Tested five tactical folders and only two were worth the price

[Zoroo]

I bought five folders in the $80-$150 range from different makers. I tested fit, finish, edge retention and mechanism smoothness over several months. Two were excellent and two were fine. One was genuinely disappointing for the price...I guess brand recognition doesn't always match quality. Test before you trust.

 

[Moraa]

Honestly, some brands feel like they’re selling logos rather than actual knives. I once paid good money for a blade that felt more like something from a gas station. I won’t make that mistake twice.

 

[Pawngal]

I sort of collect factory autos, prefer DA OTF. The 1st one I bought is still the best and it was the most expensive. It’s a Benchmade but I don’t care for any of their other knives. Microtech and Buck autos have been a big disappointment and sold most of them.
It’s a hoot to pull out that Benchmade at some fancy charity event to cut the so called steak or dry chicken breast!

 

[Spikedriver]

I don't really do tactical knives. Mine are just tools. But I do like knowing what's good and what isn't. That said, I haven't bought an expensive folder since my good Kershaw walked away at a job site. I stick with crappy little cheap ones now because it doesn't hurt so bad to lose them or if someone "forgets" to give it back. I do have a Camillus AUS8 folder that I dearly love, but it's neither tactical or expensive...