Looking for the nitty-gritty on drop point folders.I'm looking for a simple ,well made folder of either high carbon stainless or carbon steel with a drop point blade,non -serrated, blade length of 4 1/4 inches or less.Price range of less than $125.00.Finger-guards are wanted in handle/blade design. Just want something safe,strong,with no flash or glitter.I've been using a Gerber E-Z OUT with a ATS-34 blade.The lockwork is now showing play due to years of use.Any help is appreciated.Thanks.

You definitely want a lockback and not some other lock design? Lockbacks are sort of out of fashion these days. But Cold Steel has some nice functional ones. You can buy them at gun shows for quite a bit less than the www.coldsteel.com prices. If you want a really nice Axis-lock folder in that price range, check out Doug's new model <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

You should have a close look at CRKT's Carson designs (M-16, etc.). They are very good, tough folders (liner lock, with safety), most made of AUS-8 at around 58-59 RC.

I picked up the big Tanto point one in the store, flipped it open and just put it in my pocket asking "how much"... I carry it all the time. Great knife for the buck.

Cheers,

David

I carry a Buck Odyssey model 186. It is a liner lock and not a lock back. But I find the liner lock much easier to use. For the money, you really can't beat it. I'm hard on my every day knife and it can take it.

Here is a review of a Case lockback.
http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/sh...amp;amp;fpart=1

Ofcourse you could get a custom Buck 110
http://www.buckknives.com/custom_knife_shoppe.php#

I think it's hard to beat that E-Z Out. Why not just get a new one? Or how about bending on the blade profile and getting a Spyderco Native? It's the least doofy-looking of the Spyderdco lockbacks.

If you'd consider an Axis lock, I like both the large Griptilian and the large McHenry and Williams. With Benchmade knives, you can adjust the tension of the pivot, or completely disassemble the knife for cleaning if you want.

My final thought is to check out Al Mar knives (www.almarknives.com). They have some nice lockback models like the Falcon and Eagle.

Bear