Ti frame lock folder

[Kev83]

I own zero frame lock knives. If I were going to pick up a decent Titanium framelock for $150 or less what would you recommend? Or are there many available for that price range?

[mattman]

I think the standard answer to this is Sage 2...

(what are they going for these days?)

edit: a bit out of your range, $162 @ CS...

[Kev83]

I was eyeing a sage 2 the other day actually. They're hovering around $175 give or take a few bucks from what I've seen .. Not 100% sure how I feel about the blade shape though, it's not bad by any means just something about it kinda puts me off

[RanCoWeAla]

I have a Sage 2 that I paid $157 for a couple of years ago. I was just at the Blade Show and didn't see anything I would rather have. No two small slabs of titanium with a knife blade in the middle is worth $400-$500

[bdblue]

The Sage is a bit small for me but I think the Sage is one of the best looking Spyderco's.

[Clip]

Techno is a good option, but small and barely out of range at around $160. Two others are the Ti and fluted Ti Military models but they blow right past the $150 limit.

Edit: didn't realize this was in the OT. I picked up a ZT 0301 for a little more than the Techno, if you watch Howe's or National they have sales on ZT frequently.

[xceptnl]

I own zero frame lock knives. If I were going to pick up a decent Titanium framelock for $150 or less what would you recommend? Or are there many available for that price range?

It does blow your budget, but the Southard is a wonder to behold (hold, flip, use, etc.) I think it is well worth the money. You could try to pick one up secondhand. If it doesn't suit, I am sure you could find someone willing to buy it.

[IG-88]

Chokwe is a cheap frame lock (around $120) or the Leafstorm is also around $150

Both great knives!

[DRKBC]

Definitely the Chokwe, you won't believe the F&F for the price, nice and light too! If you want something big and beefy the ZT 0550 is all of that and smooth as silk, really great value. Sometimes you can find them for close to your price but it might take some digging and it may be a Gen 1 not 2.

[knolan]

I own zero frame lock knives. If I were going to pick up a decent Titanium framelock for $150 or less what would you recommend? Or are there many available for that price range?

My 1st choice would be the Techno (approx. $155 @ eBay)...2nd, Sage 2 (approx. $145 Amazon) *prices as of today. I had the Sage 2 a couple of months before the Techno and liked the Sage so much that I ordered the Techno like many, out of curiosity, and also like many others...it has become my EDC choice over everything else.

The Techno is simply one of those knives that surpasses the sum of its parts, and is better that it should be. It shouldn't slice as well as it does, but it does?! It shouldn't have as much useful bevel/edge for its size, but it does?! Prior to getting it I would read the reviews from people stating how it had bounced their small Sebenzas out of their pockets and I was highly skeptical of their praise but now after carrying it for a while, I believe them and understand its huge appeal.

Its cool looks (subjective...I know), its fantastic f & f, blade steel, scales, clip...makes one want to just sit and fondle this knife! The only cons I can think of in trying to honestly assess this knife is that (a)...If you have very large mitts you may only get 3 fingers on the scales, but I bet for most people, it will be fine, and (b)...even though it'll amaze in push cuts, the thick spine limits those cuts to being somewhat shallow...yet it'll do precise work like peeling an apple, or make intricate wood cuts with surprising ease for such a beefy blade.

I could go on for several more paragraphs about how its utility belies its size but I think it's just one of those "sleeper" knives one has to actually use and experience to truly realize just how great this little gem of a knife really is. I still love the Sage 2, but the Techno is perfect for me, and many others who were also greatly surprised by this impossibly good little folder.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

Techno, Chokwe...best choices. Both a great knives. Spectacular even.

Though over all...a Burchtree Mid Tech would be best. But that blows your budget by just the tiniest bit.

[xceptnl]

SnooSnoo has a point about the Chokwe and IIRC, you can still get them for a good deal at Sierra Trading with one of their email flyer coupons.

[SpyderNut]

+1000 for the Techno. :) The Techno wasn't my first frame lock, but it's definitely my favorite. Can't say enough good about this knife, really. It's a beefy little knife without being too heavy or cumbersome. Get one, Kev. You won't regret it!

[ASmitty]

Sage 2 is going for less than $150 at Amazon lately.

[rg02]

Join bladeforums.com and you can find many deals on lightly used knives. At that price point, for spydies I recommend techno or sage 2. If non spydie, the ZT0550 is awesome too.

Or save up another $50 amd you could find a lightly used southard or TI frame lock Millie :O

[Kev83]

Techno is getting a second look from me. Love the blue backspacer!

[CGSshorty]

I paid just a little more than $150 for a brand new ZT 0550.

[Kev83]

I paid just a little more than $150 for a brand new ZT 0550.

Nice score! I prefer the 0560 but the 0550 is also great!

[CGSshorty]

I like the 560 as well, but it is just outside the size range that I like to carry. The 0550 is a really nice size and the lack of a flipper makes it sit nicely in the pocket.