select what you want to see from the drop-down menus. From there you can also drill down to sort by price.
Ken
Ken
Member AKTI, TSRA, NRA.
If your religion requires that you hate someone, you need a new religion.
When the people fear their government, that is tyranny. When government fears the people, that is freedom.
https://www.akti.org/
If your religion requires that you hate someone, you need a new religion.
When the people fear their government, that is tyranny. When government fears the people, that is freedom.
https://www.akti.org/
- 1967redrider
- Gold Tier

- Posts: 21496
- Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:23 pm
- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Contact:
Re: Any Advice?
Sorry, but I don't know any good modern knife reference books. But I can tell you there's a lot of knock-offs on eBay. My advice would be only purchase from a reputable knife company or here on AAPK where listings are screened for authenticity.Ncmike150 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:47 pmThanks for the advice! I like modern folders and fixed blades right now. I totally relate to the kid in a candy store phase LOL! But I'm assuming like you, I have been slowing down and being more selective and picky with what I'm looking for but do not know much about the nicer, more premium, ones so thought getting on here would be a good start. Can you recommend any particular reference books?1967redrider wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2025 1:41 pmto AAPK!
First, if your looking at Traditional old folding knives, do your research first. There's tons of counterfeits out there, especially on eBay. Some have been repaired, while others are just flat out scams. My advice is pick up some good reference books with pictures and measurements. This website is a great resource too, we love knife talk and pictures.
Secondly, figure out what you like. Maybe you're into modern tactical knives, fixed blades, old hardware store knives, etc. When I started collecting I was like a kid in a candy store, buying whatever ai could afford. Then I settled down and figured out what I really liked.
Enjoy the ride, ask questions, and we're glad to have you aboard.![]()
-John
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!
You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
CHRIST IS KING
You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
CHRIST IS KING